"He treads as tremulously as a turkey condemned to the ordeal of tripping over a liberal sprinkling of hot ashes," said the Professor. "Getting his sea-legs," said Old Tim, as he toddled by with a rope in his hand. "Our venerable friend suggests that Pate is about to undergo a metamorphosis and become amphibious," said the Professor. "What are Wiggins and Botts doing yonder?" said Toney. "Hugging!" said Tom. "The hug of the Old Grizzly is dangerous," said the Professor. "And Perch and Hercules seem to have fraternized," said Toney. "The Long Green Boy is clinging to the giant as the vine clings to the oak," said the Professor. "Poor Moses!" said Toney. "Look at him!" said Tom. "His eyes are amply dilated," said the Professor. "He is afraid that the ship will be upset," said Tom. "How do you think that Pate would now perform on the light fantastic toe?" said Toney. "Speaking of that suggests an idea," said the Professor. "What is that?" asked Toney. "Next Thursday will be Washington's birthday," said the Professor. "Well?" said Toney. "Let us have a ball," said the Professor. "A ball!" exclaimed Toney. "A ball!" cried Tom. "Yes," said the Professor, "let us have a ball for the fun of the thing." "We are the Funny Philosophers," said Toney. "Let us have the ball," said Tom. "But where are the ladies?" said Toney. "There are no representatives of these sweet 'wingless angels' on board except the captain's spouse," said the Professor. "Who has sailed in company with her weather-beaten consort for some twenty years," said Toney. "And is as good a seaman as himself," said Tom. "Do not be tossing the queen's English on the horns of an Irish bull," said the Professor. "Yet what you say is measurably true; for when the venerable Timothy is more than ordinarily sad and susceptible of melancholy impressions, he is often heard to bitterly complain of his hard lot in being compelled to serve under a 'she boss,' who, he alleges, is the better man of the two." "I have no doubt," said Tom, "of the ability of this ancient lady to carry the ship safely through the dangers of the most difficult navigation." "But," said Toney, "I hardly suppose that she would be able to steer through the intricate mazes of a fashionable hop without the imminent danger of running aground." "Yet," said the Professor, "her presence on board relieves us from a perplexing dilemma." "How so?" asked Toney. "There can be no doubt," said the Professor, "that in sundry sea-chests she has stowed away an incalculable quantity of female attire. Now, if I can but obtain the run of her wardrobe, the preparations for the ball will be made without difficulty." "Let us call a meeting in the cabin," said Toney. "A most excellent suggestion!" said the Professor. "Let the meeting be immediately convened."