Toby looked so puzzled that Ben saw he had not been understood, and he explained:
"I mean, he don't get up a dinner for the sake of havin' a chance to make a speech, like the skeleton, does he, eh?"
"Oh no, Uncle Dan'l don't do that. I know you'll like him when you see him."
"And I believe I shall, Toby," said Ben, speaking very seriously. "I'd be sure to, because he's such a good uncle to you."
Just then the conversation was interrupted by the orders to prepare for the parade; and as the manager drove up to see that everything was done properly, he stopped to speak with and congratulate Toby on being at home again, a condescension on his part that caused a lively feeling of envy in the breasts of the other boys because they had not been so honored.