Instantly the quiet of the room was transformed into a chaos of sound. There was a shrill piping as of a singing wind, and a wail that echoed hauntingly through the air as the tuner revolved.
"What in the name of goodness——?" began Mr. Crowninshield.
"Hush, Dad! It is always like that," explained Dick hastily.
"But it's horrible."
"Yes, I know. But wait."
"Isn't something out of order?"
"No." Dick smiled patronizingly.
"My soul and body," whispered Jerry from his corner, "did anybody ever hear such a sound? Ain't it the wind outside. Seems as if a gale must have come up—a hurricane, tornado, or something. If a storm's coming I can't sit round here. I'll have to be seeing to the awnings or they'll be ripped to pieces." He half rose from his chair.
"Don't worry, Jerry; everything's all right outside," interrupted Walter reassuringly.
"You mean to say it's just in here?" murmured the bewildered Jerry. Enjoying the old man's confusion, Walter nodded.