Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/203

Rh and so did Roger, and both caught the turtle by the tail. There was a vicious tug, the ripping of cloth, and then the creature was swung around, with a mouthful of clothing still in its jaws. It made a snap at Dave, but he was too quick and swung himself up on a chair. Roger jumped up on the table, landing with one foot in a dish of fruit and the other on a plate of cheese.

"He ought to be on a tug-of-war team," came from Phil. "Hi, get away from here!" he added, as the turtle stuck out its long neck and gave another hiss.

Phil had just finished when somebody threw a plate, hitting the turtle on the back. The creature whirled around, when a cup hit it in the head. Then it turned again and started for a door leading to the hallway. As it happened a waiter was coming through the doorway with a trayful of eatables, and down went colored man and viands directly on top of the turtle.

"Fo' de sake ob Linkum!" gasped the waiter, trying to scramble up. "Wot's dis? If it ain't dat snapper! How he dun got loose?" And then he lost no time in seeking a place of safety.

"He has gone!" announced Roger, as the turtle disappeared into the hall. A few seconds later came a scream of real pain.

"Somebody has caught it," said Dave, and rushed out of the dining hall, followed by several