t your mind on other things," said Skippy
nervously.

He disengaged an armful from the bottom of his trunk and spreading it on
the window seat, contemplated the touch of many feminine hands with an
expression that was as cynically blase as that of the traditional
predatory bachelor. Whenever Skippy found a mood too elusive to be
expressed in words, his lips instinctively resorted to boyhood's musical
outlet. His eyes traveled appraisingly over sofa cushions, picture
frames, knitted neckties and flags that represent those select
institutions where young ladies are finished off. He began to whistle,

"I don't want to play in your yard,
I don't like you any more . . ."

"My, you're a cold-hearted brute," said Snorky, in whom perhaps the
spirit of envy was strong.

"I am," said Skippy unctuously, "and I am going to be brutier, take a
tip from yours truly, _Moony_."

He disposed of half a dozen cushions, draped two flags and carefully
placed three photographs amid the gallery on his bureau.

"Do you think that's honorable?" said Snorky resentfully.

"Scalps, that's all!" said Skippy with a grandiloquent wave of his hand.

"I get you. Heart whole and fancy free etcetera etceteray?"

"Every time."

"Since when?" said Snorky wickedly.

Skippy allowed this to pass, but having pensively contemplated the
effect produced by the addition of Miss Dolly Travers, Miss Jennie
Tupper and Miss Vivi Balou to the adoring galaxy of the past, he swung a
leg over the table and assuming that newly acquired manner of a man of
the world, which was specially galling to his chum, announced,

"Snorky, old horse, you play it wrong."

"I do, eh?"

"You do. There's nothing in that fussing game. Women, my boy, are our
inferiors."

"Well, it took you some time to find it out."

"Keerect, but now I'm wise. Woman is like a harp in the desert, played
upon by every passing wind."

"Where'd ye read that?"

"If you're going in for that sort of thing get promiscuous. The only
cure for one woman is another."

"You ought to know."

"Are you corresponding with Margarita?" said Skippy suddenly.

"And if I am?"

Skippy shook his head sadly.

"Woman--" he began sententiously and just then fate knocked at the door.

"Come in if you're good-looking," said Snorky, glad of the interruption.

The door opened and discovered a short bulbous freshman, just a whit
embarrassed as freshmen should be in the presence of royal