companion as he spoke.

"Ye-es, I guess so," responded that worthy who had been addressed.

"You'll have a good time," said Will. "I wish I could go too, but I
can't, and the only thing for me to do is to stand up and not whine over
it."

"You'll be sorry for it," laughed Mott, as he and Peter John turned
toward the latter's room. "All we can do will be to try to make up for
what you're going to lose."

And Will Phelps did almost feel that he was too strict in his demands
upon himself when the student-body formed in line early Saturday morning
and, preceded by a band, started down the street on the way to the
station. His room-mate had said no more to him concerning the trip, but
as Will marched by Foster's side he could feel the deep sympathy of his
friend. His heart almost misgave him. It was not too late even yet to
go, for doubtless he could borrow money of some one. Perhaps it was too
much a mere sentiment to hold himself to his work as he was doing. And
he detested the work so heartily too.

Still he held rigidly to his decision, and even when the heavily laden
train pulled out from the station and the words of the song which was
sung came back to him he did not falter, though his heart was heavy
within him.

Gaudeamus igitur
Juvenes dum sumus
Gaudeamus igitur
Juvenes dum sumus
Post jucundam juventutem
Post molestam senectutem
Nos habebit humus
Nos habebit humus.

CHAPTER XVI

TELEGRAMS

When Will Phelps returned to the college, the entire place to him seemed
to be deserted, and a stillness rested over all that was almost
oppressive. Even the few college boys who were to be seen about the
grounds all shared in the prevailing gloom and increased the sense of
loneliness in the heart of the young freshman. When he entered his room,
the sight of his room-mate's belongings was almost like that of the
possessions of the dead and Will Phelps was utterly miserable and
dejected.

Work he decided was his only cure and at once he busied himself at his
task from which he was aroused in the course of an hour or two by the
coming of the senior who was tutoring him.

"I'm mighty glad to see you," said Will impulsively. "I feel as if I was
about the only one of my kind in the world."

"You're downhearted over deciding to stay in town, to-day?" replied his
tutor pleasantly. "Oh, well, never mind. It will be a good tonic for you
and when you've passed your mid-year's in