When I came in on the twelve o’clock trip, my father presented himself at the door of the engine-room, his face wreathed in smiles. My mother and sisters were present, for we were now regarded as Middleporters.
“I will take care of this thing for a short time, Wolf, and you may go and see the fun,” said my father.
“I don’t care about going now.”
“Oh, you must go; the people want to see you.”
Thus urged I entered the grove, and found myself before a speaker’s stand, on which Major Toppleton was holding forth to the people.
“Come here, Wolf!” called he. “I want to see you.”
A couple of the students seized me by the arms, and, dragging me forward, actually forced me up the steps upon the speaker’s stand. I blushed, was bewildered and confused.
“Three cheers for Wolf!” shouted Faxon; and they were given.
“Come forward, Wolf. The people want to see you,” added the major, dragging me to the front of the stage.
I blushed, and tried to escape; and then the great man jumped down, and left me alone on the platform. I took off my cap, and bowed.