It contained in solution, with other
things, the vital element of surprise, for it was comparatively
odourless, and, unlike the chivalrous rattlesnake, gave no
warning of what it was about to do. In the case of Penrod, the
surprise was complete and its effect visibly shocking.
The distention by which he began to express his emotion appeared
to be increasing; his slender throat swelled as his cheeks
puffed. His shoulders rose toward his ears; he lifted his right
leg in an unnatural way and held it rigidly in the air.
"Stop that, Penrod!" Mrs. Schofield commanded. "You stop it!"
He found his voice.
"Uff! OOOFF!" he said thickly, and collapsed--a mere, ordinary,
every-day convulsion taking the place of his pneumatic symptoms.
He began to writhe, at the same time opening and closing his
mouth rapidly and repeatedly, waving his arms, stamping on the
floor.
"Ow! Ow-ow-OW!" he vociferated.
Reassured by these normal demonstrations, of a type with which
she was familiar, Mrs. Schofield resumed her fond smile.
"YOU'RE all right, little boysie!" she said heartily.
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