“Only sometimes,” answered Ibee; “only when the wind blows hard and when it’s not moonlight—and then, not often.”
“Why, Soami, Ibee is real brave,” said Shesa. “Don’t you remember how you were afraid to go down cellar to get some jam last night and Ibee would have gone, if father hadn’t made you go?”
“Yes, and father stood on the landing the whole time you were gone, too, Miss,” declared Ibee triumphantly.
“Yes, that’s so,” acknowledged Soami. “I guess Ibee would make a good soldier—especially a drummer boy. My! he can drum bravely! Did you hear him yesterday, Shesa?”
“Indeed I did,” laughed the sister.
“Yes,” continued Soami, mischievously, “don’t you remember the verses about—
‘A little man bought him a big bass drum,
Boom-tid-dee-ah-da-boom!
“Who knows,” said he, “When a war might come?
Boom-tid-dee-ah-da-boom!