ANDY AT YALEORTHE GREAT QUADRANGLE MYSTERY

BYROY ELIOT STOKES

THE WORLD SYNDICATE PUBLISHING CO. CLEVELAND, O. NEW YORK, N. Y. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright, MCMXIV, bySULLY AND KLEINTEICH

Printed in the United States of AmericabyTHE COMMERCIAL BOOKBINDING CO. CLEVELAND, OHIO

------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS

I. A Horse-Whipping 1II. Good Samaritans 12III. An Unpleasant Prospect 19IV. The Picture Show 28V. Final Days 36VI. The Bonfire 45VII. Link Again 51VIII. Off For Yale 63IX. On The Campus 72X. Missing Money 78XI. "Rough House" 85XII. A Fierce Tackle 94XIII. Bargains 102XIV. Dunk Refuses 113XV. Dunk Goes Out 123XVI. In Bad 131XVII. Andy's Despair 138XVIII. Andy's Resolve 146XIX. Link Comes To College 150XX. Queer Disappearances 158XXI. A Gridiron Battle 166XXII. Andy Says 'No!' 177XXIII. Reconciliation 185XXIV. Link's Visit 193XXV. The Missing Watch 198XXVI. The Girls 205XXVII. Jealousies 213XXVIII. The Book 219XXIX. The Accusation 230XXX. The Letter 237XXXI. On The Diamond 245XXXII. Victory 256XXXIII. The Trap 281XXXIV. Caught 291XXXV. For The Honor Of Yale 300

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANDY AT YALE

CHAPTER I

A HORSE-WHIPPING

"Come on, Andy, what are you hanging back for?"

"Oh, just to look at the view. It's great! Why, you can see for twentymiles from here, right off to the mountains!"

One lad stood by himself on the summit of a green hill, while, a littlebelow, and in advance of him, were four others. 

"Oh, come on!" cried one of the latter. "View! Who wants to look at aview?"

"But it's great, I tell you! I never appreciated it before!" exclaimedAndy Blair. "You can see----!"

"Oh, for the love of goodness! Come on!" came in protest from theobjecting speaker. "What do we care how far we can see? We're going toget something to eat!"

"That's right! Some of Kelly's good old kidney stew!"

"A little chicken for mine!"

"I'm for a chop!"

"Beefsteak on the grill!"

Thus the lads, waiting for the one who had stopped to admire the fineview, chanted their desires in the way of food. 

"Come on!" finally called one in disgust, and, with a half sigh ofregret, Andy walked on to join his mates. 

"What's getting into you lately?" demanded Chet Anderson, a bitpetulantly. "You stand mooning around, you don't hear when you're spokento, and you don't go in for half the fun you used to. "

"Are you sick? Or is it a--girl?" queried Ben Snow, laughing. 

"Both the same!" observed Frank Newton, cynically. 

"Listen to the old dinkbat!" exclaimed Tom Hatfield. "You'd think heknew all about the game! You never got a letter from a girl in yourlife, Frank!"

"I didn't, eh? That's all you know about it, " and Frank made anunsuccessful effort to punch his tormentor. 

"Well, if we're going on to Churchtown and have a bit of grub inKelly's, let's hoof it!" suggested Chet. "You can eat; can't you, Andy?Haven't lost your appetite; have you, looking at that blooming view?"

"No, indeed. But you fellows don't seem to realize that in another monthwe'll never see it again, unless we come back to Milton for a visit. "

"That's right!" agreed Ben Snow. "This _is_ our last term at the oldschool! I'll be sorry to leave it, in a way, even though I do expect togo to college. "

"Same here, " came from Tom. "What college are you going to, Ben?"

"Hanged if I know! Dad keeps dodging from one to another. He's had allthe catalogs for the last month, studying over 'em like a fellow goingup for his first exams. Sometimes it's Cornell, and then he switches toPrinceton. I'm for the last myself, but dad is going to foot the bills, so I s'pose I'll have to give in to him. "

"Of course. Where are you heading for, Andy?"

"Oh, I'm not so sure, either. It's a sort of toss-up between Yale andHarvard, with a little leaning toward Eli on my part. But I don't haveto decide this week. Come on, let's hoof it a little faster. I believeI'm getting hungry. "

"And yet you would stop to moon at a view!" burst out Frank. "Really, Andy, I'm surprised at you!"

"Oh, cut it out, you old faker! You know that view from Brad's Hillcan't be beat for miles around. "

"That's right!" chorused the others, and there seemed to have come overthem all a more serious manner with the mention of the pending break-upof their pleasant relations. They had hardly realized it before. 

For a few minutes they walked on over the hills in silence. The greenfields, with here and there patches of woodland, stretched out allaround them. Over in the distance nestled a little town, its whitechurch, with the tall, slender spire, showing plainly. 

Behind them, hidden by these same green hills over which they weretramping this beautiful day in early June, lay another town, now out ofsight in a hollow. It was Warrenville, on the outskirts of which waslocated the Milton Preparatory School the five lads attended. They werein their last year, would soon graduate, and then separate, to go tovarious colleges, or other institutions. 

School work had ended early this day on account of coming examinations, and the lads, who had been chums since their entrance at Milton, hadvoted to go for a walk, and end up with an early supper at Kelly's, amore or less celebrated place where the students congregated. This wasat Churchtown, about five miles from Warrenville. The boys were to walkthere and come back in the trolley. 

They had spent two years at the Milton school, and had been friends foryears before that, all of them living in the town of Dunmore, in one ofour Middle States. There was much rejoicing among them when they foundthat all five who had played baseball and football together in Dunmore, were to go to the same preparatory school. It meant that the pleasantrelations were not to be severed. But now the shadow of parting had castitself upon them, and had tempered their buoyant spirits. 

"Yes, boys, it will soon be good-bye to old Milton!" exclaimed Chet, with a sigh. 

"I wonder if we'll get anybody like Dr. Morrison at any of the collegeswe go to?" spoke Ben. 

"You can't beat him--no matter where you go!" declared Andy. "He's thebest ever!"

"That's right! He knows just how to take a fellow, " commented Tom. "Remember the time I smuggled the puppy into the physiology class?"

"I should say we did!" laughed Andy. 

"And how he yelped when I pinched his tail that stuck out from underyour coat, " added Ben. "Say, it was great!"

"I'll never forget how old Pop Swann looked up over the tops of hisglasses, " put in Frank. 

"Dr. Morrison was mighty decent about it when he had me up on thecarpet, too, " added Tom. "I thought sure I was in for a wigging--maybe asuspension, and I couldn't stand that, for dad had written me onewarning letter. 

"But all Prexy did was to look at me in that calm, withering, pityingway he has, and then say in that solemn voice of his: 'Ah, Hatfield, Ipresume you are going in for vivisection?' Say, you could have flooredme with a feather. That's the kind of a man Dr. Morrison is. "

"Nobody else like him, " commented Andy, with a sigh. 

"Oh, well, if any of us go to Yale, or Princeton, or Harvard, I guesswe'll find some decent profs. There, " spoke Ben. "They can't all beriggers. "

"Sure not, " said Andy. "But those colleges will be a heap sightdifferent from Milton. "

"Of course! What do you expect? This is a kindergarten compared tothem!" exclaimed Frank. 

"But it's a mighty nice kindergarten, " commented Tom. "It's like aschool in our home town, almost. "

"I sure will be sorry to leave it, " added Andy. "But come on; we'llnever get to Kelly's at this rate. "

The sun was sinking behind the western hills in a bank of golden andpurple clouds. Two miles yet lay between the lads and their objectivepoint--the odd little oyster and chop house so much frequented by thestudents of Milton. It was an historic place, was Kelly's; a belovedplace where the lads foregathered to talk over their doings, theirhopes, their fears, their joys and sorrows. It was an old-fashionedplace, with little, dingy rooms, come upon unexpectedly; rooms justright for small parties of congenial souls--with tall, black settles, and tables roughened with many jack-knifed initials. 

"We can cut over to the road, and get there quicker, " remarked Andy, after a pause. "Suppose we do it. I don't want to get back too late. "

"All right, " agreed Tom. "I want to write a couple of letters myself. "

"Oh, ho! Now who's got a girl?" demanded Chet, suspiciously. 

"Nobody, you amalgamated turnip. I'm going to write to dad, and settlethis college business. Might as well make a decision now as later, Ireckon. "

"We'll have to sign soon, or it will be too late, " spoke Chet. "Thosebig colleges aren't like the small prep. Schools. They have waitinglists--at least for the good rooms in the campus halls. That's where I'dlike to go if I went to Yale--in Lawrance Hall, or some place likethat, where I could look out over the campus, or the Green. "

"There are some dandy rooms in front of Lawrance Hall where you can lookout over the New Haven Green, " put in Ben. "I was there once, and how Idid envy those fellows, lolling in their windows on their blue cushions, puffing on pipes and making believe study. It was great!"

"Making believe study!" exclaimed Andy. "I guess they do study! Youought to see the stiff list of stuff on the catalog!"

"You got one?" asked Chet. 

"Sure. I've been doping it out. "

"I thought you said you hadn't decided where to go yet, " remarked Frank. 

"Well, I have, " returned Andy, quietly. 

"You have! When, for the love of tripe? You said a while ago--"

"I know I did. But I've decided since then. I'm going to Yale!"

"You are? Good for you!" cried Tom, clapping his chum on the back withsuch energy that Andy nearly toppled over. "That's the stuff! Rah! Rah!Rah! Yale! Bulldog!"

"Here! Cut it out!" ordered Andy. "I'm not at Yale yet, and they don'tgo around doing that sort of stuff unless maybe after a game. I wasdown there about a month ago, and say, there wasn't any of that'Rah-rah!' stuff on the campus at all. But of course I wasn't therelong. "

"So that's where you went that time you slipped off, " commented Chet. "Down at Yale. And you've decided to sign for there?"

"I have. It seemed to come to me as we walked down the hill. I've mademy choice. I'm going to write to dad. "

They walked on silently for a few moments following Andy's remarks. 

 "'It was the King of France, He had ten thousand men. He marched them up the hill, And marched them down again!'"

Thus suddenly quoted Chet in a sing-song voice, adding:

"If we're going to get any grub at Kelly's, it's up to us to march downthis hill faster than we've been going, or we'll get left. That othercrowd from Milton will have all the good places. "

"Come on then, fellows, hit her up!" exclaimed Frank. "Hep! Hep! Left!Left!" and they started off at a good pace. 

They reached the country road that led more directly to Churchtown, andswung off along this. The setting sun made a golden aurora that Juneday, the beams filtering through a haze of dust. The boys talked of manythings, but chiefly of the coming parting--of the colleges they mightattend. 

As they passed a farmhouse near the side of the road, and came into viewof the barnyard, they saw two men standing beside a team of horseshitched to a heavy wagon. One was tall and heavily built, evidently thefarmer-owner. The other was a young man, of about twenty-two years, hisleft arm in a sling. 

The boys would have passed on with only a momentary glance at the pairbut for something that occurred as they came opposite. They saw the bigman raise a horse-whip and lash savagely at the young man. 

The lash cracked like the shot of a revolver. 

"I'll teach you!" fairly roared the big man. "I'll teach you to soldieron me! Playin' off, that's what you are, Link Bardon! Playing off!"

"I'm not playing off! My arm is injured. And don't you strike me again, Mr. Snad, or I'll----"

"You will, eh?" burst out the other. "You'll threaten me, will you?Well, I'll teach you! Tryin' to pretend your arm is sprained so youwon't have to work. I'll teach you! Take that!"

Again the cruel whip came down with stinging force. The face of theyoung man, that had flamed with righteous anger, went pale. 

"Take that, you lazy, good-for-nothing!"

Again the whip descended, and the young man put up his uninjured arm todefend himself. The farmer rained blow after blow on his hired man, driving him toward a fence. 

"Fellows! I can't stand this!" exclaimed Andy Blair, with sudden energy. "That big brute is a coward! Are you with me?"

"We sure are!" came in an energetic chorus from the others. 

"Then come on!" cried Andy, and with a short run he cleared the fenceand dashed up toward the farmer, who was still lashing away with thehorse-whip. 

CHAPTER II

GOOD SAMARITANS

"Here! Quit that!" exclaimed Andy, panting a bit from his exertion. "Drop that whip!"

The farmer wheeled around, for Andy had come up behind him. Surprise andanger showed plainly on the man's flushed face, and blazed from hisblood-shot eyes. 

"Wha--what!" he stammered in amazement. 

"I said quit it!" came in resolute tones from Andy. "Don't you hit himany more! You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Using a whip! Why don'tyou take some one your size, and use your hands if you have to. You're acoward!"

"That's right!" chimed in Chet Anderson. 

"It's a blooming shame--that's what it is!" protested Tom Hatfield. "Let's make a rough-house of him, fellows!"

"What's that?" cried the farmer. "You threaten me, do you? Get out of mybarnyard before I treat you as I did him! Get out, do you hear!"

"No!" exclaimed Andy. "We don't go until you promise to leave himalone, " and he nodded at the shrinking youth. 

"Say, I'll show you!" blustered the big farmer. "I'll thrash you youngupstarts----"

"Oh no, you won't!" exclaimed Tom, easily. And when big Tom Hatfield, left guard on the Milton eleven, spoke in this tone trouble might alwaysbe looked for. "Oh, no you won't, my friend! And, just to show you thatyou won't--there goes your whip!"

With a quick motion Tom pulled the lash from the man's hand, and sent itwhirling over the fence into the road. 

"You--you!" blustered the farmer. He was too angry to be able to speakcoherently. His hands were clenched and his little pig-like eyes rovedfrom one to the other of the lads as though he were trying to decideupon which one to rush first. 

"Take it easy, now, " advised Tom, his voice still low. "We're five toone, and we'll certainly tackle you, and tackle you hard, if you don'tbe nice. We're not afraid of you!"

Perhaps the angry man realized this. Certainly he must have known thathe would stand little chance in attacking five healthy, heartyyoungsters, each of whom had the glow of clean-living on his cheeks, while their poise showed that they were used to active work, and readyfor any emergency. 

"Get out of this yard!" roared the farmer. "What right have you gotinterfering between me and my hired man, anyhow? What right, I'd like toknow?"

"The right of every lover of fair-play!" exclaimed Andy. "Do you thinkwe'd stand quietly by and let you use a horse-whip on a young fellowthat you ought to be able to handle with one hand? And he with his armin a sling! To my way of thinking, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. "

The farmer growled out something unintelligible. 

"We ought to do you up good and brown!" exclaimed Tom, his fistsclenched. 

"He's only playing off on me--he ain't hurt a mite!" growled the farmer. "He's only fakin' on me. "

"I certainly am not, " spoke the young fellow in firm but respectfulterms. "I sprained my arm unloading your wagon, Mr. Snad, and I can'tdrive the team any more to-day. I put my handkerchief around it becausethe sprain hurt me so. I certainly can't work!" His voice faltered andhe choked. His spirit seemed as much hurt as his body--perhaps more. 

"Huh! Can't work, eh? Then get out!" snarled Mr. Snad. "I want noloafer around here! Get out!"

"I'm perfectly willing to go when you pay me what you owe me, " said thehelper, quietly. 

"Owe you! I don't owe you nothin', you lazy lout!" snapped the farmer. 

"You certainly do. You owe me twelve dollars, and as soon as you pay meI'll get out, and be glad to go!"

"Twelve dollars! I'd like to see myself giving you that much money!"grumbled the farmer. "You ain't wuth but ten dollars at the most, an' Iwon't pay you that for you busted my mowin' machine, an' it'll take thatt' pay for fixin' it. "

"That mowing machine was in bad order when you had me take it out, "replied the young fellow, "and you know it. It was simply an accidentthat it broke, and not my fault in the least. "

"Well, you'll pay for it, just the same, " was the sneering reply. "Nowbe off!"

"Not until I get my wages. You agreed to pay me twelve dollars a month, and board me. My month is up to-day, and I want my money. It's about allI have in the world; I need it. "

"You'll not get it out of me, " and the farmer turned aside. Evidently hehad given up the idea of further chastising his hired man. The presenceof Andy and his chums was enough to deter him. 

"Mr. Snad, I demand my money!" exclaimed the young farm hand. 

"You'll not get it! Leave my premises! Clear off, all of you, " and heglared at the schoolboys. 

"Mr. Snad, I'll go as soon as you give me my twelve dollars, " persistedthe youth, his voice trembling. 

"You'll get no twelve dollars out of me, " snapped the man. 

"Oh, yes, I think he will, " spoke Andy. "You'd better pay over thatmoney, Mr. Snad. "

"Eh? What's that your business?"

"It's the business of everyone to see fair play, " said Andy. 

"And we're going to do it in this case, " added Tom, still in even tones. 

"Are you? Well, I'd like to know how?" sneered the farmer. 

"Would you? Then listen and you will hear, my friend, " went on Tom. "Unless you pay this young man the money you owe him we will swear out awarrant against you, have you arrested, and use him as a witness againstyou. "

For a moment there was a deep silence; then the farmer burst out with:

"Have me arrested! Me? What for?"

"For assault and battery, " answered Tom. "We saw you assault this youngman with a horse-whip, and, while it might take some time to have himsue you for his wages, it won't take us any time at all to get anofficer here and have you taken to jail on a criminal charge. The matterof the wages may be a civil matter--the horse-whipping is criminal. 

"So, take your choice, Mr. Snad, if that's your name. Pay this young manhis twelve dollars, or we'll cause your arrest on this assault charge. Now, my friend, it's up to you, " and taking out his pocket knife Tombegan whittling a stick picked from the ground. Andy and his chumslooked admiringly at Tom, who had thus found such an effective lever ofpersuasion. 

The angry farmer glanced from one to the other of the five lads. Theygave him back look for look--unflinchingly. 

"And don't be too long about it, either, " added Tom, making thesplinters fly. "We're due at Kelly's for a little feed, and then we wantto get back to Milton. Don't be too long, my friend, unless you want tospend the night in jail. "

The farmer gulped once or twice. The Adam's apple in his throat went upand down. Clearly he was struggling with himself. 

"I--I--you----" he began. 

"Tut! Tut!" chided Tom. "You'd better go get the money. We can't waitall day. "

"I--er--I----" The farmer seemed at a loss for words. Then, turning onhis heel, he started toward the house. He was beaten. 

"I--I'll get it, " he flung back over his shoulder. "And then I'll swearout warrants for your arrest. You're trespassers, that's what you are. I'll fix you!"

"Trespassers? Oh, no, " returned Andy, sweetly. "We're only goodSamaritans. Perhaps you may have read of them in a certain book. Also weare acting as the attorneys for this gentleman, in collecting a debt duehim. We are his counsel, and the law allows a man to have his counselpresent at a hearing. I hardly think an action in trespass would lieagainst us, Mr. Snad; so don't put yourself out about it. "

"That's the stuff!"

"Good for you, Andy!"

"Say, you got his number all right!"

Thus Andy's chums called to him laughingly as the farmer went into thehouse. 

CHAPTER III

AN UNPLEASANT PROSPECT

"Say, I can't tell how much obliged to you I am, " impulsively exclaimedthe young fellow with his arm in a sling. "That--that----"

"He's a brute, that's what he is!" broke out Andy. "Don't be afraid tocall him one. "

"He sure is, " came from Tom. "I just wish he'd rough it up a bit. Iwouldn't have asked anything better than to take and roll him around hisown barnyard. Talk about tackling a fellow on the gridiron--Oh me! Ohmy!"

"It was mighty nice of you boys to take my part, " went on the youngfellow. "I'm not feeling very well. He's worked me like a horse sinceI've been here, and that, on top of spraining my arm, sort of took thetucker out of me. Then, when he came at me with the whip, just because Isaid I couldn't work any more----"

"There, never mind. Don't think about it, " advised Chet, seeing that theyouth was greatly affected. 

"Do you live around here?" asked Andy. 

"Well, I don't live much of anywhere, " was the reply. "I'm a sort ofJack-of-all-trades. My name is Lincoln Bardon--Link, I'm generallycalled. I work mostly at farming, but I'll never work for Amos Snadagain. He's too hard. "

"Where are you going after you leave here?" asked Frank Newton. 

"Oh, I've got a friend who works on a farm over in Cherry Hollow. I cango there and get a place. The farming season is on now, and there's lotsof help wanted. But I sure am much obliged to you for helping me get mymoney. I've earned it and I need it. That mowing machine was broken whenhe had me take it out of the shed. "

"How'd he come to use the whip?" asked Andy. 

"It was when I came back with the team, and said I couldn't work anymore on account of my arm. He has a lot of work to do, " explained Link, "and he ought to keep two men. Instead, he tries to get along with one, and works him like a slave. I'm glad I'm going to quit. "

"When I said my arm was hurt he didn't believe me. I insisted. One wordled to another and he came at me with the lash. Then you boys jumped in. I can't thank you enough. "

"That's all right, " said Tom. "We were glad to do it. I like a goodscrap!"

And to do him justice, he did--a good, clean, manly "scrap. "

"I wonder if he will bring that money?" remarked Ben Snow. "He's gone along time. "

"Oh, he keeps it hidden away in an old boot, " replied Link. "He'll haveto dig it out. But don't let me detain you. "

"We like the fun, " spoke Andy. "We'll stick around for a while yet. "

And, while the boys are thus "sticking around, " may I be permitted tointroduce them more formally to you, and speak just a word about them?

With their names I think you are already familiar. Andy Blair was atall, good-looking lad, with light hair and snapping blue eyes thatseemed to look right through you. Yet, withal, they were merry eyes, anddancing with life. 

Chet Anderson was rather short and stocky, not to say fat; but if any ofhis friends mentioned such a thing Chet was up in arms at once. Chet, Imight explain, was a contraction for Chetfield; the lad being named forhis grandfather. 

Ben Snow was always jolly. In spite of his name he was of a warm andimpulsive nature, always ready to forgive an injury and continuallyseeking a chance to help someone. Clever, full of life and usuallylooking on the bright side, Ben was a humorous relief to his sometimesmore sober comrades. 

Quiet and studious was Frank Newton, a good scholar, always standingwell in his class, and yet with his full share of fun and sport. He wasa mainstay on the baseball team, where he had pitched many a game tovictory. 

With the exception of Tom Hatfield you have now met the lads with whomthe first part of this story is chiefly concerned. Tom was one of thenicest fellows you could know. His parents were wealthy, but wealth hadnot spoiled Tom. He was happy-go-lucky, of a generous, whole-soulednature, always jolly and happy, and yet with a temper that at timesblazed out and amazed his friends. Seldom was it directed against any ofthem; but when Tom spoke quietly, with a sort of ring like the clang ofsteel in his voice, then was the time to look out. 

The five lads came from the same town, as has been said, and had beenfriends, more or less, all their lives. With their advent at Miltontheir friendship was cemented with that seal which is neverbroken--school-comradeship. You boys know this. You men who may chanceto read this book know it. How many of you, speaking of someone, has notat one time said:

"Why, he and I used to go to school together!"

And is there anything in life better than this--an old school chum? Itmeans so much. 

But there. I started to tell a story, and I find myself getting off onthe side lines. To get back into the game:

Link Bardon had hardly finished telling his good Samaritan boy friendsof his trouble with Mr. Snad, when the burly farmer reappeared. Stridingup to his hired man--his former employee--he thrust some crumpled billsinto his hand, and growled:

"Now you get out of here as fast as you can. I've seen enough of you!"

"And I may say the same thing!" retorted Link. He was getting back hisnerve. Perhaps Andy and his chums had contributed to this end. 

"Huh! Don't you go to gettin' fresh!" snapped Mr. Snad. 

"Don't let him get your goat!" exclaimed Tom, with a cheerful grin. 

"I've had enough of you young upstarts!" cried the farmer, turningfiercely on Andy and his chums. "Be off!"

"Wait until we see if Link has his money all right, " suggested Andy. "Hemight ring in a counterfeit bill on you if you don't watch out. "

"Bah!" sneered the farmer. 

Link counted over his wages. They were all right. 

"Now I'll get my things and go, " he said, calmly. 

"And don't you ever come around askin' me for a job, " warned his formeremployer. 

"I guess there isn't much danger, " spoke Tom, quietly. "Come on, fellows. I'm hungry enough to eat two of Kelly's steaks. "

They followed Andy, who again lightly leaped the fence into the road. Link went on toward the house to pack up his few belongings. He wavedhis hand toward the boys, and they waved back. They hardly expected tosee him again, and certainly Andy Blair never dreamed of the strangepart the young farmer would play in his coming life at Yale. Such oddtricks does fate play upon us. 

The Milton lads swung on down the road in the direction of Churchtown. It was early evening by now. 

"Some doings!" commented Chet as he slipped his arm into that of Andy. 

"I should say!" exclaimed Ben. "Andy, you took the right action thattime. "

"Well, I just couldn't bear to see that chap, with his arm in a sling, being beaten up by that brute of a farmer, " was the reply. "It got mydander up. "

"Same here, " spoke Tom. 

"You'd never know it, from the way you acted, " put in Frank. 

"Tom is always worst when he's quietest, " remarked Andy. "Well, now fora good feed. Let's cut through here, hop a car, and get to Kelly'squicker. "

"Go ahead, we're with you, " announced Chet, and soon the lads were inthe "eating joint, " as they called it. 

"Broiled steak with French fried potatoes, Adolph!"

"Yah!"

"I want an omelet with green peppers!"

"Liver and bacon for mine!"

"Ham and eggs! Plenty of gravy!"

"Yah!"

"Coffee with my order, Adolph!"

"Yah!"

"And say, I want some of those rolls with moon-seeds on top, Adolph!Don't forget!"

"Nein!"

"And my coffee comes with my steak, not afterward. Hoch der Kaiser!"

"Shure!"

"How's the soup, Adolph?"

"Fine und hot!"

"That's good! One on you, Tom!"

"Bring me a plate!"

"Oh, say, Adolph, make my order a chop instead of those ham and eggs. "

"Yah!"

"And, Adolph. "

"Yes, sir. "

"I want a glass of milk, with a squirt of vichy in it. Don't forget. "

"Nein, I vunt!"

"And speed up, Adolph, we're all in a hurry. "

"Shure. You vos allvays in a hurry!"

The German waiter scurried away. How he ever remembered it all is one ofthe mysteries that one day may be solved. But he never forgot, and nevermade a mistake. 

The boys were seated at a table in one of the small rooms of Kelly's. They stretched out their legs and took their ease, for they felt theyhad earned a little relaxation. 

About them in other rooms, in small recesses made by the high-backedseats, were other students. There was a calling back and forth. 

"Hello, Spike!"

"Stick out your head, Bender!"

"Over here, Buster--here's room!"

"There's Bunk now!"

You could not tell who was saying what or which, nor to whom, any morethan I can. Hence the rather disjointed style of the preceding. But youknow what I mean, for you must have been there yourself. If not, I begof you to get into some such place where "good fellows, " in the truestsense of the word, meet together. For where they congregate it is always"good weather, " no matter if it snows or hails, or even if the stormywinds do blow--do blow--do blow!

But at last a measure of quietness settled down in Kelly's, and thechatter of voices was succeeded by the clatter of knives and forks. 

Then came a reaction--a time when one settled back on one's bench, thefirst tearing edge of the appetite dulled. It was at this time that TomHatfield, leaning over to Andy, said:

"And so you are going to Yale?"

"Yes, I've made up my mind. "

"Well, I congratulate you. It's a grand old place. Wish I was with you. "

"Say, Andy!" piped up Chet Anderson, "if you go to Yale you'll meet anold friend of yours there. "

"Who, for the love of bacon?"

"Mortimer Gaffington!"

Andy's knife fell to his plate with a clash that caused the other dinersto look up hurriedly. 

"Mortimer Gaffington!" gasped our hero. "For cats' sake! That's so. Iforgot he went to Yale! Oh, wow! Well, it can't be helped. I've made mychoice!"

CHAPTER IV

THE PICTURE SHOW

Andy's chums looked curiously at him. Chet's chance remark had broughtback to them the memory of the old enmity between Andy Blair andMortimer Gaffington, the rich young "sport" of Dunmore. It was an enmitythat had happily been forgotten in the joy of life at Milton. Now itloomed up again. 

"That's right, that cad Mort does hang out at New Haven, " remarked Tom. "That is, he did. But maybe they've fired him, " he added, hopefully. 

"No such luck, " spoke Andy, ruefully. "I had a letter from my sisteronly the other day, and she mentioned some row that Mort had gotten intoat Yale. Came within an ace of being taken out, but it was smoothedover. No, I'll have to rub up against him if I go there. "

"Well, you don't need to have much to do with him, " suggested Frank. 

"And you can just make up your mind that I won't, " spoke Andy. "I'llsteer clear of him from the minute I strike New Haven. But don't let'stalk about it. Where's that waiter, anyhow? Has he gone out to kill afatted calf?"

"Here he comes, " announced Ben. "Get a move on there, Adolph!"

"Yah!"

"And don't wait for my French fried potatoes to sprout, either, " addedChet. 

"Yah, shure not!"

"Oh, look who's here!" exclaimed Tom, nodding toward a newcomer. "Shootin over here, Swipes!" he called to a tall lad, whose progress throughthe room was marked by friendly calls on many sides. He was a generalfavorite, Harry Morton by name, but seldom called anything but "Swipes, "from a habit he had of taking or "swiping" signs, and other mementoes oftradesmen about town; the said signs and insignia of business lateradorning his room. 

"Got space?" asked Harry, as he paused at the little compartment whichheld our friends. 

"Surest thing you know, Swipes. Shove over there, Frank. Are you tryingto hog the whole bench?"

"Not when Swipes is around, " was the retort. "I'll leave that to him. "

"Half-ton benches are a little out of my line, " laughed the newcomer, ashe found room at the table. "Bring me a rarebit, Adolph, and don't leaveout the cheese. "

"No, sir, Mr. Morton! Ho! ho! Dot's a goot vun! A rarebit mitout dercheese! Ach! Dot is goot!" and the fat German waiter went off chucklingat the old joke. 

"What's the matter, Andy, you look as if you'd had bad news from yourbest girl?" asked Harry, clapping Andy on the shoulder. "Cheer up, theworst is yet to come. "

"You're right there!" exclaimed Andy, heartily. "The worst _is_ yet tocome. I'm going to Yale----"

"Hurray! Rah! rah! That's the stuff! But talk about the worst, I can'tsee it. I wish I were in your rubbers. "

"And that dub Mortimer Gaffington is there, too, " went on Andy. "That'sthe worst. "

"I don't quite get you, " said Harry, in puzzled tones. "Is thisGaffington one of the bulldog profs. Who eats freshmen alive?"

"No, he's a fellow from our town, " explained Andy, "and he and I are onthe outs. We've been so for a long time. It was at a ball game some timeago. Our town team was playing and I was catching. Mort was pitching. Heaccused me of deliberately throwing away the game, and naturally I wentback at him. We had a fight, and since then we haven't spoken. He'srich, and all that, but I don't like him; not because I beat him in afair fight, either. Well, he went to Yale last year, and I was gladwhen he left town. Now I'm sorry he's at Yale, since I'm going there. Iknow he'll try to make it unpleasant for me. "

"Oh, well, make the best of it, " advised Harry, philosophically. "Hecan't last for ever. Here comes my eats! Let's get busy. "

"So Mort will be a sophomore when you get to New Haven, will he?" askedFrank of Andy. 

"He will if he doesn't flunk, and I don't suppose he will. He's smartenough in a certain way. Oh, well, what's the use of worrying? As Harrysays, here come the eats. "

Adolph staggered in with a well-heaped tray containing Harry's order, and he and his chums finished their meal talking the while. The eveningwore on, more students dropping in to make merry in Kelly's. A largegroup formed about the nucleus made by Andy and his chums. These ladswere seniors in the preparatory school, and, as such, were looked up toby those who had just started the course, or who were finishing theirfirst year. In a way, Milton was like a small college in some matters, notably in class distinction, though it was not carried to the extent itis in the big universities. 

"What are you fellows going to do?" asked Harry, as he pushed back hischair. "I'm feeling pretty fit now. I haven't an enemy in the world atthis moment, " and he sighed in satisfaction. "That rarebit was sure abird! Are you fellows out for any fun?"

"Not to-night, " replied Andy. "I'm going to cut back and write someletters. "

"Forget it, " advised Harry. "It's early, and too nice a night to go tobed. Let's take in a show. "

"I've got some boning to do, " returned Frank, with a sigh. 

"And I ought to plug away at my Latin, " added Chet, with another sigh. 

"Say, but you fellows are the greasy grinds!" objected Harry. "Why don'tyou take a day off once in a while?"

"It's easy enough for you, Swipes; Latin comes natural to you!"exclaimed Tom. "But I have to plug away at it, and when I get through Iknow less than when I started. "

"And as for me, " broke in Chet, "I can read a page all right in theoriginal, but when I come to translate I can make two pages of it inEnglish, and have enough Latin words left over to do half another one. No, Swipes, it won't do; I've got to do some boning. "

"Aw, forget it. Come on to a show. There's a good movie in town thisweek. I'll blow you fellows. Some vaudeville, too, take it from me. There's a pair who roll hoops until the stage looks like a barrelfactory having a tango dance. Come on. It's great!"

"Well, a movie wouldn't be so bad, " admitted Tom. "It doesn't last untilmidnight. What do you say, fellows?"

"Oh, I don't know, " came from Andy, uncertainly. 

"I'll go if you fellows will, " remarked Frank. 

"Oh, well, then let's do it!" cried Tom. "I guess we won't flunkto-morrow. We can burn a little midnight electricity. Let 'er go!"

And so they went to the moving picture show. It was like others of itskind, neither better nor worse, with vaudeville acts and songsinterspersed between the reels. There was a good attendance, scores ofthe Milton lads being there, as well as many persons from the town andsurrounding hamlets. 

Our friends found seats about the middle of the house. It was a sort ofcontinuous performance, and as they entered a girl was singing a song ona well-lighted stage. Andy glanced about as he took his seat, and metthe gaze of Link Bardon. He nodded at him, and the young farmer noddedback. 

"Who's that--a new fellow?" asked Harry, who was next to Andy. 

"Not at school--no. He's a hired man we found being beaten up by an oldcodger of a farmer when we walked out this afternoon. We took his partand made the farmer trot Spanish. I guess Link is taking a day off withthe wages we got for him, " and he detailed the incident. 

The show went on. Some of the students became boisterous, and there werehisses from the audience, and demands that the boys remain quiet. Onelad, who did not train in the set of Andy and his friends, insisted onjoining in the chorus with one of the singers, and matters got to such apass that the manager rang down the curtain and threatened to stop theperformance unless the students behaved. Finally some of the companionsof the noisy one induced him to quiet down. 

Following a long picture reel a girl came out to sing. She was prettyand vivacious, though her songs were commonplace enough. In one of thestage boxes were a number of young fellows, not from Milton, and theybegan to ogle the singer, who did not seem averse to their attentions. She edged over to their box, and threw a rose to one of the occupants. 

Gallantly enough he tossed back one he was wearing, but at that moment acompanion in front of him had raised a lighted match to his cigarette. 

The hand of the young man throwing the rose to the singer struck theflaring match and sent it over the rail of the box straight at theflimsy skirts of the performer. 

In an instant the tulle had caught fire, and a fringe of flame shotupward. 

The singer ceased her song with a scream that brought the orchestra to astop with a crashing chord, and the girl's cries of horror were echoedby the women in the audience. The girl started to run into the wings, but Andy, springing from his seat on the aisle, made a leap for thebrass rail behind the musicians. 

"Stand still! Stand still! Don't go back there in the draft!" criedAndy, as he jumped upon the stage over the head of the orchestra leaderand began stripping off his coat. 

CHAPTER V

FINAL DAYS

"Fire! Fire!" yelled some foolish ones in the audience. 

"Keep still!" shouted Tom Hatfield, who well knew the danger of a panicin a hall with few exits. "Keep still! Play something!" he called to theorchestra leader, who was staring at Andy, dazed at the flying leap ofthe lad over his head. "Play any old tune!"

It was this that saved the day. The leader tapped with his violin bow onthe tin shade over his electric light and the dazed musicians came toattention. They began on the number the girl had been singing. It waslike the irony of fate to hear the strains of a sentimental song whenthe poor girl was in danger of death. But the music quieted theaudience. Men and women sank back in their seats, watching withfear-widened eyes the actions of Andy Blair. 

And while Tom had thus effectively stopped the incipient panic, Andy hadnot been idle. Working with feverish haste, he had wrapped his heavycoat about the girl, smothering the flames. She was sobbing andscreaming by turns. 

"There! There!" cried Andy. "Keep quiet. I have the fire out. You're inno danger!"

"Oh--oh! But--but the fire----"

"It's out, I tell you!" insisted Andy. "It was only a little blaze!"

