"Go it, bluejacket! Go it, boots!" exclaimed the boys,
designating them by certain prominent articles of dress.
The applause appeared to stimulate them to further efforts, and
they danced and jumped high in air, to the hilarious delight of
their juvenile spectators. After a time such a crowd collected
that the attention of a passing policeman was attracted.
"What's all this disturbance?" he demanded, in tones of
authority.
"We're stretching our legs a little, shipmate," said the first
sailor.
"Then you'd better stretch them somewhere else than in the
street."
"I thought this was a free country," hiccoughed the second.
"You'll find it isn't if I get hold of you," said the officer.
"Want to fight?" demanded the second sailor, belligerently.
"Boy, stop playing," said the policeman. "I don't want to arrest
these men unless I am obliged to do it."
Phil stopped playing, and this put a stop to the dance. Finding
there was no more to be seen, the crowd also dispersed. With
arms again interlocked, the sailors were about to resume their
walk, forgetting to "pay the piper." But Phil was not at all
bashful about presenting his claims.
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