As Dick and Dave came out again into the sunlight what a mighty
roar of applause and cheering went up.
Then Herr Schimmelpodt, advancing to the edge of the steps, and
laying one hand over his heart, bowed profoundly and repeatedly.
That turned the cheering to laughter. The big German held up
his right hand for silence.
"Ladies und chentlemen," shouted Herr Schimmelpodt, as soon as
he could make him self heard, "I don't vant to bose as a hero!"
"That's all right," came with a burst of goodhumored laughter.
"You're not!"
"It vos really nottings vot I did," continued the German, with
another bow.
"True for you."
"Maybe," continued Herr Schimmelpodt, "you think I vos afraid
when I climb dot pole. But I wos not---I pledch you mein vord.
It is nottings for me to climb flagpoles. Ven I vos ein poy
in Germany I did it efery day. But I will not dake up your time
mit idle remarks. I repeat dot I am not ein hero."
The wily old German had played out his purpose. He had turned
the wild cheering, which he knew would have embarrassed Prescott,
into a good-natured laugh. He had diverted the first big burst
of attention away from the boys, much to the relief of the latter.
But now the crowd bethought itself of the heroes that a crowd
always loves. Hundreds pressed about to shake the bands of Prescott
and Darrin.
"Get into my car! Stand up in front of Mrs. Macey and myself
until we can get out of this crowd," urged Mr.
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