Page:Paine--J Archibauld McKaney collector of whiskers.djvu/94

   which had led to the assembling of the Hirsute Orchestra. Then I laid my manuscript aside and announced in ringing tones:

"You may think me a madman, gentlemen, but to-morrow morning you shall listen to the music which I have tried to describe. You shall hear for yourselves and be convinced. You have been very patient, and your reward shall be in proportion. Gentlemen, the Hirsute Orchestra is an accomplished fact and"

There was a sound of clattering footsteps in the hall. I paused and waited, and an instant later Hank Wilkins burst into the library like a tornado. He was breathless from running, and his eyes were fairly popping from his head. I had never seen him so agitated and I knew that he bore some dreadful tidings. Even after years my memory is stamped with the words which he hoarsely stammered:

"The Hirsute Orchestra is busted all to Hell, Commodore. There's no repairin' damages. It's a total wreck."

The guests rose in confusion while I swayed 76]