One could not really help the angry gentleman, if one was kept standing in that ridiculous position. And the passengers near by were more amused than before by the attitude and appearance of the two engaged in the controversy.
"Are you aware of what you have done?" demanded Major Pater, at last. "Humph! Tucker of the Fourth, isn't it?"
"Ye—ye—yes, sir," gasped Tommy. Then: "One of the Tuckers, sir."
"Oh! Ah! Can there be two such awkward Tuckers?" demanded Major Pater. "Humph! Is this your father, Tucker?"
For by this time Uncle Dick saw what was going on and he approached, smiling it must be confessed, but with a towel secured from the men's lavatory.
"I am acting in the capacity of guardian for the present, sir," said Mr. Gordon frankly. "This is a ridiculous thing; but I do not think the boy quite intended all that happened."
At once he began flicking away the melted snow, and then rubbed Major Pater's bald head dry. All the time he continued to talk to the military academy instructor:
"I grant you that it looks very awkward on Tucker's part. But, you see, Mr.—er?"
"Ma—Major Pater!" stammered Tommy Tucker.
