Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/147

Rh "He's a gem," came from Phil.

The boys waited for quarter of an hour, until all seemed at rest in the Hall. Then they gathered in dormitory No. 12, and brought forth all the good things to eat and to drink. Cakes were cut, and glasses filled, and the candy was passed around, and likewise the fruit.

"This is peachy!" exclaimed Buster Beggs, taking a huge mouthful of orange layer cake.

"Thought that was orangy," came from Dave, with a grin.

"Oh, you know what I mean. I wish we could have a feast once a week."

"So say we all of us!" sang Roger, in a low tone. "Now, I like this chocolate cake best of all."

"Which puts me in mind of a story my mother used to tell," came from Shadow. "Now, hold on, I'm going to tell it, so just sit still and listen. A man went into a bakery run by a couple of elderly maidens. Says he, 'Which is your best cake?' Says the lady behind the counter: 'I like chocolate cake, Angelina likes pound cake, and brother Leander prefers raisin cake. You can take your choice. It was all baked last week, Tuesday, and one is almost as stale as the other.'"

"That's the worst yet," came from Roger, with a groan. "Next time tell something more cheerful."

"Let's have a toast!" suggested Phil. "To