He could see tiny tongues of flame where his coat did not quite reach, and with swift, quick pats of his bare hands he beat them out, burninghimself slightly. He took good care not to let the flames shoot up, sothat the frantic girl would inhale them. That meant death, and herescape had been narrow enough as it was. 

As Andy held the coat closely about her he glanced over toward the boxwhence the match had come. He saw the horror-stricken young men lookingat him and the girl in fascination, but they had not been quick to act. After all, it was an accident and the fault of no one in particular. 

The stage was now occupied by several other performers, and the franticmanager. But it was all over. Andy patted out the last of thesmouldering sparks. The girl was swaying and he looked up in time to seethat she was going to faint. 

"Look out!" he cried, and caught her in his arms. 

"Back this way! Carry her back here!" ordered the manager, motioning tothe wings. "Keep that music going!" he added to the orchestra leader. 

They carried the unfortunate little singer to a dressing room, and adoctor was summoned. One of the stage hands brought Andy's coat to him. The garment was seared and scorched, and rank with the odor of smoke. 

"If you don't want to wear it I'll see Mr. Wallack, and get another foryou, " offered the man. 

"Oh, this isn't so bad, " said Andy, slipping it on. "It's an old one, anyhow. "

He looked curiously about him. It was the first time he had been behindthe scenes, though there was not as much to observe in this littletheatre as in a larger one. Beyond the dropped curtain he could hear thestrains of the music and the murmur in the audience. The show had cometo a sudden ending, and many were departing. 

As Andy was leaving, to go back to his chums, the doctor came inhastily, and hurried to the room of the performer. 

"Say, some little hero act, eh, Andy?" exclaimed Chet, as Andy rejoinedhis friends. 

"Forget it!" was the retort. "Tom, here, had his wits about him. "

"All right, old man. But you never got down the field after a footballpunt any quicker than you hurdled that orchestra leader, and made aflying tackle of that singer!" exclaimed Tom, admiringly. "My hat off toyou, Andy, old boy!"

"Same here!" cried Chet. 

The young men in the box were talking to the manager, and the one whohad knocked the lighted match on the stage came over to speak to Andy, who was standing with his chums in the aisle near their seats. 

"Thanks, very much, old man!" exclaimed the chap whose impulsive act hadso nearly caused a tragedy. "It was mighty fine of you to do that. I hadheart failure when I saw her on fire. "

"You couldn't help it, " replied Andy. "They ought not to allow smokingin places like this. "

"That's right. Next time I throw a rose at a girl I'll look to seewhat's going to happen. "

The theatre was almost deserted by now. All that remained to tell of theaccident was the smell of smoke, and a few bits of charred cloth on thestage. 

A man came out in front of the curtain. 

"Miss Fuller wants to see the young fellow who put out the fire, " heannounced. 

"That's you, Andy!" cried his chums. 

"Aw, I'm not going back there. "

"Yes, she would like to see you. She wants to thank you, " put in thestage manager. "Come along. "

Rather bashfully Andy went back. He found the singer--a meregirl--propped up on a couch. Her arms and hands were in bandages, butshe did not seem to have been much burned. 

"I'm sorry I can't shake hands with you, " she said, with a smile. Shewas pale, for the "make-up" had been washed from her face. 

"Oh, that's all right, " responded Andy, a bit embarrassed. 

"It was awfully good and brave of you, " she went on, with a catch in hervoice. "I don't--I don't know how to thank you. I--I just couldn't seemto do anything for myself. It was--awful, " and her voice broke. 

"Oh, it might have been worse, " spoke Andy, and he knew that it wasn'tjust the thing to say. But, for the life of him, he could not fit properwords together. "I'm glad you're all right, Miss Fuller, " he said. Hehad seen her name on the bills--Mazie Fuller. He wondered whether it washer right one, or a stage cognomen. At any rate, he decided from acasual glance, she was very pretty. 

"You must give me your address, " the girl went on. "I want to pay forthe coat you spoiled on my account. "

"Oh, that's all right, " and Andy was conscious that he was blushing. "Itisn't hurt a bit. I'll have to be going now. "

"Oh, you must let me have your name and address, " the girl went on. 

"Oh, all right, " and Andy pulled out a card. "I'm at Milton Prep. , " headded, thinking in a flash that he would not be there much longer. Butthen he did not want her to send him a new coat. 

"I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave now, " said the doctor kindly. "She has had quite a shock, and I want her to be quiet. "

"Sure, " assented Andy, rather glad, on the whole, that he could make hisescape. One of his hands was blistered and he wanted to get back to hisroom and put on some cooling lotion. He would not admit this before MissFuller, for he did not want to cause her any more pain. 

The girl sank back on a couch as Andy went out of the dressing room. Butshe smiled brightly at him, and murmured:

"I'll see you again, some time. "

"Sure, " assented the lad. He wondered whether she would. 

Then he rejoined his chums and they left the theatre. There was alittle crowd in front, attracted by the rumor that an actress had beenburned. As Andy and his friends made their way through the throng to acar he heard someone call:

"Dat's de guy what saved her!"

"You're becoming famous, Andy, my boy!" whispered Tom. 

"Forget it, " advised his chum. 

The boys reached their dormitory with a scant minute or so to sparebefore locking-up time, for the rules were rather strict at Milton. There were hasty good-nights, promises to meet on the morrow, and thenquiet settled down over the school. 

Andy went to his room, and for a minute, before turning on the light, hestood at the window looking over the campus. Many thoughts were surgingthrough his brain. 

"It sure has been one full little day, " he mused. "The scrap with thefarmer, dousing the sparks on that girl, and--deciding on going to Yale!

"Jove, though, but I'm glad I've made up my mind! Yale! I wonder if I'llbe worthy of it?"

Andy leaned against the window and looked out to where the moonlightmade fantastic shadows through the big maples on the green. Before hiseyes came a picture of the elm-shaded quadrangle at Yale, which once hehad crossed, hardly dreaming then that he would ever go there. 

"Yale! Yale!" he whispered to himself. "What a lot it means! What a lotit might mean! What a lot it often doesn't signify. Oh, if I can onlymake good there!"

For some time Andy had been vacillating between two colleges, butfinally he had settled on Yale. His parents had left him his choice, andnow he had made it. 

"I must write to dad, " he said. "He'll want to know. "

It was too late to do it now. They had not come back as early as theyhad intended. The bell for "lights out, " clanged, and Andy hastilyprepared for bed. 

"Only a few more days at old Milton, " he whispered to himself. "And thenfor Yale!"

The closing days of the term drew nearer. Examinations were the order ofthe day, and many were the anxious hearts. There was less fun and morehard work. 

Andy wrote home, detailing briefly his decision and telling of theaffair of the theatre. For it got into the papers, and Andy was madequite a hero. He wanted his parents to understand the true situation. 

A letter of thanks came from the theatre manager, and with it a pass, good for any time, for Andy and his friends. In the letter it was saidthat Miss Fuller was in no danger, and had gone to the home of relativesto recover from the shock. 

Andy was rather surprised when he received, one day, a fine mackinawcoat, of the latest style. With it was a note which said:

"To replace the one you burned. "

There was no name signed, but he knew from whom it came. 

CHAPTER VI

THE BONFIRE

"This way, freshmen! This way!"

"Over here now! No let-outs!"

"Keep 'em together, Blink! Don't let any of 'em sneak away!"

"Wood! Everybody bring wood!"

"Look out for that fellow! He's a grind! He'll try to skip!"

"Wood! Everybody get wood!"

The cries echoed and re-echoed over the campus at Milton. It was thefinal night of the term. The examinations were over and done. Some hadfallen by the wayside, but Andy and his chums were among those elected. 

They had passed, and they were to move on out of the preparatory schoolinto the larger life of the colleges. 

And, as always was the case on an occasion of this kind, a celebrationwas to mark the closing of the school for the long summer vacation. Theannual bonfire was to be kindled on the campus, and about it wouldcircle those lads who were to leave the school, while their mates didthem honor. 

Thus it was that the cries rang out. 

"Wood!"

"More wood!"

"Most wood!"

The town had been gleaned for inflammable material. The ash boxes of noteven the oldest citizen were sacred on an occasion like this. For weeksthe heap of wood had accumulated, until now there was a towering pileready for the match. 

And still the cries echoed from the various quarters. 

"Freshmen, get wood!"

"On the job, freshmen!"

More wood was brought, and yet more. The pile grew. 

"Gee, this is fierce!" groaned a fat freshman, staggering along underthe burden of two big boxes. "Those fellows want too much. I'm going toquit!"

"Look out! Don't let 'em hear you!" warned a companion. "They'll keepyou carting it all night if you kick. "

"Kick! (puff) Kick! (puff) I ain't got wind enough to do any kickin'. I'm (puff) all (puff) in!"

"Oh, well, it's all in the game. We'll be out of this class next term, and we can watch the other fellows sweat! Cut along!"

"Wood! Wood over here!"

"Where's Andy Blair?"

"I don't know. Oh you Swipes! What you got!"

"All right! This'll make a flare, all right!"

"Oh, for the love of Peter! Look what Swipes has!"

Harry, otherwise "Swipes" Morton, was convoying four laboring andperspiring freshmen who were carting over the campus a big box that hadones contained a piano. 

"Oh, you Swipes!"

"Where'd you crab that?"

"Say, ain't he the little peach, though!"

"Oh wow! What a lark!"

"I guess this won't make some nifty little blaze, eh?" demanded Harry. "Eh, Andy?"

"Sure thing! Where'd you get it?"

"Over back of Hanson's store. He used it for a coal box, but I madethese boobs dump out the anthracite and cart it along. Maybe I ain'tsome nifty little wood gatherer, eh?"

"You sure are, Swipes!" came the admiring retort from many voices. 

"Wood!"

"More wood!"

Still the pile grew apace. And with it grew the fun, the jollity, theexcitement, the cries and the spirit of the school. 

Dr. Morrison, the head master, and his teachers, had wisely retired totheir rooms. On such an occasion as this it is not wise on the part ofdiscerning professors to see too much. There are matters to which onemust shut one's eyes. And Dr. Morrison, from contact with many boys, waswise in his day and generation. 

For he knew it would be only honest, clean fun; and what matter if therewas much noise and shouting? What matter if the fire blazed high? Theboys never so far forgot themselves as to endanger the school buildingsby their beacon, which was kindled well out on the big campus. 

What if numerous rules were cracked or broken? It only happened once ayear. And what if ginger pop and sandwiches were surreptitiouslyintroduced into the dormitories? That, too, need not be seen by theauthorities. 

"Wood! More wood!"

"Where's Tom Hatfield?"

"Yes, and Chet Anderson?"

"Over here boys!"

"Heads up!"

"Slap on Swipes's piano box!"

"Oh, what a find!"

You could not have told who was saying which or what. It was all onehappy, unintelligible jumble. 

"Light her up!"

It was the signal for the kindling of the fire. 

A score of matches flared in the darkness of the June night. The strawand paper piled under the chaos of wood blazed with puffs of flame. Thewood caught and the tongues of fire leaped high, bringing into boldrelief the faces of the lads who joined hands and circled about theruddy beacon. 

"Hurray!"

"That's the stuff!"

"Let her burn!"

"Say, that's a dandy, all right!"

"Biggest in years!"

"Well, we want to give the boys a good send-off!"

"Look at old Swipes's piano box sizzle!"

The shouting and excitement grew. The fire blazed higher and higher. Thecampus was bright with yellow gleams. 

"Here's good-bye to old Milton!" chanted Andy. 

"That's right! Good-bye to the old school!" echoed Chet, and there wasnot much joy in his tones. 

"Now, fellows, the old song. 'Milton Forever!'" called Ben, and themelody burst forth. 

Hardly was it finished than the silence that succeeded was broken by thestrident tooting of an auto horn. 

"What's that?" cried Andy. "Who's coming here in a car?"

"On the campus, too! It's against the rules!" cried Chet. 

"It's some fresh fellow from town trying to butt in, " someone called. 

"Come on!" yelled Andy. "We'll upset him, fellows! The nerve of him!"

CHAPTER VII

LINK AGAIN

There was a rush of the celebrating seniors toward the place where thedisturbance arose. Then others left the big bonfire to see the fun. 

An automobile horn tooted discordantly--defiantly, Andy thought. 

"Who has had the nerve to come in here, of all nights--on the one whenwe have our fire?" he thought. "It can't be any of the freshmen; theywouldn't dare. "

"What are you going to do?" asked Ben in Andy's ear, as he trottedbeside his chum. 

"We'll upset his apple cart--that's the least we'll do, for one thing. "

"I should say yes!" chimed in Chet. "Surely!"

They had now reached the spot where, from all appearances, was locatedthe center of disturbance. A crowd of the freshmen, whose labors ingathering wood for the fire had now ceased, were gathered around a largetouring car that, in defiance of all rules and customs, had been run tothe very center of the school campus. 

"Come down out of that!"

"Get away from here!"

"You fellows have nerve!"

"Puncture their tires!"

These are only a few of the cries and threats hurled at those in theauto--four young fellows who seemed anxious to make trouble not only forthemselves, but for the school boys, whose celebration they hadinterrupted. 

The campus was a sort of sacred place. It stood in the midst of theschool buildings and dormitories, and, though visitors were alwayswelcome, there was a rule against vehicles crossing it, for the turf wasthe pride not only of the students, but the faculty as well. So it is nowonder that the sight of a heavy auto rolling over the lawn aroused theire of all. 

"Get out of the way there, you fellows, if you don't want to be runover!" snapped the youth at the steering wheel of the auto. "I'll smashthrough you in another minute!"

"Oh, you will, eh?"

"Isn't he the sassy little boy!"

"Yank him out of there!"

The freshmen surrounding the auto thus reviled those in the car. 

The auto had come to a stop, but the engine was still running, freefrom the gears. Now and then, as he saw an opening, the lad at the wheelwould slip in his clutch and the car would advance a few feet. Then moreof the school boys would swarm about it, and progress would be impeded. 

"Smash through 'em, old man!" advised one on the rear seat. "We don'twant to stay here all night!"

"That's right; run 'em down, " advised his companion. "We're--we're--whatare we, anyhow?" he asked, and it did not need a look at him to tell thecause of his condition. In fact, all in the auto were in a ratherhilarious state, and the running of the car over the campus had been theresult of a suggestion made after a too-long lingering in a certainroad-house, where stronger stuff than ginger ale was dispensed. 

"We're all right--noshin matter us, " declaimed one. "Run 'em down, oleman!"

"Look out! I'm going through you!" cried the lad at the wheel. Thefreshmen in front of the car parted instinctively, but before the youngchauffeur could put his threat into execution, Andy and his chums hadreached the machine. 

"Get out of here!" cried Andy, and, reaching up, he fairly pulled thesteersman from his seat. The chap came down in a rush, nearly upsettingAndy, who, however, managed to yank the lad to his feet. 

"Pull 'em all out!" came the cry from Tom, and a moment later he, withthe aid of Ben, Chet and Frank, had pulled from the car the other youngmen, who seemed too dazed to resist. 

"Hop in that car, Peterson, " ordered Andy, to a freshman who couldoperate an auto. "Run it out to the street and leave it. Then we'll rushthese chaps out to it and chuck 'em in. We'll show 'em what it means torun over our campus. "

All this time Andy had kept hold of the collar of the youth whom he hadpulled from the car. Then the latter turned about, and raised his fist. He had been taken so by surprise that he at first had seemed incapableof action. 

At this moment the big bonfire flared up brightly, and by its glare Andyhad a look at the face of the lad with whom he had clashed. The sightcaused him suddenly to drop his hold and exclaim:

"Mortimer Gaffington!"

"Huh! So it's you, is it, Andy Blair? What do you mean by acting thisway?" demanded Mortimer, the shock of whose rough handling had seemed tosober temporarily. "What do you mean? I demand an apology! That's what Ido. Ain't I 'titled to 'pology, fellers?" and he appealed to his chums. 

"Sure you are. Make the little beggar 'pologize!" leered one. "If hewas at Yale, now, we'd haze him good and proper. "

"Yale!" cried Tom Hatfield. "Yale fires out such fellows as you!"

"Mortimer Gaffington!" gasped Andy. "I rather wish this hadn't happened. Or, rather I wish it had been anyone but he. I can see where this maylead. "

"You goin' 'pologize?" asked Mortimer, trying to fix a stern gaze onAndy. 

"Apologize! Certainly not!" cried Andy, indignantly. "It is you fellowswho ought to apologize. What would you do if some one ran an auto overYale Campus?"

"Ho! Ho! That's good. That's rich, that is!" laughed one who had beenyanked out of his seat by Tom Hatfield. "That's a good joke, that is! Anauto on Yale campus! Why we bulldogs would eat it up, that's what we'ddo!"

"Well, that's what we'll do here!" cried Chet, angered by thesupercilious tone of the lad. "Come on, boys; run 'em off Spanishfashion!"

It needed but this suggestion to further rouse the feelings of theMilton lads, and in an instant several of them had grabbed each of thetrespassers. Andy stepped back from Mortimer. Because of the alreadystrained relations between himself and this society "swell, " he did notwish to take a part in the proceedings. 

"Come on! Run 'em off!" was the rallying cry. 

The auto had already been steered out on a road that circled the campus, and was soon in the street. Then, heading their victims toward the oldgateway that formed the chief entrance to the school the Milton ladsbegan running out the intruders. 

"You wait! I--I'll fix you for this, --Andy Blair!" threatened Mortimeras he was rapidly propelled over the campus. 

"Forget it!" advised Chet. "Rush 'em, fellows!"

And rushed off Mortimer and his companions were. They were fairly tossedinto their auto, and then, with jeers and shouted advice not to repeatthe trick, the school boys turned back to their fire. 

Andy had lingered near the spot where he had hauled Mortimer out of theauto. He was thinking of many things. He did not forget what hadhappened to the intruders. Indeed it was nothing short of what theydeserved, for they had deliberately tried to harass the school boys, andmake a mockery of one of the oldest traditions of Milton--one that heldinviolate the beautiful campus. 

"Only I wish it had been someone else than I who got hold of Mort, "mused Andy. "He'll be sure to remember it when I get to Yale, and he'llhave it in for me. He can make a lot of trouble, too, I reckon. Well, itcan't be helped. They only got what was coming to 'em. "

With this thought Andy consoled himself, but he had an uneasy feelingfor all that. The students came trooping back, after having disposed ofMortimer and his crowd. 

"You missed the best part of the fun, " said Chet to Andy. "Those fellowsthought a cyclone struck them when we tossed 'em into the car. Theydon't know yet whether they're going or coming back, " and he laughed, his mates joining in. 

"Yes?" asked Andy, non-committally. 

"What's up?" asked Tom, curiously. "You don't act as though it had anyflavor for you. What's the matter?"

"Oh, well--nothing, " said Andy. "Come on, let's get back to the fire, and have a last song. Then I'm going to pack. I want to leave on thatearly train in the morning. "

"Same here. Come on, boys. Whoop her up once more for Old Milton, andthen we'll say good-bye. "

"I know what ails Andy, " spoke Tom in a low tone to Frank, walking alongarm in arm with him. 

"What?"

"It's about that fellow Gaffington. Andy's sorry he had a run-in withhim, and I don't blame Andy. He had trouble before, and this will onlyadd to it. And that Gaffington is just mean enough, and small-spiritedenough, to make trouble for Andy down there at Yale. He's a sport--butone of the tin-horn brand. I don't blame Andy for wishing it had beensomeone else. "

"Oh, well, here's hoping, " said Frank. "We all have our troubles. "

"But those fellows won't trouble us again to-night, " declared Chet, laughing. "They'll be glad to go home and get in bed. "

"Did you know any of 'em, Andy, except Gaffington?" asked Tom. 

"No, the others were strangers to me. "

"How do you reckon they got here, all the way from New Haven?"

"Oh, they didn't come from Yale, " declared Andy. "The university closedlast week, you know. Probably Mort had some of his chums out to visithim in Dunmore. That was his car. And he wanted to show 'em the sights, and let 'em see he could run all over little Milton, so he brought 'emout here. It isn't such a run from Dunmore, you know. "

"I reckon that's it, " agreed Tom. "Well, they got more than they werelooking for, that's one consolation. Now boys, whoop her up for thelast time. "

Again they gathered about the blazing fire, and sang their farewellsong. 

The annual celebration was drawing to a close. Another group of ladswould leave Milton to go out into the world, mounting upward yet anotherstep. From then on the ways of many who had been jolly good comradestogether would diverge. Some might cross again; others be as wide apartas the poles. 

The fire died down. The big piano box commandeered by "Swipes" was but aheap of ashes. The fun was over. 

There were cheers for the departing senior lads, who, in turn, cheeredthe others who would take their places. Then came tributes to theindustrious freshmen. 

"Good night! Good night! Good night!" was shouted on all sides. 

Less and less brilliant grew the fire. Now it was but a heap of glowingcoals that would soon be gray, dead and cold ashes, typical in a way, ofthe passing of the senior boys. And yet, phoenix-like, from these sameashes would spring up a new fire--a fire in the hearts that would neverdie out. Such are school friendships. 

Of course there were forbidden little feasts in the various rooms tomark the close of the term--spreads to which monitors, janitors andprofessors discreetly closed their eyes. 

Andy and his friends gathered in his apartment for a last chat. Theywere to journey to their home town on the morrow and then would soonseparate for the long summer vacation. 

"Well, it was a rare old celebration!" sighed Tom, as he flopped on thebed. 

"It sure was!" agreed Chet, with conviction. "I hope I have as much funas this if I go to Harvard. "

"Same here, only I think I'll make mine Princeton, " added Ben. "Oh, butit's sort of hard to leave Milton!"

"Right you are, " came from Andy, who was opening ginger ale and sodawater. 

And, after a time, quiet settled down over the school, and Dr. Morrisonand his colleagues breathed freely again. Milton had stood steadfastthrough another assault of "bonfire night. "

The next morning there were confused goodbyes, multiplied promises towrite, or to call, vows never to forget, and protestations of eternalfriendship. There were arrangements made for camping, boating, trampingand other forms of vacation fun. There were dates made for assemblingnext year. There was a confused rushing to and fro, a looking up of thetime of trains, hurried searches for missing baggage. 

And, after much excitement, Andy and his chums found themselves in thesame car bound for Dunmore. They settled back in their seats with sighsof relief. 

"Hear anything more of Mort and his crowd?" asked Tom of Andy. 

"Not a thing. "

"I did, " spoke Chet. "They were nearly arrested for making a row in townafter we got through with 'em. "

"Hum!" mused Andy. "I s'pose Mort will blame me for that, too. Well, nouse worrying until I have to. "

At Churchtown, where the train stopped to give the boys at least a lastremembrance of Kelly's place, several passengers got on. Among them wasa young man who seemed familiar to Andy and his chums. A second lookconfirmed it. 

"Why, that's the Bardon chap we took away from that farmer!" exclaimedFrank. 

"That's right!" cried Andy. "Hello, Link!" he called genially. "What youdoing here?"

"Oh, how are you?" asked the farm lad. "Glad to see you all again, " andhe nodded to each one in turn. He did not at all presume on hisacquaintance with them, and was about to pass on, when Andy said:

"Sit down. How's your arm?"

"Oh much better, thank you. I've been working steadily since you helpedme. "

"That's good. Where are you bound for now?" went on Andy. 

"Why, I'm going to look up an uncle of mine I haven't seen in years. Ihear he has a big farm, and I thought I'd like to work for him. "

"Where is it?" asked Andy. 

"In a place called Wickford, Connecticut. "

"Wickford!" exclaimed Andy. "Why that's near New Haven, and Yale--whereI'm going this fall. Maybe I'll see you there, Link. "

"Maybe, " assented the young farmer, and then, declining Andy'sinvitation to sit with the school lads, he passed on down the caraisle. 

CHAPTER VIII

OFF FOR YALE

Andy Blair had signed for Yale University. He had, as before noted, communicated to his father his desire to attend the New Haveninstitution, and Mr. Blair, who had given his son a free hand in thematter, had acquiesced. 

Milton was well known among the various preparatory schools, and herfinal examinations admitted to Yale with few other formalities. So Andyhad no trouble on that score, save in a few minor matters, which wereeasily cleared up. 

He had matriculated, and all that remained was to select a room ordormitory. He had been studying over a Yale catalog, and looking at theaccompanying map which gave the location of the various buildings. 

"Now the question is, " said Andy, talking it over with the folks athome, "the question is do I want to go to a private house and room, orhad I better take a place in one of the Halls. I rather like the idea ofa Hall room myself--Wright for choice--but of course that might costmore than going to a private house. "

"If it's a question of cost, don't let that stand in the way, " repliedMr. Blair, generously. "I'm not given to throwing money away, Andy, myboy, and a college education isn't a cheap thing, no matter how you lookat it. But it's worth all it costs, I believe, and I want you to havethe best. 

"If you can get more into the real life of Yale by having a room inWright Hall, or in any of the college dormitories, why do so. There'ssomething in being right on the ground, so to speak. You can absorb somuch more. "

"Good for you, Dad!" cried Andy. "You're a real sport. Then I vote for aHall. I'll take a run down and see what I can arrange. "

"But wouldn't a private house be quieter?" suggested Mrs. Blair. "Youknow you'll have to do lots of studying, Andy, and if you get in a bigbuilding with a lot of other students they may annoy you. "

"Oh, I guess, Mother, " said Bertha, Andy's sister, "that he'll do hisshare of annoying, too. "

"Come again, Sis. Get out your little hammer, and join the anvilchorus!" sarcastically commented Andy. 

"No, but really, " went on Mrs. Blair, "wouldn't a private house bequieter, Andy?"

"Not much more so, I believe, " spoke the prospective Yale freshman. "When there's any excitement going on those in the private houses getas much of it as those in the college buildings. But, as a matter offact, when there's nothing on--like a big game or some of therushes--Yale is as quiet as the average Sunday school. 

"Why, the day I was there I walked all around and nothing happened. Thefellows came and went, and seemed very quiet, not to say meek. I walkedover the campus, and I expected every minute some big brute of asophomore would smash my hat down over my eyes, and give a 'Rah! Rah!'yell. But nothing like that happened. It was sort of disappointing. "

"Well, you need quiet if you're going to study, " went on Mrs. Blair. Shehad an idea that Yale was a sort of higher-grade boarding school, itseemed. 

"Then I'll decide on Wright Hall, " remarked Andy. "That is, if I can getin. "

Then followed some correspondence which resulted in Andy being informedthat a room on the campus side of Wright Hall, and on the second floor, was available. The only trouble was that it was a double room, and Andywould have to share it with another student. 

"Hum!" he exclaimed when he had this information. "Now I'm up against itonce more. Who can I get to go in with me? I don't want to take a totalstranger, and yet I guess I'll have to. "

"You might advertise for a roommate?" suggested his mother. 

"I guess they don't do things that way at Yale, " spoke Andy, with asmile. 

"Why don't you wait until you get there, and maybe you'll find somebodyin the same fix you are?" asked Bertha. 

"I guess that is good advice, " remarked Andy. "I'll take a run downthere some time before term opening, and maybe I can get some nice chapwished on me. If Tom, or Chet, or some of the Milton lads, were comingto Yale it would be all right. "

"Didn't any of them pick out Yale?" asked Mr. Blair. 

"Not as far as I know. "

"Oh, well, I guess you'll make out all right, son. A good roommate is afine companion to have, so I hope you won't be disappointed. But there'sno hurry. "

The long summer vacation was at hand. Andy's people were to go to a lakeresort, and soon after coming home from Milton, Andy, with his motherand sister, was installed in a comfortable cottage. Mr. Blair would comeup over week-ends. 

Chet Anderson and Tom Hatfield were at a nearby resort, so Andy knew hewas in for a good summer of fun. And he was not disappointed. He and hischums spent much time on the water, living in their bathing suits forwhole days at a time. But I will not weary you with a description of thevarious things they did. Sufficient to say that the vacation was like agood many others Andy had enjoyed, and expected to enjoy again. Nothingin particular happened. 

The Summer wore on. The dog-days came and there loomed in the distancethe Fall months. Tom had called on Andy one day, and they went out inthe canoe together. 

"Well, it will soon be study-grind again, " remarked Tom, as he sent thelight boat under a fringe of bushes out of the sun. 

"Yes, and I won't be sorry, " spoke Andy. "I'm anxious to see what lifeat Yale is like. I've got to take a run down in a week or so, to fix upabout my room. You haven't heard of anyone I know who is going to be afreshman there; do you?"

"No, but I saw an old friend of yours the other day. "

"You did! Who?"

"Remember that little actress you did the fireman-save-my-child act forthis Spring?"

"Miss Fuller? Sure I do. Did you see her?"

"I did. "

"Where?"

"Oh, at a vaudeville theater. She remembered me, too. "

"Did she ask for me?"

"Naturally. I told her you were going to Yale, and she said she mightsee you there. "

"How?"

"Why, she's playing a couple of weeks early in October at Poli's. Youwant to look her up. "

"I sure will. You saw the mackinaw she sent me?"

"Yes, it'll come in handy for Yale. I wish I was with you, but I'mwished on to Cornell--I yell!"

"Oh, well, we can't all go to the same place, but it sure would be fineif we could. "

Then they began to talk of the old days at Milton, until the shadowslengthened over the lake and it was time to paddle back to the cottage. 

Andy took a run down to New Haven the next week, and made his finalarrangements. He was walking about the now deserted quadrangle, lookingup at the window of the room he had selected in Wright Hall, when he wasaware that a youth of his own age was doing the same thing. 

Something seemed to attract Andy to this stranger. There was a frank, open, ingenuous look in his face that Andy liked. And there was that inthe air and manner of the lad which told he came of no common stock. Hisclothing betokened the work of a fashionable tailor, though the garmentswere quiet, and just a shade off the most up-to-date mode. 

"Are you a student here?" asked the stranger of Andy. 

"No, but I expect to be. I'm going to start in. "

"So am I. Chamber is my name--Duncan Chamber, though I'm always calledDunk for short. "

"Glad to know you. My name's Blair--Andy Blair. "

They shook hands, and then followed the usual embarrassed pause. Neitherknew what to say next. Finally Duncan broke the silence by asking:

"Got your room yet?"

"Up there, " and Andy pointed to it. 

"Gee! That's all right--a peach! I'm up a stump myself. "

"How so?"

"Well, I've about taken one in Pierson Hall, but it's a double one, andI've got to share it with a fellow I don't take much of a leaning to. He's a stranger to me. I like it better here, though. Better view of thecampus. "

Andy took a sudden resolve. 

"I'm about in the same boat, " he said. "That's a double room of mine upthere in Wright, and I haven't a chum yet. I don't know what to do. Ofcourse I'm a stranger to you, but if you'd like to share my joint----"

"Friend Andy, say no more!" interrupted Duncan. "Lead me to thyapartment!"

Andy laughed. He was liking this youth more and more every minute. 

The room was inspected. Andy was still the only one who had engaged it. 

"It suits me to a T if I suit you, " exclaimed Duncan. "What do you say, Blair? Shall we hitch it up?"

"I'm willing. "

"Shake!"

They shook. Thus was the pact made, a union of friends that was to havea strange effect on both. 

"Now that's settled I'll call the Pierson game off, " said Dunk, as weshall call him from now on. "I'm wished onto you, Blair. "

"I'm glad of it!"

The final arrangements were made, and thus Andy had his new roommate. They went to dinner together, and planned to do all sorts of possibleand impossible things when the term should open. 

Andy returned to the Summer cottage with the good news, and then beganbusy days for him. He replenished his stock of clothes and otherpossessions and selected his favorite bats and other sportingaccessories with which to decorate his room. He had a big pennantenscribed with the name MILTON, and this was to drape one side wall. Dunk Chamber was from Andover, and his school colors would flauntthemselves on the opposite side of the room. 

And then the day came. 

Andy, spruce and trim in a new suit, had sent on his trunk, and, withhis valise in hand, bade his parents and sister good-bye. 

The family was still at the summer cottage, which would not be closedfor another month. Then they would go back to Dunmore. 

Yale was calling to Andy, and one hazy September morning he took thetrain that, by dint of making several changes, would land him in NewHaven. 

"And at Yale!" murmured Andy as the engine puffed away from the dingystation. "I'm off for Yale at last!"

CHAPTER IX

ON THE CAMPUS

Andy's train rolled into the New Haven station shortly before dusk. Onthe way the new student had been surreptitiously "sizing up" certainother young men in the car with him, trying to decide whether or notthey were Yale students. One was, he had set that down as certain--aquiet, studious-looking lad, who seemed poring over a book and papers. 

Then Andy, making an excuse to get a drink of water, passed his seat andlooked at the documents. They were a mass of bills which the young manevidently had for collection. 

"Stung!" murmured Andy. "But he sure did look like a Yale senior. " Hewas yet to learn that college men are not so different from ordinarymortals as certain sensational writers would have had him believe. 

There was the usual bustle and rush of alighting passengers. Now indeedAndy was sure that a crowd of students had come up on the train with himfor, once out of the cars their exuberance manifested itself. 

There were greetings galore from one to another. Renewals of pastacquaintance came from every side. There were hearty clappings on thebacks of scores and scores, and re-clappings in turn. 

Youths were tumbling out here, there, everywhere, colliding with oneanother, bumping up against baggage trucks, running through the station, one or two stopping to snatch a hasty cup of coffee and some doughnutsfrom the depot restaurant. 

Andy stood almost lost for the moment amid the excitement. It had comeon suddenly. He had never dreamed there were so many Yale men on thetrain. They gave no evidence of it until they had reached their ownprecincts. 

Then, like a dog that hesitates to bark until he is within the confinesof his own yard, they "cut loose. "

Taxicab chauffeurs were bawling for customers. Hackmen with ancienthorses sent out their call of:

"Keb! Keb! Hack, sir! Have a keb!"

The motor bus of the Hotel Taft was being jammed with prosperous lookingindividuals. Around the curve swept the clanging trolley cars. 

"I guess I'll walk, " mused Andy. "I want to get my mind straightenedout. "

He managed to locate an expressman to whom he gave the check for histrunk, with directions where to send it. Then, gripping his valise, which contained enough in the way of clothing and other accessories tosee him through the night, in case his baggage was delayed, our herostarted up State Street. 

In the distance he could see, looming up, the lighted top stories of theHotel Taft, and he knew that from those same stories one could look downon the buildings and campus at Yale. It thrilled him as he had not beenthrilled before on any of his visits to this great American university. 

He paid no attention to those about him. The sidewalks, damp with thehazy dew of the coming September night, were thronged with pedestrians. Many of them were college students, as Andy could tell by their talk. 

On he swung, breathing in deep of the air of dusk. He squared back hisshoulders and raised his head, widening his nostrils to take in the air, as his eyes and ears absorbed the other impressions of the place. 

Past the stores, the hotels, the moving picture places Andy went, untilhe came to where Chapel Street cuts across State. At the corner aconfectionery store thrust out its rounded doorway, and in the windowswere signs of various fountain drinks. 

"A hot chocolate wouldn't be so bad, " thought Andy. "It's a bit chilly. "

He went in rather diffidently, wondering if some of the pretty girlslined up along the marble counter knew that he was a Yale man. 

He heard a titter of laughter and grew red behind the ears, fearing itmight be directed against him. 

But no one seemed to notice him, the girl who passed him out his checkmaking change as nonchalantly as though he was but the veriest travelingman instead of a Yale student. 

"Very blasé, probably, " thought Andy, with a sense of resentment. 

He stood on the steps a moment as he came out, and then walked towardthe Green, with its great elm trees, now looming mistily in theSeptember haze. 

Three churches on Temple street seemed to stand as a sort of guard infront of the college buildings that loomed behind them. Three silent andclosed churches they were. 

Up Chapel street walked Andy, and he came to a stop on College street, opposite Phelps Gateway. Through the gathering dusk he could make outthe inscription over it:

LUX ET VERITAS

"That's it! That's what I came here for, " he said. "Light and truth!Oh, but it's great! Great!"

He drew in a long breath, and stood for a moment contemplating thebeautiful outlines of the college buildings. 

"Oh, but I'm glad I'm here!" he whispered. 

Other students were pouring through the classic gateway. Andy crossedthe street and joined them. Already lights were beginning to glow inLawrance and Farnam Halls, where the sophomores had their rooms. Andycould see some of them lolling on cushions in their window seats. Yaleblue cushions, they were. 

He passed in through the gateway, his footsteps clanging back to hisears, reflected by the arch overhead. He emerged onto the campus, andstarted across it toward Wright Hall, with its raised courtyard, and itscurtained windows of blue. 

"I wonder if Dunk is there yet?" thought Andy. "Hope he is. Oh, it'sYale at last! Yale! Yale!"

He breathed in deep of the night air. He looked at the shadows of theelectric lights of the campus filtering through the trees. He paused amoment. 

