"Mighty poor backing, I should say," Joe Martin retorted, with a grin.
"Better take some one with more spunk, Rod. I think you should go,
though, as patrol-leader."

"I guess Phil will do all right," Rod replied. "We could go to hear
her sing, that's if I can go. I will find out about it and let you
know."




CHAPTER XVII

ANNA ROYANNA

Rod had no opportunity that evening of speaking to Parson Dan or Mrs.
Royal about the wonderful singer. There were visitors at the rectory
for tea, and he was in bed before they left. He thought very much
about it, nevertheless, and in his sleep he dreamed that he was
listening to Miss Royanna. He could see her quite plainly, just as
Whyn had described her, and he was so disappointed when he awoke and
found himself in his own little room, and not in the Opera House with
the singer before him.

"I was reading in the paper last night," Parson Dan remarked, just
after they had sat down to breakfast, "that a famous singer is coming
to the city. Her name is Anna Royanna, and she will be at the Opera
House Wednesday night. Wouldn't you like to go, dear?" and he looked
across the table at his wife.