Their memories were not stirred, and they continued eating, their expressions brightly placid.
But from out of doors there came the sound of a calling and questing voice, at first in the distance, then growing louder--coming nearer.
"Oh, Ver-er-man! O-o-o-oh, Ver-er-ma-a-an!" It was the voice of Herman.
"OO-O-O-O-OH, VER-ER-ER-MA-A-A-AN!" And then two boys sat stricken at that cheerful table and ceased to eat.
Recollection awoke with a bang! "Oh, my!" Sam gasped.
"What's the matter ?" Mr.Schofield said.

"Swallow something the wrong way, Sam ?" "Ye-es, sir." "OO-O-O-O-OH, VER-ER-ER-MA-A-A-AN!" And now the voice was near the windows of the dining-room.
Penrod, very pale, pushed back his chair and jumped up.
"What's the matter with YOU ?" his father demanded.

"Sit down!" "It's Herman--that coloured boy lives in the alley," Penrod said hoarsely.

"I expect--I think--" "Well, what's the matter ?" "I think his little brother's maybe got lost, and Sam and I better go help look--" "You'll do nothing of the kind," Mr.Schofield said sharply.

"Sit down and eat your dinner." In a palsy, the miserable boy resumed his seat.