A confusion of sounds came to him. Outside the quadrangle in which hestood he could hear the hum of the busy city--the clang of trolleys, the clatter of horses, the hoarse croak of auto horns. Within theprecincts of the college buildings he could hear the hum of voices. Nowand then came the tinkle of a piano or the vibration of a violin. Thenthere were shouts. 

"Oh, you, Pop! Stick out your head!"

The call of one student to another. 

"I wonder if they'll ever call me?" mused Andy. 

He started across the campus. Coming toward him were several darkfigures. Andy met them under a light, and started back. Before he had achance to speak someone shouted at him:

"There he is now! The freshest of the fresh! Take off that hat!"

It was Mortimer Gaffington. 

CHAPTER X

MISSING MONEY

For a moment Andy stood there, not knowing what to do or say. It was sounexpected, and yet he knew he must meet Mortimer at Yale--meet andperhaps clash with the lad who was now a sophomore--the lad who had suchgood cause now to dislike Andy. 

On his part the young "swell" leered into Andy's face, then glancedsidelong at the youths who accompanied him. Andy recognized them as thesame who had been in the auto that night of the bonfire at Milton. 

"That's he!" exclaimed Mortimer; then to Andy: "I didn't think I'd meetyou quite so soon, Blair! So you're here, eh?"

"Yes, " answered Andy. 

"Put a 'sir' on that!" commanded one of the other lads. 

"Yes--sir!"

Andy took his own time with the last word. He knew the rites and customsof Yale, at least by hearsay, and was willing to abide by the unwrittenlaws that make a first-year man demean himself to the upperclassmen. Itwould not last long. 

"That's better, " commented the third lad. "Never forget yourmanners--er--what's your name?"

"Blair. "

"Sir!" snapped the one who had first reminded Andy of the lapse. 

"Sir!"

"You know him, " put in Mortimer. "The fellow who put us out of the auto, eh?"

"Oh, sure, I remember now. Nervy little rat! It's a wonder I rememberanything that happened that night. We were pretty well pickled. Oh, land, yes!"

He seemed proud of it. 

"Take off that hat!" commanded Mortimer. "Don't forget you're a freshmanhere. "

"And a fresh freshman, too, " added one of his chums. "Take it off!"

Andy was perfectly willing to abide by this unwritten law also, anddoffed his derby. He made a mental note that as soon as he could hewould get a cap, or soft hat, such as he saw other students wearing. 

"The brute has some manners, " commented one of the trio. 

"I'll teach him some more before I get through with him!" mutteredMortimer. He, as well as his two companions, seemed to have been dining, "not wisely but too well. "

"Anything more?" asked Andy, good-naturedly. He knew that he must put upwith insults, if need be, from Mortimer; for he realized that, in a way, class distinction at Yale is strong in its unwritten laws, and he wantedto do as the others did. It takes much nerve to vary from the customsand traditions of any country or place, more especially a big college. And Andy knew his turn would come. 

He also knew that it was all done in good-natured fun, and really withthe best intentions. For a first-year man is very likely to become whathis name indicates--fresh--and there is need of toning down. 

Besides, it is discipline that is good for the soul, and somewhatnecessary. It makes for good in after life, in most cases, though ofcourse there are some exceptions. Hazing, after all, is designed, primarily, to bring out a candidate's character. A lad who will give wayto his temper if made to take off his hat to one perhaps below him insocial station, or if he sulks when tossed in a blanket--such a lad, inafter life, is very apt to do the same thing when he has to knuckleunder to a business rival, or to go into a passion when he receives thehard knocks of life. So, then, hazing, if not carried to extremes, hasits uses in adversity, and Andy had sense enough to realize this. So hewas ready for what might come. 

He knew, also, that Mortimer might, and probably would, be actuated by amean spirit, and a desire for what he might think was revenge. But hewas only one of a large number of college youths. Andy was willing totake his chances. 

Andy looked over toward Wright Hall, with its raised courtyard. Lightswere gleaming in the windows, and he fancied he could see his own roomaglow. 

"I hope Dunk is there, " he thought. 

"Shall we put him through the paces?" asked one of Mortimer's companionssuggestively, nodding at Andy. 

"Not to-night. We've got something else on, " answered the society swell. "Trot along, Blair, and don't forget what we've told you. I'll see youagain, " he added, significantly. 

The trio had come to a stop some little distance from Andy, and hadstood with arms linked. Now they were ready to proceed. On the variouswalks, that traversed the big campus in the quadrangle of Yale, otherstudents were hurrying to and fro, some going to their rooms, otherscoming from them. Some were going towards their eating clubs or to theUniversity dining hall. And Andy was feeling hungry. 

"Well, come on, " urged Mortimer to his companions. "I guess we'vestarted this freshman on the right road. Just see that you follow it, Blair. I'll be watching you. "

"And I'll be watching you!" thought Andy. And at that moment he wasgazing intently at Gaffington. As he looked, Andy saw something fallfrom below the flap of the coat of one of the trio, and land softly onthe pavement. It fell limp, making no noise. 

One of Mortimer's companions, who, Andy afterward learned, was Leonard, or "Len, " Scott, reached his hand into his pocket, and brought it outwith a strange look on his face. 

"Hello!" he exclaimed, blankly, "my wallet's gone!"

"Gone!" exclaimed the other, Clarence Boyle by name. "Are you sure youhad it?"

"I sure did!" said Len, feeling in various pockets. "Just cashed acheck, too!"

"Come on back to your room and have a look for it, " suggested Mortimerpulling his chum half-way around. "If it's gone I can lend you some. I'mflush to-night. "

"But I'm sure I had it, " went on Len. "I remember feeling it just as wecame out of Lawrance. I had about fifty dollars in it!"

"Whew!" whistled Mortimer. "Some little millionaire, you are, Len. Nevermind, I can let you have twenty-five if you need it. " Andy knew thatMortimer's father was reputed to be several times a millionaire. 

"But I don't like to lose that, " went on Len. "I guess I will go backand have a look in my shack. If I can't find it I'll stick up a notice. "

"You might have dropped it when we met that other bunch of freshmen andhad the little argument with them about their hats, " suggested Clarence. 

"That's right, " went on Mortimer, still pulling on Len's arm, as thoughto get him away from the spot. "Maybe one of the freshmen frisked it offyou, " he added, looking at Andy. 

By this time the trio had turned half-way around, evidently to go backto Scott's room and look for the missing pocketbook. Andy had a clearview of the object that had fallen from under the coat of one of them. 

"There is something, " the freshman said, pointing to the object on thepavement. "I saw one of you drop it. Perhaps it is the pocketbook. "

Len wheeled and made a grab for it. 

"That's mine!" he cried. "It must have worked up out of my pocket andfallen. Thanks!" he added, warmly, to Andy. 

With a quick motion Len opened his wallet. A strange look came over hisface as he cried:

"It's empty!"

"Empty!" gasped Mortimer. "Let's see!"

He leaned forward, as did Clarence, all three staring into the openedpocketbook. Andy looked on curiously. 

"It was one of those freshmen!" declared Mortimer, with conviction. "They must have slipped their hand up in your coat when we were friskingthem, and taken out the money. "

"But how could they when I still had the pocketbook?" asked Len, muchpuzzled. 

"They must have taken out the bills, and put the wallet back, " went onMortimer, quickly. "They didn't get it all the way in your pocket and ittumbled out when you were standing here. Lucky we noticed it or wewouldn't have known what happened. Come on back. We'll find thosefreshmen. "

And, without another look at Andy, they wheeled and hurried across thecampus toward Vanderbilt Hall. 

"Huh! That's queer!" mused Andy, as he continued on his way towardWright. "I'm glad I saw that wallet when I did. "

CHAPTER XI

"ROUGH HOUSE"

"Oh, you, Dunk!"

"Stick out your noodle, Chamber!"

"Where are you?"

These were the cries that greeted Andy as he entered the passage leadingto his room in Wright Hall--the room he was to share with DuncanChamber. Down the hall he saw a group of lads who had evidently come torouse Andy's prospective chum. Somehow, our hero felt a little hurt thathe had to share his friend with others. But it was only momentarily. 

"Open up there, Dunk! Open up!"

Thus came the appeal, and fists banged on the door. It was opened acrack, and the rattle of a chain was heard. 

"Get on to the beggar!"

"He must think we're a bunch of sophs!"

"Don't be afraid, Dunky, we're only your sweethearts!"

Thus the three callers gibed him. 

"Oh, it's you fellows, is it?" asked Chamber, flinging wide the door, and letting out a flood of light. "I thought I was in for a hazing, so Iwas keeping things on the safe side. Come on in. I'm just straighteningup. "

The three tumbled into the room. Andy followed, and at the sound of hisfootsteps coming to a pause outside the portal Dunk peered out. 

"Oh, hello, Blair!" he greeted, cordially! "I thought you were nevercoming! Put her there, old man! How are you?"

He caught Andy's hand in a firm pressure with a mighty slap, and hauledhim inside. 

"Fellows, here's my roommate!" went on Dunk. "Andy Blair. I hope you'lllike him as well as I do. Blair, these are some luckless freshmen likeourselves. Take 'em in the order of their beauty--Bob Hunter--never hitthe bull's eye in his life; Ted Wilson--just Ted, mostly; ThadWarburton--no end of a swell, and money to burn! Shake!"

They shook in turn, looking into each other's eyes with that quickappraising glance that means so much. Andy liked all three. He hopedthey would like him. 

"So this is your hangout, eh, Dunk?" asked Ted, when the littleformality of introduction was over. 

"Yes, Andy had this picked out and kindly agreed to share it with me. "

"I sure was glad to!" said Andy, heartily. 

"Some swell little joint, " commented Thad Warburton, looking around. 

"Wait until we get her fixed up, " advised Dunk. "Then we'll havesomething to show you! I haven't decided on a bed yet, " he added toDick. "Pick out the one you want. "

"I'm not particular. They all look alike to me. "

"Yes, they're just the same. Fed your face yet?"

"No, but I'm hungry. Thought I'd wait for you. "

"Say, where is your eating joint?" asked Thad. 

"I haven't picked out one yet, " answered Andy. "I was thinking of goingto the Hall----"

"Oh, that's no fun!" cried Bob. "Come with us. We have a swell place. Run by one of our Andover crowd. Good grub and a nice bunch of fellows. "

"I'm willing, " agreed Andy. 

"We could try it for a while, " assented Dunk, "and if we didn't like itwe could switch to the University Hall. What do you say, Andy?"

"I'm with you. The sooner the quicker. I'm starved. "

"All right, then, we'll let the room go until after grub. I was goingto stick up a few of my things, but they can wait. Get your trunk, Andy?"

"Did it come? I gave a man the check. "

"Not yet. Sounds like it now. "

There was a bumping and thumping out in the corridor, and an expressmancame in with Andy's baggage. It was stowed away in a corner and then thefive lads prepared to set out for the "eating joint. "

"It's around on York street, not far from Morey's, " volunteered Thad. 

"Oh, yes, Morey's!" exclaimed Andy. "I've heard lots about that joint. Iwish we could get in there. "

"No freshman need apply, " quoted Dunk, with a laugh. "That's for ourbetters. We'll get there some day. "

"Oh, I say----" began Ted, as they were about to go out. He looked atAndy rather queerly. 

"What is it?" asked our hero, with a frank laugh. "Am I togged upwrong?"

"Your--er--derby, " said Bob, obviously not liking to mention it. 

"Oh, yes, that's right!" chimed in Dunk. "Hope you don't mind, Andy, buta cap or a crusher would be in better form. "

Andy noticed that the others had on soft hats. 

"Sure, " he said. "I was going to get one. I had a soft hat at Milton, but it's all initialed, and covered with dates from down there. I don'tsuppose that would go here. "

"Hardly, " agreed Dunk. "I've got an odd one, though. Stick it on untilyou get yours, " and he hauled a soft hat from under a pile of things onhis dresser. 

Andy hung up his offending derby and clapped the other on the back ofhis head. Then the five sallied forth, locking the door behind them. 

Their feet echoed on the stone flagging of the open courtyard as theyheaded out on the campus. Past Dwight Hall, the home of the Young Men'sChristian Association, they went, out into High street and throughLibrary to York. The thoroughfares were thronged with many students now, for it was the hour for supper. 

Calls, cries, hails, gibes, comments and appeals were bandied back andforth. For it was the beginning of the term, and many of the new ladshad not yet found themselves or their places. It was all pleasurableexcitement and anticipation. 

Huddled close together, talking rapidly of many things they had seen, orhoped to see--of the things they had done or expected to do, Andy, Dunk, and their chums walked on to the eating place. Dunk informed Andy, in awhisper, that his three friends had been at Phillips Academy, inAndover, with him. 

"Over here!"

"This way!"

"Lots of room!"

"Shove in, Hunter!"

"There's Wilson!"

"Dunk Chamber, too! Oh, you, Dunk!"

"Oh! Thad Warburton, give us your eye!"

It was a call to health, and several lads arose holding aloft foamingmugs of beer. For a moment Andy's heart failed him. He did not drink, and he did not intend to, yet he realized that to refuse might be veryembarrassing. Yet he resolved on this course. 

There were more good-natured cries, and healths proposed, and then Andyand his companions found room at the table. Dunk introduced Andy toseveral lads. 

"Oh, you, Dunk, your eyes on us!"

Several lads called to him, holding aloft their steins. Dunk hesitated amoment and then, with a quick glance at Andy, let his glass be filled. Rising, he gave the pledge and drank. 

Andy felt a tug at his heart strings. He was not a crank, nor a sticklerfor forms or reforms, yet he had made up his mind never to touchintoxicants. And it gave him a shock to find his roommate taking thestuff. 

"Well, he's his own master, " thought Andy. "It's up to him!"

And then, amid that gay scene--not at all riotous--there came to Andythe memory of a half-forgotten lesson. 

"Am I my brother's keeper?"

Andy wanted to close his mind to it, but that one question seemed torepeat itself over and over again to him. 

"Have some beer?"

The voice of a waiter was whispering to him. 

"No--not to-night, " said Andy, softly. And what a relief he felt. No oneseemed to notice him, nor was his refusal looked upon as strange. Thenhe noticed with a light heart that only a few of the lads, and the olderones at that, were taking the beverage. Andy noticed, too, with morerelief, that Dunk only took one glass. 

The meal went on merrily, and then Andy and Dunk, refusing manyinvitations to come to the rooms of friends, or downtown to a show, wentto their own room. 

"Let's get it in shape, " proposed Dunk. 

"Sure, " agreed Andy, and they set to work. 

Each one had brought from home certain trophies--mementoes of schoollife--and these soon adorned the walls. Then there were banners andpennants, sofa cushions--the gift of certain girls--and photographsgalore. 

"Well, I call this some nifty little joint!" exclaimed Dunk, steppingback to admire the effect of the photograph of a pretty girl he hadfastened on the wall. 

"It sure is, " agreed Andy, who was himself putting up a picture. 

"I say, who's that?" asked Dunk, indicating it. "She's some littlelooker, if you don't mind me saying so. "

"My sister. "

"Congrats! I'd like to meet her. "

"Maybe--some day. "

"Who's this--surely not your sister?" asked Dunk, indicating anotherpicture. "I seem to know her. "

"She's a vaudeville actress, Miss Fuller. "

"Oh, ho! So that's the way the wind blows, is it? Say, you are goingsome, Andy. "

"Nothing doing! I happened to save her from a fire----"

"Save her from a fire! Worse and more of it. I must tell this to theboys!"

"Oh, it wasn't anything, " and Andy explained. "She sent me a mackinaw inplace of my burned coat, and her picture was in the pocket. I kept it. "

"I should think you would. She's a peach, and clever, too, I understand. She's billed at Poli's. "

"Yes, I'm going to see her. "

"Take me around, will you?"

"Sure, if you like. "

"I like all right. Hark, someone's coming!" and Dunk slipped to the doorand put on the chain. 

"What's the matter?" asked Andy. 

"Oh, the sophs are around and may come in and make a rough house anyminute. "

But the approaching footsteps did not prove to be those of vengefulsophomores. They were the three friends, Bob, Thad, and Ted, who weresoon admitted. 

As they were sitting about and talking there was a commotion out in thehall. The door, which Dunk had neglected to chain after the admission ofhis friends, was suddenly burst open, and in came, with a rush, MortimerGaffington and several other sophomores. 

"Rough house!" was their rallying cry. 

"Rough house for the freshies!"

"Rough house!"

CHAPTER XII

A FIERCE TACKLE

Andy and his chums were taken completely by surprise. The approach ofMortimer and the other sophomores had been so silent that no warning hadbeen given. 

Immediately on gaining admittance to the room the intruders begantossing things about. They pulled open the drawers of the dresser, scattering the garments all over. They tore down pictures from the wallsand ripped off the banners and pennants. 

"Rough house!" they kept repeating. "Rough house on the freshmen!"

One of the sophomores pushed Bob and Ted over on Andy's bed, together. 

Then Gaffington pulled from his pocket a handful of finely chopped paperof various colors--"confetti"--and scattered it in a shower overeveryone and everything. 

"Snow, snow! beautiful snow!" he declaimed. "Shiver, freshmen!"

A momentary pause ensued. Andy and his chums were getting back theirbreaths. 

"Well, why don't you shiver?" demanded Mortimer. "That's snow--beautifulsnow--all sorts of colored snow! Shiver, I tell you! It's snowing!Little Eva in Uncle Tom's Cabin--Eliza crossing the ice! Shiver now, youfreshmen, shiver!"

He was laughing in a silly sort of way. 

"That's right--shiver!" commanded some of Mortimer's companions. 

"Well, what are you waiting for?" jeered the society swell at Andy. "Whydon't you shiver?"

"I've forgotten how, " said Andy, calmly. 

"Hang you, _shiver_!" and Mortimer fairly howled out the word. Hestarted toward Andy, with raised arm and clenched fist. 

Among the possessions disturbed by the intruders was Andy's favoritebaseball bat, which he had brought with him. Instinctively, as heretreated a step, his fingers clutched it. He swung it around and heldit in readiness. Mortimer recoiled, and Andy, seeing his advantage, cried:

"Get out of here! All of you. Come on, fellows, put 'em out!"

He raised the bat above his head, without the least intention in theworld of using it, but the momentum swung it from his hand and it struckMortimer on the forehead. 

The lad who had led the "rough house" attack staggered for a moment, and then, blubbering, sank down in a heap on the floor. 

A sudden silence fell. In an instant Andy had sunk down on his kneesbeside his enemy and was feeling his pulse and heart. There was only aslight bruise on the forehead. 

"You--you've killed him!" whimpered one of the sophomores. 

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Dunk. "He's only over-excited. " This was puttingit mildly. Mortimer had been "celebrating, " and had really fainted. "That was only a love tap, " went on Dunk. "Chuck a little water in hisface and he'll be all right. "

This was done and proved to be just what was needed. Mortimer opened hiseyes. 

"What--what happened?" he asked, weakly. "Where--where am I?"

"Where you don't belong, " replied Dunk, sharply. "It's your move--getout!"

"You--you struck me!" went on Mortimer, accusingly to Andy. 

"No, indeed, I did not! I thought you were coming for me, and so Iraised the bat. It slipped. "

"I guess that's right, old man, " said one of the sophomores, frankly. "Isaw it. Mort has been going it too heavily. We'll get him out of here. No offense, I hope, " and he looked around the dismantled room. "This isthe usual thing. "

"Oh, all right, " said Dunk. "We're not kicking. I guess we held up ourend. "

"You sure did, " returned one of the sophomores, as he glanced at thewilted Mortimer. "Come on, fellows. "

Andy, feeling easier now that he was sure Mortimer was not badly hurt, looked at the other lads. Two of them he recognized as the ones who hadbeen with Gaffington when the loss of the money was discovered. Andywondered whether it had been found, but he did not like to ask. 

"I--I'll get you for this! I'll fix you!" growled Mortimer, as his chumsled him out of the room. "You--you----" and he swayed unsteadily, gazing at Andy. 

"Oh, dry up and come on!" advised Len Scott. "We'll go downtown and havesome fun. "

They withdrew and the dazed freshmen began helping Andy and Dunkstraighten up the room. It took some time and it was late when theyfinished. Then, thinking the day had been strenuous enough, Andy andDunk declined invitations to go out, and got ready for bed. 

So ended Andy's first day at Yale. 

There was a hurried run to chapel next morning, and Andy, who had tofinish arranging his scarf on the way, found that he was not the onlytag-ender. Chapel was not over-popular. 

That Len Scott did not recover his lost money was made evident the nextday, for there were several notices posted in various places offering areward for the return of the bills. Andy heard, indirectly, that Len andMortimer made half-accusations against the freshmen they had "frisked"earlier in the evening, and had been soundly trounced for theirimpudence. 

Andy told Dunk of his connection in the affair and was advised to keepquiet, which Andy thought wise to do. But the loss of the money did notseem to be of much permanent annoyance to Len, for a few days later hewas again spending royally. 

Andy began now to settle down to his life at Yale. He was dulyestablished in his room with Dunk, and it was the congregating place ofmany of their freshmen friends. Andy and Dunk continued to eat at the"joint" in York street, though our hero made up his mind that he wouldshift to University Hall at the first opportunity. He hoped Dunk wouldcome with him, but that was rather doubtful. 

"I can try, anyhow, " thought Andy. 

Our hero did not find the lessons and lectures easy. There was a spiritof hard work at Yale as he very soon found out, and he had not as muchleisure time as he had anticipated, which, perhaps, was a good thing forhim. But Andy wanted to do well, and he applied himself at first withsuch regularity that he was in danger of becoming known as a "dig. " Buthe was just saved from that by the influence of Dunk, who took matters alittle easier. 

Following the episode of the "rough house, " Andy did not see Mortimerfor several days, and when he did meet him the latter took no notice ofour hero. 

"I'm just as pleased, " Andy thought. "Only it looks as though he'd makemore trouble. "

Candidates for the football team had been called for, and, as Andy hadmade good at Milton, he decided to try for at least a place on thefreshman team. 

So then, one crisp afternoon, in company with other candidates, allrather in fear and trembling, he hopped aboard a trolley to go out toYale Field. 

Dunk was with him, as were also Bob, Ted, and Thad, who likewise hadhopes. There was talk and laughter, and admiring and envying glanceswere cast at the big men--those who had played on the varsity team lastyear. They were like the lords of creation. 

The car stopped near the towering grandstands that hemmed in thegridiron, and Andy swarmed with the others into the dressing rooms. 

"Lively now!" snapped Holwell, one of the coaches. "Get out on thefield, you fellows, and try tackling the dummy. "

A grotesque figure hung from a cross beam, and against this thecandidates hurled themselves, endeavoring to clasp the elusive knees ina hard tackle. There were many failures, some of the lads missing thefigure entirely and sliding along on their faces. Andy did fairly well, but if he looked for words of praise he was disappointed. 

This practice went on for several days, and then came other gridironwork, falling on the ball, punting and drop kicking. Andy was no star, but he managed to stand out among the others, and there was no lack ofmaterial that year. 

Then came scrimmage practice, the tentative varsity eleven lining upagainst the scrub. With all his heart Andy longed to get into this, butfor days he sat on the bench and watched others being called before him. But he did not neglect practice on this account. 

Then, one joyful afternoon he heard his name called by the coach. 

"Get in there at right half and see what you can go, " was snapped athim. "Don't fuddle the signals--smash through--follow the interference, and keep your eyes on the ball. Blake, give him the signals. "

The scrub quarter took him to one side and imparted a simple code usedat practice. 

"Now, scrub, take the ball, " snapped the coach, "and see what you cando. "

There was a quick line-up. Andy was trembling, but he managed to holdhimself down. He looked over at the varsity. To his surprise Mortimerwas being tried at tackle. 

"Ready!" shrilly called the scrub quarter. "Signal--eighteen--forty-seven--shift--twenty-one--nineteen--"

It was the signal for Andy to take the ball through right tackle andguard. He received the pigskin and with lowered head and hunchedshoulders shot forward. He saw a hole torn in the varsity line for him, and leaped through it. The opening was a good one, and the coach ravedat the fatal softness of the first-team players. Andy saw his chance andsprinted forward. 

But the next instant, after covering a few yards, he was fiercelytackled by Mortimer, who threw him heavily. He fell on Andy, and thebreath seemed to leave our hero. His eyes saw black, and there was aringing in his ears as of many bells. 

CHAPTER XIII

BARGAINS

"That's enough! Get up off him! Don't you know enough, Gaffington, totell when a man's down?"

Andy heard the sharp voice of the coach, Holwell, but the tones seemedto come from a great distance. 

"Water here!"

"Somebody's keeled over!"

"It's that freshman, Blair. Plucky little imp, too!"

"Who tackled him?"

"Gaffington. Took him a bit high and fell on him!"

"Oh, well, this is football; it isn't kindergarten beanbag. "

Dimly Andy heard these comments. He opened his eyes, only to close themagain as he felt a dash of cold water in his face. 

"Feel all right now?"

It was the voice of the coach in his ears. Andy felt himself beinglifted to his feet. His ears rang, and he could not see clearly. Therewas a confused mass of forms about him, and the ground seemed to reelbeneath his feet. 

Then like another dash of cold water came the thought to him, sharplyand clearly:

"This isn't playing the game! If I'm going to go over like this everytime I'm tackled I'll never play for Yale. Brace up!"

By sheer effort of will Andy brought his staggering senses back. 

"I--I'm all right, " he panted. "Sort of a solar plexus knock, I guess. "

"That's the way to talk!" exclaimed the coach, grimly. "Now then, fellows, hit it up. Where's that ball? Oh, you had it, did you, Blair?That's right, whatever happens, keep the ball! Get into the play now. Varsity, tear up that scrub line! What's the matter with you, anyhow?You're letting 'em go right through you. Smash 'em! Smash 'em good andhard. All right now, Blair?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Get in the game then. Scrub's ball. Hurry up! Signal!"

Sharp and incisive came his tones, like some bitter tonic. Not a word ofpraise--always finding fault; and as for sympathy--you might as wellhave looked for it from an Indian ready to use his scalping knife. Andyet--that is what made the Yale team what it was--a fighting machine. 

Once more came the line-up, the scrub quarter snapping out his signals. 

Andy took his old place. He was rapidly feeling better, yet his wholebody ached and he felt as though he had fallen from a great height. Hewas terribly jarred, for Mortimer had put into the tackle all his fierceenergy, adding to it a spice of malice. 

Andy heard the signal given for the forward pass, and felt relieved. Hecould take another few seconds to get his breathing into a more regularcadence. He looked over at Mortimer, who grinned maliciously. Andy knew, as well as if he had been told, that the tackle had been needlesslyfierce. But there was no earthly use in speaking of it. Rather would itdo him more harm than good. This, then, was part of the "getting even"game that his enemy had marked out. 

"He won't get me again, though!" thought Andy, fiercely. "If he does, itwill be my own fault. Wait until I get a chance at him!"

It came sooner than he expected. The forward pass on the part of thescrub was a fluke and after a few more rushing plays the ball was givento the varsity to enable them to try some of their new plays. 

Several times Mortimer had the pigskin, and was able to make good gains. Then the wrath of the coach was turned against the luckless scrubs. 

"What do you fellows mean?" cried Holwell. "Letting 'em go through youthis way! Get at 'em! Break up their plays if you can! Block theirkicks. They'll think they're playing a kid team! I want 'em to work!Smash 'em! Kill 'em!"

He was rushing about, waving his hands, stamping his feet--a veritablelittle cyclone of a coach. 

"Signal!" he cried sharply. 

It came from the varsity quarter, and Andy noticed, with a thrill in hisheart, that Gaffington was to take the ball. 

"Here's where I get him!" muttered Andy, fiercely. 

There was a rush--a thud of bodies against bodies--gaspings of breaths, the cracking of muscles and sinews. Andy felt himself in a maelstrom ofpushing, striving, hauling and toppling flesh. Then, in an instant, therecame an opening, and he saw before him but one player--Mortimer--withthe ball. 

Like a flash Andy sprang forward and caught his man in a desperateembrace--a hard, clean tackle. Andy put into it all his strength, intent only upon hurling his opponent to the turf with force enough tojar him insensible if possible. 

Perhaps he should not have done so, you may say, but Andy was onlyhuman. He was playing a fierce game, and he wanted his revenge. 

Into Mortimer's eyes came a look of fear, as he went down under theimpact of Andy. But there was this difference. Mortimer's previousexperience had taught him how to take a fall, and he came to no morehurt through Andy's fierce tackle than from that of any other player, however much Andy might have meant he should. Our hero did not stop tothink that he might have injured one of the varsity players so as to puthim out of the game, and at a time when Yale needed all the good men shecould muster. And Gaffington, in spite of his faults, was a good player. 

There was a thud as Andy and Mortimer struck the earth--a thud that toldof breaths being driven from their bodies. Then Andy saw the ball jarredfrom his opponent's arms, and, in a flash he had let go and had rolledover on it. An instant later there was an animated pile of players onboth lads, smothering their winded "Downs!"

"That'll do! Get up!" snapped the coach. "What's the matter with you, Gaffington, to let a freshman get you that way and put you out of thegame? Porter!" he shouted and a lad came running from the bench, pullingoff his sweater as he ran, and tossing it to a companion. He had beencalled on to take Gaffington's place, and the latter, angry andshamed-faced, walked to the side lines. 

As he went he gave Andy a look, as much as to say:

"You win this time; but the battle isn't over. I'll get you yet. "

As for Andy, his revenge had been greater than he had hoped. He had puthis enemy out of the game more effectively than if he had knocked thebreath from him by a tremendous tackle. 

"Good tackle, Blair!" called the scrub captain to him, as the line-upformed again. "That's the way to go for 'em!"

The coach said nothing, but to the varsity captain he whispered:

"Keep your eye on Blair. If he keeps on, he may make a player yet. He'sa little too wild, though. Don't say anything that will give him aswelled head. "

The practice went on unrelentingly, and then the candidates were orderedback to the gymnasium on the run, to be followed by a shower and a briskrub. 

Glowing with health and vigor, and yet lame and sore from the hardtackle, Andy went to his room, to find Dunk Chamber impatiently waitingfor him. 

"Oh, there you are, you old mud lark!" was the greeting. "I've beenwaiting for you. Come on around to Burke's and have some ale and ararebit. "

"No thanks. I'm in training, you know. "

"That's so. Been out on the field?"

"Yes. I wonder you don't go in for that. "

"Too much like work. I might try for the crew or the nine. I'm afraid ofspoiling my manly beauty by getting somebody's boot heel in the eye. Bythe way, you don't look particularly handsome. What has somebody beendoing to you?"

"Nothing more than usual. It's all in the game. "

"Then excuse me! Are you coming to Burke's? You can take sarsaparilla, you know. Thad and his bunch are coming. "

"Sure, I don't mind trailing along. Got to get at a little of thatinfernal Greek, though. "

"All right, I'll wait. The fellows will be along soon. "

And as Andy did a little of necessary studying he could not helpwondering where Dunk would end. A fine young fellow, with plenty ofmoney, and few responsibilities. Yale--indeed any college--offerednumberless temptations for such as he. 

"Well, I can't help it, " thought Andy. "He's got to look out forhimself. "

And again there seemed to come to him that whisper:

"Am I my brother's keeper?"

Surely Dunk was a college brother. 

Andy had scarcely finished wrestling with his Homer when there came aseries of loud and jolly hails:

"Oh, you Dunk!"

"Stick out your top, Blair!"

"Here come the boys!" exclaimed Dunk. "Now for some fun!"

The three friends trooped in. 

"Some little practice to-day, eh, Blair?" remarked Bob Hunter. 

"And some little tackle Gaffington gave you, too!" added Thad. 

"Yes, but Andy got back at him good and proper, and put him out of thegame, " remarked Ted. "It was a beaut!"

"Did you and Mortimer have a run-in?" asked Dunk quickly. 

"Oh, no more than is usual in practice, " replied Andy, lightly. "Heshook me up and I came back at him. "

"If that's football, give me a good old-fashioned fight!" laughed Dunk. "Well, if we're going to have some fun, come on. "

As they were leaving the room they were confronted by two otherstudents. Andy recognized one as Isaac Stein, more popularly known asIkey, a sophomore, and Hashmi Yatta, a Japanese student of more thanusual brilliancy. 

"Oh boys, such a business!" exclaimed Ikey. He was a Jew, and notashamed of it, often making himself the butt of the many expressionsused against his race. On this account he was more than tolerated--hehad many friends out of his own faith. "Such a business!" he went on, using his hands, without which he used to say he could not talk. 

"Well, what is it now?" asked Dunk with good-humored patience. "Necktiesor silk shirts?" for Ikey was working his way through college partly byacting as agent for various tradesmen, getting a commission on hissales. Dunk was one of his best customers. 

"Such a business!" went on Ikey, mocking himself. "It is ornaments, gentlemans! Beautiful ornaments from the Flowery Kingdom. Suchvawses--such vawses! Is it not, my friend Hashmi Yatta?" and he appealedto the Japanese. 

"Of a surely they are beautiful, " murmured the little yellow lad. "Thereis some very good cloisonne, some kisku, and one or two pieces inawaji-yaki. Also there is some satsuma, if you would like it. "

"And the prices!" interrupted Ikey. "Such bargains! Come, you shall see. It is a crime to take them!"

"What's it all about?" asked Dunk. "Have you fellows been looting acrockery store?"

"No, it is Hashmi here, " said the Jew. "I don't know whether hisimperial ancestors willed them to him, or sent them over as a gift, butthey are wonderful. A whole packing case full, and he'll sell them dirtcheap. "

"What do we want of 'em?" asked Andy. 

"Want of 'em, you beggar? Why they'll be swell ornaments for your room!"

That was an appeal no freshman could resist. 

"What do you say?" asked Dunk, weakly. "Shall we take a look, Andy?"

"I don't mind. "

"You will never regret it!" vowed Ikey. "It is wonderful. Such bargains!It is a shame. I wonder Hashmi can do it. "

"They are too many for me to keep, " murmured the Jap. 

"And so he will sell some, " interrupted Ikey, eagerly. 

"And pay you a commission for working them off, I suppose, " spoke Thad. 

Ikey looked hurt. 

"Believe me, " he said, earnestly, "believe me, what little I get out ofit is a shame, already. It is nothing. But I could not see the bargainsmissed. Come, we will have a look at them. You will never regret it!"

"You ought to be in business--not college, " laughed Dunk, as he slippedinto a mackinaw. "Come on, Andy, let's go and get stuck good andproper. "

"Stuck! Oh, such a business!" gasped Ikey, with upraised hands. "Theyare bargains, I tell you!"

CHAPTER XIV

DUNK REFUSES

"This way, fellows! Don't let anybody see us come in!"

Thus cautioned Ikey as he led his "prospective victims, " as Dunkreferred to himself and the others, through various back streets andalley ways. 

"Why the caution?" Andy wanted to know, stumbling over an unseenobstruction, and nearly falling. 

"Hush!" whispered the Jew. "I want you, my friends, to have the pick ofthe bargains first. After that the others may come in. If some of theseniors knew of these vawses there wouldn't be one left. "

"Oh, well we mustn't let that happen!" laughed Dunk. "I know I'm going toget stuck, but lead on, Horatio. I'm game. "

"Stuck, is it?" cried Ikey, and he seemed hurt at the suggestion. "Waituntil you have seen, eh, Hashmi?"

"Of a surely, yes. They are beautiful!"

"And so cheap; are they not, Hashmi?"

"Of a surely, yes. "

"Where are you taking us, anyhow?" demanded Thad. "I thought we weregoing to Burke's. "

"So we are, later, " said Dunk. "I want to see some of this junk, though. Our room does need a bit of decoration, eh, Andy?"

"Yes, it can stand a few more things. "

"But where are we going, anyhow?" Bob demanded. "This looks like achop-suey joint. "

"Hush!" cautioned Ikey again. "Some of the fellows may be around. Thereis a Chinese restaurant upstairs. "

"And what's downstairs?" asked Andy. 

"Why, Hashmi had to hire a vacant room to put the packing box in when itcame from Japan, " explained Ikey. "It was too big to take up to hisjoint. Besides, it's filled with straw, you know, so the vawses couldn'tsmash. He's just got it in this vacant store temporarily. You fellowshave the first whack at it. "

"Well, let's get the whacking over with, " suggested Andy. "I had all Iwanted at Yale Field this afternoon. "

They came to a low, dingy building, at the side of which ran a blackalley. 

"In here--mind your steps!" warned Ikey. 

They stumbled on, and then came to a halt behind the college salesman. He shot out a gleam of radiance from a pocket electric flashlight andopened a door. 

"Hurry up!" he whispered, and as the others slipped in he closed andlocked the portal. "Are the shades down, Hashmi?" he asked. 

"Of a surely, yes. "

"Then show the fellows what your ancestors sent you. "

There was the removal of boards from a big packing case that stood inthe middle of a bare room. There was the rustle of straw, and then, inthe gleam of the little electric flash the boys saw a confused jumble ofJapanese vases and other articles in porcelain, packed in the box. 

