amp Bert went up in the country, where
his folks were stopping, and Jack took a little coasting trip on a
fishing boat. We were to meet here, but they must be delayed.
However, school doesn't open for a day or so. But I want to get my
place in shape."

"Good idea. That's what I did. Well, here we are," Morse added as the
two came opposite a large building. "Let's go in and see what Old
Balmy has in stock."

They advanced into the dormitory, being met in the lower hall by a
pleasant-faced German who greeted them with:

"Ach! Goot afternoons, gentlemans. Und it iss rooms vat you are
seeking?"

"Rooms it is, Herr Balmgester," replied Morse. "My friend, Tom
Fairfield, here, wants that big one next to mine."

"Vat! Dot large room for one lad?"

"Oh, I've got two friends coming," explained Tom. "I had a double room
over in the Ball and Bat," he added, referring to the Freshman
dormitory, "but there'll be three of us here."

"Ach! Dot iss goot! Two boys makes troubles," and the German monitor
of the Sophomore dormitory held up two fingers. "Three is besser--vat
one does not vant to do ven der oder two does makes like a
safety-valve; ain't it yes?" and he laughed ponderously.

"Oh, we'll be good," promised Tom, with a wink at Morse. "Let's see
the room."

It proved all that could be desired in the way of a study and sleeping
apartment for three healthy, fun-loving lads, and Tom at once signed
for it, feeling sure that his two chums, when they did arrive, would
approve of his choice.

"Well, now that's done, come on into town, and I'll treat you to ice
cream," invited Morse, for though it was late in September the day was
warm. "I'm in funds now," went on the football captain, "and I may not
be--later," he added with a grim smile.

"Oh, I don't know," said Tom, hesitatingly. "I rather thought I'd hang
around. Maybe Jack or Bert will come, and--"

"They can't get here until the five o'clock train, now," declared
Morse. "You've got time enough to go to town and be back again. Come
ahead."

"All right," assented Tom. "Wait until I get the porter to fetch my
trunk from the station."

The check having been given to the porter, Tom and his chum strolled
toward the trolley line that would take them into the small city of
Elmwood.

"Here comes the human interrogation point!" exclaimed Morse, when they
were almost at the trolley line.

"I thought he wasn't coming back to school," remarked Tom, l