“All I know is ‘Rock of Ages,’ I guess,” he said apologetically.
“Let’s hear that, then,” said Prentiss. But there was a murmur of disapproval and Rob growled:
“Shut up, Prentiss; that’s a hymn. Cut it out and let the kid go.”
“Hello, Lanky Rob, you here?” returned Prentiss. “Don’t butt in. Can you recite anything, Little Nemo?” The boy shook his head again.
“Sure?” demanded Hopkins suspiciously.
“Yes—sir.”
“What can you do, then? Haven’t you any parlor tricks?” The boy considered a moment, painfully anxious to oblige but at a loss what to say. Then, his face lighting up,
“I can dance the Highland fling!” he announced eagerly. A howl of amused approval went up.
“Go ahead, kid!”