"There, how's that?" demanded Ikey, triumphantly, as he picked one up. "Wouldn't that look swell on your mantel, Dunk?"

"It might do to hold my tobacco. "

"Tobacco! You heathen! Why, that jar is to hold the ashes of yourancestors!"

"Haven't any ancestors that had ashes as far as I know, " said Dunk, imperturbably. "I can smoke enough cigar ashes to fill it, though. "

"Hopeless--hopeless, " murmured Ikey. "But look--such a bargain, onlyseven dollars!"

"Holy mackerel!" cried Andy. "Seven dollars for a tobacco jar!"

"It isn't a tobacco jar, I tell you!" cried Ikey. "It's like the oldEgyptian tear vawses, only different. Seven dollars--why it's worthfifteen if it's worth a cent. Ain't it, Hashmi?"

"Of a surely, yes, " said the Jap, with an inscrutable smile. 

"But he'll let you have it for just a little more than the wholesaleprice in Japan, mind you--in Japan!" cried Ikey. "Seven dollars. Thinkof it!"

"What about your commission?" asked Thad, with a grin. 

"A mere nothing--I must live, you know, " and Ikey shrugged hisshoulders. "Do you want it, Dunk? Why don't you fellows pick outsomething? You'll wait until they're gone and be kicking yourselves. They're dirt cheap--bargains every one. Look at that vawse!" and he heldup another to view in the pencil of light from the flash torch. 

"It would do for crackers, I suppose, " said Andy, doubtfully. 

"Crackers!" gasped Ikey. "Tell him what it is for, Hashmi. I haven't theheart, " and he pretended to weep. 

"This jar--he is for the holding of the petals of roses that were sentby your loved ones--the perfumes of Eros, " murmured the poeticalJapanese. 

"Oh, for the love of tripe! Hold me, I'm going to faint, Gertie!" criedBob. "Rose petals from your loved ones! Oh, slush!"

"It is true, " and Hashmi did not seem to resent being laughed at. "Butit would do for crackers as well. "

"How much?" asked Andy. 

"Only five dollars--worth ten, " whispered Ikey. 

"Well, it would look nice on my stand, " said Andy weakly. "I--I'll takeit. "

"And I guess you may as well wish me onto that dead ancestor jar, " addedDunk. "I'm always getting stuck anyhow. Seven plunks is getting offeasy. "

"You will never regret it, " murmured Ikey. "Where is that paper, Hashmi?Now don't you fellows let anyone else in on this game until I give theword. I'm taking care of my friends first, then the rest of the bunch. Friends first, say I. "

"Yes, if you're going to stick anybody, stick your friends first, "laughed Dunk. "They're the easiest. Go ahead, now you fellows bite, " andhe looked at Bob, Thad and Ted. 

"What's this--a handkerchief box?" asked Ted, picking up one coveredwith black and gold lacquer. 

"Handkerchief box! Shades of Koami!" cried Ikey. "That, you dunce, is abox made to----Oh, you tell him, Hashmi, I haven't the heart. "

"No, he wants to figure out how much he's made on us, " added Andy. 

"That box--he is for the retaining of the messages from the departed, "explained the Japanese. 

"You mean it's a spiritualist cabinet?" demanded Thad. "I say now, willit do the rapping trick?"

"You misapprehend me, " murmured Hashmi. "I mean that you conserve inthat the letters your ancestors may have written you. But of acourseness you might put in it your nose beautifiers if you wish, andperfume them. "

"Nose beautifiers--he means handkerchiefs, " explained Ikey. "It's abargain--only three dollars. "

"I'll take it, " spoke Thad. "I know a girl I can give it to. Noobjection to putting a powder puff in it; is there, Hashmi?"

"Of a surely, no. "

More of the wares from the big box were displayed and the two other ladstook something. Then Dunk insisted on having another look, and boughtseveral "vawses, " as Ikey insisted on calling them. 

"They'll look swell in the room, eh, Andy? he asked. 

"They sure will. I only hope there's no more rough house or you'll beout several dollars. "

"If those rusty sophs smash any of this stuff I'll go to the dean aboutit!" threatened Dunk, well knowing, however, that he would not. 

"Such bargains! Such bargains!" whispered Ikey, as he let them out ofthe side door, first glancing up and down the dark alley to make surethat no other college lads were lying in wait to demand their share ofthe precious stuff. The coast was clear and Andy and his chums slippedout, carrying their purchases. 

"Are you coming?" Dunk asked of Ikey. 

"No, I'll stay and help Hashmi pack up the things. If you want any morelet me know. "

"Huh! You mean you'll stay and count up how much you've stuck us!" saidDunk. "Oh, well, it looks like nice stuff. But I've got enough for thepresent. I've overdrawn my allowance as it is. "

"Well, we'll leave this junk in your room, Andy, and then go out andhave some fun, " suggested Thad. 

They piled their purchases on the beds in Andy's and Dunk's room inWright Hall and then proceeded on to Burke's place, an eating anddrinking resort for many students. 

There was a crowd there when Andy and his chums entered and they werenoisily greeted. 

"Oh, you Dunk!"

"Over here! Lots of room!"

"Waiter, five more cold steins!"

"None for me!" said Andy with a smile. 

"That's all right--he's trying for the team, " someone said, in a lowtone. 

"Oh!"

Through the haze of the smoke of many pipes Andy saw some of thefootball crowd. They were all taking "soft stuff, " which he himselfordered. 

Then began an evening of jollity and clean fun. It was rather rough, andof the nature of horseplay, of course, and perhaps some of the lads didforget themselves a little, but it was far from being an orgy. 

"I'm going to pull out soon, " spoke Andy to Dunk, when an hour or so hadpassed. 

"Oh, don't be in a rush. I'll be with you in a little while. "

"All right, I'll wait. "

Again to Andy had come the idea that he might, after all, prove a sortof "brother's keeper" to his chum. 

The fun grew faster and more furious, but there was a certain line thatwas never overstepped, and for this Andy was glad. 

The door opened to admit another throng, and Andy saw Mortimer andseveral of his companions of the fast set. How Gaffington kept up thepace and still managed to retain his place on the football team was amystery to many. He had wonderful recuperative powers, though, and waswell liked by a certain element. 

"Hello, Dunk!" he greeted Andy's roommate. "You're looking pretty fit. "

"Same to you--though you look as though you'd been having one. "

"So I have--rather strenuous practice to-day. Oh, there's the fellow whodid me up!" and he looked at Andy and, to our hero's surprise, laughed. 

"It's all right, old man--no hard feelings, " went on Mortimer. "Will youshake?"

"Sure!" exclaimed Andy, eagerly. He was only too anxious not to have anyenmity. 

"Put her there! Shake!" exclaimed the other. "You shook me and I shookyou. No hard feelings, eh?"

"Of course not!"

"That's all right then. Fellows, I'll give you one--Andy Blair--a goodtackier!" and Mortimer raised his glass on high. 

"Andy Blair! Oh, you Andy! Your eye on us!"

And thus was Andy pledged by his enemy. What did it mean?

Faster grew the fun. The room was choking blue with tobacco smoke, andAndy wanted to get away. 

"Come on, Dunk, " he said. "Let's pull out. We've got some stiffrecitations to-morrow. "

"All right, I'm willing. "

Mortimer saw them start to leave, and coming over put his armaffectionately around Dunk. 

"Oh, you're not going!" he expostulated. "Why, it's early yet and thefun's just starting. Don't be a quitter!"

Dunk flushed. He was not used to being called that. 

"Yes, stay and finish out, " urged others. 

Andy felt that it was a crisis. Yet he could say nothing. Dunk seemedundecided for a moment, and Mortimer renewed his pleadings. 

"Be a sport!" he cried. "Have a good time while you're living--you're along time dead!"

There was a moment's hush. Then Dunk gently removed Mortimer's arm andsaid:

"No, I'm going back with Blair. Come on, Andy. "

And they went out together. 

CHAPTER XV

DUNK GOES OUT

"Look at that!"

"Why, it's the same stuff!"

"There's a rose jar like the one I bought for seven dollars marked twoseventy-five!"

"Oh, the robber! Why, there's a handkerchief box, bigger than the one hestuck me with, and it's only a dollar!"

"Say, let's rough-house Ikey and that Jap!"

Andy, Dunk, and their three friends were standing in front of a Japanesestore, looking in the window, that held many articles associated withthe Flowery Kingdom. Price tags were on them, and the lads discoveredthat they had paid dearly for the ornaments they had so surreptitiouslyviewed in the semi-darkness, under the guidance of Ikey Stein. 

This was several days after they had purchased their bric-a-brac andmeanwhile they had seen Ikey and Hashmi going about getting otherstudents into their toils. 

"Say, that was a plant, all right!" declared Dunk. "I'm going to makeIkey shell out. "

"And the Jap, too!" added Andy. "We sure were stuck!"

For the articles in the window were identical, in many cases, with thosethey had bought, but the prices were much less. 

"I thought there was something fishy about it, " commented Thad. "Neveragain do I buy a pig in a poke!"

"I'll poke Ikey when I catch him, " said Bob. 

"Here he comes now, " spoke Ted, in a low voice. "Don't seem to see himuntil he gets close, and then we'll grab him and make him shell out!"

So the five remained looking steadfastly in the window until theunsuspecting Ikey came close. Then Andy and Dunk made a quick leap andcaught him. 

"What--what is it?" asked the surprised student. 

"We merely want your advice on the purchase of some more art objects, "said Andy, grimly. "You're such an expert, you know. "

"Some other time--some other time! I'm due at a lecture now!" pleadedIkey, squirming to get away. 

"The lecture can wait, " said Dunk. "Look at that vawse for the holdingof the rose petals from your loved one. See it there--now would youadvise me to buy it? It's much cheaper than the one you and yourbeloved Hashmi stuck me with. "

Ikey looked at the faces of his captors. He saw only stern, unrelentingglares, and realized that his game had been discovered. 

"I--er--I----" he stammered. 

"Come, what's your advice?" demanded Dunk. "Did I pay too much?"

"I--er--perhaps you did, " admitted Ikey, slowly. 

"Then fork over the balance. "

"And what about my cracker jar--for the ashes of dead ancestors?" askedAndy. "Was I stuck, too?"

"Oh, no, not at all. Why, that is a very rare piece. "

"What about that one in the window?" demanded Andy. "That's only rare tothe tune of several dollars less than I paid. "

"Oh, but you are mistaken!" Ikey assured him. "It takes an expert totell the difference. You can ask Hashmi----"

"Hashmi be hanged!" cried Dunk, giving the captured one a shake. Alittle crowd had gathered in the street to see the fun. 

"I--I'll give you whatever you think is right, " promised Ikey. "Only letme go. I shall be late. "

"The late Mr. Stein, " laughed Andy. 

"What about the rare satsuma piece you wished onto me?" demanded Ted. 

"And that cloisonne flower vawse that has a crack in it?" Thad wanted toknow. 

"That's because it's so old, " whined Ikey. "It is more valuable. "

"There's one in the window without a crack for three dollars less, " wasthe retort. 

"Oh, well, if you fellows are dissatisfied with your bargains----"

"Oh, we're not going to back down, " said Andy, "but we're not going topay more than they're worth, either. It was a plant, and you know it. Now you shell out all we paid above what the things are marked at inthis window, and we'll call it square--that is, if you don't go aroundblabbing how you took us in. "

"All right! All right!" cried Ikey. "I'll do it, only let me go!"

"No; pay first! Run him over to our rooms, " suggested Dunk. They werenot far from the quadrangle, and catching hold of Ikey they ran himaround into High Street and through the gateway beside Chittenden Hallto Wright. There, up in Andy's and Dunk's room, Ikey was made todisgorge his cash. But they were merciful to him and only took thedifference in price. 

"Now you tell us how it happened, and we'll let you go, " promised Andy. 

"It was all Hashmi's fault, " declared Ikey. "I believed him when he saidhis brother in Japan had sent him a box of fine vawses. Hashmi said hedidn't need 'em all, and I said maybe we could sell 'em. So I did. "

"That was all right; but why did you stick up the price?" asked Andy. 

"A fellow has to make money, " returned Ikey, innocently enough, and Dunklaughed. 

"All right, " said Andy's roommate. "Don't do it again, that's all. Whois Hashmi's brother?"

"One of 'em keeps that Jap store where you were looking in the window, "said Ikey, edging out of the room, "and the other is in Japan. He sentthe stuff over to be sold in the regular way, but that sly Hashmi fooledme. Never again!"

"And you passed it on to us, " said Andy with a laugh. 

"Well, it's all in the game. "

"Still, we've got the stuff, " said Ted. 

They had, but had they known it all they would have learned that, evenat the lowered price they were paying dearly enough for the ornaments, and at that Hashmi and Ikey divided a goodly sum between them. 

The college days passed on. Andy and Dunk were settling down to thegrind of study, making it as easy as they could for themselves, as didthe other students. 

Andy kept on with his football practice, and made progress. He was namedas second substitute on the freshman team and did actually play throughthe fourth quarter in an important game, after it had been taken safelyinto the Yale camp. But he was proud even to do that, and made a fieldgoal that merited him considerable applause. 

Mortimer had dropped out of the varsity team. There was good reason, forhe would not train, and, though he could play brilliantly at times, hecould not be depended on. 

"I don't care!" he boasted to his sporting crowd. "I can have some fun, now. "

Several times he and his crowd had come around to ask Dunk to go outwith them, but Dunk had refused, much to Mortimer's chagrin. 

"Oh, come on, be a good fellow!" he had urged. 

"No, I've got to do some boning. "

"Oh, forget it!"

But Dunk would not, for which Andy was glad. 

Then came a period when Dunk went to pieces in his recitations. He waswarned by his professors and tried to make up for it by hard study. Hewas not naturally brilliant and certain lessons came hard to him. 

He grew discouraged and talked of withdrawing. Andy did all he could forhim, even to the neglect of his own standing, but it seemed to do nogood. 

"What's the use of it all, anyhow?" demanded Dunk. "I'll spend fourmortal years here, and come out with a noddle full of musty old Latinand Greek, go to work in dad's New York office and forget it all in sixmonths. I might as well start forgetting it now. "

"You've got the wrong idea, " said Andy. 

"Well, maybe I have. Hanged if I see how you do it!"

"I don't do so well. "

"But you don't get floored as I do! I'm going to chuck it!" and he threwhis Horace across the room, shattering the Japanese vase he had bought. 

"Look out!" cried Andy. 

"Too late! I don't give a hang!"

Someone came along the hall. 

"What are you fellows up to?" asked a gay voice. "Trying to break uphousekeeping?"

"It's Gaffington!" murmured Andy. 

"Come on in!" invited Dunk. 

"You fellows come on out!" retorted the newcomer. "There's a peach of ashow at Poli's. Let's take it in and have supper at Burke's afterward. "

Dunk got up. 

"Hanged if I don't!" he said, with a defiant look at Andy. 

"That's the stuff! Be a sport!" challenged Mortimer. "Coming along, Blair?"

"No. "

Mortimer laughed. 

"Go down among the dead ones!" he cried. "Come on, Dunk, we'll make anight of it!"

And they went out together, leaving Andy alone in the silent room. 

CHAPTER XVI

IN BAD

The clock was ticking. To Andy it sounded as loud as a timepiece in atower. The rhythmic cadence seemed to fill the room. Somewhere off inthe distance a bell boomed out--a church bell. 

Andy sat in a brown study, looking into the fireplace. A little blazewas going on the hearth, and the young student, gazing at the embers sawmany pictures there. 

For some time Andy sat without stirring. He had listened to theretreating footsteps of Dunk and Mortimer as the boys passed down thecorridor, laughing. 

Through Wright Hall there echoed other footsteps--coming andgoing--there was the sound of voices in talk and in gay repartee. Students called one to the other, or in groups hurried here and there, intent on pleasure. Andy sat there alone--thinking--thinking. 

A log in the fireplace broke with a suddenness that startled him. Ashower of sparks flew up the chimney, and a little puff of smoke shotout into the room. Andy roused himself. 

"Oh, hang it all!" he exclaimed aloud. "Why should I care? Let him gowith that crowd--with Mort and his bunch if he likes. What differencedoes it make to me?"

He stood up, his arm on the mantel where had rested the Japanese vasepurchased so mysteriously. Now only the fragments of it were there. 

A comparison between that shattered vase and what might be the shatteredfriendship between himself and his roommate came to Andy, but heresolutely thrust it aside. 

"What difference does it make to me?" he asked himself. "Let him go hisown way, and I'll go mine. "

He crossed to the book rack on the window sill, intending to do somestudying. On the broad stone ledge outside the casement he kept hisbottle of spring water. It was a cooler place than the room. Andy pouredhimself out a drink, and as he sipped it he said again:

"Why should I care what he does?"

Then, from off in the distance he heard the chimes of a church, playing"Adestes Fideles. "

He stood listening--entranced as the tones came to him, softened by thenight air. 

And there seemed to whisper to him a still, small voice that asked:

"Am I my brother's keeper?"

Andy shut the window softly, and, going back to his chair sat staringinto the fire. It was dying down, the embers settling into the deadashes. It was very still and quiet in the little room. All Wright Hallwas very still and quiet now. 

"I--I guess I'll have to care--after all, " whispered Andy. 

Footsteps were heard coming along the corridor, and, for a moment Andyhad a wild hope that it might be Dunk returning. But as he listened heknew it was not his chum. 

Someone knocked on the door. 

"Come!" called Andy sharply. It could be none of his friends, he knew. 

A messenger entered with a note, and, observing an unfamiliarhandwriting, Andy wondered from whom it could be. He ripped it open anduttered an exclamation. He read:

 "Dear Mr. Blair:

 "I am doing a little engagement at Poli's. Won't you drop around and see me? I promise not to compel you to play the fireman. 

 "Sincerely yours, "MAZIE FULLER. "

"Jove!" murmured Andy. "I forgot all about her. "

"Any answer?" asked the messenger. 

"No. "

The boy started out. 

"Oh, yes. Wait a minute. " Andy scribbled an acceptance. 

"Here, " he said, and handed the boy a quarter. 

"T'anks!" exclaimed the urchin. Then with a roguish glance he added:"Gee, but you college guys is great!"

"Hop along!" commanded Andy briefly. 

Should he go, after all? He had said he would and yet----

"Oh, hang it! I guess I'd better go!" he said aloud, just as though hehad not intended to all along. He turned up the light and began throwingabout a pile of neckties. He tried first one and then another. Noneseemed to satisfy him, and when he did get the hue that suited him itwould not allow itself to be properly tied. 

"Oh, rats!" Andy exclaimed. "Why should I care?"

Why indeed? It is one of the mysteries. "Vanity of vanities" and therest of it. 

As he entered Poli's Andy was aware that something unusual was going on. The ushers were grinning with good-natured tolerance, but there wasrather an anxious look on the faces of some of the women in theaudience. Some of their male escorts appeared resentful. 

Andy had been obliged to purchase a box seat, as there were no vacantones in the body of the house. As he sank into his chair, rather back, for the box was well filled, he saw a college classmate. 

"What's up?" he asked, the curtain then being down to allow of a changeof scene. 

"Oh, Gaffington and his crowd are joshing some of the acts. "

"Any row?"

"No, everybody takes it good-naturedly. Bunch of our fellows hereto-night. "

"Show any good?"

"Pretty fair. Some of the things are punk. There's a good numbercoming--Mazie Fuller--she's got a new act. And Bodkins--you know thetramp juggler--the one who does things with cigar boxes--he's coming onnext. He's a scream. "

"Yes, I know him. He's all right. "

The curtain went up and from the wings came Miss Fuller. She hadprospered in vaudeville, it seemed, for she had on a richer costume thanthe one she wore when she had been so nearly burned to death. 

She was well received, and while singing her first number she lookedabout the house. Presently she caught the eyes of Andy--he had leanedforward in the box, perhaps purposely. Miss Fuller smiled at him, andat once a chorus of cries arose from the students in the different partsof the theater. Up to then, since Andy's entrance, there had been nocommotion. Now it broke out again. 

"Oh, get on to that!"

"The lad with the dreamy eyes!"

"Oh, you Andy Blair!"

Andy sank back blushing, but Miss Fuller took it in good part. 

Her act went on, and was well received. She did not again look at Andy, possibly fearing to embarrass him. And then, as she retired after herlast number--a veritable whirlwind song--there came a thunder ofapplause, mingled with shrill whistles, to compel an encore. 

Andy was aware of a disturbance in the front of the house. It was wherea number of the students were seated, and Andy had a glimpse of DunkChamber. Beside him was Gaffington. Dunk had arisen and was swayingunsteadily on his feet. 

"Sit down!"

"Keep him quiet!"

"Put him out!"

"Call the manager!"

"Make him sit down!"

Andy began to feel uneasy. He could see the unhappy condition of hisroommate and those with him. The worst he feared had come to pass. 

Swaying, but still managing not to step on anyone, Dunk made his way tothe aisle, and then, getting close to the box where Andy sat, climbedover the rail. The manager motioned to an usher not to interfere. Probably he thought it was the best means of producing quiet. 

"Here I am, Andy, " announced Dunk gravely. 

"So I see, " spoke Andy, his face blazing at the notice he was receiving. "Sit down and keep quiet. There's a good act coming. "

"Hush!" exclaimed a number of voices as the curtain slid up, to giveplace to "Bustling Bodkins, " the tramp juggler. The actor came out inhis usual ragged make-up, and proceeded to do things with a pile ofempty cigar boxes--really a clever trick. Dunk watched him with curiousgravity for a while and then started to climb over the footlights on tothe stage. 

"No, you don't, Dunk!" cried Andy, firmly, and despite his chum'sprotests he hauled him back. Then he took Dunk firmly by the arm andmarched him out of a side entrance of the show-house. 

CHAPTER XVII

ANDY'S DESPAIR

"Pretty bad; was I, Andy?"

"Yes. "

"Whew! What a headache! Any ice water left?"

"I'll get some. "

"Never mind. What's there'll do. "

It was morning--there always is a "morning after. " Perhaps it is a goodthing, for it is nature's protest against violations of her code ofhealth. 

Dunk drank deep of the water Andy handed him. 

"That's better, " he said, with a sigh. "Guess I won't get up just yet. "

"Going to cut out chapel?"

"I should say yes! My head is splitting now and to go there and hearthat old organ booming out hymns would snap it off my neck. No chapelfor me!"

"You know what it means. "

"Well, I can't be in much worse than I am. I'll straighten up after abit. No lectures to-day. "

"You're going the pace, " observed Andy. It was not said with that falseadmiration which so often keeps a man on the wrong road from sheerbravado. Andy was rather white, and his lips trembled. 

"It does seem so, " admitted Dunk, gloomily enough. 

"Any more water there?" he asked, presently. 

"I'll get some, " offered Andy, and he soon returned with a pitcher inwhich ice tinkled. 

"That sounds good, " murmured his roommate. "Was I very bad last night?"

"Oh, so-so. "

"Made a confounded idiot of myself, I suppose?" and he glanced sharplyat Andy over the top of the glass. 

"Oh, well, we all do at times. "

"I haven't seen you do it yet. "

"You will if you room with me long enough, Dunk. "

"Yes, but not in the way I mean. "

"Oh, well, I'm no moralist; but I hope you never will see me that way. Understand, I'm not preaching, but----"

"I know. You don't care for it. "

"That's it. "

"I wish I didn't. But you don't understand. "

"Maybe not, " said Andy slowly. "I'm not judging you in the least. "

"I know, old man. How'd you get me home?"

"Oh, you were tractable enough. I got a taxi. "

"I'll settle with you later. I don't seem to have any cash left. "

"Forget it. I can lend you some. "

"I may need it, Andy. Hang Gaffington and his crowd anyhow! I'm notgoing out with them again. "

Andy made no reply. He had been much pained and hurt by the episode inthe theater. Public attention had been attracted to him by Dunk'sconduct; but, more than this, Andy remembered a startled and surprisedlook in the eyes of Miss Fuller, who came out on the stage when Dunkinterrupted the tramp act. 

"If only I could have had a chance to explain, " thought Andy. But therehad been no time. He had helped to take Dunk away. When this Samaritanact was over the theater had closed, and Andy did not think it wise tolook up Miss Fuller at her hotel. 

"I'll see her again, " he consoled himself. 

The chapel bell boomed out, and Andy started for the door. 

"What a head!" grumbled Dunk again. "I say, Andy, what's good when afellow makes an infernal idiot of himself?"

"In your case a little bromo might help. "

"Got any?"

"No, but I can get you some. "

"Oh, don't bother. When you come back, maybe----"

"I'll get it, " said Andy, shortly. 

He was late for chapel when he had succeeded in administering a dose ofthe quieting medicine to Dunk, and this did not add to the pleasures ofthe occasion. However, there was no help for it. 

Somehow the miserable day following the miserable night ended, and Andywas again back in the room with Dunk. The latter was feeling quite"chipper" again. 

"Oh, well, it's a pretty good old world after all, " Dunk said. "I thinkI can eat a little now. Never again for me, Andy! Do you hear that?"

"I sure do, old man. "

"And that goes. Put her there!"

They shook hands. It meant more to Andy than he would admit. He hadgone, that afternoon, to the theater, where Miss Fuller was on for amatinee, and, sending back his card, with some flowers, had beengraciously received. He managed to make her understand, without sayingtoo much. 

"I'm so glad it wasn't--you!" she said, with a warm pressure of herhand. 

"I'm glad too, " laughed Andy. 

"No sir--never again!" said Dunk that evening, as he got out his books. "You hear me, Andy--never again!"

"That's the way to talk!"

It was hard work at Yale. No college is intended for children, and theNew Haven University in particular has a high aim for its students. 

Andy "buckled down, " and was doing well. His standing in class, whilenot among the highest, was satisfactory, and he was in line for a placeon the freshman eleven. 

How he did practice! No slave worked harder or took more abuse from thecoaches. Andy was glad of one thing--that Gaffington was out of it. There were others, though, who tackled Andy hard in the scrimmages, buthe rather liked it, for there was no vindictiveness back of it. 

As for Mortimer, he and his crowd went on their sporting way, doing justenough college work not to fall under the displeasure of the Dean orother officials. But it was a "close shave" at times. 

Dunk seemed to stick to his resolution. He, too, was studying hard, andfor several nights after the theater escapade did not go out evenings. Andy was rejoicing, and then, just when his hopes were highest, theywere suddenly dashed. 

There had been a period of hard work, and it was followed by a footballdisaster. Yale met Washington and Jefferson, and while part of theBulldog's poor form might be ascribed to a muddy field, it was not allthat. There was fumbling and ragged playing, and Yale had not been ableto score. Nor was it any consolation that the other team had not either. Several times their players had menaced Yale's goal line, and only bysupreme efforts was a touchdown avoided. As it stood it was practicallya defeat for Yale, and everybody, from the varsity members to the digs, were as blue as the cushions in the dormitory window seats. 

Andy and Dunk sat in their room, thankful that it was Saturday night, with late chapel and no lessons on the morrow. 

"Rotten, isn't it, Andy?" said Dunk. 

"Oh, it might be worse. The season is only just opening. We'll beatHarvard and Princeton all right. "

"Jove! If we don't!" Dunk looked alarmed. 

"Oh, we will!" asserted Andy. 

Dunk seemed nervous. He was pacing up and down the room. Finally, stopping in front of Andy he said:

"Come on out. Let's go to a show--or something. Let's go down to Burke'splace and see the fellows. I want to get rid of this blue feeling. "

"All right, I'll go, " said Andy, hesitating only a moment. 

They were just going out together when there came the sound of footstepsand laughter down the corridor. Andy started as he recognized the voiceof Gaffington. 

"Oh Dunk! Are you there?" was called, gleefully. 

"Yes, I'm here, " was the answer, and it sounded to Andy as though hischum was glad to hear that voice. 

"Come out and have some fun. Bully show at the Hyperion. No end ofsport. Come on!"

Mortimer, with Clarence Boyle and Len Scott, came around the corner ofthe corridor, arm in arm. 

"Oh, you and Blair off scouting?" asked Gaffington, pausing before thetwo. 

"We were going out--yes, " admitted Dunk. 

"We'll make a party of it then. Fall in, Blair!"

Andy rather objected to the patronizing tone of Mortimer, but he did notfeel like resenting it then. Should he go?

Dunk glanced at his chum somewhat in doubt. 

"Will you come, Andy?" he asked, hesitatingly. 

"Yes--I guess so. "

"We'll make a night of it!" cried Len. 

"Not for mine, " laughed Andy. "I'm in training, you know. "

"Well, we'll keep Dunk then. Come on. "

They set out together, Andy with many misgivings in his heart. 

Noisy and stirring was the welcome they received at Burke's. It was theusual story. The night wore on, and Dunk's good resolutions slipped awaygradually. 

"Come on, Andy, be a sport!" he said, raising his glass. 

Andy smiled and shook his head. Then a bitter feeling came into hisheart--a feeling mingled with despair. 

"Hang it all!" he murmured to himself. "I'm going to quit. I'll let himgo the pace as he wants to. I'm done with him!"

CHAPTER XVIII

ANDY'S RESOLVE

"Come on back!"

"Don't be a quitter!"

"It's early yet!"

"The fun hasn't started!"

These cries greeted Andy as he rose to leave Burke's place. His eyessmarted from the smoke of many pipes, and his ears rang with the echoesof college songs. His heart ached too, as he saw Dunk in the midst ofthe gay and festive throng surrounding Gaffington and his wealthy chums. 

"I've got to turn in--training, you know, " explained Andy with a smile. It was the one and almost only excuse that would be accepted. Two orthree more of the athletic set dropped out with him. 

"Goin', Andy?" asked Dunk, standing rather unsteadily at a table. 

"Yes. Coming?" asked Andy pausing, and hoping, with all his heart, thatDunk would come. 

"Not on your life! There's too much fun here. Have a good time whenyou're living, say I. You're an awful long time dead! Here you are, waiter!" and Dunk beckoned to the man. 

Andy paused a moment--and only for a moment. Then he hardened his heartand turned to go. 

"Leave the door open, " Dunk called after him. "I'll be home in th'mornin'. "

And then the crowd burst out into the refrain:

 "He won't be home until morning, He won't be home until morning. "

Over and over again rang the miserable chant that has bolstered up somany a man who, otherwise, would stop before it was too late. 

Andy breathed deep of the cool night air as he got outside. The streetswere quiet and deserted, save for those who had come out with him, andwho went their various ways. As Andy turned down a side street he couldstill hear, coming faintly to him through the quiet night the strainsof:

 "We won't go home until morning. "

"Poor old Dunk!" mused Andy. "I hate to quit him, but I've got to. I'mnot going to be looking after him all the while. It's too much work. Besides, he won't stay decent permanently. "

He was angry and hurt that all his roommate's good resolutions shouldthus easily be cast to the winds. 

"I'm just going to quit!" exclaimed Andy fiercely. "I've done all Icould. Besides, it isn't my affair anyhow. I'll get another room--one bymyself. Oh, hang it all, anyhow!"

Moody, angry, rather dissatisfied with himself, wholly dissatisfied withDunk, Andy stumbled on. As he turned out of Chapel into High Street hesaw before him two men who were talking earnestly. Andy could not helphearing what they said. 

"Is the case hopeless?" one asked. 

"Oh, no, I wouldn't say that. "

"Yet he's promised time and again to reform, and every time he slipsback again. "

"Yes, I know. He isn't the only one at the mission who does that. "

Andy guessed they were church workers. 

"Don't you get tired?" asked the questioner. 

"Oh, yes, often. But then I get rested. "

"But this chap seems such a bad case. "

"They're all bad, more or less. I don't mind that. "

"And you're going to try again?"

"I sure am. He's worth saving. "

Andy felt as though some one had dealt him a blow. "Worth saving!" Yes, that was it. He saw a light. 

The two men passed on. Andy hesitated. 

"Worth saving!"

It seemed as though some one had shouted the words at him. 

"Worth saving!"

Andy's heart was beating tumultuously. His head and pulses throbbed. Hisears rang. 

He stood still on the sidewalk, near the gateway beside Chittenden Hall. His room was a little way beyond. It would be easy to go there and go tobed, and Andy was very tired. He had played a hard game of football thatday. It was so easy to go to his room, and leave Dunk to look afterhimself. 

What was the use? And yet----

"He is worth saving!"

Andy struggled with himself. Again he seemed to hear that voicewhispering:

"Am I my brother's keeper?"

Andy turned resolutely away from the college buildings. He set his faceagain down High Street, and swung out into Chapel. 

"I'll go get him, " he said, simply. "He's worth saving. Maybe I can't doit--but--I'll try!"

CHAPTER XIX

LINK COMES TO COLLEGE

With hesitating steps Andy pushed open the door of Burke's place andentered. At first he could make out little through the haze of tobaccosmoke, and his return was not noticed. Most of the college boys were inthe rear room, and the noise of their jollity floated out to Andy. 

"I wonder if Dunk is still there?" he murmured. 

He learned a moment later, for he heard some one call:

"Stand up, Dunk! Your eye on us!"

"He's in there--and I've got to save him!" Andy groaned. Then, withclenched teeth and a firm step he went into the rear room, among thatcrowd of roistering students. 

Andy's reappearance was the signal for a burst of good-natured jibing, mingled with cries of approval. 

"Here he comes back!"

"I knew he couldn't stay away!"

"Who said he was a quitter?"

From among the many glasses offered Andy selected a goblet of gingerale. He looked about the tables, and saw Dunk at one, regarding him witha rather uncertain eye. 

"There he is!" cried Andy's roommate, waving his hand. "That's him. Myold college chum! I'm his protector! I always look after him. I say, "and he turned to the youth beside him, "I say, what is it I protect myold college from anyhow? Hanged if I haven't forgotten. What is it Isave him from?"

"From himself, I guess, " was the answer. "You're all right, Dunk!"

"Come on, Dunk, " said Andy good naturedly. "I'm going to the room. Coming?"

Instantly there was a storm of protest. 

"Of course he's not coming!"

"It's early yet!"

"Don't you go, Dunk!"

Mortimer Gaffington, fixing an insolent and supercilious stare on Andy, said:

"Don't mind him, Dunk. You're not tied to him, remember. Thelittle-brother-come-in-out-of-the-wet game doesn't go at Yale. Every manstands on his own feet. Eh, Dunk?"

"That's right. "

"You're not going to leave your loving friends and go home so early; areyou, Dunk?"

"Course not. Can't leave my friends. But Andy's my friend, too; ain'tyou, Andy?"

"I hope so, Dunk, " Andy replied, gravely. 

Somebody interrupted with a song, and there was much laughter. Mortimeralone seemed to be the sinister influence at work, and he hovered nearDunk as if to counteract the good intentions of Andy. 

"Here you are, waiter!" cried Dunk. "Everybody have something--gingerale, soda water, pop, anything they like. Cigars, too. " He pulled out abill--a yellow-back--and Andy saw Mortimer take it from his shakingfingers. 

"Don't be so foolish!" exclaimed the sophomore. "You don't want to spendall that. Here, I'll hand out a fiver and keep this for you untilmorning. You can settle with me later, " and Gaffington slipped the bigbill into his own pocket, and produced one of his own--of smallerdenomination. 

"That's good, " murmured Dunk. "You're my friend and protector--same asI'm Andy's protector. We're all protectors. Come on, fellows, anothersong!"

Andy was beginning to wonder how he would get his chum home. It wasgetting very late and to enter Wright Hall at an unseemly hour meanttrouble. 

"Come on, Dunk--let's light out, " said Andy again, making his way tohis roommate's side. 

"No, you don't!"

"That game won't go!"

"Let Dunk alone, he can look out for himself. "

Laughing and expostulating, the others got between Andy and his friend. It was all in good-natured fun, for most of the boys, beyond perhapssmoking a little more than was good for them, were not at all reckless. But the spirit of the night seemed to have laid hold of all. 

"Come on, Dunk, " appealed Andy. 

"He's going to stay!" declared Mortimer, thrusting himself between Andyand Dunk, and sticking out his chin in aggressive fashion. "I tell youhe's going to stay! We don't want any of your goody-goody methods here, Blair!"

Andy ignored the affront. 

"Are you coming, Dunk?" he repeated softly. 

Dunk raised his head and flashed a look at his roommate. Something inDunk's better nature must have awakened. And yet he was all good nature, so it is difficult to speak of the "better" side. The trouble was thathe was too good-natured. Yet at that instant he must have had anunderstanding of what Andy's plan was--to save him from himself. 

"You want me to come with you?" he asked slowly. 

"Yes, Dunk. "

"Then I'm coming. "

Mortimer put his arm around Dunk and whispered in his ear. 

"You don't want to go, " he insisted. 

