The plebes could hardly believe their eyes; they stared and gasped, and then gasped and stared. They rubbed their eyes and pinched themselves. And meanwhile Professor Salvatori beamed down on them benignly as he stepped lightly up to the platform.
“Wow!” gasped Texas. “He’s a-goin’ to make a speech!”
“Bless my soul!” muttered Indian. “What an extraordinary proceeding!”
Meanwhile Mr. Smithers had stepped out upon the platform with his best professional style.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I assure you that it gives me the greatest of pleasure to present to you this afternoon my distinguished friends, Professor Salvatori (a bow) and his able and witty assistant (another). Ladies and gentlemen, Professor Salvatori is so well known to you all that I am sure it would be a presumption on my part to tell you of his history. The address which he delivered before his royal highness, the Duke of Bavaria, was published in all the leading scientific reviews of the day, and I am sure was appreciated by you all. It was during his remarkable trip through the wilds of Central Africa that most of these extraordinary specimens were collected, notably that magnificent painting of a Polar bear devouring a walrus which you doubtless observed upon the outside of the tent. Ladies and gentlemen, I assure you you have a treat in store. Listen, all of you. Professor Salvatori.”
During this most original and startling introduction, Professor Salvatori had been bowing right and left, and the four had been staring their eyes out. In the midst of it the fun-loving Texas seized the others and drew them to one side.
“Fellers,” he whispered, “Mark’s a-goin’ to make a speech. He didn’t tell us. Let’s git square.”
“How?”
“Let’s guy him!”
And in half a second more those four rascals had vowed to “bust up” that speech. Truly there was fun in store when once Professor Salvatori got started, and the conspirators fairly danced about with impatience.