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Read Ebook: The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 2 of 2) Including Public Addresses Her Own Letters and Many From Her Contemporaries During Fifty Years by Harper Ida Husted
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Ebook has 588 lines and 339143 words, and 12 pages
Produced by: David Widger
THE "B. O. W. C."
A Book For Boys
The Author Of "The Dodge Club,"
Illustrated
WILLIE
THE "B. O. W. C."
AFTER the long winter session, the approach of the spring vacation had been eagerly welcomed at the Grand Pr? School. It was only a short recess, and the majority of the boys would not be able to go home; but such as it was, its advent created the greatest delight. On a pleasant evening in May the examinations were over; little knots of boys were gathered jubilantly in various places, bonfires were blazing, squibs fizzing, crackers snapping, and everything and everybody were as noisy and as jolly as possible.
In the midst of all this, and immediately after tea, the "B. O W. C." had called a meeting in the Rawdons' rooms. Who or what the "B. O. W. C." is, or was, will be explained on a future occasion; let it suffice for the present that the "B. O. W. C." called a meeting, and the Rawdons' rooms had the honor, of receiving that august assemblage. Not that it was very numerous. Only four or five could be counted; but then what they lacked a number, they made up in quality and in style. The utmost had been done to bring the rooms up to the level of so great an occasion. The table had been turned upside down, and transformed into a dais; the book-case had been, covered over with the table-cloth; the couch had been placed on one end in the corner; and in the middle of the room was a flour barrel covered with red flannel, on which was placed a phrenological bust. Added to this, the room was darkened--a smoky lamp shedding a feeble and fitful ray over the scene, and dimly disclosing four figures at one end.
These four figures were all dressed in white. The costume was a simple, but a highly effective one. It consisted apparently of a sheet thrown over the head and falling to the feet, with two holes for the eyes. In this attire the four figures bore not a little resemblance to some of those orders of monks which exist in Europe. The table, which lay on the floor, legs upward, with the addition of the ottoman, served as a dais, on which stood a figure with an immense militia captain's sword in his hand. On each side was also a figure holding a huge wooden battle-axe, while the fourth stood between the dais and the bust.
Soon the silence was disturbed by a knock at the door communicating with the bed-room. The boy near the bust gave it three smart raps, upon which the door opened, and a figure entered clothed like the others in the room. On entering he made a low bow, and then stood erect.
The four figures in the room raised their hands to their faces with a peculiar gesture.
"Blood!" said they in solemn tones.
"Thunder!" said the boy at the door, making the same gesture.
"Is the Grand Panjandrum with you, Venerable Warden?" said the figure on the dais.
"He is, Most Venerable Patriarch."
"Let him enter."
At this the Venerable Warden left the room, and in a few moments reappeared, ushering in the personage alluded to as the Grand Panjandrum.
The Grand Panjandrum was an aged gentleman of color, whose wrinkled face was enlivened by an irrepressible comicality of expression, which not even the solemnity of this occasion could quell. He was arrayed in a college cap and gown, with a Master's red hood and long bands. His face was a study. He was evidently doing his best to exhibit the deepest solemnity of expression, but his droll, keen, twinkling eyes darted furtively about, with an intense relish of the scene before him, and his efforts at gravity were sadly disturbed by the broad grin which, from time to time, would flash out irrepressibly over the dark background of his face. After a few furtive glances he bowed; and then, with an audible chuckle, he awaited further proceedings.
"Grand Panjandrum," said the figure on the dais, in an impressive voice.
"Yes, sah."
"Yes, what?" said the other, in a tone of rebuke.
"Yes, sah,--yes, mos'wossifle," he added, correcting himself. A grin broke out over his face, which, however, was instantly checked by a demure cough.
"Grand Panjandrum, you have heard our map-dates."
"Mandates?" said the other, in a puzzled tone.
"Yes,--orders."
"Yes, sah, mos' wossifle."
"Have you carried out the instructions of the Venerable Brethren?"
"Yes, sah, mos' wospeful."
"Did you get the turkeys?"
"Yes, sah."
"How many? Six?"
"No, sah."
"What! not six?"
"No, sah."
"How many, then?"
"Ten," said the other, with a chuckle and a grin of triumph.
"O-h!" said the first speaker; while a titter ran round among the others. "H'm! Very well, and what else?"
"Spring chickens."
"How many?"
"Twenty."
"Ah! Very well. And how?"
"Broiled, sah."
"Any tongue?"
"Yes, sah, three."
"And the ham?"
"Yes, sah."
"Nuts?"
"Yes, sah."
"Raisins?"
"Yes, sah."
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