"World without end, Amen and Amen!"
"A-a-men!" groaned my faithful lieutenant. Her emphasis assured me that the inspiration I had obeyed was a felicitous touch. She pressed still closer to me, mindful of my dignity, and prompted me further, in an artistic mutter, without using her lips.
"The services o' this solemn 'casion will be close' by er hymn."
I uttered it as if she had not given the cue, and "lined out" the hymn I had pitched upon as eminently appropriate for the "solemn 'casion."
"When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies."
Mariposa raised the tune and carried it, the rest of the band screaming in her wake.
"I'll bid farewell to every fear
And wipe my weeping eyes,"
I continued in a nasal sing-song.
The chorus was plain sailing before a spanking breeze;
"And wipe my weeping eye-eye-eyes!
And wipe my weeping eye-er-ese!
I'll bid farewell to every fear
And wipe my weeping eyes."