n now before me
are grievously lacking either in understanding or veracity." Numerous
were the mishaps that befell Paul and his companion Stockie, owing to
their love of wandering through the woods. When they were missed, a
professor was generally sent after the fugitives. In visiting their
squirrel traps they often separated, Stockie examining one trap, Paul
another. They would appoint a place of rendezvous, close to some well
known giant pine. The one to arrive first would call the other by a
loud whistle in close imitation of a quail. The other would answer
by a similar whistle. One day when about to mount the tree and give
his usual signal of recall, Paul discovered the professor, who had been
sent after them, approaching. Quickly he climbed into the tree and
concealed himself in the dense foliage. At this moment he heard
Stockie's familiar signal quite near the rendezvous, and to his
dismay, the professor, hidden behind a tree close by, repeated the
quail call, thus leading the unsuspecting Stockie to his doom. As
Stockie neared the tree in which Paul was hidden, he shouted: "I've
got two!" The professor stepped forward and said: "I have one!"

Paul could distinctly over-hear the professor question Stockie in regard
to his chum's whereabouts, all knowledge of which the latter loyally
but untruthfully denied. He had grasped the situation at a glance. The
professor with his captive remained a long while and the latter was
compelled to repeat the quail call time after time in hopes that the
other victim would respond. But the moaning of the pines was the
only answer. Finally the professor and his prisoner started for the
college. Paul slid down the tree and taking a shorter cut, was deep in
his books when they entered. Though strongly suspected, he escaped that
time, the poor captive receiving a double dose. Stockie was generally
unfortunate enough to get more than his share of punishment, but he was
thoroughly loyal to his friends and never murmured. It was customary,
when a boy had misbehaved himself or broken any rule, to send him to
the president's room where either reprimand or a thrashing awaited him.
One day a professor called Stockie during recess and said:

"As you are a good, swift runner, I want you to go over to the
President's room and ask for his letters. I want to put them in the
mail bag. The coach will be starting in a few minutes."

The president was