"Yes, he does, " said Andy, firmly. 

For a moment he and the other youth faced each other. It was a struggleof wills for the mastery of a character, and Andy won--at least thefirst "round. "

"I'm going with my friend, " said Dunk firmly, and despite furtherprotests he went out with his arm over Andy's shoulder. There were criesand appeals to remain, but Dunk heeded them not. 

"I'm going to quit, " he announced. "Had enough fun for to-night. "

Out in the clear, cool air Andy breathed free again. 

"Shall I get a cab?" he asked. "There must be one somewhere around. "

"Certainly not, " answered Dunk. "I--I can walk, I guess. "

They reached Wright Hall, neither speaking much on the way. Andy wasglad--and sorry. Sorry that Dunk had allowed his resolution to bebroken, but glad that he had been able to stop his friend in time. 

"Thanks, old man, " said Dunk, briefly, as they reached their room. "You've done more than you know. "

"That's all right, " replied Andy, in a low voice. 

Dunk went to chapel with Andy the next morning, but he was rather silentduring the day, and he flunked miserably in several recitations on thedays following. Truth to tell he was in no condition to put his mindseriously on lessons, but he tried hard. 

Andy, coming in from football practice one afternoon, found Dunkstanding in the middle of the apartment staring curiously at ayellow-backed ten-dollar bill he was holding in both of his hands. 

"What's the matter?" asked Andy. "A windfall?"

"No, Gaffington just sent it in to me. Said it was one he took the othernight when I flashed it at Burke's. "

"Oh, yes, I remember, " spoke Andy. "You were getting too generous. "

"I know that part of it--Gaffington meant all right. But I don'tunderstand this. "

"What?" asked Andy. 

"Why, this is a ten-spot, and I'm sure I had a twenty that night. However, I may be mistaken--I guess I couldn't see straight. But I wassure it was a twenty. Don't say anything about it, though--probably Iwas wrong. It was decent of Gaffington not to let me lose it all. "

And Dunk thrust the ten dollar bill into his pocket. 

It was several days after this when Andy, crossing the quadrangle, saw afamiliar figure raking up the leaves on the campus. 

"What in the world is he doing here--if that's him?" he asked himself. "And yet it does look like him. "

He came closer. The young fellow raking up the leaves turned, and Andyexclaimed:

"Link Bardon! What in the world are you doing here?"

"Oh, I've come to college!" replied the young farm hand, smiling. "Howdo you do, Mr. Blair?"

"Come to college, eh?" laughed Andy. "What course are you taking?"

"I expect to get the degree B. W. --bachelor of work, " was the rejoinder. "I'm sort of assistant janitor here now. "

"Is that so! How did it happen?"

"Well, you know the last time I saw you I was on my way to see if Icould locate an uncle of mine, just outside of New Haven. I didn't, forhe'd moved away. Then I got some odd bits of work to do, and finally, coming to town with a young fellow, who, like myself was out of work, Iheard of this place, applied for it and got it. I like it. "

"Well, I'm glad you are here, " said Andy. "If I can help you in any waylet me know. "

"I will, Mr. Blair. You did help a lot before, " and he went on rakingleaves, while Andy, musing on the strange turns of luck and chance, hurried on to his lecture. 

CHAPTER XX

QUEER DISAPPEARANCES

"Come in!" cried Andy as a knock sounded. 

"I'm not going out, I don't care who it is!" exclaimed Dunk, fidgetingin his chair. "I've just _got_ to get this confounded Greek. "

"Same here, " said Andy. 

The door was pushed open and a shock of dark, curly hair was thrust in. 

"Like to look at some swell neckties!" a voice asked. 

"Oh, come in, you blooming old haberdasher!" cried Andy with a laugh, and Ikey Stein, with a bundle under his arm, slid in. 

"Fine business!" he exclaimed. "Give me a chance to make a little money, gentlemen; I need it!"

"No more of that Japanese 'vawse' business!" warned Dunk. "I won't standfor it. "

"No, these are genuine bargains, " declared the student who was workinghis way through college. "I'll show you. I got 'em from a friend ofmine, who's selling out. I can make a little something on them, andyou'll get swell scarfs at less than you'd pay for them in a store. "

"Let's see, " suggested Andy, rather glad of the diversion and of thechance to stop studying, for he had been "boning" hard. "But I don'twant any satsuma pattern, nor yet a cloisonne, " he added. 

"Say, forget that, " begged Ikey. "That Jap took me in, as well as he didyou fellows. "

"Well, if anybody can take _you_ in, Ikey, he's a good one!" laughedDunk. 

"Oh, don't mind me!" exclaimed the merchant-student. "You can't hurt myfeelings. I'm used to it. And I'm not ashamed of my nature, either. Myancestors were all merchants, and they had to drive hard bargains tolive. I don't exactly do that, you understand, but I guess it's in myblood. I'm not ashamed that I'm a Jew!"

"And we're not ashamed of you, either!" cried Andy, heartily. 

"Same here, " added Dunk. "Trot out your ties, Ikey. "

In spite of the fact that he sometimes insisted on the students buyingthings they did not really need, Ikey was a general favorite in thecollege. 

"There's a fine one!" he exclaimed, holding up a hideous red and greenscarf. "Only a dollar--worth two. "

"Wouldn't have it if you paid me for it!" cried Andy. "Show me somethingthat a fellow could wear without hearing it yell a block away. "

"Oh, you want something chaste and quiet, " suggested Ikey. "I have thevery thing. There!" holding it up. "That is a mere whisper!"

"It's a pretty loud whisper, " commented Dunk, "but at that it isn't sobad. I'll take it, if you don't want it, Andy. "

"You're welcome to it. I want something in a golden brown. "

"Here you are!" exclaimed Ikey, sorting over his stock. 

He succeeded in selling Andy and Dunk two scarfs each, and tried to getthem to take more, but they were firm. Then the merchant-studentdeparted to other rooms. 

"It's a queer way to get along, " commented Andy, when he had finishedadmiring his purchases. 

"Yes, but I give him credit for it, " went on Dunk. "He meets with a lotof discouragement, and some of the fellows are positively rude to him, but he's always the same--good-natured and willing to put up with it. He's working hard for his education. "

"Harder than you and I, " commented Andy. "I wonder if we'd do it?"

"I'd hate to have it thrust on me. But I do give Stein credit. "

"Yes, only for that Japanese vase business. "

"Oh, well, I believe that oily Jap did put one over on him. "

"Possibly. Oh, rats! Here come some of the fellows!"

The sound of footsteps was heard in the corridor. Andy glanced at Dunk. If it should prove to be Mortimer Gaffington, who, of late had tried invain to get Dunk to go out with him, what was to be done? Andy caughthis breath sharply. 

But it proved to be a needless alarm, for Bob Hunter, Ted Wilson andThad Warburton came in with noisy greetings. 

"Look at the digs!"

"Boning away on a night like this!"

"'Come into the garden, Maud!' Chuck that, you fellows, and let's godowntown. What's the matter with a picture show?"

It was Thad who asked this, but Bob, with a wry face, put his hand inhis pocket and drew out seven cents. 

"It doesn't look much like a picture show for me to-night, " he said. 

"Oh, I'll stake you!" exclaimed Ted. "Come on. "

"Shall we?" asked Dunk doubtfully of Andy. 

"Might as well, I guess, " was the answer. Andy was glad it had not beenGaffington, and he realized that it might be better to take this chancenow of getting Dunk out, before the rich youth and his fast companionscame along, as they might later in the evening. He knew that with Bob, Ted and Thad, there would be no long session at Burke's. 

"I haven't done my Greek, " objected Dunk, hesitatingly. 

"Oh, well, I'll set the alarm clock, and we'll get up an hour earlier inthe morning and floor it, " suggested Andy. 

"Burning the candle at both ends!" protested Dunk, with a sigh. "Ain't Iterrible? But lead me to it!"

As they went out of Wright Hall, Andy looked across the campus and sawGaffington, and some of his boon companions, approaching. 

"Just in time, " he murmured. When Gaffington saw Dunk in charge of hisfriends he and the others turned aside. 

"That's when I got ahead of him!" exulted our hero. 

They spent a pleasant evening, and Andy and Dunk were back in their roomat a reasonable hour. 

"I declare!" exclaimed Dunk, "I feel pretty fresh yet. I think I'll haveanother go at that Greek. We won't have to get up with the chickensthen. "

"I'm with you, " agreed Andy, and they did more studying than they haddone in some time. 

"Well, I'm through, " yawned Dunk, flinging his book on the table. "NowI'm going to hit the hay. "

The next day Dunk was complimented on his recitation. 

"Oh, I tell you it pays to bone a bit!" Andy cried, clapping Dunk on theback as they came out. 

"That's right, " agreed the other. 

In the days that followed Andy watched Dunk closely. And, to our hero'sdelight, Gaffington seemed to be losing his influence. Several timesDunk refused to go out with him--refused good-naturedly enough, butsteadfastly. 

Andy tried to get Dunk interested in football, and did to a certainextent. Dunk went out to the practice, and Andy tried to get him to gointo training. 

"No, it's too late, " was the answer. "Next year, maybe. But I like tosee you fellows rub your noses in the dirt. Go to it, Andy!"

Link Bardon seemed to find his employment at Yale congenial. Andy methim several times and had some little talk with him. The young farmersaid he hoped to get permanent employment at the college, his presentposition being only for a limited time. 

Andy had received letters from some of his former chums at Milton. Amongthem were missives from Ben Snow and Chet Anderson. Chet wrote fromHarvard, where he had gone, that he would see Andy at the Yale-Harvardgame, while from Ben, who had gone to Princeton, came a similar message, making an appointment for a good old-fashioned talk at the annual clashof the Bulldog and Tiger. 

"I'll be glad to see them again, " said Andy. 

It was about two weeks after the arrival of Link Bardon at Yale thatsome little disturbance was occasioned throughout the college, when anannouncement was made at chapel one morning. It was from the Dean, andstated that a number of articles had been reported as missing from therooms of various students. 

"You are requested to keep your doors locked when you are out of yourrooms, " the announcement concluded. 

There was a buzz of excitement as the students filed out. 

"What does it mean?"

"Who lost anything?"

"I have, " said one. "My new sapphire cuff buttons were swiped. "

"I lost a ring, " added another. 

"And a diamond scarf pin I left on my dresser walked off--or someonewalked off with it, " spoke a third. 

There were several other mysterious losses mentioned. 

"How did it happen?" asked Andy of a fellow student who had said a fewdollars had been taken from his dresser. 

"Hanged if I know, " was the answer. "I left the money in my room, andwhen I came back it was gone. "

"Was the room locked?"

"It sure was. "

"Did any of the monitors or janitors see anyone go in?"

"Not that I know of; but of course it could happen. There are a lot ofnew men working around here, anyhow. "

Andy thought of Link, and hoped that the farmer lad would not besuspected on account of being a stranger. 

But as the days went on the number of mysterious thefts grew. Everydormitory in the quadrangle had been visited, but the buildings outsidethe hollow square seemed immune. 

CHAPTER XXI

A GRIDIRON BATTLE

Harvard was about to meet Yale in the annual football game between thefreshman teams. The streets were filled with pretty girls, and morepretty girls, with "sporty" chaps in mackinaws, in raglans--with allsorts of hats atop of their heads, and some without hats at all. 

There had been the last secret final practice on Yale Field the daybefore. That night the Harvard team and its followers had arrived, putting up at Hotel Taft. 

Andy, in common with other candidates for the team, was sitting quietlyin his room, for Holwell, the coach, had forbidden any liveliness thenight before the game. And Andy had a chance to play. 

True, it was but a bare chance, but it was worth saving. He had playedbrilliantly on the scrub team for some time, and had been named as apossible substitute. If several backs ahead of him were knocked out, orslumped at the last moment, Andy would go in. And, without in the leastwishing misfortune to a fellow student, how Andy did wish he could play!

There came a knock at the door--a timid, hesitating sort of knock. 

"Oh, hang it! If that's Ikey, trying to sell me a blue sweater, I'llthrow him down stairs!" growled Andy. He was nervous. 

"Come in!" called Dunk, laughing. 

"Is Andy Blair----Oh, hello, there you are, old man!" cried a voice andChet Anderson thrust his head into the room. 

"Well, you old rosebud!" yelled Andy, leaping out of the easy chair withsuch energy that the bit of furniture slid almost into the bigfireplace. "Where'd you blow in from?"

"I came with the Harvard bunch. I told you I'd see you here. "

"I know, but I didn't expect to see you until the game. You're not goingto play?"

"No--worse luck! Wish I was. Hear you may be picked. "

"There's a chance, that's all. "

"Oh, well, we'll lick you anyhow!"

"Yes, you will, you old tomcat!" and the two clasped hands warmly, andlooked deep into each other's eyes. 

"Oh!" exclaimed Andy. "I forgot. Chet, this is my chum, DuncanChamber--Dunk for short. Dunk--Chet Anderson. I went to Milton withhim. "

The two shook hands, and Chet sat down, he and Andy at once exchanging afund of talk, with Dunk now and then getting in a word. 

"Did you come on with the team?" asked Andy. 

"Yes, and it's some little team, too, let me tell you!"

"Glad to hear it!" laughed Andy. "Yale doesn't like to punch a bag ofmush!"

"Oh, you won't find any mush in Harvard. Say, have you heard from Ben?"

"Yes, saw him at the Princeton game. "

"How was he?"

"Fine and dandy. "

"That's good. Then he likes it down there?"

"Yes. He's going in for baseball. Hopes to pitch on the freshman team, but I don't know. "

"You didn't play against the Tiger?"

"No, there wasn't any need of me. Yale had it all her own way. "

"She won't to-morrow. "

"Wait and see. "

Thus they talked until Chet, knowing that Andy must want to get rest, inpreparation for the gridiron battle, took his leave, promising to seehis friend again. 

The stands were a mass of color--blue like the sky on one side of YaleField, and red like a sunset on the other. The cheering cohorts, underthe leadership of the various cheer leaders, boomed out their voices ofdefiance. 

Out trotted the Yale team and substitutes, of whom Andy was one. Instantly the blue of the sky seemed to multiply itself as a roar shookthe sloping seats--the seats that ran down to the edge of green field, marked off in lines of white. 

"Come on now, lively!" yelled the coaches, hardly making their voicesheard above the frantic cheers. 

The players lined up and went through some rapid passes and kicking. Andy and the other substitutes took their places on the bench, envelopedin blankets and their blue sweaters. 

Then a roar and a smudge of crimson, that flashed out from the otherside of the field, told of the approach of the Harvard team. 

"Harvard! Harvard! Harvard!"

It was an acclaim of welcome. 

Andy watched Yale's opponents go through their snappy practice. 

"They're big and beefy, " he murmured, "but we can do 'em. We've got to!Yale has got to win!"

The captains consulted, the coin was flipped, and Harvard was to kickoff. The teams gathered in a knot at either end of the field for a lastconsultation. Then the new ball was put in the center of the field. 

Andy found difficulty in getting his breath, and he noticed that theother players beside him had the same trouble. 

The whistle shrilled out, and the Harvard back, running, sent the yellowpigskin sailing well down the field. A wild yell greeted hisperformance. One of the Yale players caught it and his interferenceformed before him. But he had not run it back ten yards before he wastackled. Now would come the first line-up, and it would be seen how Yalecould buck the crimson. 

"Signal!" Andy could hear their quarterback yell, and then the rest wasswallowed up in a hum of excitement in the songs and cheers with whichthe students sought to urge on the defenders of the blue. 

There was a vicious plunge into the line, but the gain was small. 

"They's holding us!" murmured Blake, at Andy's side. 

"Oh, it's early yet, " answered Andy. He wondered why his hands painedhim, and, looking at them found that he had been clenching them untilthe nails had made deep impressions in his palms. 

Again came a plunging, smashing attack at Harvard's line, and a groanfrom the Yale substitutes followed. The Yale back had been thrown for aloss. 

"We've got to kick now, " murmured Andy, and the signal came. 

Then it was the Yale ends showed their fleetness and they nailed theHarvard man before he had gained much. An exchange of punts followed, both teams having good kickers that year. 

Then came more line smashing, in which Yale gained a little. It was afiercely fought game, so fierce that before five minutes of play Harvardhad to take one man out, and Yale lost two, from injuries that could notbe patched up on the field. 

"I've got a chance! I've got a chance!" exulted Andy. 

But it was not rejoicing at the other fellows' misfortunes. Unless youhave played football you can not understand Andy's real feelings. 

The first quarter ended with neither side making a score, and there wasa consultation on both teams during the little breathing spell. 

"We've got to do more line plunging, " thought Andy, and he was right, for Yale began that sort of a game when the whistle blew again. Thewisdom of it was apparent, for at once the ball began to go down towardHarvard's goal, once Yale got possession of the pigskin after anexchange of kicks. 

"That's the way! That's the way!" yelled Andy. "Touchdown! Touchdown!"

This was being yelled all over the Yale stands. But it was not to be. After some magnificent playing, and bucking that tore the Harvard lineapart again and again, time for the half was called, Yale having theball on Harvard's eight-yard line. Another play might have taken itover. 

But both teams had been forced to call on more substitutes, and Harvardlost her best punter. Yale suffered, too, in the withdrawal of Michaels, a star end. 

The third quarter had not been long under way when, following ascrimmage, a knot of Yale players gathered about a prostrate figure. 

"Who is it? Who is it?" was asked on all sides. 

"Brooks--right half!" was the despondent answer. "This cooks our goose!"

"Blair--Blair!" cried the coach. "Get in there! Rip 'em up!"

A mist swam before Andy's eyes. Some one fairly pulled him from thebench, and his sweater was ripped off him, one sleeve tearing out. Butwhat did it matter--he had a chance to play!

"We've got to buck their line!" the freshman captain whispered in hisear. "They're weak there, and we dare not kick too much. Our ends can'tget down fast enough. I'm going to send you through for all you'reworth. "

"All right!" gasped Andy. His mouth was dry--his throat parched. 

"Steady there! Steady!" warned the coach. 

"Ready, Yale?" asked the referee. 

"Yes!"

Again the whistle blew. Yale had the ball, and on the first play Andywas sent bucking the line with it. He hit it hard, and felt himselfbeing pushed and pulled through. Some one seemed in his way, and then abody gave suddenly and limply, and he lurched forward. 

"First down!" he heard some one yell. He had gained the requireddistance. Yale would not have to kick. 

Panting, trembling, with a wild, eager rage to again get into the fight, Andy waited for the signal. A forward pass was to be tried. He was gladhe was not to buck the line again. 

The pass was not completed, and the ball was brought back. Again came aplay--a double pass that netted a little. Yale was slowly gaining. 

But now Harvard took a brace and held for downs so that Yale had tokick. Then the Crimson took her turn at rushing the ball down the fieldby a series of desperate plunges. Yale's goal was in danger when thesaving whistle for the third quarter shrilled out. 

"Fellows, we've got to get 'em now or never!" cried the Yale captain, fiercely. "Break your necks--but get a touchdown!"

Once more the line-up. Andy's ears were ringing. He could scarcely hearthe signals for the cheering from the stands. He was called upon tosmash through the line, and did manage to make a small gain. But it wasnot enough. It was the second down. The other back was called on, andwent through after good interference, making the necessary gain. 

"We've got 'em on the run!" exulted Yale. 

The blue team was within striking distance of the Harvard goal. Thesignal came for a kick in an attempt to send the ball over the crossbar. 

How it happened no one could say. It was one of the fumbles that sooften occur in a football game--fumbles that spell victory for one teamand defeat for another. The Yale full-back reached out his hands for thepigskin, caught it and--dropped it. There was a rush of men toward him, and some one's foot kicked the ball. It rolled toward Andy. In a flashhe had it tucked under his arm, and started in a wild dash for theHarvard goal line. 

"Get him! Get that man!"

"Smear him!"

"Interference! Interference! Get after him!"

"It's Blair! Andy Blair!"

"Yale's ball!"

"Go on, you beggar! Run! Run!"

"Touchdown! Touchdown!"

There was a wild riot of yells. With his ears ringing as with the jangleof a thousand bells, with his lungs nearly bursting, and his eyesscarcely seeing, Andy ran on. 

He had ten yards to go--thirty feet--and between him and the goal wasthe Harvard full-back--a big youth. Andy heard stamping feet behind him. They were those of friends and foes, but no friends could help him now. 

Straight at the Harvard back he ran--panting, desperate. The Crimsonplayer crouched, waiting for him. Andy dodged. He was midway between theside lines. He circled. The Harvard back turned and raced after him, intent on driving him out of bounds. That was what Andy did not want, but he did want to wind his opponent. Again Andy circled and dodged. Theother followed his every move. 

Then Andy came straight at him again, with outstretched hand to ward himoff. There was a clash of bodies, and Andy felt himself encircled in afatal embrace. He hurled himself forward, for he could see the goal linebeneath his feet. Over he went, bearing the Harvard player backward, and, when they fell with a crash, Andy reached out, his arms over hishead, and planted the ball beyond the goal line. He had made the winningtouchdown!

CHAPTER XXII

ANDY SAYS "NO!"

Men were thumping each other on the back. Some had smashed their hatsover other persons' heads. Others had broken their canes from muchexuberant pounding on the floors of the stands. 

Everyone was yelling. On one side there was a forest of blue flagswaving up and down, sideways, around in circles. Pretty girls wereclinging to their escorts and laughing hysterically. The escortsthemselves scarcely noticed the said pretty girls, for they were gazingdown on the field--the field about which were scattered eleven playersin blue, and eleven in dull red, all motionless now, amazed or joyful, according to their color, over the feat of Andy Blair. 

On the Harvard stands there was glumness. The red banners slumped innerveless hands. It had come as a shock. They had been so sure that Yalecould not score--what matter if the Crimson could not herself--if shecould keep the mighty Bulldog from biting a hole in her goal line?

But it was not to be. Yale had won. There was no time to play more. Yalehad won--somewhat by a fluke, it is true, but she had won nevertheless. Flukes count in football--fumbles sometimes make the game--for the otherfellow. 

"Oh, you Andy Blair!"

"It's a touchdown!"

"Yale wins!"

"Yale! Yale! Yale!"

Some one started the "Boola" song, and it was roared out mightily. Thencame the locomotive cheer. 

Slowly Andy got up from behind the Harvard goal line. The other playerwho had tackled him, but too late, himself arose. His face was white anddrawn, not from any physical pain, though the fall of himself and Andyhad not been gentle. It was from the sting of defeat. 

"Well--well, " he faltered, gulping hard. "You got by me, old man!"

"I--I had to, " gasped Andy, for neither had his breath yet. 

The other players came crowding up. 

"It'll be the dickens of a job to kick a goal from there with thatwind, " spoke the Yale captain. "But we'll try it. "

The whistle ending the game had blown, but time was allowed for a try atkicking the ball over the crossbar. A hush fell over the assemblagewhile the ball was taken out and the player stretched out to hold it forthe kicker. The referee stood with upraised hand, to indicate when theball started to rise--the signal that the Harvard players might rushfrom behind their goal in an attempt, seldom successful, to block thekick. 

The hand fell. There was a dull boom. The ball rose and sailed towardthe posts as the Harvard team rushed out. And then fate again favoredYale, for a little puff of wind carried the spheroid just inside theposts and over the bar. The goal had been kicked, adding to Yale'spoints. She had won. 

Once more the cheers broke forth, and Andy's team-mates surrounded him. They slapped him on the back; they called him all sorts ofharsh-sounding but endearing names; they jostled him to and fro. 

"Come on, now!" cried the Yale captain. "A cheer for Harvard! No betterplayers in the world! Altogether, boys!"

It was a ringing tribute. 

And then the vanquished, tasting the bitterness of defeat, sent forththeir acclaim of the lads who had bested them. 

Andy found himself in the midst of a mad throng, of which his own matesformed but a small part, for the field was now overflowing with thespectators who had rushed down from the stands. 

Some one pushed a way through and grabbed Andy by the hand. 

"You did it, old man! You did it!" a frantic voice exclaimed. "I giveyou credit for it, Andy!"

Andy found himself confronting Chet. 

"I told you we'd win, " answered Andy, with a laugh. 

"Yes, but you never said you were going to do it yourself, " spoke Chet, ruefully. 

"Come on, fellows, up with him!" called the quarterback, and before Andycould stop them they had lifted him to their shoulders, while behind thestudents had formed themselves into a queue to do the serpentine dance. 

Cheer after cheer was given, and then the team passed into the dressingrooms, and into comparative quiet. Comparative quiet only, for theplayers were babbling among themselves, living the game over again. 

"And to think that a substitute did it, after we've thought ourselvesthe whole show all season, " groaned one of the regulars. 

"Oh, well, it was just an accident, " said Andy, modestly. 

"A mighty lucky accident for Yale, my friend!" exclaimed Holwell. "Maythere be more of such accidents!"

Back in the gymnasium, later, after a refreshing shower, Andy managed toget away from the admiring crowd, and finding Chet took him to his room. Dunk was there before them. 

"This is a great and noble occasion!" he cried, as Andy came in. "I'mproud of you, my boy! Proud! Put her there!"

Andy sent his hand into that of his roommate with a resounding whack. 

"We've got to celebrate!" cried Dunk. "The freshman football season isover. You break training. You've got to celebrate!"

"I don't mind--in a mild sort of way, " laughed Andy. 

"Oh, strictly proper--strictly proper!" agreed Dunk. 

"I think I'd better be getting back, " remarked Chet. 

"No, stay and see the fun, " insisted Dunk, and Chet agreed to do so. 

There came a rush of feet along the corridor, and some one whistled "Seethe conquering hero comes!"

"There are some of the fellows now!" cried Dunk. "Oh! this is great. Wemust make this a noteworthy occasion. We must celebrate properly!" hewas getting quite excited, and Andy began to worry somewhat, for he didnot want his roommate to celebrate in the wrong way, and there was somedanger lest he might. 

"Where is he?"

"Lead me to him!"

"Oh, you Andy Blair!"

Bob, Ted and Thad came bursting into the room, which would not hold manymore. 

"Shake!" was the general command, and Andy's arm ached from thepump-handle process. 

"What are you going to do?" asked Ted. 

"We're going to eat!" cried Dunk. "This is on me--a little supper byourselves at Burke's. "

"Count us in on that!" cried some one out in the corridor, and MortimerGaffington and some of his cronies shoved their way into the room. "Wewant to have a share in the blow-out! Congratulations, old man!" and hepumped Andy's arm. 

"Oh, what a night we'll have!" cried Clarence Boyle. 

"The wildest and stormiest ever!" added Len Scott. "Yale's night!"

"Got to go easy, though!" cautioned Dunk. 

"Oh, fudge on you and being easy!" laughed Mortimer. "This thing has tobe done good and proper. Come on, let's go out. We'll smear this oldtown with a mixture of red and blue. "

"That makes purple, " laughed Dunk. 

"No matter!" cried Mortimer. "Come on. "

Andy could not very well refuse and a little later he found himself withsome of the other football players, at a table in Burke's place. 

The air was blue with smoke--veritable Yale air. There was laughter, talk, and the clatter of glasses on every side. The evening wore on, with the singing of songs, the telling of stories and the playing of thegame all over again. It was such a night as occurs but seldom. 

Andy noticed that Dunk was slipping back into his old habits. And, asthe celebration went on this became more and more noticeable. 

Finally, after a rollicking song, Dunk arose from his place near Andyand cried:

"Fellows--your eyes on me. I'm going to propose a toast to the best oneamong us. "

"Name your man!"

Dunk was thus challenged. 

"I'll name him in a minute, " he went on, raising his glass on high. "He's the best friend I've got. I give you--Andy Blair!"

"Andy Blair!" was roared out. 

"Stand up, Andy!"

He arose, a glass of ginger ale in his hand. 

"We're goin' drink your health!" said Dunk. 

"Thank you!" said Andy. 

"Then fill up your glass!"

"It is filled, Dunk. Can't you see?"

"That's no stuff to drink a health in. Here, waiter, some real ale forMr. Blair. "

"No--no, " said Andy quickly. "I don't drink anything stronger than softstuff--you know it, Dunk. "

For a moment there was a silence in the room. Andy felt himself growingpale. 

"You--you won't drink with me?" asked Dunk slowly. 

"I'd like to--but I can't--I don't touch it. "

"He's a quitter!" cried Mortimer, angrily, from the other side of thetable. "A rank quitter! He won't drink his own toast!"

"Won't you drink with me, Andy?" asked Dunk, in sorrowful tones. 

"In soft stuff--yes. "

"No, in the real stuff!"

"I can't!"

"Then, by Cæsar, you are a quitter, and here's where you and I partcompany!"

Dunk crashed his glass down on the table in front of Andy, and staggeredaway from his side. 

CHAPTER XXIII

RECONCILIATION

Seldom had anything like that occurred before, and, for the moment everystudent in the room remained motionless, breathing hard and wonderingwhat would come next. Andy, who had been pale, now was flushed. It wasan insult; but how could he resent it?

There seemed no way. If Dunk wanted to break off their friendship thatwas his affair, but he might have done it more quietly. Probably all inthe room, save perhaps Mortimer Gaffington, realized this. As for thatyouth, he smiled insultingly at Andy and murmured to Dunk, who was nowpassing to another table:

"That's the way to act. Be a sport!"

It was clear that if Andy dropped Dunk, Mortimer stood ready to take himup. 

"Don't mind him, old chap. Dunk isn't just himself to-night, " murmuredThad in Andy's ear. "He'll see differently in the morning. "

"He'll have to see a good bit differently to see me, " spoke Andystiffly. "I can't pass that up. "

"Try, " urged Thad. "You don't know what it may mean to Dunk. "

Andy did not reply. Some one started a song and under cover of it Andyslipped out, Chet following. 

"Too bad, old man, " consoled Andy's Harvard friend. "Is he often as badas that?"

"Not of late. It's getting in with that Gaffington crowd that starts himoff. I guess he and I are done now. "

"I suppose so. But it's too bad. "

"Yes. "

Andy walked on in silence for a time, and then said:

"Come on up to the room and have a chat. I won't see you for some timenow. Not till Christmas vacation. "

"That's right. But I've got to get back to Cambridge. I'll go down andget a train, I guess. Come on to the station with me. The walk will doyou good. "

The two chums strolled through the lighted streets, which were much morelively than usual on account of the celebration of the football victory. But Andy and Chet paid little heed to the bustle and confusion aboutthem. 

When Andy got back to his room, after bidding Chet good-bye, Dunk hadnot come in. Andy lay awake some time waiting for him, wondering whathe would say when he did come in. But finally he dozed off, and awakingin the morning, from fitful slumbers, he saw the other bed empty. Dunkhad not come home. 

"Well, if he's going to quit me I guess it can't be helped, " remarkedAndy. "And I guess I'd better give up this room, and let him get someone else in. It wouldn't be pleasant for me to stay here if he pulledout. I'd remember too much. Yes, I'll look for another room. "

He went to chapel, feeling very little in the mood for it, but somehowthe peaceful calm of the Sunday service eased his troubled mind. Helooked about for Dunk, but did not see him. Perhaps it was just as well. 

After chapel Andy went back to his room, and debated with himself whatwas best to be done. He was in the midst of this self-communion whenthere was a knock on the door, and to Andy's call of "Shove in!" therefollowed the shock of curly hair that belonged to nobody but Ikey Stein. 

"Oh, dear!" groaned Andy in spirit. "That bargainer, at this, of alltimes. "

"Hello, Andy, " greeted Ikey. "Are you busy?"

"Too busy to buy neckties. "

"Forget it! Do you think I'd come to you now on such a business!"

There was a new side to the character of Ikey--a side Andy had neverbefore seen. There was a quiet air of authority about him, a gentle airthat contrasted strangely with his usual carefree and easy manners thathe assumed when he wanted to sell his goods. 

"Sit down, " invited Andy, shoving a pile of books and papers off achair. 

"Thanks. Nice day, isn't it?"

"Yes, " answered Andy slowly, wondering what was the object of the call. 

"Nice day for a walk. "

"Yes. "

"Ever go for a walk?"

"Sure. Lots of times. "

"Going to-day?"

"I don't know. Are you?"

"Oh, I didn't mean with me. I've got a date, anyhow. Say, look here, Blair, if you don't mind me getting personal. If you were to take a walkout toward East Rock Park you might meet a friend of yours. "

"A friend?"

"Yes. "

"You mean----"

"Now look here!" exclaimed Ikey, and his manner was serious. "You mayorder me out of your room, and all that, but I'm going to speak what'sin my mind. I want you to make up with Dunk!"

"Make up with him--after what he did to me!"

"That's all right--I know. But I'm sure he'll meet you more thanhalf-way. "

"Well, he'll have to. "

"Now, don't take that view of it, " urged the kindly Jew. "Say, let metell you something, will you?"

"Fire away, " and Andy walked over and stood looking out of the windowacross the campus. 

"It's only a little story, " went on Ikey, "and not much of a one atthat. When I was in prep school I had a friend--a very dear friend. 

"He was what you call a sport, too, in a way, and how he ever took upwith me I never could understand. I hadn't any money--I had to work likethe dickens to get along. All my people are dead, and I was then, as Iam now, practically alone in the world. But this fellow, who came of agood family, took me up, and we formed a real friendship. 

"I think I did him good in a way, and I know he did me, for I used tohave bitter feelings against the rich and he did a lot to show me that Iwas wrong. This friend went in a fast set and one day I spoke to himabout it. I said he was throwing away his talents. 

"Well, he was touchy--he'd been out late the night before--and heresented what I said. We had a quarrel--our first one--and he went outsaying he never wanted to see me again. I had a chance to make up withhim later, but I was too proud. So was he, I guess. Anyhow, when I putmy pride in my pocket and went after him, a little later, it was toolate. "

"Too late--how?" asked Andy, for Ikey had come to a stop and there was abreak in his voice. 

"He went out in an auto with his fast crowd; there was an upset, and myfriend was killed. "

Andy turned sharply. There were tears in the other's eyes, and his facewas twitching. 

"I--I always felt, " said Ikey, softly, "that perhaps if I hadn't been soproud and hard that--maybe--maybe he'd be alive to-day. "

There was silence in the room, broken only by the monotonous ticking ofthe clock. 

"Thanks, " said Andy, softly, after a pause. "I--I guess I understandwhat you mean, Stein. " He held out his hand, which was warmly clasped. 

"Then you will go for a walk--maybe?" asked Ikey, eagerly. 

"I--I think I will, " spoke Andy, softly. "I don't understand it; butI'll go. "

"You--you'll find him there, " went on Ikey. "I sent him out to--meetyou!"

And before Andy could say anything more the peacemaker had left theapartment. 

For several minutes Andy stood still. He looked about the room--a roomsuggestive in many ways of the presence and character of Dunk. There waseven on the mantel a fragment of the Japanese vase he had broken thattime. 

"I'll go to him, " spoke Andy, softly. 

He went out on the campus, not heeding many calls from friends to jointhem. When they noted his manner they, wisely, did not press the matter. Perhaps they guessed. Andy walked out Whitney Avenue to East Rock Roadand turned into the park. 

"I wonder where I'll find him?" he mused, as he gazed around. 

"Queer that Ikey should put up a game like this. "

Walking on a little way, Andy saw a solitary figure under a tree. Heknew who it was. The other saw him coming, but did not stir. 

Presently they were within speaking distance. Andy paused a moment andthen, holding out his hand, said softly:

"Dunk!"

The figure looked up, and a little smile crept over the moody face. 

"Andy!" cried Dunk, stepping forward. 

The next moment their hands had met in a clasp such as they never hadfelt before. They looked into each other's eyes, and there was muchmeaning in the glance. 

"Andy--Andy--can you--forgive me?"

"Of course, Dunk; I understand. "

"All right, old man. That is the last time. Never again! Never again!"

And Dunk meant it. 

CHAPTER XXIV

LINK'S VISIT

Busy days followed. After the football game, the quarrel of Dunk andAndy, and their reconciliation, brought about so effectively by IkeyStein, little of moment happened except the varsity football games, which Andy followed with devoted interest, hoping that by the next termhe would be chosen for a place on the team. 

The students settled down to hard work, with the closing of the outdoorsporting season, and there were days of hard study. Yale is no place forweak students, and Andy soon found that he must "toe the mark" in moresenses than one. He had to give his days and some of his nights to"grinding. "

For some time Andy did not understand how Ikey had brought about themeeting of Dunk and himself--at least, he did not know how thepeacemaker had induced Dunk to go to the park. But one day the latterexplained. 

Following the dramatic scene in Burke's, Dunk had gone out. Not wishingto face Andy he had stayed at a hotel all night. In the morning, whilehe was remorseful and nearly ill, Ikey, the faithful, had sought himout, having in some way heard of the quarrel. Ikey was not given tofrequenting Burke's, but he had his own way of ferreting out news. 

