Page:Stanwood Pier--Crashaw brothers.djvu/218

198 the barge had to halt; there was a tumultuous shouting, waving of hats, and blaring by the  band. Durant scrambled up on one of the big gate-posts and led cheers for the captain  and the nine, and last of all “the fellow that  saved the day, the crew man, Crashaw!”

That brought out the most tremendous response; and Edward was inspired to rise to his feet in the barge and stand there, and  when the crowd understood that he wanted  to say something they became quiet.

“Fellows,” Edward said, “I’m much obliged, but you don’t want to forget who saved you from being licked in the ninth inning;”  and suddenly he lifted Keating up by the collar of his coat, and held him on exhibition,  while there was a great shout of approval  from the crowd.

Then Jim Payne from the driver’s seat stood up and said, “I want you fellows, just before you go, to join in a cheer for St. John’s.” And on the whole that was the loudest, the longest, the most reverberating  cheer of all.