But,--but----" "Give us what you have," said Spud, and clearing his throat several times, Songbird began.
"Once more a year has rolled around-- As years have rolled before-- Once more we greet our loving friend-- A true friend to the core! We hope that in the future he Will win success and fame, And go down in our history A noble----" Bang! came the report of a gun, and the shot was so unexpected that Songbird forgot what he was going to say, and all those at the feast sprang to their feet.

Bang! came a second report.
"What does that mean ?" cried Stanley.

"Who is firing a gun this time of night ?" "I think I know what it means!" exclaimed Dick, leaping for the door.
"Come on, if you want to save the _Dartaway_!" he went on, to his brothers..