To Dunk he had gone, then, and had told much the same story he hadrelated to Andy, giving it a different twist. And he had so worked onDunk's feelings, picturing how terribly Andy must feel, that finallyDunk had consented to go to the park. 

"Well, I'm glad I did, old man!" said Dunk, clapping Andy on the back. 

"And so am I. I'm only wondering whether Ikey faked that 'sob story' ornot. "

"What of it? It certainly did the business, all right. "

"It sure did. "

Dunk and Andy were better friends than ever, and, to the relief of Andy, Mortimer and his crowd ceased coming to the room in Wright Hall, andtaking Dunk off with them. 

Occasionally Andy's chum would go off with a rather "sporty" crowd, andsometimes Andy went also. But Dunk held himself well in hand, for whichAndy was very glad. 

"It's all your doing, old man!" said Dunk, gratefully. 

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Andy, but his heart glowed nevertheless. 

The quiet and rather calm atmosphere of college life was rudely brokenwhen one night, following a mild celebration over the victory of thebasketball team, several robberies were discovered. 

A number of rooms in the college buildings had been entered, and variousarticles of jewelry and some money had been taken. Freshmen were mainlythe ones who sustained the losses, though no class was exempt. 

"This is getting serious!" exclaimed Dunk, as he and Andy talked thematter over. "We'd better get a new lock put on our door. "

"I'm willing, though I haven't got much that would tempt anyone. "

"I haven't either, only this, " and he pulled out a handsome gold watch. "I'm so blamed careless about it that most of the time I forget to carryit. "

"Well, let's put on a lock, then. The one we have doesn't catch half thetime. "

"No, it's been busted too many times by the raiding sophs. I'll buyanother first time I'm down town. "

But the matter slipped Dunk's mind, and Andy did not again think of it. 

The thefts created no little excitement, and it was said that a privatedetective agency had been engaged by the faculty. Of the truth of thisno one could vouch. 

Another warning was given by the Dean, and students were urged to see tothe fastening of their doors, not only for their own protection, but inorder not to put temptation in the way of servants. 

Andy came in from a late lecture one afternoon, to find open the door ofhis room he had left locked, as he thought. At first he supposed Dunkwas within, but entering the apartment he saw Link Bardon there. Thehelper arose as Andy came in and said, rather embarrassedly:

"Mr. Blair, I'm in trouble. "

"Trouble!" exclaimed Andy. "What kind?"

"Well, I need money. You see I've got a sick sister and the other dayshe wrote to me, saying she'd have to have some money to buy anexpensive medicine. I sent it to her. She said her husband would get hispay this week, and she'd send it back to me. Now she writes that he issick, and can't earn anything, so she can't pay me back. 

"I was counting on that money, for my wages aren't due for several days, and I have to pay my board. I don't like to ask my landlady to wait, andI thought maybe----"

"Of course I'll let you have some!" exclaimed Andy quickly. "How muchdo you need?"

"Oh, about seven dollars. "

"Better have ten. You can pay me back when you like, " said Andy as heextended the bill. 

"I don't know how to thank you!" exclaimed Link, gratefully. 

"Then don't try, " advised Andy, with a smile. 

CHAPTER XXV

THE MISSING WATCH

Andy was "boning" on his German, with which he had had considerabledifficulty. The dusk was settling down that early December day, and hewas thinking of lighting a lamp to continue work on his books, when heheard a familiar step, and a whistle down the corridor. Then a voicebroke into a college refrain. 

"Dunk!" murmured Andy. "It sounds good to hear him, and to know thatthere's not much more danger of our getting on the outs. He sure wasworth saving--that is, what little I did toward it. He did the mosthimself, I fancy. "

"Hello, old top, hard at it?" greeted Dunk, as he entered. 

"Have to be, " replied Andy. "You've no idea how tough this German is. "

"Oh, haven't I? Didn't I flunk in it the other day? And on something Iought to have known as well as I do my first reader lesson? It's nocinch--this being at Yale. Wonder if I've got time to slip down townbefore we feed our faces?" and he began fumbling for his watch. 

"What's on?" asked Andy, rather idly. 

Then, as he saw Dunk giving his shoes a hasty rub, and delving among aconfused mass of ties in a drawer, Andy added:

"The witness need not answer. It's a skirt. "

"A which?" asked Dunk in pretended ignorance. 

"A lady. I didn't know you knew any here, Dunk!"

"Huh! Think you've got the preserves all to yourself, eh? Well, I'llshow you that you haven't. "

"Who is she?" asked Andy. 

"Friend of a friend of mine. I think I'll take a chance and go down justfor a little while. Save some grub for me. I won't be long. May make adate for to-night. Want to fill in?"

"If there's room. "

"Sure, we'll make room, and I'll get you a girl. Some of us are going tothe Hyperion. Nice little play there, " and Dunk went on "dolling up, "until he was at least partly satisfied with himself. 

Dunk was about to leave when a messenger came to announce that he waswanted on the 'phone in the public booth in Dwight Hall, where the Y. M. C. A. Of Yale has headquarters. 

"I guess that's her now, " said Dunk, as he hurried out. "I told her tocall up, " and he rushed down the corridor. 

Andy heard him call back:

"I say, old man, look out for my watch, will you? I must have left itsomewhere around there. "

"The old fusser, " murmured Andy, as he rose from the easy chair. "WhenDunk goes in for anything he forgets everything else. He'd leave hishead if it wasn't fastened on, or if I didn't remind him of it, " andAndy felt quite a righteous glow as he began to look about for thevaluable timepiece belonging to his roommate. 

"He must have it on him, " went on Andy, as a hasty search about the roomdid not reveal it. "Probably he's stuck it in his trousers' pocket withhis keys and loose change. He oughtn't to have a good watch the way heuses it. Well, it isn't here--that's sure. "

Andy, a little later, turned on the electric light, but no glow followedthe snapping of the button. 

"Current off again--or else it's burned out, " he murmured. A look in thehall outside showed him other lamps gleaming and he knew that his ownlight must be at fault. 

"Guess I'll go get another bulb, " he remarked. 

When he returned with the new one he was aware that some one was in thedarkened room. 

"That you, Dunk?" he asked. 

"No, " answered a voice he recognized as that of Ikey Stein. "I saw yougoing down the hall and guessed what you were after, so I took theliberty of coming in and waiting. I've got some real bargains. "

"Nothing doing, Ikey, " laughed Andy, as he screwed the lamp in thesocket and lighted up the room. "Got all the ties I need for my wholecourse in Yale. "

"It isn't ties, " said Ikey, and his voice was so serious that Andywondered at it. "It's handkerchiefs, " went on the student-salesman. "Andy, I'm in bad. I bought a big stock of these things, and I've got tosell 'em to get my money out of 'em. I thought I would have plenty oftime, but I owe a bill that's due now, and the man wants his money. SoI've got to sell these handkerchiefs quicker than I expected. I need thecash, so I'll let 'em go for just what I paid for 'em. I don't care if Idon't make a cent. "

"Let's see 'em, " suggested Andy. The talk sounded familiar. It was"bargain" patter, but an inspection of the handkerchiefs showed Andythat they were worth what was asked for them. And, as it happened, hewas in need of some. He bought two dozen, and suggested to Ikey severalother students in Wright Hall on whom he might call. 

"Thanks, " said the salesman, as he departed after a lengthy visit inAndy's room. "I won't forget what you've done for me, Blair. I'm havinga hard time, and some people try to make it all the harder. They think, because I'm a Jew, that I have no feelings--that I like to be laughedat, and made to think that all I care about is money. Wait! Some dayI'll show 'em!" and his black eyes flashed. 

Andy felt really sorry for him. Certainly Ikey did not work his waythrough college on any easy path. 

"I'm only too glad to do this for you, " said the purchaser. He could notforget what a service Ikey had rendered to him and Dunk, bringing themtogether when they were on the verge of taking paths that might neverconverge. 

"Well, I'll see if I can't find some other easy mark like you, " laughedIkey as he went down the hall. 

Andy was about to go to the "eating joint" alone when Dunk came inwhistling gaily. 

"Ah, ha! Methinks thou hast had a pleasant meeting!" Andy "spouted. "

"Right--Oh!" exclaimed his roommate. "It's all right for to-night, too. I've got a peach for you. "

"Light or dark?" asked Andy, critically. 

"Dark! Say, but you're getting mighty particular, though, for a youngfellow. "

"The same to you. Where do we meet 'em, and where do we go?"

"I've got it all fixed. Hyperion. Come on, let's get through grub, Iwant to dress. "

He began searching hurriedly through his pockets, a puzzled look comingover his face. 

"Where in the world----" he began. "Oh, I know, I left it here. "

"What?"

"My watch. I called to you about it when I went out to the telephone, and----"

"It isn't here. I looked. "

"What!"

"Fact! Unless you stuck it in something. "

"No, I left it right on my dresser, on a pile of cleanhandkerchiefs--hello, where'd these come from?" and he looked at theones Andy had bought of Ikey. 

"Oh, another bargain from our mutual friend, " and Andy mentioned theprice. 

"That is a bargain, all right. I must get some. But look here, where'smy watch?"

"I'm sure I don't know. Did you leave it here?"

"I certainly did. I remember now, I put it on the pile of handkerchiefsjust before I went to last lecture. Then I came in here, to go out tokeep my date, and I didn't have it. I was going to slip it in my pocketwhen I was called to the 'phone. Look here, here's the impression of itin the handkerchiefs, " and Dunk pointed to a round depression in thepile of soft linen squares. It was just the shape of a watch. 

"It was there, " said Dunk slowly, looking at Andy. 

"And now it's gone, " finished his roommate. Then he remembered severalthings, and his start of surprise made Dunk look at his chum in astrange way. 

"What's the matter?" asked Dunk. 

"I'll tell you in a minute, " said Andy. "I want to think a bit. "

CHAPTER XXVI

THE GIRLS

"Well?" asked Dunk, after a pause, during which Andy had sat staring atthe fireplace. A blaze had been kindled there, but it had died down, andnow there was only a mere flicker. 

"Are you sure you left your watch on that pile of handkerchiefs?" askedAndy, slowly. 

"Dead sure. I remember it because I thought at the time that I was achump to treat that ticker the way I did, and I made up my mind I'd geta good chain for it and have my watch pocket lined with chamois leather. That's what made me think of it--the softness of the handkerchiefs. Why, Andy, you can see the imprint of it plainly enough. "

"Yes, I guess you're right. "

"And it's gone. "

"Right again. "

"Were you in the room all the time I was out?"

"Most all the while. I went to get a new electric lamp for the one thathad burned out. "

"Was anyone here besides you?"

Andy hesitated. Then he answered:

"Yes, two persons. "

"Who?"

"Ikey Stein----"

"That----"

Andy held up a warning hand. 

"Don't call any names, " he advised. "Ikey did you and me a good service. We mustn't forget that. "

"All right, I won't. Who else was in here?"

"Link Bardon. "

"Who's he?"

"That farmer lad I was telling you about--the one we fellows saved froma beating. "

"Oh, yes. I remember. "

"He's working here now. He came in to borrow some money. I found himhere when I came back--our door was open. "

"By Jove! That lock! I meant to get it fixed. Well, I can see whathappened. The quadrangle mystery deepens, and I'm elected. The beggargot my watch!" Dunk started out. 

"Where are you going?" asked Andy. 

"To telephone for a locksmith. I'm going to have our door fixed. Don'tlaugh--the old saying--'lock the stable after the horse is stolen. ' Iknow it. "

"Wait a minute, " suggested Andy. "While you're at it hadn't you bettergive notice of the robbery?"

"I suppose so. But what good will it do? None of the fellows have gottenback anything that's been taken. But I sure am sorry to lose thatwatch. "

"So am I, " spoke Andy. "Look here, Dunk, there are two persons who mighthave taken it--no, three. "

"How three?"

"Counting me. "

"Oh, piffle. But I suppose if I made a row it would look bad for Ikeyand your friend Link. "

"It sure would. I think maybe you'd better not make a row. "

"You mean sit down and let 'em walk off with my watch without saying aword?"

"Oh, no. Report the loss, of course. But don't mention any names. "

"Well, I wouldn't like to mention Ikey--for the honor of Yale, and allthat, you know. "

"I agree with you. And, for certain reasons, I wouldn't like you tomention Link. I don't know about him, but I believe he's as honest ascan be. Of course he was in need of money, and if your watch lay inplain sight there'd be a big temptation. But I'd hate to think it. "

"So would I, after what you've told me about him. I won't think it, until, at least, we get more information. It was my fault for leavingit around that way. It's too bad! Dad will sure be sorry to hear it'sgone. I'm going to keep mum about it--maybe it will turn up. "

"I hope so, " returned Andy. "I hardly believe Link would take it, yetyou never can tell. "

"Anyhow, we'll get a new lock put on, and I'll report my watch, " saidDunk. "Then we'll forget all about it and have some fun. Come on, I'mhungry. It isn't so much the money value of the thing, as theassociations. Hang it all--what a queer world this is. Oh, but youshould see the girls, Andy!"

"I'm counting on it!"

When they came back, after a hasty session at the "eating joint, " therewas a note for each of them tucked under the door, which they hadmanaged to lock pending the attaching of the new mechanism. 

"From Gaffington, " announced Dunk, ripping his open. "He's giving ablow-out to-night. Wants me to come. "

"Same here, " announced Andy, reading his, and then glancing anxiously athis roommate. 

"I'm not going, " said Dunk, wadding up the missive and tossing it intothe waste-paper basket. 

"Neither am I, " said Andy, doing the same. 

They began to "doll up, " which, being interpreted, means to attireoneself in one's best raiment, including the newest tie, the stiffestcollar and the most uncomfortable shirt, to say nothing of patentleather shoes a size too small. 

"Whew!" panted Andy, as he adjusted his scarf for the fourth or fifthtime, "these bargains of Ikey's aren't what they're cracked up to be. "

"I should say not. I don't believe they're real silk. "

"Maybe not. They say the Japs can make something that looks like it, butwhich isn't any more silk than a shoestring. "

"I believe you. Maybe Ikey has been dabbling in some more of Hashmi'sstuff. "

"I wouldn't wonder. Say, it's a queer way for a fellow to get throughcollege, isn't it?"

"It sure is. Yet he's a decent sort of chap. Only for that affair of thevases. "

"Oh, he made restitution in that case. "

They went on dressing, with hurried glances at the clock now and then tomake sure they would not be late. From out in the raised court came ahail:

"Oh, you, Dunk!"

"Stick out your noddle, Blair!"

"Come on down!"

"That's Thad and his crowd, " announced Andy. 

"Let 'em holler, " advised Dunk. "I'm not going with them. "

"Oh, you Dunk!"

"Go on away!" called Dunk, shouting out of the window. 

"Oh, for the love of mush!"

"Look at him!"

"Girls, all right!"

"Come on up and rough-house 'em!"

These cries greeted the appearance out of the window of the upper partof Dunk's body, attired in a gaudy waistcoat. 

"Is that door locked, Andy?" gasped Dunk, hurriedly pulling in his head. 

"Yes. "

"Slip the bolt then. They'll make no end of a row if they get in!"

Andy slipped it, and only in time, for there came a rush of bodiesagainst the portal, and insistent demands from Thad and his crowd to beadmitted. Failing in that they besought Andy and Dunk to come out. 

"Nothing doing! We've got dates!" announced Andy, and this was acceptedas final. 

They were just about to leave, quiet having been restored, when therecame a knock. 

"Who is it?" asked Dunk, suspiciously. 

"Gaffington, " was the unexpected answer. "Are you fellows coming to myblow-out. "

Dunk looked at Andy and paused. Following the affair in Burke's, whereGaffington had incited Dunk against Andy, the rich youth from Andy'stown had had little to say to him. He seemed to take it for granted thathis condition that night was enough of an apology without any other, andtreated Andy exactly as though nothing had occurred. 

"Well?" asked Gaffington, impatiently. 

"Sorry, old man, " said Dunk, "but we both have previous engagements. "

"Oh, indeed!" sneered Mortimer, and they could hear him muttering tohimself as he walked away. 

Then the two chums sallied forth. On the way Dunk reported the loss ofhis watch, to the discomfiture of the Dean, who seemed much disturbed bythe successive robberies. 

"Something must be done!" he exclaimed, pacing up and down the room. 

Dunk also left word at the college maintenance office about the doorthat would not lock, and got the promise that it would be seen to. 

"And now for the girls!" exclaimed Andy. "Do I know them?"

"No, but you soon will. "

Andy was much pleased with the two young ladies to whom Dunk introducedhim later. It appeared that one was a distant relative of Dunk's mother, and the two were visiting friends in New Haven. Dunk's "cousin, " as hecalled her, had sent him a card, asking him to call, and he had madearrangements to bring Andy and spend the evening at the theatre. 

Thither they went, happy and laughing, and to the no small envy of anumber of college lads, the said lads making unmistakable signals toDunk and Andy, between the acts, that they wanted to be introducedlater. 

But Andy and Dunk ignored their chums. 

CHAPTER XXVII

JEALOUSIES

"Well, how did you like 'em?" demanded Dunk. 

"Do you mean both--or one?" asked Andy. 

"Huh, you ought to know what I mean?"

"Or--_who_, I suppose, " and Andy smiled. 

He and his chum had come back to their room after taking home the girlswith whom they had spent the evening at the theatre. There had followeda little supper, and the affair ended most enjoyably. That is, it seemedto, but there was an undernote of irritation in Dunk's voice and heregarded Andy with rather a strange look as they sat in the roompreparatory to going to bed. 

"What did you and she find to talk about so much?" asked Dunk, suspiciously. "I brought Kittie Martin around for you. "

"So I imagined. "

"Yet nearly all the time you kept talking to Alice Jordan. Didn't youlike Miss Martin?"

"Sure. She's a fine girl. But Miss Jordan and I found we knew the samepeople back home, where I come from, and naturally she wanted to hearabout them. "

"Huh! Well, the next time I get you a girl I'll make sure the one Ibring along doesn't come from the same part of the country you do. "

"Why?" asked Andy, innocently enough. 

"Why? Good land, man! Do you think I want the girl I pick outmonopolized by you?"

"I didn't monopolize her. "

"It was the next thing to it. "

"Look here, Dunk, you're not mad, are you?"

"No, you old pickle; but I'm the next thing to it. "

"Why, I couldn't help it, Dunk. She talked to me. "

"Bah! The same old story that Adam rung the changes on when Eve handedhim the apple. Oh, forget it! I suppose I oughtn't to have mentioned it, but when I was all primed for a nice cozy talk to have you butting inevery now and then with something about the girls and boys back inOshkosh----"

"It was Dunmore, " interrupted Andy. 

"Well, Dunmore then. It's the same thing. I'll do--more to you if you doit again. "

"I tell you she kept asking me questions, and what could I do butanswer, " replied Andy. 

"You might have changed the subject. Kittie didn't like it for a cent. "

"She didn't?"

"No. I saw her looking at you and Alice in a queer way several times. "

"She did?"

"She did. So did Katy!" mocked Dunk, and his voice was rather snappish. 

"Well, I didn't intend anything, " said Andy. "Gee, but when I try to dothe polite thing I get in Dutch, as the saying is. I guess I wasn't cutout for a lady's man. "

"Oh, you're all right, " Dunk assured his chum, "only you want to hunt onyour own grounds. Keep off my preserves. "

"All right, I will after this. Just give me the high sign when you seeme transgressing again. "

"There isn't likely to be any 'again, ' Andy. They're going hometo-morrow. "

"I've got her address, anyhow, " laughed Andy. 

"Whose?" asked Dunk, suspiciously. 

"Kittie Martin's. She's the one you picked out for me; isn't she?"

"Yes, and I wish you'd stick to her!" and with this Dunk tumbled intobed and did not talk further. Andy put out the light with a thoughtfulair, and did not try to carry on the conversation. It was as near to aquarrel as the roommates had come since the affair of Burke's. 

But matters were smoothed over, at least for a time, when, next day, came notes from the girls saying they had decided to prolong their visitin New Haven. 

"Good!" cried Dunk. "We can take them out some more. "

And this time Andy was careful not to pay too much attention to MissAlice Jordan, though, truth to tell, he liked her better than he didKittie Martin. And it is betraying no secret to confess that Aliceseemed to like Andy very much. 

The boys hired a carriage and took the girls for a drive one day, goingto the beautiful hill country west of the new Yale Field. 

As they were going slowly along they met a taxicab coming in theopposite direction. When it drew near Andy was somewhat surprised tofind it contained Miss Mazie Fuller, the actress. She laughed and bowed, waving her hand to Andy. 

"Who was that?" asked Dunk, who had been too busy talking to Alice tonotice the occupant of the taxi. 

"Miss Fuller, " answered Andy. 

"Oh, your little actress. Yes. "

Andy blushed and Miss Martin, who sat beside the youth, rather drewaway, while Alice gave him a queer, quick look. 

"An actress?" murmured Miss Martin. "She looks young--a mere girl. "

"That's all she is, " said Andy, eagerly. Too eagerly, in fact. He ratheroverdid it. 

"Tell 'em how you saved her life, " suggested Dunk, laughing. 

"Forget it, " returned Andy, with another blush. "I'm tired of being ahero. "

"Oh, I heard about that, " said Miss Jordan. "There was something in thepapers about it. She's real pretty, isn't she?" and again she lookedqueerly at Andy. 

"Oh, yes, " he admitted, taking warning now. "Say, tell me, shall we goover that cross road?"

"To change the subject, " observed Miss Martin, with a little laugh, anda sidewise glance at Andy. 

He was beginning to find that jealousy was not alone confined to Dunk. 

The ride came to an end at last and Andy wondered just how he stood withDunk and the girls. 

"Hang it all!" he mused, "I seem to get in Dutch all along the line. "

The girls left New Haven, having been given a little farewell supper byDunk and Andy. The two boys had hard work to resist the manyself-invited guests among their chums. 

Several days later there came some letters to Dunk and Andy. One, to thelatter, was from Miss Fuller, the actress, telling Andy that sheexpected to be in New Haven again, and asking Andy to call on her. 

"You are going it!" said Dunk, when Andy told of this missive, and alsomentioned receiving one from Miss Martin, thanking him for theentertainment he and Dunk had given to her and her chum. "You sure aregoing it, Andy! Two strings to your bow, all right. "

"Never you mind me, " retorted Andy. "I'm not on your side of the fence_this_ time. "

There was the sound of running feet in the corridor, and someone rushedpast the room, the door of which was open. 

"Did you see anyone pass?" cried Frank Carr, who roomed a few apartmentsaway from Andy and Dunk. "Did someone run past here just now?"

"We didn't see nor hear anyone, " answered Dunk. "Why?"

"Because just as I was coming upstairs I saw someone run out of my room. I thought of the quadrangle robberies at once, and took a look in. Oneof my books, and the silver vase I won in the tennis match, were gone. The thief came down this way!"

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE BOOK

Andy and Dunk, who had jumped up and come to the door of their room onhearing Frank's explanation, stood looking at him for a second, ratherstartled by his news. Then Andy, realizing that this might be a chanceto discover who had been carrying on the mysterious quadranglerobberies, exclaimed:

"Come on down this way! The hall ends just around the corner and there'sno way out. It's a blind alley, and if the fellow went down here we surehave him!"

"Good for you!" cried Dunk. "Wait until we get something to tackle himwith in case he fights. "

"That's so, " said Andy. "Here, I'll take our poker, and you can have thefire tongs, Dunk. "

From a brass stand near the fireplace Andy caught up the articles hementioned. 

"Where's something for me?" asked Frank. 

"Here, take the shovel, " spoke Dunk passing it over. "Say, what sort ofa fellow was it you saw run out of your room?"

"I didn't have much chance to notice, he went so like a flash. "

"Was it--er--one of our fellows--I mean a college man--did he look likethat?" asked Andy. He was conscious of the fact that he had ratherstammered over this. Truth to tell, he feared lest Link might haveyielded to temptation. Since the episode of Dunk's watch Andy had beendoing some hard thinking. 

"Well, the fellow did look like a college chap, " admitted Frank, "but ofcourse it couldn't be. No Yale man would be guilty of a thing likethat. "

"Of course not!" agreed Dunk. "But say, if we're going to make a capturewe'd better get busy. Are you sure there's no way out from thiscorridor, Andy?"

"Sure not. It ends blank. The fellow is surely trapped. "

They hurried out into the corridor, and started down it, armed with thefire irons. Though they had talked rather loudly, and were underconsiderable excitement, no attention had been attracted to them. Mostof the rooms on that floor were not occupied just then, and if therewere students in the others they did not come out to see what was takingplace. 

"Say, it would be great if we could capture the thief!" said Dunk. 

"Yes, and end the quadrangle mystery, " added Andy. 

"I don't care so much about ending the mystery as I do about gettingback my tennis cup and the book, " spoke Frank. 

"What sort of a book was it?" Andy inquired. 

"A reference work on inorganic chemistry, " answered Frank. "Cost me tenplunks, too. I can't afford to lose it for I need it in my work. "

"Some book!" murmured Andy, as the three hastened on. 

They tried door after door as they passed, but most of them were locked. One or two opened to disclose students dressing or shaving, and to therather indignant inquiries as to what was wanted, Dunk would exclaimhastily:

"Oh, we are looking for a fellow--that's all. "

"Hazing?" sometimes would be inquired. 

"Sort of, " Dunk would answer. "No use telling 'em what it is until we'vegot something to show, " he added to his companions. They agreed withhim. 

They had now reached the turn of corridor where a short passage, makingan L, branched off. So far they had seen no trace of the thief. 

"There's a big closet, or storeroom, at the end, " explained Andy. "Thefellow may be hiding in there. "

An examination of the few rooms remaining on this short turn of thepassage did not disclose the youth they sought. All of the doors werelocked. 

"He may be hiding in one of them, " suggested Dunk. 

"If he is all we'll have to do will be to wait down at the other end, ifwe don't find him in the store room, " spoke Andy. "He'll have to comeout some time, and it's too high up for him to jump. "

"It's queer we didn't hear him run past our room, " remarked Dunk. 

"He had on rubber shoes--that's why, " explained Frank. "He went out ofmy room like a shadow. At first I didn't realize what it was, but when Ifound my stuff had vanished I woke up. "

"Rubber shoes, eh?" said Andy. "He's an up-to-date burglar all right. "

"Well, let's try the storeroom, " suggested Dunk, as they neared it. Theywere rather nervous, in spite of the fact that their forces outnumberedthe enemy three to one. With shovel, tongs and poker held in readiness, they advanced. The door of the big closet was closed, and, just as Andywas about to put his hand on the knob, the portal swung open, and outstepped--Mortimer Gaffington. 

"Why--er--why--you--you----!" stammered Andy. 

"Did you--have you----?" This was what Dunk tried to say. 

"Is he in there?" Frank wanted to know. 

Mortimer looked coolly at the three. 

"I say, " he drawled, "what's up? Are you looking for a rat?"

"No, the quadrangle thief!" exclaimed Andy. "He went in Frank's room andtook his book and silver cup, and lit out. Came down here and we'reafter him! Have you seen him?"

"No, " replied Mortimer, slowly. "I came up here to get Charley Taylor'smushroom bat. He said he stuck it in here when the season was over, andhe told me I could have it if I could fish it out. I had the dickens ofa time in there, pawing over a lot of old stuff. "

"Did you get the bat?" asked Dunk. 

"No. I don't believe it's there. If it is I'd have to haul everythingout to get at it. I'm going to give it up. "

As he spoke he threw open the closet door. An electric light was burninginside, and there was revealed to the eyes of Andy and his chums aconfused mass of material. Most of it was of a sporting character, andbelonged to the students on that floor, they using the store room forthe accumulation that could not be crowded into their own apartments. 

"A regular junk heap, " commented Frank. "But where the mischief did thatfellow go who was in my room?"

"It _is_ sort of queer, " admitted Andy, as he looked down. Withoutintending to do so he noticed that Mortimer did not wear rubber-soledshoes, but had on a heavy pair that would have made noise enough downthe corridor had he hurried along the passage. 

"Maybe you dreamed it, " suggested Mortimer. "I didn't see anything ofanyone coming down here, and I was in that closet some time, rummagingaway. "

"Must have been pretty warm in there--with the door closed, " suggestedDunk. 

"It was hot. The door swung shut when I was away back in a corner tryingto fish out that bat, and I didn't want to climb back and open it. Well, I guess I'll go clean up. I'm all dust. "

Truth to tell, he was rather disheveled, his clothes being spotted inseveral places with dust and cobwebs, while his face and hands were alsosoiled. 

"Well, I guess he fooled us, " commented Andy. "I can't understand it, though. We came down this hall right after him, and there's no stairwaygoing up or down from this end. How could he give us the slip?"

"Easily enough, " said Mortimer. "He could have slid into some emptyroom, locked the door on the inside and waited until you fellows rushedpast. Then he could come out and go down the stairs behind you withoutyou seeing him. "

"That's what he did then, all right, " decided Dunk. "We might as wellgive it up. Report your loss, Frank. "

"Yes, I will. Whew! Another quadrangle robbery to add to the list. Iwonder when this thing will stop?"

No one could answer him. Mortimer switched off the light in the storeroom, remarking that he'd have another look for the bat later. Then heaccompanied Andy and the others on their way back down the corridor. Gaffington departed to his own dormitory, while Frank went to report tothe Dean, and Andy and Dunk turned into their room. 

"Well, what do you think of it?" asked Andy. 

"I don't know, " responded his roommate. "Mortimer's explanation seems tocover it. "

"All the same we'll leave our door open, on the chance that the thiefmay still be hiding in some empty room, and will try to sneak out, "suggested Andy. 

"Sure, that's good enough. "

But, though they watched for some time, no one came down the corridorpast their room but the regular students. 

And so the theft of the book and silver cup passed into history with theother mysteries. Further search was made, and the private detectiveagency, that had been engaged by the Dean, sent some active men scoutingaround, but nothing came of it. 

The Christmas vacation was at hand and Andy went home to spend it inDunmore. Chet, Ben and his other school chums were on hand, and as Andyremarked concerning the occasion, "a jolly time was had by all. "

Chet and Ben were with Andy most of the time, and when Andy told of thedoings at Yale, Chet responded with an account of the fun at Harvard, while Ben related the doings of the Jersey Tiger. 

Andy's second term at Yale began early in the new year, and he arrivedin New Haven during a driving snow storm. He went at once to his room, where he found a note from Dunk, who had come in shortly before. 

"Come over to the eating joint, " the missive read, and Andy, stowingaway his bag, headed for the place. 

"Over in here!"

"Shove in, plenty of room!"

"Oh, you, Andy Blair!"

"Happy New Year!"

Thus was he greeted and thus he greeted in turn. Then, amid laughter andtalk, and the rattle of knives and forks, acquaintanceship andfriendship were renewed. Andy was beginning to feel like a seasoned Yaleman now. 

The studies of the second term were of increasing difficulty, and Andyand Dunk found they had to buckle down to steady work. But they hadcounted on this. 

Still they found time for fun and jollity and spent many a pleasantevening in company with their other friends. Once or twice Mortimer andhis cronies tried to get Dunk to spend the night with them, but herefused; or, if he did go, he took Andy with him, and the two alwayscame home early, and with clear heads. 

"They're a pair of quitters!" said Len Scott, in disgust, after oneoccasion of this kind. "What do you want to bother with 'em for, Mort?"

"That's what I say, " added Clarence Boyle. 

"Oh, well, I may have my reasons, " returned Mortimer, loftily. "Dunkwould be a good sort if he wasn't tied fast to Andy. I can't get alongwith him, though. "

"Me either, " added Len. "He's too goody-goody. " Which was somewhatunjust to Andy. 

The winter slowly wore on. Now and then there would be another of themysterious robberies, and on nearly every occasion the article taken wasof considerable value--jewelry, sporting trophies or expensive books. There was suspicion of many persons, but not enough to warrant anarrest. 

One day Hal Pulter, who roomed in Wright Hall, near Dunk and Andy, reported that an expensive reference book had been taken from his room. The usual experience followed, with no result. 

Then, about a week later, as Andy was walking past the small building atHigh and Elm streets, where the University Press had its quarters, hecame up behind Mortimer Gaffington, who seemed to be studying a book. 

Andy wondered somewhat at Mortimer's application, particularly as it wassnowing at the time. This enabled Andy to come close up behindGaffington without the latter being aware of it, and, looking over theshoulder of the youth, Andy saw on the fly-leaf of the volume a peculiarink blot. 

At once a flash of recollection came to Andy. Well did he know that inkblot, for he had made it himself. 

"Why, that's Pulter's book!" he exclaimed, speaking aloudinvoluntarily. "Where did you get it?"

Mortimer turned quickly and faced Andy. 

"What's that?" he asked, sharply. 

"I say that's Pulter's book, " Andy went on. 

"How do you know?" asked Mortimer. 

"Why, by that big ink blot. I made it. Pulter was in our room with thebook just before it was stolen, and my fountain pen leaked on it. Thatsure is Pulter's book. Where did you get it? That's the one he made sucha fuss about!"

CHAPTER XXIX

THE ACCUSATION

"Pulter's book, eh?" murmured Mortimer, slowly, as he turned it about, looking on the front and back blank pages. 

"It sure is, " went on Andy, eagerly. "I'd know that ink blot anywhere. Pulter let out a howl like an Indian when my pen leaked on his book. Theblot looks like a Chinese laundryman turned upside down. "

"That's right, " agreed Mortimer. "Queer, isn't it?"

"Yes, " went on Andy, his curiosity growing. "Where did you get it?"

"Found it, " spoke the rich lad, quickly. "I went out to the new YaleField to see how the stadium was coming on, and I saw this under a clumpof bushes. I knew it was a valuable book, so I brought it back with me. It hasn't got Pulter's name in it, though. "

"No, " went on Andy. "His name was on the other front leaf. That wasworse blotted with the ink than this one, and he tore it out. But I'msure that's Pulter's book. "

"Very likely, " admitted Mortimer, coolly. "I'll take it to him. I'm gladI found it. Going my way?"

"Yes, " and Andy walked beside the lad from his home town, thinking ofmany things. Mortimer went into Wright Hall, but Pulter was not in. 

"I'll leave the book for him, " Mortimer said to Andy, "and you can callhis attention to it. If it isn't his let me know, and I'll post a noticesaying that I've found it. "

"All right, " agreed our hero. "But I know it's Pulter's. "

He was telling Dunk about the incident, when his roommate came in alittle later, and they were discussing the queer coincidence, whenPulter came bursting in. 

"Oh, I say!" he cried. "I've got my book back! What do you know aboutthat? It was on my table, and----"

He stopped and looked queerly at Andy and Dunk, who were smiling. 

"What's the joke?" demanded Pulter. "Did you fellows----"

"Gaffington found it, " said Andy. "Sit down and I'll explain, " which hedid. 

"Well, that is a queer go!" exclaimed Pulter. "How in the world did mybook get out to Yale Field? It isn't so queer that Gaffington wouldfind it, for I understand he goes out there a lot, on walks. But how didmy book get there?"

"Probably whoever took it found they couldn't get much by pawning orselling it, and threw it away, " suggested Dunk. 

"Looks that way, " agreed Andy. "But it sure is a queer game all around. "

They discussed it from many standpoints. Pulter was very glad to get hisbook back, for he was not a wealthy lad, and the cost of a new volumemeant more to him than it would to others. 

"Well, Andy, how do you size it up?" asked Dunk, when Pulter had goneback to his apartment and Andy and his chum sat in their cozy roombefore a crackling fire. 

"How do you mean?" asked Andy, to gain time. 

"Why, about Gaffington having that book. Didn't it look sort of fishy toyou?"

"It did in a way, yes. But his explanation was very natural. It all_might_ have happened that way. "

"Oh, yes, of course. But do _you_ believe it?"

"I don't know why I shouldn't. Gaffington's folks have no end of money, you know. He wouldn't be guilty of taking a book. If he did want to cribsomething he'd go in for something big. "

"Well, some of these quadrangle robberies have been big enough. There'smy watch, for instance. "

"What! You don't mean you believe Gaffington is the quadrangle thief!"exclaimed Andy, in surprise. 

"I don't believe it, exactly, no. If he's rich, as you say, certainly hewouldn't run the risk for the comparatively few dollars he could get outof the thefts. But I will admit that this book business did make mesuspicious. "

"Oh, forget it, " advised Andy, with a laugh. "I don't like Gaffington, and I never did, but I don't believe that of him. "

"Oh, well, I dare say I'm wrong. It was only a theory. "

"I would like to know who's doing all this business, though, " went onAndy. 

"It's probably some of the hired help they have around here, " suggestedDunk. "They can't investigate the character of all the men and womenemployed in the kitchens, the dormitories and around the grounds. "

"No, that's right. I only hope my friend Link doesn't fall undersuspicion. "

For a week or so after this, matters went on quietly at Yale. There wereno further thefts and the authorities had begun to hope there would beno more. They had about given up the hope of solving the mystery ofthose already committed. 

