"Well, we're getting a line on the bunch, all right," laughed
Jack.

"If only Ralph marked both Tony and Asa, and we've got the hats of
three more, it looks good to me," chirped Lanky.

"Fall in, fellows!" called Bones Shadduck, assuming the air of a
drum major, as he waved an imaginary baton in the air.

With considerable talking and laughter, the squad gathered around
Ralph.

"Here, what's all this mean?" laughed Ralph. "Want to make me a
high muckamuck, a grand sachem surrounded by his valiant
bodyguard? I object. I'm only a common worm, like the rest of you,
and not fit for these great honors. Take Frank there, and put him
in the center of the bunch; he's the captain of the crew!"

"Worms! Hear him rant, fellows, will you? Compares us to the lowly
angleworm of commerce. And this is the reward we get for
sacrificing our sleep to rescue the perishing! I call it base
ingratitude, that's what!" cried one.

"But just now you're the guest of honor, Ralph; the one bright
particular star that has attracted the attention of all the meaner
ones. Just hold your row, and let us run this funeral, will you?"
declared Buster.

"Oh, well, have it your own way, fellows. You're a good lot,
anyhow, to pull my chestnuts out of the fire for me," concluded