"Then where did you get these clothes?"
The group slowly circulated about the embarrassed Stover, scanning the amazing costume. Cheyenne Baxter took up the inquisition.
"Say, Dink, honest, are these your own clothes?" he said with a knowing look.
"Yes, sir."
"Now, honest," continued Cheyenne in a whisper, bending forward and putting his hand to his ear as though inviting a confidence.
Stover felt suddenly as though his own ears were swelling to alarming proportions—swelling and perceptibly reddening.
"What do they feed you on, Rinky Dink?" said the White Mountain Canary softly.
"Feed?" said Stover unwarily, not perceiving the intent of the question.
"Do they give you many green vegetables?"
Stover tried to laugh appreciatively, but the sound fizzled dolefully out.