“Who knows?” answered Mrs. Linn with something that sounded like a sniffle. “He had genuine talent, had Mr. Linn. And he played the guitar something wonderful. ‘Derby Day’ was one of his favorite pieces. It would most bring the tears to your heyes—I mean eyes,” she corrected hastily.
“It must have been very nice,” murmured Claire politely.
“Here’s a fellow says he can sing,” announced Sandy in a lull. “Go ahead, Cal, and do your worst.”
But John was embarrassed and begged off.
“Come on,” said Ned. “What do you know, Cal? I’ll play your accompaniment if I can.”
“I cal’late you wouldn’t know my songs,” said John.
“Well, let’s see. What are they?”
“Know ‘The Wreck of the Lucy May’?” asked John after some hesitation.
“No, how does it go? Come over and hum it. Maybe I can catch on to it.” But John shook his head.