Finally, as the only way to still the tempest, the manager of the entertainment appeared on the stage to tell the cheering people that Anna Burgoyne would oblige them once more later on in the evening, since they would find her name there for further efforts.
“Well, what do you think now?” asked Ralph, glowing with pride over the achievement of the town pet.
“She’s bound to make a name for herself, all right,” admitted Rob.
“I never heard anything like it,” said Tubby, looking so pleased that his cheeks stuck out like twin rosy apples. “Why, I could sit for hours and hear that girl sing. She’s certainly a wonder, Ralph.”
“I don’t see how they can bear to let her go away to Europe,” observed Andy, whom Rob had actually seen slily wipe his eyes with the back of his hand while the singer was in the midst of a pathetic little ballad.
“Say, just listen to that wind making things hum outside, will you?” practical Sim was saying about that time. “I do believe it’s growing worse right along. I hope it doesn’t blow us into a ditch when we’re heading for home. That old carryall of yours is big enough to catch the wind full smack, Ralph.”
“Don’t worry about that, Sim,” retorted the other. “I’ve been in all sorts of weather with that auto, and she stands up before it like everything. Chances are five to one we’ll get back home safe and sound. I only hope you will all feel that it’s paid you to come in with me.”
“Oh! that goes without saying, Ralph. We’ve had a bully time already; and there’s going to be more of that singing, you know,” Tubby assured him. “There’s Peleg now, sitting up on that railing back of the hall, along with some other fellows. Not a bad place to be in, because no tall woman with a head of hair as big as a bushel basket can intercept your view of the stage.”
Tubby had the wisdom to lower his voice to a whisper while saying the latter part of this, because the lady to whom he evidently referred was apt to hear him unless he exercised great care; and one glimpse Tubby had had of her determined face had made him decide that he had better not excite her ire if he knew what was good for his health.
Rob looked and could also see Peleg. The Pinder boy seemed to be enjoying his evening at the entertainment hugely, for his face was still wreathed in smiles. Apparently his trip to town had been of a satisfactory nature, Rob thought.