ting for the other to answer,
"be a different sort of chap. Make up your mind to go through
the High School, and through life afterwards, dealing with everybody
on the square. Be pleasant and honest---be a high-class
fellow---and everyone will like you and seek your friendship.
That's all I've got to say."

"It's quite enough to say," retorted Ripley, but he spoke in a
low voice that had in it no trace of combative energy.

"Well, boys, how are matters going?" asked Lawyer Ripley, reentering.
"Fred, have you remedied your boorishness by thanking Prescott?"

"Oh, yes, he has thanked me," Dick replied, cheerily. "And we've
been chatting about---some other matters. And now, Mr. Ripley,
if you will excuse me, I feel that I must run along."

I have other things that I really must attend to."

"Won't you be more sensible, and let me make you a duplicate to
the check you tore up?" asked the lawyer.

"Thank you, sir; but I don't want to; couldn't, in fact. My father
and mother would be ashamed of me if I took home a check for such
a service. Good afternoon, Mr. Ripley. So long, Fred."

Dick went out of the lawyer's offices almost breezily. Fred even
found the nerve to respond to Dick's parting salutation with something
very close to an air of cordiality.

The instant he reached the street Dick took in several deep breaths.

"Whew! It seems mighty good to be in the fresh air once more,
after being in the same room with Fred Ripley," muttered the freshman.

"Hello, Dickens, kid," called a voice from behind, and an
arm rested on his shoulder.

"Hello, Ben," replied Prescott, looking around.

"I just wanted to say that the senior ball comes off Saturday
night of this week. You're going to get one of the few freshman
tickets. The ticket allows you to invite one of the girls. Now,
remember, freshie, we depend upon you to be there."

Dick started to object. Well enough he knew that there would
be few freshmen at the senior dance, which was the most exclusive
affair in the High School year.

"You can't kick," rattled on Badger. "You'll get thrashed, if
you do. Didn't I tell you that there'll be very few freshman
tickets sent out? Only six, in fact. Dick & Co. are going to
hog all the freshman tickets. That's largely on account of what
you youngsters have done for football and athletics in general.
Lad, this is the last year that the seniors will have a chance
to see anything of Dick & Co. So you s