Then came a sensation. Some very valuable books were taken one nightfrom Chittenden Hall--rare volumes worth considerable money. The nextmorning there was much excitement when the fact became known. 

"Now something will be done!" predicted Andy. 

"Well, what can they do that hasn't already been done?" asked Dunk. "They may make a search of every fellow's room. I wish they'd come here. Maybe they'd find that my watch, after all, has hidden itself awaysomewhere instead of being taken. "

"They're welcome if they want to look here, " said Andy. "But I don'tbelieve they'll do that. They'll probably get a real detective now. "

And that was what the Dean did. He disliked very much to call in thepublic police, but the loss of the rare books was too serious a theft topass over with the hiring of a private detective. 

Just what was done was not disclosed, but it leaked out that a closewatch was being kept on all the employees at Yale, and suspicion, it wassaid, had narrowed down to one or two. 

One day Link called on Andy to pay back the money he had borrowed. 

"There's no hurry, " said Andy. "I don't need it. "

"Oh, I want to pay it back, " said the young farmer. "I have plenty ofcash now, " and he exhibited quite a roll of bills. 

"Been drawing your salary?" asked Andy, with a laugh. 

"No, this is a little windfall that came to me, " was the answer. 

"A windfall? Did someone die and leave you a fortune?"

"No, not exactly. It came to me in a curious way. I got it through themail, and there wasn't a word of explanation with it. Just the billfolded in a letter. A hundred-dollar bill, it was, but I had itchanged. "

"Do you mean someone sent you a hundred dollars, and you don't know whoit's from?" asked Andy, in surprise. 

"That's right!" exclaimed Link, with a laugh. "I wish I did know, forI'd write and thank whoever it was. It surely came in handy. "

"Why, it's very strange, " spoke Andy, slowly. "Could you tell by thepostmark where the letter came from?"

"It was from New York, but I haven't a friend there that I know of. "

"Well, I'm glad you've got it. Take care of it, Link. "

"I intend to. I can lend you some now, if you need it, Mr. Blair. "

"Thank you, I have enough at present. "

Andy watched his protege walk across the campus, and near the middleobserved him stopped by a stranger. Link appeared surprised, and startedback. There was a quick movement, and the young farmer was seized by theother. 

"That's queer!" exclaimed Andy. "I wonder what's up? Link may be introuble. Maybe that fellow's trying to rob him. "

The quadrangle was almost deserted at the time. Andy hurried down andran over to where Link was standing. The student caught the gleam ofsomething on the wrist of his friend. It was a steel handcuff!

"What--what's up, Link?" Andy gasped. 

"Why, Mr. Blair--I don't know. This man--he says he's a detective, and----"

"So I am a detective, and I don't want any of your funny work!" was thesnappish retort. "There's my badge, " and it was flashed from under thearmhole of the man's vest, being fastened to his suspenders, where mostplain-clothes men carry their official emblem. 

"A detective!" gasped Andy. "What's the matter? Why do you want LinkBardon?"

"We want him because he's accused of being the quadrangle thief!" wasthe unexpected answer. "Stand aside now, I'm going to take him to thestation house!"

CHAPTER XXX

THE LETTER

Andy could scarcely understand it. Surely, he thought, there must besome mistake. He was glad there was not a crowd of students about towitness the humiliation of Link--a humiliation none the less acute ifthe charge was groundless. 

"Wait a minute--hold on!" exclaimed Andy, sharply, and there wassomething in his voice that caused the detective to pause. 

"Well, what is it?" the officer growled. "I haven't any time to waste. "

"Do you really want him on a robbery charge?" asked Andy. 

"I do--if his name is Link Bardon, " was the cool answer. "I guess hewon't attempt to deny it. I've been on his trail for some time. "

"That's my name, sure enough--I have no reason to deny it, " said Link, who had turned pale. His eyes had traces of tears in them. After all, hewas not much older than Andy and he was a gentle sort of youth, unusedto the rough ways of the world. 

"I thought I was right, " the detective went on. "I've been watching foryou. Now the question is--are you coming along quietly, or shall I haveany trouble?"

"I won't give you any trouble--certainly not, " protested Link. "But thisis all a mistake! I haven't taken a thing! You know I wouldn't steal, don't you, Mr. Blair?"

"I certainly believe it, Link, and I'll do all I can to help you. Whatare you going to do with him?" he asked the detective. 

"Lock him up--what do you suppose?"

"But can't he get out on bail?"

"Oh, it could be arranged. I have nothing to do with that. I'm justsupposed to get him--and I've got him!"

"But I--I haven't done anything!" insisted Link. 

"That's what they all say, " sneered the detective. "Come along!"

"Do--do I have to go with him?" asked Link, turning to Andy in appeal. 

"I'm afraid so, " was the answer. "But I'll go with you and try to getbail. Don't worry, Link. It's all a mistake. You'll soon be free. "

"Don't be too sure of that, " warned the officer. "I've been searchingyour room, young man, and I guess you know what I found there. "

"You certainly found in my room only the things that belonged to me!"exclaimed Link, indignantly. 

"Did I? What do you call this?" and the detective took from his pocket asmall book. Andy recognized it at once as one of the valuable ones takenfrom Chittenden Hall. 

"You--you found that in my room?" cried Link, aghast. 

"I sure did. In your room on Crown street. Now maybe you won't be sohigh and mighty. "

"If you found that in my room, someone else put it there!" declaredLink. "I certainly never did. "

"Well, I won't say that couldn't happen, " spoke the officer coolly, "butif you think I planted it there to frame up some evidence against you, you've got another guess coming. I took your landlady into the room withme, to have a witness, and she saw me pull this book out from the bottomof a closet. "

"I never put it there!" protested Link. 

"You can tell that to the judge, " went on the officer. "How about allthe money you've been sporting around to-day, too?"

Link started. Andy, too, saw how dangerous this evidence might be. 

"I've had some money--certainly, " admitted Link. 

"Where'd you get it?"

Link hesitated. He realized that the story would sound peculiar. 

"It was sent to me, " he answered. 

"Who sent it?"

"I don't know. It came in the mail without a word of explanation. "

The detective laughed. 

"I thought you'd have some such yarn as that, " he said. "They all do. Iguess you'll have to come with me. I'm sorry, " he went on in a moregentle tone. "I'm only doing my duty. I've been working on thequadrangle case for some time, and I think I've landed my man. But itisn't as much fun as you might think. I'll only say that I believe Ihave the goods on you, and I'll warn you that anything you say now maybe used against you. So you'd better keep still. Come along. "

"Must I go?" asked Link again of Andy. 

"I'm afraid so. But I'll have you out on bail as soon as I can. Don'tworry, Link. "

Andy learned from the detective before what judge Link would bearraigned and then, as the young farmer lad was led away in disgrace, Andy started back to his room. 

"I've got to get Dunk to help me in this, " he reasoned. "To go on bailyou have to own property, or else put up the cash, and I can't do that. Maybe Dunk can suggest a way. "

Andy was glad it was so dark that no one could see Link being taken awayby the officer. 

"How did that book get in Link's room?" mused Andy. "That sure will tellagainst him. But I know he didn't steal it. Some other janitor or helperwho could get into Chittenden may have taken it, and then got afraid anddumped it in Link's closet. A lot of college employees live on Crownstreet. I must get Link a lawyer and tell him that. "

Andy found Dunk in the room, and excitedly broke the news to him. 

"Whew! You don't say so!" cried Dunk. "Your friend Link arrested! Whatdo you know about that? And the book in his room!"

"Somebody else put it there, " suggested Andy. 

"Possibly. But that money-in-a-letter story sounds sort of fishy. "

"That _is_ a weak point, " Andy admitted. "But we'll have to considerall that later. The question is: How can we get Link out on bail? Got anymoney?"

Dunk pulled out his pocketbook and made a hurried survey. 

"About thirty plunks, " he said. 

"I've got twenty-five, " said Andy. "Link has nearly a hundred himself. "

"That won't be enough, " said Dunk. "This is a grand larceny charge andthe bail will be five hundred dollars anyhow. Now I'll tell you thebest thing to do. "

"What?"

"Hire a good lawyer. We've got money enough, with what Link has, to paya good retaining fee. Let the lawyer worry about the bail. Those fellowsalways have ways of getting it. "

"I believe you're right, " agreed Andy. "We can put up fifty dollars fora retainer to the lawyer. "

"I'll telegraph for more from home to-night, " said Dunk. "Andy, we'llsee this thing through. "

"It's mighty good of you, Dunk. "

"Nonsense! Why shouldn't I help out your friend?"

"Do you think he's guilty?"

"I wouldn't want to say. Certainly I hope he isn't; but I'd like to getmy watch back. "

"Well, let's go get a lawyer, " suggested Andy. 

A sporty senior, whom Dunk knew, and who had more than once been inlittle troubles that required the services of a legal man, gave them theaddress of a good one. They were fortunate in finding him in his office, though it was rather late, and he agreed to take the case, and said hethought bail could be had. 

Andy and Dunk made a hasty supper and then, letting their studies go, hurried to the police court, where, occasionally, night sessions wereheld. 

Link was brought out before the judge, having first had a conferencewith the lawyer Dunk and Andy had engaged. The charge was formally made. 

"We plead not guilty, " answered the lawyer, "and I ask that my client beadmitted to bail. "

"Hum!" mused the judge. "The specific charge only mentions one book, ofthe value of two hundred dollars, but I understand there are othercharges to follow. I will fix bail at one thousand dollars, the prisonerto stand committed until a bond is signed. "

Andy and Dunk gasped at the mention of a thousand dollars, but thelawyer only smiled quietly. 

"I have a bondsman here, your Honor, " he said. 

A man, looking like an Italian, came forward, but he proved to have thenecessary property, and signed the bond. Then Link was allowed to go, being held, however, to answer to a higher court for the charge againsthim. 

"Now if you'll come to my office, " suggested the lawyer, "we'll plan outthis case. "

"Oh, I can't thank you two enough!" gasped Link, when he was free of thepolice station. "It was awful back there in the cell. "

"Forget it, " advised Dunk, with a laugh. "You'll never go back thereagain. "

The consultation with the lawyer took some time, and when it was overLink started for his room. He was cheered by the prospect that the caseagainst him was very slight. 

"Unless they get other evidence, " specified the lawyer. 

"They can't!" cried Link, proudly. 

Andy and Dunk went back to their room, to do some necessary studying. Ontheir way they stopped in the Yale branch postoffice. There was a letterfrom home for Andy, and when he had read it he uttered such anexclamation that Dunk asked:

"Any bad news?"

"Yes, but not for me, " replied Andy. "This is from my mother. She writesthat Mr. Gaffington--that's Mortimer's father--has failed in businessand lost all his money. This occurred some time ago, but the family hasbeen keeping it quiet. The Gaffingtons aren't rich at all, and Mortimerwill probably have to leave Yale. "

"Too bad, " said Dunk, and then he started off, leaving Andy to read theletter again. 

CHAPTER XXXI

ON THE DIAMOND

Andy Blair stood in the middle of his room, carefully examining a bat hehad taken from a closet containing, among other possessions, hissporting things. The bat was a favorite he had used while at Milton, andhe was considering having it sand-papered and oiled. Or, rather, he wasconsidering doing the work himself, for he would not trust his choiceststick to the hands of another. 

"Yes, she'll look a little better for a bit of attention, I think, " saidAndy, half aloud. "Though I don't know as I can bat any better with it. "

He gave two or three preliminary swings in the air, when the doorsuddenly opened, a head was thrust in and Andy gave it a glancing blow. 

"Wow! What's that for?" the newcomer gasped. "A nice way to receivecompany, Andy! Where'd you learn that?"

"I beg your pardon, Bob, old man!" exclaimed Andy, as he recognizedHunter, Dunk's friend. "I was just getting out my bat to see how itfelt and----"

"I can tell you how it felt, " interrupted Bob, with emphasis. "It felthard! Better put up a sign outside your door--'Beware of the bat. '"

"And have the fellows think this is a zoological museum, " laughed Andy. "I will not. But, Bob, I'm very sorry you got in the way of my stick. Does it hurt? Want any witch hazel or anything like that?"

"Oh, no, it isn't so worse. Good thing I wear my hair long or I mighthave a headache. But say--where's Dunk?"

"He was with me a little while ago. We stopped in the postoffice, and Ithought he came on here. But he didn't. Have you seen him?"

"No, but I want to. Gaffington and his crowd are going to have anotherblow-out to-night, and I wanted to make sure Dunk wouldn't fall by thewayside. "

"That's so. Glad you told me. I'll do all I can. But say, he and I havehad a strenuous time to-day. "

"What's up?" asked Bob. "I've been so blamed busy getting primed for aquiz that I haven't had time to eat. "

"It's about the robberies--the quadrangle thefts, " explained Andy. "Theyarrested Link Bardon. "

"What! Your farmer friend?"

"Yes. Dunk and I bailed him out. "

"Good for you! Now I suppose the thefts will stop. "

"Not necessarily, " returned Andy, quickly. "Link wasn't the thief. "

"He wasn't? Then why did they pinch him? Of course I don't know anythingabout it, and if he's your friend, why, of course, you have a right tostick up for him. "

"Oh, it isn't that so much, " explained Andy. "I don't know him verywell; but I'm sure he isn't guilty of the thefts. There are some queercircumstances about them, but I'm sure they can all be explained. "

"Well, it's your funeral--not mine, " said Bob, with a shrug of hisshoulders. "I wonder where Dunk is. I think I'll go hunt him up. "

"All right, bring him back here when you come, " urged Andy. 

"Yes, and I suppose you'll stand ready to greet us with a club--youcheerful reception committee!" laughed Bob. "Well, I'll see you later. "

Andy sat down, placing his bat across his knees. 

"So Gaffington is going to give another spread, eh?" he mused. "That'squeer--on top of the news mother sends in her letter. What did I do withit?"

He found it after looking through a mass of papers in his pockets, andread it again. Following its receipt at the college branch postofficeAndy had imparted the news to Dunk. Then the latter, meeting a friend, had walked off with him, while Andy came on to his room. 

On reaching his apartment, Dunk not having come in, Andy found a noticefrom the Freshman Athletic Committee, stating that baseball practicewould soon start in the indoor cage. 

Andy was an enthusiastic player, and had made a good record at Milton. As a freshman he was not eligible for the Yale varsity nine, but hecould play on his class team, and he was glad the chance had come tohim. 

Andy was thinking of many things as he sat there in the room, now andthen swinging his bat. But he was careful not to let it go too close tothe door, in case other visitors might chance in. 

"A whole lot of things have happened since morning, " said Andy tohimself. "That sure was a strenuous time over poor Link. I wonder whathe'll do? Probably the college will fire him from his job. I guess I'llhave to see what I can do to get him another. But that won't be easywhen it becomes known that he's out on bail on a theft charge. 

"Then there's that news about Mortimer. And to think that he's known allalong that he might have to leave Yale, yet he's been going on andliving as if his father's millions were in a safe deposit box. Iwonder----By Jove!" exclaimed Andy, leaping up. "I never thought ofthat. Why not? If he needs money----"

His train of thought was interrupted by a knock on his door, which hadswung shut as Bob Hunter went out. 

"Come in!" invited Andy, and he started as Mortimer Gaffington slid in. Andy gave him a quick glance, but either Mortimer was a good actor, orhe did not feel his father's loss of money, providing the news Mrs. Blair had sent her son was correct. 

"Hello, Andy, " greeted Gaffington, as he slumped into an easy chair. "Where's Dunk?"

"I don't know. Bob Hunter was just in looking for him. Make yourself athome--he may be in soon. " In spite of his dislike of Gaffington, and hisfear lest he influence Dunk for evil, Andy could do no less than playthe part of host. 

"Thanks, I will stay for a while, " answered Mortimer. "Been looking forthieves again?" he asked, noting the bat in Andy's hand. He referred tothe time when Andy and his two friends had sought an intruder down thecorridor, and had only found Mortimer delving in a storeroom. 

"No, not this time, " laughed Andy. "But the freshman team is going toget together, so I thought I'd get out my fishing tackle, so to speak. "

"I see. I guess the varsity indoor practice will start soon. Say, what'sthis I hear about someone being arrested for the quadrangle thefts?"

"It's true enough, " replied Andy, looking sharply at his visitor. "LinkBardon was arrested, and Dunk and I got him bailed out. "

"You did!" cried Mortimer, almost jumping from the chair. 

"Why, was there anything strange in that?" asked Andy, in surprise. 

"I should think so!" exclaimed Mortimer, sharply. "Here the wholecollege has been upset by a lot of robberies, and your own roommateloses a valuable watch. Then, as soon as the thief is arrested, youfellows go on his bail! Strange? Well, I should say so!"

"I didn't say we went on his bond, " spoke Andy, quietly. "Dunk and Ionly got him a lawyer who arranged for it. But I don't believe Link isguilty. "

"Well, that's a matter of opinion, " said Mortimer, and there was angerin his voice. "Of course, though, if he's your friend you do right tostick up for him. "

"Yes, " agreed Andy, "he is my friend. And it's at a time like this thathe needs friends. "

"Oh, well, " said Mortimer, with a shrug of his shoulders, "let's forgetit. I wonder what's keeping Dunk?"

"Anything I can do?" asked Andy, wishing Mortimer would leave beforeDunk came in. He did not want his chum taken to Burke's for a "won't behome until morning" affair if he could help it. 

"No, I want to see Dunk on a personal matter, " said the caller. "Guess Iwon't wait any longer, though, " and he arose to go out. Just as hereached the door Dunk came in whistling. 

"Anything on?" Andy heard Mortimer ask quickly. 

"No. Why?"

"Can I see you a moment outside?"

"Sure. I'll be back in a minute, Andy, " said Dunk. "I met Bill Haganjust as I left the postoffice and he wanted me to look at a bull pup hewants to sell. "

Dunk and Mortimer walked down the hall. Andy was a little anxious as towhat might develop, but he need have had no fears. Dunk returnedpresently, looking rather grave. 

"Did he want you to go to his blow-out?" asked Andy, with the privilegeof a roommate. 

"Yes, but I'm not going. He wanted some money. Said he was dead broke. "

"And yet he's going to blow in a lot. Did you give it to him?"

"What else could I do? When a fellow's down and out that's just the timehe needs help. "

"That's right, " agreed Andy, thinking of Link. "But did Mortimer sayanything about his father's losses?"

"Not a thing. Just said he was temporarily broke, and asked for a loan. I couldn't refuse. "

"No, I suppose not. But you must be strapped after putting up for Link. I know I am. I'm going to telegraph home. "

"You needn't. I got a check in the mail to-night and I cashed it. I canlend you some if you want it. "

"Well, I may call on you. But say, it's queer about Mortimer, isn't it?"

"Yes, but we don't know all the ins and outs of it yet. Maybe that rumorabout his folks losing all they had isn't true. "

"Maybe. I'll write home and find out. Say, but I'm tired!"

"So am I! I'm going to stay in to-night. "

So it came about that neither Dunk nor Andy went to the little affairMortimer gave on borrowed money. It was "quite some affair, " too, as BobHunter reported later, having heard stories about it, and one or twoparticipants were suspended as a result of their performances after thespread. 

After the rather exciting time concerning Link's arrest matters at Yale, as regards the happenings with which this chronicle concerns itself, quieted down. Link's case would not come up for trial for some time. Meanwhile he was allowed his liberty on bail. He was, of course, discharged from his position. 

"But I've got another job, " he said to Andy, a day or so later. "Thatlawyer is a good sort. He helped me. I'm just going to stick here untilI prove that I didn't have a hand in those robberies. "

"That's the way to talk!" cried Andy. "You didn't hear where the hundreddollars came from, did you?"

"No, and I can see that my explanation of how I got it isn't going to bebelieved in court. But it's true, just the same. "

"Then the truth will come out--some time, " said Andy, firmly. "In themeanwhile, if I can do anything, let me know. "

"Thank you. "

The months passed. Spring was faintly heralded in milder weather, by thereturn of the birds, and the presence of little buds on the leaflesstrees. 

Somewhat to the disappointment of Andy there were no more quadranglerobberies. That is, Andy was disappointed to a certain extent. For ifthe thefts had still kept up after the discharge of Link, it would atleast show that someone besides the young farmer was guilty. As it was, it made his case appear all the worse. 

"But I'm not going to believe it!" exclaimed Andy. "Link is not guilty!"

"Go to it, old man!" cried Dunk. "I'm with you to the end. "

Indoor baseball practice was held in the cage on Elm street, back of thegymnasium, and Andy was picked to catch for the freshman nine. Dunk, tohis delight, was first choice for pitcher. Then came intense longings toget out on the real diamond. 

The chance came sooner than was expected, for there was an early Spring. The ground was still a little soft and damp, but it could be played on, and soon crowds of students began pouring out to Yale Field to watch thepractice and the games between the class nines, or the varsity and thescrubs. 

"Come on now, Dunk, sting 'em in!"

"Fool him, boy, fool him!"

"Make him give you a nice one!"

"Watch his glass arm break!"

These cries greeted Dunk, who was pitching for the freshmen against ascrub nine one afternoon. It was a few days before the game with thePrinceton freshmen--the first game of the season, and the Yale freshmancoaches were anxious to get their nine into good shape. 

"Ah! There he goes!" came a yell, as the scrub batter hit the ball Dunkpitched in to Andy. But the ball went straight back into the hands ofDunk, who stopped it, hot liner though it was, and the batter wasout--retiring the side. 

CHAPTER XXXII

VICTORY

Mortimer Gaffington stayed on at Yale. How he did it Andy and Dunk, whoalone seemed to know of his father's failure, could not tell. Andy'smother confirmed her first news about Mr. Gaffington's losses. YetMortimer stayed at college. 

Afterward it developed that he was in dire straits, and only by muchingenuity did he manage to raise enough to keep up appearances. Heborrowed right and left, taking from one to satisfy the demands ofanother--an endless chain sort of arrangement that was bound to breaksooner or later. 

But Mortimer had managed to make a number of new friends in the "fast"set and these were not careful to remind him of the loans he solicited. Then, also, these youths had plenty of money. On them Mortimer preyed. 

He gave a number of suppers which were the talk of the college, but hewas wise enough to keep them within certain bounds so that he was notcalled to account. But he was walking over thin ice, and none knew itbetter than himself. But there was a fatal fascination in it. 

Several times he came to Dunk to invite him to attend some of themidnight affairs, but Dunk declined, and Andy was very glad. Dunk saidMortimer had several times asked for loans, but had met with refusals. 

"I'm not going to give him any more, " said Dunk. "He's had enough of mycash now. "

"Hasn't he paid any back?" asked Andy. 

"Some, yes, and the next time he wants more than at first. I'm done. "

"I should think so, " remarked Andy. "He's played you long enough. "

"Oh, Mortimer isn't such a bad sort when you get to know him, " went onDunk, easily. "I rather like him, but I can see that it isn't doinganyone any good to be in his crowd. That's why I cut it out. I came hereto make something of myself--I owe it to dad, who's putting up the cash, and I'm not going to disappoint him. Then, too, you old scout, I supposeyou wouldn't let me go sporting around the way I used to. "

"Not much!" laughed Andy, but there was an undernote of seriousness inhis words. 

There was nothing new in Link's case. It was still hanging fire in thecourts. And there were no more robberies. It was somewhat of a puzzleto Andy that they should cease with the arrest of Link, whom he could notbelieve guilty. 

Dunk's watch had not been recovered, nor had any more of the valuablebooks, one of which was found by the detective in Link's room, beendiscovered. How it got in the closet of the young farmer, unless he putit there, the lawyer whom Andy and Dunk had hired said he could notunderstand. 

"I've had my man interview the boarding mistress at the house in Crownstreet, " the lawyer told the boys, "and she says no one went to Link'sroom, but himself, the day the book was found. But I haven't given upyet. "

It was the night before the Yale-Princeton freshman baseball game, whichwas to take place at Yale Field. Andy and Dunk were in their room, talking over the possibilities, and perfecting their code of signals. 

"It looks as though it would be good weather, " observed Andy, getting upand going to the window. "Nice and clear outside. "

"If it only keeps so, " returned Dunk. "Hope we have a good crowd. "

Someone knocked on the door. 

"Come!" called Andy and Dunk together. The two chums looked at eachother curiously. 

Ikey Stein entered, his face all smiles. 

"Such bargains!" he began. 

"Socks or neckties?" asked Andy, looking for a book to throw at theintruder. 

"Socks--silk ones, and such colors! Look!" and from various pockets hepulled pairs of half hose. They fell about the room, giving it adecidedly rainbow effect. 

"Oh, for the love of tomatoes!" cried Dunk. "Have you been raiding apaint store?"

"These are all the latest shades--the fashion just over from Paris!"exclaimed Ikey, indignantly. "I bought a fellow's stock out and I canlet you have these for a quarter a pair. They're worth fifty in anystore. "

"Take 'em away!" begged Andy. "They hurt my eyes. I won't be able toplay ball to-morrow. "

"You ought to buy some--look, I have some dark blue ones, " urged Ikey, holding them up. "These are very--chaste!"

"Those aren't so bad, " conceded Dunk, tolerantly. 

"Take 'em for twenty cents, " said the student salesman, suddenly. "Ineed the money!"

"Tell you what I'll do, " spoke Andy. "If we win the game to-morrow I'llbuy a dollar's worth, provided you let us alone now. "

"It's a bargain!" cried Ikey, gathering up the scattered socks. 

"And I'll do the same, " promised Dunk, whereupon the salesman departedfor other rooms. 

"Queer chap, isn't he?" remarked Dunk, after a pause that followedIkey's departure. 

"Yes, but do you know, I rather like him, " said Andy, with a quick lookat his chum. "There's one thing that a fellow gets into the habit ofwhen he comes to Yale--or, for that matter, to any good college, Isuppose. "

"What's that?" asked Dunk, his mind quickly snapping to some of the notvery good habits he had fallen into. 

"It's learning how to take the measure of a fellow, " went on Andy, "Imean his measure in the right way--not according to the standards we areused to. "

"Quite philosophical; aren't you?" laughed Dunk, as he picked up a book, and leafed it. 

"Well, that's another habit you get into here, " said Andy, with a smile. "But you know what I mean, don't you Dunk?"

"Well, I suppose you mean that you get tolerant of persons--fellows andso on--that you have a natural dislike for otherwise; is that it?"

"Partly. You learn to appreciate a fellow for what he is reallyworth--not because his dad can write a check in any number of figures, and not turn a hair. It's _worth_ that counts at Yale, and not cash. "

"You're right there, Andy. I think I've learned that, too. Take some ofthe fellows here--we needn't mention any names--their popularity, suchas it is, depends on how much they can spend, or how many spreads theycan give in the course of the year. And the worst of it is, that theirpopularity would go out like a candle in a tornado, once they lost theirmoney. "

"Exactly, " agreed Dunk. "They get so to depending on the power of theircash they think its all that counts. "

"And another bad thing about that, " continued Andy, "is that thosefellows, if they wanted to, could make a reputation on something elsebesides their cash. Now there's one chap here--no names, of course--buthe's a fine musician, and he could make the glee club, and the dramaticassociation too, if he liked. But he's just to confounded lazy. He'drather draw a check, give an order for a spread, and let it go at that. 

"Of course the fellows like to go to the blow-outs, and--come home witha headache. This fellow thinks he gets a lot of fun out of it, but it'sdollars to some of these socks Ikey sells, that he'd have a heap morefun, and make a lot more permanent friends, if he'd get out and takepart in something that was worth while. 

"Now you take our friend Ikey. I don't imagine it's any great fun forhim to be going around selling things the way he does--he has to, Iunderstand it. And yet at that, he has a better time of it than maybeyou or I do--and we don't exactly have to worry where our next allowancecheck is coming from. "

"Right, Andy old man. Jove! You'd better have taken up the divinityschool. I'm thinking. You're a regular preacher. "

"I don't feel a bit like preaching though, Dunk old boy. In fact I'd aheap sight rather turn in and snooze. But, do you know I'm so nervousover this game that I'm afraid I'll lie awake and toss until morning, and then I won't be much more use than a wet dishrag, as far as my nerveis concerned. "

"I feel pretty nearly the same as you do, Andy. Let's sit up a while andtalk. I s'pose, though, if we ever make the varsity we'll laugh at theway we're acting now. "

"Oh, I don't know, " spoke Andy musingly. "Some of these varsity fellowshave as bad a case of nerves before a big game as we have now, beforeour little Freshman one. "

"It isn't such a little one!" and Dunk bridled up. "The winning of thisgame from Princeton means as much to our class, and to Yale, in a way, as though the varsity took a contest. It all counts--for the honor ofthe old college. How are you feeling, anyhow?"

"Pretty fit. I'm only afraid, though, that I'll make some horrible breakin front of the crowd--muff a foul, or let one of your fast ones get byme with the bases full, " concluded Andy. 

"If you do, " exclaimed Dunk, with a falsetto tone calculated to impressthe hearer that a petulant girl was speaking--"if you do I'll neverspeak to you again--so there!" and he pretended to toss back arefractory lock of hair. 

Andy laughed, and pitched a book at his chum, which volume Dunksuccessfully dodged. 

"Well, I wouldn't want that to happen, " said the catcher. "And thatreminds me. There's a rip in my glove, and I've got to sew it. "

"Can you sew?"

"Oh, a bit, " answered Andy. "I'm strictly an amateur though, mind you. Idon't do it for pay, so if you've got any buttons that need welding toyour trousers don't ask me to do it. "

"Never!" exclaimed Dunk. "I've found a better way than that. "

"What is it--the bachelor's friend--or every man his own tailor? Fastena button on with a pair of gas-pliers so that you have to take thetrousers apart when you want to get it off?"

"Something like that, yes, " laughed Dunk, "only simpler. Look here!"

He pulled up the back of his vest and showed Andy where a suspenderbutton was missing. In its place Dunk had taken a horseshoe nail, pushed it through a fold of the trousers, and had caught the loop of thebraces over the nail. 

"Isn't that some classy little contrivance?" he asked, proudly. "Notthat I take any credit to myself, though. Far be it! I got the idea outof the comic supplement. But it works all right, and the beauty of it isthat you can use the nail over and over again. It is practicallyindestructible. 

"So you see if you are wearing the nail all day, to lectures and so on, and if you have to put on your glad rags at night to go see a girl, oranything like that, and find a button missing, you simply remove thenail from your day-pants and attach it to your night ones. Samesuspenders--same nail. It beats the bachelor's friend all to pieces. "

"I should imagine so, " laughed Andy. "I'll have to lay in a stock ofthose nails myself. The way tailors sew buttons on trousers nowadays isa scandal. They don't last a week. "

"There's one trouble, though, " went on Dunk, and he carefully examinedhis simple suspender attachment as if in fear of losing it. "With theincreasing number of autos, and the decrease in horses, there is boundto be a corresponding decrease in horseshoe nails. That's a principle ofeconomics which I am going to bring to the attention of ProfessorShandy. He likes to lecture on such cute little topics as that. He mightcall it 'Bachelor's future depends on the ratio of increase ofautomobiles. '"

"I see!" exclaimed Andy with a chuckle. "Just as Darwin, or one of thoseevolutionists proved that the clover crop depended on old maids. "

"How do you make that out?" asked Dunk. 

"I guess you've forgotten your evolution. Don't you remember? Darwinfound that certain kinds of clover depended for growth and fertilizationon humble bees, which alone can spread the pollen. Humble bees can'texist in a region where there are many field mice, for the mice eat thehoney, nests and even the humble bees themselves. 

"Now, of course you know that the more cats there are in a neighborhoodthe less field mice there are, so if you find a place where cats areplentiful you'll find plenty of humble bees which aren't killed off bythe mice, since the mice are killed off by the cats. So Darwin provedthat the clover crop, in a certain section, was in direct proportion tothe number of cats. "

"But what about old maids?"

"Oh, I believe it was Huxley who went Darwin one better, come to thinkof it. Huxley said it was well known that the more old maids there werethe more cats there were. So in a district well supplied with old maidsthere'd be plenty of cats, and in consequence plenty of clover. "

"Say, are you crazy, or am I?" asked Dunk, with a wondering look at hisfriend. "This thing is getting me woozy! What did we start to talkabout, anyhow?"

"Horseshoe nails. "

"And now we're at old maids. Good-night! Come on out and walk about abit. The fresh air will do us good, and maybe we'll sleep. "

"I'll go you!" exclaimed Andy. "Let's go get some chocolate. I'm hungryand there isn't a bit of grub left, " and he looked in the box where heusually kept some biscuits. 

They went out together, passing across the quadrangle, in which scoresof students were flitting to and fro, under the elms, and in and out ofthe shadows of the electric lights. 

Dunk was saying something over to himself in a low voice. 

"What is that--a baseball litany?" asked Andy, with a laugh. 

"No, I was trying to get that straight what you said about the supply ofold maids in a community depending on the number of clover blossoms. "

"It's the other way around--but cut it out. You'll be droning away atthat all night--like a tune that gets in your head and can't get out. Where'll we go?"

"Oh, cut down Chapel street. Let's take in the gay white way for achange. We may meet some of the fellows. "

"But no staying out late!" Andy warned his chum. 

"I guess not! I want to be as fit as a fiddle in the morning. "

"For we're going to chew up Princeton in the morning!" chanted Andy tothe tune of a well-known ballad. 

"I hope so, " murmured Dunk. "Look, there goes Ikey, " and as he spoke hepointed to a scurrying figure that shot across the street and into ashop devoted to the auctioning of furnishing goods. 

"What's he up to, I wonder?" spoke Andy. 

"Oh, this is how he lays in his stock of goods that he sticks us with. He watches his chance, and buys up a lot, and then works them off onus. "

"Well, I give him credit for it, " spoke Andy, musingly. "He works hard, and he's making good. I understand he's in line for one of the bestscholarships. "

"Then he'll get it!" affirmed Dunk. "I never knew a fellow yet, likeIkey, who didn't get what he set out after. I declare! it makes meashamed, sometimes, to think of all the advantages we have, and that wedon't do any better. And you take a fellow like him, who has to work forevery dollar he gets--doesn't belong to any of the clubs--doesn't haveany of the sports--has to study at all hours to get time to sell hisstuff--and he'll pull down a prize, and we chaps----"

"Oh, can that stuff!" interrupted Andy. "We're worse than a couple ofold women to-night. Let's be foolish for once, and we'll feel better forit. This game is sure getting our goats. "

"I believe you. Well, if you want a chance to be foolish, here comes thecrowd to stand in with. "

Down the street marched a body of Yale students, arm in arm, singing andchanting some of the latest songs, and now and then breaking intowhistling. 

"Gaffington's bunch, " murmured Andy. 

"Yes, but he isn't with 'em, " added Dunk. "Slip in here until they getpast, " and Dunk pulled his chum by the arm as they came opposite a darkhallway. 

But it was too late. Some of the sporty students had seen the two, andmade a rush for them. 

"Come on, Andy!"

"Oh, you, Dunk! Grab him, fellows!"

Immediately the two were surrounded by a gay and laughing throng. 

"Bring 'em along!"

"Down to the rathskeller!"

"We'll make a night of it!"

"And we won't go home until morning!"

Thus the gay and festive lads chanted, meanwhile circling about Andy andDunk, who sought in vain to break through. Passersby went on their way, smiling indulgently at the antics of the students. 

"Fetch 'em along!" commanded the leader of the "sports. "

"Come on!" came the orders, and Andy and Dunk were dragged off toward acertain resort. 

"No, we can't go--really!" protested Dunk, holding back. 

"We just came out for a glass of soda, " insisted Andy, "and we've got toget right back!"

"Oh, yes! That's all right. "

"Soda!"

"Listen to him!"

"Regular little goody-goody boys!"

"They were trying to sneak off by themselves and have a good time bytheir lonesomes!"

And thus the various laughing and disbelieving comments came, one afteranother. 

"Bring 'em along with us, and we'll show 'em how to enjoy life!"someone called. "Gaffington will meet us at Paddy's!"

Dunk flashed Andy a signal. It would not do, he knew, to spend thisnight--of all nights--the one before an important game--with this crowdof fun-loving lads. They must get away. 

"Look here, fellows!" expostulated Andy, "we really can't come, youknow!"

"That's right, " chimed in Dunk. "Let us off this time and maybeto-morrow night----"

"There may never be a to-morrow night!" chanted one of the tormentors. "Live while you can, and enjoy yourself. You're a long time dead. To-morrow is no man's time. The present alone is ours. Who said that, fellows? Did I make that up or not? It's blamed good, anyhow. Let's see, what was it? The present----"

"Oh, dry up! You talk too much!" protested one of his companions, with alaugh. 

"What's the matter with you fellows, anyhow?" demanded another of Andyand Dunk, who were making more strenuous efforts to get away. "Don't youlove us any more?"

