"Now, see here, Master Tom, don't you go for to joking an old man"
"Joking, Peleg?" returned Tom, solemnly. "Why, you know I never joke." And he took on an injured look.
"Don't joke, eh? Well, if you ain't the greatest joker Putnam Hall ever see then I'll eat my hat," declared Peleg. "Jump in an' don't ask me about no grandfathers, or wife's sisters, nor nuthing. Ain't you hungry?"
"Hungry? I could eat a brickbat fried in lemon oil."
"Then, unless you hurry, you won't get no supper."
"Oh, Mrs. Green will get something for us, never fear," said Dick, mentioning the matron of Putnam Hall, who was a warm-hearted and generous woman, even though a little bit "peppery" at times.
"All the other boys here now?" asked Dick, as they drove off in the direction of Putnam Hall.
"I reckon the most of 'em are. Master Dick. So many coming an' going I can hardly keep track of 'em."
"Fred Garrison, Songbird Powell and Hans Mueller back?" asked Sam.
"Yes, an' they told me some wonderful stories of your doings down south."
