CHAPTER XXIV
HOW THE INITIATIONS TURNED OUT
It must be admitted that Dave was startled, for he had no desire to be burned alive, or to suffer in the least from the conflagration so close at hand.
"Can the fire have gotten the better of them?" he asked himself. "Or is this only another test of my nerves?"
The students continued to shout, and a moment later Dave felt a burning brand come down and strike his hand. He was on the point of beginning to struggle, but gritted his teeth and checked himself.
"It's only their fun—Phil wouldn't leave me to burn up," he reasoned, and then began to whistle merrily to himself. At this the members of the society came to a dead halt.
"He whistles," said one. "Great Cæsar! and the house is burning down on his head!"
"Call out the fire department," cried Dave. "Play away, No. 2—bring us a six-story ladder, so we can get into the cellar. This is as good as the toothache when there's a honey tart around! Will
