THE TREASURE-HUNT 123 



Henny-Penny kept up such a fusillade with his new 

 pop-gun, that the Captain threatened to send him 

 forth unarmed on the morrow if he heard but one 

 more pop. Alice-Palace 's practice, however, was the 

 most spectacular. She had a water-pistol which, 

 when properly charged, would propel a stream of 

 water an unbelievable distance. From the bathroom 

 door she took a snap-shot at Henny-Penny, who was 

 approaching her confidingly. The charge took effect 

 in the very centre of a large pink ear, and it was a 

 long time before Henny-Penny could be convinced 

 that he was not mortally wounded. 



At last the Captain ordered bed and perfect silence 

 within fifteen minutes, under penalty of being shot 

 at sunrise. 



" Nobody could n't shoot me at sunrise, " boasted 

 Corporal Alice-Palace, as she started up the stairs, 

 "'cause I would n't get up." 



The next morning at dawn, from the Captain's 

 room sounded the clear whistle of the cardinal gros- 

 beak — the adventure-call of the Band. Followed 

 thumps, splashings, and the sounds of rapid dressing 

 from the third story where the Band bivouacked. 



"If there be any here," announced the Captain 

 after breakfast, "who for the sake of their wives 

 and families wish to draw back, now is the time. 

 Once on the way, it will be too late. " 



"I haven't got any wife, " piped up Henny-Penny, 

 "nor any family 'cept this one, but I want to come. " 



Similar sentiments were expressed by the rest of 

 the Band. The Captain said that it made the blood 



