"
There was a general burst of laughter, for Sam Rivers, whom
everybody liked for his good nature, was incorrigibly awkward,
and had made a larger number of blunders, probably, than any
other member of the company."
"Give us the speech, Sam," said Bob Ingalls.
"Yes, don't let it be wasted."
"Speech! speech!" cried Joseph Barry.
"Very well, gentlemen, if you desire it."
Sam drew from his pocket a blank piece of paper, and pretended to
read the following speech, which he made up on the spur of the
moment.
"Ahem! gentlemen," he commenced, in a pompous tone, assuming an
air of importance; "I am deeply indebted to you for this very
unexpected honor."
"Oh, very," said one of the boys near.
"I feel that you have done yourself credit in your selection."
Here there was a round of applause.
"I am sorry that some of you are still very awkward, but I hope
under my excellent discipline to make veterans of you in less
than no time."
"Good for you!"
"You cannot expect me to remain long with you, as I am now in the
line of promotion, and don't mean to stop short of a brigadier.
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