"Sure, better than ever, " laughed Andy. "But you know Dunk and I have topitch and catch in the Princeton freshman game to-morrow, and we----"

"Say no more! I forgot about that, " exclaimed the leader. "They can't beburning the midnight incandescents. Let 'em go, fellows. And may wehave the honor and pleasure of your company to-morrow night?" he asked, with an elaborate bow. 

"If we win--yes, " said Dunk. 

"It's a bargain, then. Come on, boys, we're late now, " and they startedoff. 

Andy and Dunk, glad of their escape, flitted around a corner, to be outof sight. A moment later, however, they heard renewed cries and laughterfrom the throng they had just left. 

"Now what's up?" asked Dunk. "Are they after us again?"

"Listen!" murmured Andy, looking for a place in which to hide. 

Then they heard shouts like these:

"That's the idea!"

"Come on down to the Taft!"

"We'll give the Princeton bunch a cheer that will put the kibosh on themfor to-morrow. "

"No, don't go down there, " cautioned cooler heads. "We'll only get intoa row. Come on to the rathskeller!"

"No, the Taft!"

"The rathskeller!"

Thus the dispute went on, until those who were opposed to disturbing thePrinceton players had their way, and the crowd moved out of hearing. 

"Thank our lucky stars!" murmured Dunk. "Let's get our chocolate andget back to our room. "

"I'm with you, " said Andy. 

"Oh, by the way, isn't there one of your friends on the Princeton team?"asked Dunk, as he and Andy were sipping their chocolate in a drugstore, on a quiet street. 

"Yes, Ben Snow. He's with the crowd at the Taft. "

"Did you see him?"

"For a little while this evening. "

"I reckon he thinks his nine is going to win. "

"Naturally, " laughed Andy. "The same as we do. But don't let's talkabout it until to-morrow. I've gotten over some of my fit of nerves, andI want to lose it for good. "

"Same here. That little run-in did us good. "

The two chums were back again in their room, and Andy brought out hiscatching glove, which he proceeded to mend. 

Quiet was settling down over the quadrangle and in the dormitories aboutthe big, elm-shaded square. Light after light in the rooms of thestudents went out. In the distant city streets the hum of traffic grewless and less. 

It was quiet in the room where Dunk and Andy sat. Now and then, fromsome room would come the tinkle of a piano, or the hum of somesoft-voiced chorus. 

"What was that you said about horseshoe nails and bees?" asked Dunk, drowsily, from his corner of the much be-cushioned sofa. 

"Forget it, " advised Andy, sleepily. "I'm going to turn in. I'm in justthe mood to drowse off now, and I don't want to get roused up. "

"Same here, Andy. Say, but I wish it were to-morrow!"

"So do I, old man!"

The room grew more quiet. Only the night wind sighed through the openedwindow, fluttering the blue curtains. 

Andy and Dunk were asleep. 

The day of the ball game came, as all days do--if you wait long enough. There was a good crowd on the benches and in the grandstand when Andyand his mates came out for practice. Of course it was not like a varsitychampionship contest, but the Princeton nine had brought along some"rooters" and there were songs and cheers from the rival colleges. 

"Play ball!" called the umpire, and Andy took his place behind therubber, while Dunk went to the mound. The two chums felt not a littlenervous, for this was their first real college contest, and the resultmeant much for them. 

"Here's where the Tiger eats the Bulldog!" cried a voice Andy recognizedas that of Ben Snow. Ben had come on with the Princeton delegation thenight before, and had renewed acquaintance with Andy. They had spentsome time together, Ben and the players stopping at the Hotel Taft. 

There was a laugh at Ben's remark, and the Princeton cheer broke forthas Dunk delivered his first ball. Then the game was on. 

"Wow! That was a hot one!"

"And he fanned the air!"

"Feed 'em another one like that, Dunk, and you'll have 'em eating out ofyour hand and begging for more!"

Joyous shouts and cheers greeted Dunk's first ball, for the Princetonbatter had missed it cleanly, though he swung at it with all his force. 

"Good work!" Andy signaled to his chum, as he sent the ball back. Then, stooping and pawing in the dirt, Andy gave the sign for a high out. Hethought he had detected indications that the batter would be more easilydeceived by such a delivery. 

Dunk, glancing about to see that all his supporting players were inposition, shook his head in opposition to Andy's signal. Then he signedthat he would shoot an in-curve. 

Andy had his doubts as to the wisdom of this, but it was too late tochange for Dunk was winding up for his delivery. A moment later he sentin the ball with vicious force. Andy had put out his hands to gather itinto his big mitt, but it was not to be. 

With a resounding thud the bat met the ball squarely and sent it overcenter field in a graceful ascending curve that bid fair to carry it far. 

"Oh, what a pretty one!"

"Right on the nose!"

"Didn't he swat it! Go on, you beggar! Run! Run!"

"Make it a home run!"

The crowd of Princeton adherents had leaped to their feet, and werecheering like mad. 

"Go on, old man!"

"Take another base. He can't get it!"

"Go to third!"

"Come on home!"

The centerfielder had been obliged to run back after the far-knockedball. It was seen that he could not possibly get under it, but he mightfield it home in time to save a score. 

The runner, going wildly, looked to get a signal from the coach. Hereceived it, in a hasty gesture, telling him to stay at third. Hestayed, panting from his speed, while the Princeton lads kept up theircheering. 

"Now will you feed us some more of those hot cross buns?" cried a wag toDunk. 

"Make him eat out of the bean trough!"

"He's got a glass arm!"

"Swat it, Kelly! A home run and we'll score two!"

This was cried to the next man up. Dunk looked at Andy and shrugged hisshoulders. His guessing had not been productive of much good to Yale, for the first man had gotten just the kind of a ball he wanted. Dunkmade up his mind to be more wary. 

"Play for the runner, " Andy signaled to his chum, meaning to make aneffort to kill off the run, and not try to get the batsman out in caseof a hit. 

"All right, " Dunk signaled back. 

"Ball one!" howled the umpire, after the first delivery. 

"That's the way! Make him give you a nice one. "

"Take your time! Wait for what you want!" This was the advice given thebatter. 

And evidently the man at the plate got the sort of ball he wanted, forhe struck at and hit the next one--hit it cleanly and fairly, and itsailed out toward left field. 

"Get it!" cried the Yale captain. 

The fielder was right under it--certainly it looked as though he couldnot miss. The batsman was speeding for first, while the man on third wascoming home, and the crowd was yelling wildly. 

Andy had thrown off his mask, and was waiting at home for the ball, tokill off the player speeding in from third. 

"Here's where we make a double play!" he exulted, for the man going tofirst had stumbled slightly, and was out of his stride. It looked asthough it could be done. But alas for the hopes of Yale! The fielder gotthe ball fairly in his hands, but whether he was nervous, or whether theball had such speed that it tore through, was not apparent. At any rate, he muffed the fly. 

"Good-night!"

"That settles it!"

"Go on, Ranter! Go on, Cooney!"

Coaches, the captain, Princeton players and the crowd of Tigersympathizers were wildly calling to the two runners. And indeed theywere coming on. 

Andy groaned. He could not help it. Dunk threw up his hands in a gestureof despair. The fielder, with a gulp and a gone feeling at the pit ofhis stomach, picked up the muffed ball, and threw it to second. It wasthe only play left. And the batsman, who had started to make histwo-bagger, went back to first. But the run had come in. 

"That's the way we do it!"

"Come on, fellows, the 'Orange and Black' song!"

"No, the new one! 'Watch the Tiger Claw the Bulldog!'"

The cheer leaders were trying to decide on something with which tocelebrate the drawing of "first blood. "

The grandstands were a riot of waving yellow and black, while, on theother side, the blue banners dropped most disconsolately. But it was notfor long. 

"Come on, boys!" cried the plucky Yale captain. "That's only one run. Weonly need three out and we'll show 'em what we can do! Every man on thejob! Lively! Play ball!"

Dunk received the horsehide from the second baseman, and began to windup for his next delivery. He narrowly watched the man on first, and oncenearly caught him napping. Several times Dunk threw to the initial sack, in order to get the nerve of the runner. Then he suddenly stung in oneto the man at the plate. 

"Strike--one!" yelled the umpire. The batter gave a sign of protest, buthe thought better of any verbal comment. 

"That's the way!" cried the Yale captain. "Two more like that, and he'sdown!"

Dunk did it, though the man struck one foul which Andy muffed, much tohis chagrin. 

"Give 'em the Boola song!" called a Yale cheer leader, and it wasrousingly sung. This seemed to make the Yale players have moreconfidence, and they were on their mettle. But, though they did theirbest, Princeton scored two more runs, and, with this lead against her, Yale came to the bat. 

"Steady all!" counseled the captain. "We're going to win, boys. "

But it did not seem so, when the first inning ended with no score forYale. Princeton's pitcher was proving his power, and he was wellsupported. Man after man--some of them Yale's best hitters--went downbefore his arm. 

The situation looked desperate. In spite of the frantic cheering of theYale freshmen, it seemed as if her players could not take the necessarybrace. 

"Fellows, come here!" yelled the captain, when it came time for Andy andhis chums to take the field after a vain attempt to score. "We've got todo something. Dunk, I want you to strike out a couple of men for achange!"

"I--I'll do it!" cried the pitcher. 

Then Dunk pulled himself together, and the Tiger's lead was cut down. Once the game was a tie Yale's chances seemed to brighten, and when shegot a lead of one run in the eighth her cohorts went wild, the standblossoming forth into a waving mass of blue. 

This good feeling was further added to when Princeton was shut outwithout a run in the beginning of the ninth, and as Andy, Dunk and theother Yale players came in, having won the game, they received anovation for their victory. 

Ikey Stein, sitting in the grandstand near an elderly gentleman, yelled, shouted and stamped his feet at the Yale victory. 

"You seem wonderfully exercised about it, my young friend, " remarked theelderly gentleman. "Did you have a large wager up on this game?"

"No, sir, but now I can sell two dollars worth of socks, " replied Ikey, hurrying off to get Dunk and Andy to redeem their promises. 

"Hum, very strange college customs these days--very strange, " murmuredthe elderly gentleman, shaking his head. 

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE TRAP

Joyous was the crowd of Yale players as they trooped off the field. Thefreshmen had opened their season well by defeating Princeton, and thewearers of the orange and black gave their victors a hearty cheer, whichwas repaid in kind. 

"It's good to be on the winning side, " exulted Andy, as he walked alongwith Dunk. 

"It sure is, old man. "

Someone touched Andy on the shoulder. He looked around to see Ikeyholding out a package. One in the other hand was offered to Dunk. 

"The socks, " spoke the student salesman, simply. 

"Say, give us time to get into our clothes!" demanded Andy. "Do youthink we carry cash in our uniforms?"

"I didn't want you to forget, " said Ikey, with a grin. "There is anotherfellow taking up my business now, and I've got to hustle if I want thetrade. Going to your room?"

"Sure. "

"I'll go on ahead and wait for you, " said Ikey. "I need the money. "

"Say, you're the limit! You're as bad as a sheriff with an attachment, "complained Dunk. But he could not help laughing at the other'spersistence. 

Andy and Dunk were a little late getting back to Wright Hill, and whenthey entered their room they found a note on the table. It was fromIkey, and read:

"I found your door open, and waited a while, but I just heard of abargain lot of suspenders I can buy, so I went off to see about them. Iwill be back with the socks in a little while. "

"He found our door open!" exclaimed Dunk. "Didn't we lock it?"

"We sure did!" declared Andy. "I wonder----" He paused, and looked athis chum wonderingly. Then they both began a hasty search among theirpossessions. The same thought had come to each. 

"Did you have my amethyst cuff buttons?" asked Andy of Dunk, who wasrummaging among his effects. 

"I did not. Why?"

"They're gone!"

"Another robbery! Say, we've got to report this right away, and letLink's lawyer know!" Dunk cried. "This may clear him!"

They paused, trying to map out a line of procedure, when a messengercame in to say that either Dunk or Andy was wanted on the telephone in ahurry. 

"You go, " suggested Andy. "As long as either of us will answer I'll stayhere and take another look for my buttons. But I'm sure I left them inmy collar box, and they aren't there now. "

Dunk hurried off, while Andy conducted a careful but ineffectual search. 

"It was Link's lawyer, " Dunk reported when he came back. "His case comesup to-morrow, and he wants to know if we have any evidence that willhelp to prove Link innocent. "

"Not an awful lot, " said Andy, ruefully, "unless this latest robbery is. We'd better go see that lawyer. Did he say anything about the mysterioushundred dollars Link got by mail?"

"He mentioned it. There's no explanation of it yet, and he says it willlook queer if it comes out, and if that's the only explanation Link cangive. "

"Why need it come out?"

"Oh, it seems that Link showed the bills to several helpers aroundcollege, and some of them have been subpoenaed to testify. The detectivewill be sure to bring it out. Then there's that story about the bookfound in Link's room. "

"Hello!--" exclaimed Andy, looking around the apartment in order tocollect his thoughts. "There's another note someone left for us. It musthave been knocked off the table. " He picked it up off the floor. It wasaddressed to him, and proved to be from Charley Taylor. It read:

 "DEAR ANDY. I watched you play to-day. You did well. I've got a peach of a mushroom bat that I don't want, for I'm going in for rowing instead of baseball this season. I left the bat in the storeroom on your corridor when I moved out of Wright Hall. You can have it if you like. I gave it to Mortimer Gaffington once, but he said he never could find it. I don't believe he cared much about it, anyhow. Take it and good luck. "

"By jinks!" cried Andy, as he read the missive and passed it to Dunk. "Do you remember that time Mortimer was hunting for Charley's bat in thecloset?"

"I should say I did! That was the time we were looking for the thief whotook Frank Carr's silver cup and his book. "

"Sure. Well, I'm just going to have a look for that bat now. Maybe I'llhave better luck than Mortimer did. "

"Go ahead. I'll stay here in case Ikey comes in with the socks. No usehaving him bother us. Might as well pay him so he'll quit running in. "

"Sure. Well, I'm going to rummage for the bat, " and Andy, thinking ofmany things, went down the corridor to the large closet that was used asa store room by the students. 

It was more filled than before with many things, and Andy had somedifficulty in locating the bat. Finally he found it away down in acorner, under an old football suit, and drew it out. As he did sosomething fell to the closet floor with a clang of metal. 

"I wonder what that was?" mused Andy. "It sounded like----" He did notfinish the thought, but made his way to the far end of the closet. Itwas dark there, but, groping around, his fingers touched something hard, round, smooth and cold. With trembling hand Andy drew it out, and whenthe single electric light in the center of the storeroom fell upon itAndy uttered a cry of surprise. 

"Frank's silver cup!" he cried. "The thief hid it in there! I wonder ifthe book's here, too?"

He made a hasty but unsuccessful search and then, with the bat and cup, he hurried to the room where Dunk awaited him. 

"What's up?" demanded Dunk, as Andy fairly burst into the room. 

"Lots! Look here!"

"Frank Carr's silver cup! Where'd you get it?"

"In the closet where Mortimer Gaffington hid it!"

"Mortimer Gaffington?" gasped Dunk. "You mean----"

"I mean that I'm sure now of what I've suspected for some time--thatMortimer is the quadrangle thief!"

"You don't say so! How do you figure it out?"

"Just think and you'll see it for yourself, " went on Andy. "When we hadthe chase after the thief down this corridor that time, the trail seemedto lead right to this closet, didn't it?"

"Sure, " agreed Dunk. 

"And who did we find in there?"

"Why, Mort, of course. But he said he was looking for Charley Taylor'sbat. "

"Well, he may have been, but that was only an excuse. Mortimer didn'twant that bat, but he was almost caught and he did want a place to hidethe stuff. The book he could slip in his pocket, but he couldn't do thatwith the cup. So he threw it back in a corner, and it's been there eversince. Probably he was afraid to come for it. "

"Andy, I believe you're right!" cried Dunk. "But one thing more--did youfind a pair of rubber shoes? You know Frank said the fellow that wentout of his room in such a hurry wore rubber shoes. "

"I forgot about that. I'll have another look. "

"I'll go with you. Ikey was here and I paid him for your socks and mine. So we can lock up. "

"And be sure you do lock, " warned Andy. "I don't want to lose any morestuff. Say, Mortimer must have my sleeve links, all right. "

"All wrong, you mean. And my watch, too! I wonder if we're on the vergeof a discovery?"

"It looks so, " said Andy, grimly. 

Quickly and silently they went to the storeroom. They were notdisturbed, for there were several class dinners on that night, and mostof the occupants of Wright Hall were out. Andy and Dunk intended goinglater. 

They rummaged in the closet and, when about to give up, not having foundwhat they sought, Andy unearthed a pair of rubbers. 

"These might be what the fellow wore, " said Dunk, as he looked at them. "He could easily have slipped them off. See if there are any marksinside. "

Andy looked and uttered a startled cry. For there, on the inner canvasof the rubber, printed in ink, were the initials "M. G. "

"They're his, all right!" spoke Andy, in a low tone. 

"Then he's the quadrangle thief, " went on Dunk. "Come on back to ourroom, and we'll talk this over. Something's has got to be done. "

"That's right, " agreed Andy. "But what?"

"We must set a trap, " suggested Dunk. 

"A trap?"

"Yes, do something to catch this mean thief--Mortimer or whoever heis--in the act. "

"Hadn't we better tell the Dean--or someone. "

"No, " said Dunk, after thinking over the matter. "Let's see if we can'tdo this on our own hook. Then if we make a mistake we won't be laughedat. "

"But when can we do it?" Andy asked. 

"This very night. It couldn't happen better. Nearly all the fellows willbe out of Wright Hall in a little while. We're booked to go, andMortimer knows it, for I was making arrangements with Bert Foley aboutour seats, and Mortimer was standing near me. He came to borrow tendollars, but I didn't let him have it. So he will be sure to figure thatwe'll be out to-night. "

"But how do you know he'll come to our room?"

"I don't know it. I've got to take a chance there. But we can hide downin the lower corridor, and watch to see if he comes in this dormitory. If he does, knowing that 'most all the fellows are out, it will looksuspicious. We can watch for him to go out and then tackle him. If hehas the goods on him the jig is up. "

"Well, I guess that is a good plan, " agreed Andy. "I hate to have to doit, but we owe it to ourselves, to the college and to poor Link todiscover this thief. I only hope it doesn't prove to be Mortimer, but itlooks very bad for him. "

"We can go farther than that, " went on Dunk. "We can leave some markedmoney on our table, leave our door open and see what happens. "

"It sounds sort of mean, " spoke Andy, doubtfully; "but I suppose if wehave to have a trap that would be the best way to do it. "

"Then let's get busy, " suggested Dunk. "He may not come to-night afterall. We may have to watch for several nights. Meanwhile we'd bettertelephone the lawyer that we're on a new lead. "

This was done, and the man in charge of Link's case agreed to see Andyand Dunk early the next day to learn what success they had. 

Then the trap was laid. The two who were doing this, not so much toprove Mortimer guilty as to free Link and others upon whom suspicion hadfallen, went about their work. 

As Dunk had surmised, Wright Hall was almost deserted. They found ahiding place in the lower corridor where they could see whoever came in. Their own door they left ajar, with a light burning. On the table wherethey had been put, as if dropped by accident, were a couple of markedbills. 

"If he takes those, we'll have him with the goods, " said Dunk, grimly. 

Then he and Andy began their vigil. 

CHAPTER XXXIV

CAUGHT

The silence got on the nerves of Andy and Dunk. It was very quiet inWright Hall, but outside they could hear the calls of students, one tothe other. Occasionally someone would come up on the raised courtyard ofthe dormitory and shout loudly for some chum. But there were no answers. Nearly all the freshmen were at an annual affair. The hall was all butdeserted. 

"Who do you think it will be?" asked Dunk in a whisper, after a longquiet period. 

"Why, Mortimer, of course, " answered Andy. "Do you have suspicions ofanybody else?"

"Well, I don't know, " was the hesitating answer. 

"Everything points to him, " went on Andy. "He's in need of money, andhas been for some time, though we didn't know it. As soon as I heardthat news about his father losing all his fortune, and the possibilitythat Mortimer might have to leave Yale, I said to myself that he was themost likely one to have been doing this quadrangle thieving. 

"But I really hated to think it, for it seems an awful thing to have aYale man guilty of anything like that. "

"It sure is, " agreed Dunk. "What are we going to do if we catch him?"

"Time enough to think of that after we get him, " said Andy, grimly. 

"No, there isn't, " insisted Dunk. "Look here, old man, this is a seriousmatter. It means a whole lot, not only to Mortimer, but to us. We don'twant to make a mistake. "

"We won't, " said Andy. "We'll get him right, whether it's Mortimer, orsomeone else. But I can't see how it could be anybody else. Everythingpoints to him. It's very plain to me. "

"You don't quite get me, " went on Dunk, trying to get into a morecomfortable position in their small hiding place. "I'll admit that wemay get the thief, and I'm willing to admit, for the sake of argument, that it may be Mortimer--in fact, I'm pretty sure, now, that it is he. But look what it's going to mean to Yale. This thing will have to comeout--it will probably get into the papers, and how will it look to havea Yale man held up as a thief. It doesn't make any difference to saythat he isn't a representative Yale man--it's the name of the universitythat's going to suffer as much as is Mortimer. "

"That's so--I didn't think of that, " admitted Andy, rather ruefully. "Shall we call it off?"

"No, it's too late to do that now. But we must consider what we ought todo once we capture the thief. "

"What do you suggest?" asked Andy, after a pause. 

"I hardly know. Let's puzzle over it a bit. " Again there fell a silencebetween them--a silence fraught with much meaning. They could hearrevelry in other college rooms, and the call of lads on the campus. Fromfarther off came the roar and hum of the city. It reminded Andy of thenight he had first come to New Haven. How many things had happened inthat time. He would soon be a sophomore now--no more a callow freshman. 

"Do you know, " spoke Dunk, in a low voice, as he again changed hisposition, seeking ease. "I had an idea that Ikey might turn out to bethe guilty one. "

"So did I, " admitted Andy. "That was after your watch was missing, and Ifound he had been in the room while I was out. But, for that matter, Link was in there, too. It was a sort of toss-up between the two. PoorLink, it's been mighty unpleasant for him, to be accused wrongly. Iwonder how that valuable book got in his room?"

"The quadrangle thief put it there, of course. "

"And there's that case of Pulter's book--found out near Yale Field, "went on Andy. "I suppose Mortimer had that, too. "

"Very likely, though it seems queer that he'd stoop so low as to takebooks. "

"He could pawn 'em, I suppose, same as he did the other things he took, "Andy continued. 

"The way he used to borrow money from me and some of the other fellowswas a caution!" exclaimed Dunk. "Seems as though he'd have enough toworry along on without stealing. "

"He spent a lot, though, " said Andy. "He was used to high living and Isuppose when he found the money wasn't coming from his father any morehe had to get it the best way he could. "

"Or the worst, " commented Dunk, grimly. "I know he never paid me backall he got, and the same way with a lot of the fellows. But if he'scoming I wish he'd show up. I don't wish him any bad luck, and I'd givea whole lot, even now, if it would prove to be someone else besidesMortimer. But I'm getting tired of waiting here. "

"So am I, " said Andy, with a yawn. 

Again there was a silence, while they kept their strange vigil. Then, far down the lower corridor, there sounded footsteps. 

"He--he's coming!" whispered Andy in a tense voice. 

"Yes, " assented Dunk. 

But it was a false alarm. As the footsteps came nearer the waiting ladssaw one of the janitors on his rounds. He did not see them, and passedon. 

Andy was doing some hard thinking. The suggestion made by Dunk that thecapture of the thief would be more of a black spot for Yale than thefact of the robberies taking place was bearing fruit. 

"But what can we do?" Andy asked himself. "We've got to stop thesethefts if we can, and the only way is to catch the fellow who's doingit. "

They had been in their hiding place nearly an hour, and were gettingexceedingly weary. Dunk shifted about, as did Andy, and it was on thetip of the latter's tongue to suggest that they give up their plan forthe night when they heard a distant door opened cautiously. 

"Listen!" whispered Andy. 

"All right, " assented his chum. "I hope it amounts to something. "

With strained ears they listened. Now they heard steps coming along thecorridor. Curious, shuffling steps they were, not hard, honestheel-and-toe steps--rather those of someone treading softly, as on solesof rubber. 

"It's him all right this time!" whispered Andy in Dunk's ear. 

"I guess so--yes. Shall we follow him?"

"Yes. Take off your shoes. "

Silently they removed them, and waited. The steps were nearer now, and along shadow was thrown athwart the place where Andy and Dunk werehiding. They could not recognize it, however. 

The shadow came nearer, flickering curiously as the swaying of anelectric lamp threw it in black relief on the corridor floor. 

Then a figure came past the recess where the two lads were concealed. They hardly breathed, and, peering out they beheld Mortimer Gaffingtonstealing into Wright Hall. 

It was only what they had expected to see, but, nevertheless, it gavethem both a shock. 

Mortimer moved on. They could see now why he could walk so silently. Hehad on rubbers over his shoes. The same trick used by the thief who hadentered Frank's room. 

Mortimer looked all around. He stood in a listening attitude for amoment, and then, as if satisfied that the coast was clear, started upthe stairs toward the corridor from which opened the room of Andy andDunk. 

The two waited until he was out of sight, and then followed, making nomore noise than the thief himself. They timed their movements by his. When he advanced they went forward, and when he stopped to listen, theystopped also. It was like some game--a very grim sort of game, though. 

There was only a dim light in the upper corridor, and, coming to a haltwhere the shadows were deepest, Andy and Dunk watched. They saw Mortimerstop before a student's door, try it and then came the faint tinkle of abunch of keys. 

"Skeletons, " whispered Dunk. 

Andy nodded in assent. 

The manipulation of the lock by means of a false key seemed to come easyto Mortimer. In a moment he was inside the room. What he did there Andyand Dunk could not see, but he remained but a few minutes, and came out, softly closing the door after him. 

"I wonder what he got?" whispered Dunk. 

"We'll soon know, " was Andy's answer. 

Mortimer went softly down the corridor. He did not try every door, butonly went in certain rooms, and these, the two watchers noticed, werethose where well-to-do students lived. 

Mortimer made four or five visits, and then moved towards the apartmentof Andy and Dunk. 

"It's our turn now, " whispered the latter. 

Silently they turned a corner, just in time to see Mortimer enter theirroom. 

"Now we've got him!" exulted Andy. 

"Not yet; we've got to nab him, " whispered Dunk. "Oh, Andy, this isfierce! To think that we're spying on a Yale man! To think that a Yaleman should turn out to be a common thief! It makes me sick!"

"Same here, " sighed Andy. "But the only way to stop suspicion fromfalling on others is to get Mortimer with the goods. We've got to saveLink, too. "

"That's right, " assented Dunk. "He isn't a Yale man, but he's a heapbetter than the kind in there. " He nodded his head in the direction oftheir room, where Mortimer now was. 

They had left a light burning, and could see, as its beams were cut offnow and then, that the intruder was moving about in their apartment. 

"Come on, let's get him--and have it over with, " suggested Dunk. 

"No, we've got to get the goods on him, " said Andy. 

"Well, hasn't he got plenty of stolen goods--those from the otherfellows' rooms?"

"I know. But if we went in on him now he'd bluff it off--say he came into borrow a book--or money maybe. "

"But we could search him. "

"You can't search a fellow for coming to borrow something, " declaredAndy. "Come on, let's go where we can look in. "

Silently they stole forward until they were opposite their door. Fromit they had a good view of Mortimer. 

Just at that moment they saw him reach for the bills on the table and, with a quick motion, pocket them. Then the thief started toward abureau. 

"Come on!" whispered Andy, hoarsely. "We've got to get him now, Dunk!"

With beating hearts the two sped silently but swiftly into the room. They fairly leaped for Mortimer, who turned like a flash, glaring atthem. Fear was in his startled eyes--fear and shame. Then in an instanthe determined to face it out. 

"We--we've got you!" cried Dunk, exultantly. 

"Got me? I don't know what you mean?" said Mortimer, trying to speakeasily. But his voice broke--his tones were hoarse, and Andy noticedthat his hands were trembling. Mortimer edged over toward the door. 

"I came in to get a book, " he faltered, "but I----"

"Grab him, Dunk!" commanded Andy, and the two threw themselves upon theintruder. 

CHAPTER XXXV

FOR THE HONOR OF YALE

"What does this mean? You fellows sure have your nerve with you! Let mego, or I'll----"

Mortimer stormed and raved, struggling to get loose from the grip ofAndy and Dunk. 

"I'll make you fellows sweat for this!" he cried "I'll fix you!I--I'll----"

"You'd better keep quiet, if you know what's best for you, " panted Andy. "We hate this business as much as you ever can, Gaffington! Don't letthe whole college know about it. Keep quiet, for the honor of Yale whosename you've disgraced. Keep quiet, for we've got the goods on you andthe jig is up!"

It was a tense moment, and Andy might well be pardoned for speaking abit theatrically. Truth to tell he hardly knew what he was saying. 

"Yes, take it easy, Gaffington, " advised Dunk. "We don't want to make aholiday of this affair; but you're at the end of your rope and thesooner you know it the better. We've caught you. Take it easy and we'llbe as easy as we can. "

"Caught me! What do you mean?" asked the unfortunate lad excitedly. "Can't I come to your room to borrow a book without being jumped on asif I----"

"Exactly! As though you were the thief that you are!" said Andy, bitterly. "What does this mean?"

With a quick motion, letting go of one of Mortimer's wrists, Andyreached into the other's pocket and pulled out the bills. "They'remarked with our initials, " he said, and his voice was sad, rather thantriumphant. "We left them there to see if you'd take them. "

The production of the bills took all the fight out of MortimerGaffington. He ceased his struggling and sank limply into a chair whichDunk pushed forward for him. 

There followed a moment of silence--a silence that neither Andy or Dunkever forgot. The quadrangle thief moistened his dry lips once or twiceand then said hoarsely:

"Well, what are you going to do about it?"

"That's the question, " spoke Andy, wearily. "What _are_ we going todo about it?"

"Are you going to deny it?" asked Dunk. "Before you answer, think whatit means. An innocent man is under charges for these thefts. "

Mortimer did not answer for a moment. When he did speak it was to say:

"No, I'm going to deny nothing. You have caught me. I own up. What areyou going to do about it?"

"That's just it, " said Dunk. "We don't know what to do about it. "

Silently Mortimer began taking from his pockets several pieces ofjewelry, evidently the things he had stolen from the rooms of otherstudents. 

"That's all I have, " he said, bitterly. 

Andy and Dunk looked at him a moment without speaking and then Andyasked:

"Why did you do it, Mortimer?"

"Why? I guess you know as well as I do. Everything is gone--dad's wholefortune wiped out. We haven't a dollar, and I had to leave Yale. We keptit quiet as long as we could. I didn't want to leave. I couldn't bearto!

"Oh, call it what you like--foolish pride perhaps, but I wanted to stayhere and finish as I'd begun--with the best of the spenders. That's whatI've been--a spender. I couldn't be otherwise--I was brought up thatway. So, when I found I couldn't get any money any other way I beganstealing. I'm not looking for sympathy--I'm telling the plain truth. Itook your watch, Dunk. I took those books. I smuggled one into LinkBardon's room, hoping he'd be suspected. There's no use in saying I'msorry. You wouldn't believe me. It's all up. You've got me right!"

He leaned forward and buried his face in his hands. 

Andy and Dunk felt the lumps rising in their throats. They had to fightback the tears from their eyes. Never before had they taken part in sucha grim tragedy--never again did they want to. 

"You--you admit all the quadrangle thefts?" faltered Andy. 

"Every one, " was the low answer. "I took Carr's book and silver cup--Ihid them in the closet that day you fellows caught me. I took Pulter'sbook, too. I was desperate--I'd take anything. I just had to have themoney. I took the money Len thought he lost that night in the campus. Well, this is the end. "

"Yes, it's the end, " said Dunk, softly, "but not for us. We've got tothink of Yale. "

There was a footstep outside the door. The three started up in somealarm. They were not ready yet for disclosures. 

"Beg pardon, " said a calm voice, "but I could not help hearing what wassaid. Perhaps I can help you. "

Andy swung open the door wider, and saw, standing in the hall, a man herecognized as one taking a post-graduate course in the Medical School. He was Nathan Conklin, and had taken a room in the freshman dormitorybecause no other was available just at that time. 

"Do you want some advice?" asked Conklin. He was a pleasant chap, considerably older than Andy or Dunk. And he seemed to know life. 

"I guess that's just what we do want, " said Andy. "We are up againstit. We have caught--er----"

"You needn't explain, " said Conklin. "The less said on such occasionsthe better. I happened to be passing and I could not help hearing. WhatI didn't hear I guessed. Now I'm going to say a few words. 

"Boys, Yale is bigger than any of us--better than any of us. We've gotto consider the honor of Yale above everything else. "

Andy and Dunk nodded. Mortimer sat with his face buried in his hands. 

"Now then, " went on Conklin, "for the honor of Yale, and not to save thereputation of anybody, we must hush up this scandal. It must go nofarther than this room. Gaffington, are you willing to leave Yale?"

"I suppose I'll have to, " Mortimer answered, without looking up. 

"Yes, you would have to go if this came out, and it's better that youshould go without it becoming known. Now then, are you willing to makerestitution?"

"I can't. I haven't a dollar in the world. "

"Let that go, " said Dunk, quickly. "We fellows will see to that. I guessthose that have missed things won't insist on getting them back; they'lldo that much for the honor of Yale. "

"About this other man who is under charges, are you willing to givetestimony--in private to the judge--that will result in freeing him?"asked Conklin. 

"Yes, " whispered Mortimer. 

"Then that's all that's necessary, " went on the medical student. "I'llgo see the Dean. You'd better come with me, Gaffington. I'll take chargeof this case. "

"Thank heaven!" said Andy, with a sigh of relief. "It was getting toomuch for me. "

With bowed head Mortimer Gaffington followed the medical student fromthe room. What transpired at the interview with the Dean neither Dunknor Andy ever learned. Nor did they ask. It was better not to know toomuch. 

But Mortimer left Yale, and the honor of the college was untarnished, atleast by anything that became known of his actions. He slipped awayquietly, it being given out that his family was going abroad. And theGaffingtons did leave Dunmore, going no one knew whither. 

A certain secret meeting was held, when without a name being mentioned, it was explained by Andy, Dunk and Conklin that the quadrangle thiefhad been discovered. It was stated that those who had suffered losseswould be reimbursed by private subscription, but the idea was rejectedunanimously. 

How Mortimer worked, and how he accomplished the various robberies, without being detected, remained a mystery. No one cared to go into it, for it was too delicate a subject. 

The charge against Link was dismissed after a certain interview the Deanhad with the county prosecutor, and Link was given his old place back. 

"But if it had come to a trial, " he said to Andy, when he was told thatthe thief (no name being mentioned) had confessed, "if I had been triedI could have told where that mysterious hundred dollars came from. "

"Where?" asked Andy interestedly. 

"From that farmer you saved me from. He got religion lately, and feltremorse for my injured arm. So he sent me the hundred dollars for mydoctor's bill and other expenses. "

"And never said a word about it?" asked Dunk. 

"Not a word. But he died the other day, and the truth came out. A fellowI know in the town wrote me about it. So I could have proved that Ididn't get the money by stealing. "

"It wasn't necessary, " said Andy. "So everything is explained now. "

Andy's first year at Yale was nearing its close. The season was to windup with a series of affairs and with several ball games, including onefor the freshman team. Of course Dunk and Andy played. I wish I couldsay that Yale won, but truth compels me to state that Princeton"trimmed" her. 

"And we'll do it again!" exulted Ben Snow, as he greeted Andy after thecontest. 

"I don't know about that!" was the answer. Then Andy hurried off towhere a certain pretty girl waited for him. No, I'm not going to mentionher name. You wouldn't know her, anyhow. 

"Well, " remarked Andy, as he and Dunk were packing up to go home for thesummer holidays, "college is a great place. "

"Especially Yale. "

"Oh, I don't know. Of course I think there's no place like Yale, butthere are others. "

And so Andy and Dunk packed up and prepared to start for home, agreeingto room together again during their sophomore year, and until they hadcompleted their college course. 

They had locked their trunks, and their valises where ready. When came aknock on their door, and a voice said:

"Such bargains! Never before have I had such neckties and silk socks!Fellows, let me show you----"

"Get out, you Shylock!" laughed Andy, locking the portal. "We've onlygot money enough for our railroad fare!"

And Ikey Stein departed, looking for other bargain victims. 

"Come on, " suggested Dunk, "let's take a walk over the campus and saygood-bye to the fellows. "

"I'm with you, " agreed Andy. 

And arm in arm they departed. 

THE END