"Now, spread out your arms and legs, mister, just as any good
crab should do. Raise your body from the floor. Not too much;
about six inches will do. Now, mister, move about as nearly as
possible in the manner of a crab. Stop, mister! Don't you know
that a crab moves either backwards or sideways? It will not give
enough vent to your animal spirits unless you move exactly as
your model, the crab, does. Try it again, mister, and be painstaking
in your imitation."

Mr. Briggs presented a most grotesque appearance as he crawled
about over the floor in the very limited space allowed him by
the presence of so many others. The yearlings enjoyed it all
in mirthful silence.

"As for you, mister," continued Dick, turning upon the uncomfortable
Mr. Ellis, "your self-conceit so fills every part of your body
that the only thing for you is to stand on your head. Go to the
rear tentpole and stand on your head. You may brace your feet
against the pole. But remain on your head until we make sure
that all the conceit has run out of you!"

Mr. Briggs was still "crabbing it" over the floor. Every minute
the task became more irksome.

"Up with you, mister," Prescott admonished. "No self-respecting
crab, with an abundance of animal spirits, ever trails along the
ground like that."

After some two minutes of standing on his head Mr. Ellis fell over
sideways, his feet thudding.