ou've both got to take
a nice big cruise with me."

"That would suit me down to the shoe-tips," returned Roger.

"It would be fine, Phil," answered Dave. "But just at present, Roger
and I have got to bone to beat the band if we want to pass that
examination. You must remember that being away from home on account of
that blizzard put us behind quite a good deal."

"Well, you won't have me to worry you after to-night," grinned the
chum. "Starting to-morrow morning you and Roger can put in twenty-four
hours a day over your studies, as far as I am concerned."

"Wow! Listen to that! He's as considerate as old Job Haskers used to
be," exclaimed the senator's son. And then, picking up a pillow, he
shied it at Phil's head.

Another pillow was sent at Roger in return; and in a moment a
so-called "Oak Hall pillow fight" was in full progress in the room,
pillows, blankets, books, and various other objects flying in all
directions. Then Phil got Roger down on one of the beds and was
promptly hauled off by Dave, and in a moment more the three youths
were rolling over and over on the floor.

Suddenly there sounded a knock on the door.

"Hello! Who is that?" cried Dave; and at once the three youths
scrambled to their feet, readjusting their clothing as they did so.

"Oh, Dave, such a noise!" came from his sister. "What in the world are
you doing in there?"

"We are only bidding Phil good-bye," answered the brother, sweetly.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING EXAMINATION

As the days went by, and Dave and Roger continued to prepare
themselves for the examination which was rapidly approaching, the
authorities did all they could to locate Ward Porton and his
confederate. Diligent inquiries were made concerning the identity of
the man who had occupied the room at Lamont with the former
moving-picture actor, and it was finally discovered that he was Tim
Crapsey, a fellow already wanted by the police for several crimes.

"It's queer that a fellow like Porton should throw in his fortunes
with a man like Crapsey," was Roger's comment. "From all accounts
Crapsey is a thoroughly good-for-nothing fellow with a great liking
for strong drink."

"That shows Porton's real disposition, Roger," answered Dave. "If he
were any kind of a clean-minded or decent fellow he wouldn't want to
put up with such a vile fellow as this Tim Crapsey is represented by
the police to be."

"If Crapsey is already known to the police they ou