Part 30 (2/2)

The mothers of both boys were astir almost as early. Mothers can't take these examinations, but mothers know what a son's suspense means.

d.i.c.k and Dave met at the station a full twenty minutes before train time.

CHAPTER XIX

Tom Reade Bosses the Job

”Ugh!” s.h.i.+vered Dave, as the chums met on the platform. ”It's cold out here!”

”Come inside, then, and get warm. But you're a great athlete, to mind an ordinary December morning,” laughed d.i.c.k Prescott.

Together they stepped into the waiting room.

”What time does our train go?” asked Dave, though he had known the time of this train for the last week.

”Seven-forty,” replied d.i.c.k.

”And it's seven-twenty, now. Whew, what a await!”

”I could have stayed home a little longer,” nodded d.i.c.k. ”Only I told father and mother that I'd feel more like being started if I got down here this far on the way.”

”Sure thing,” nodded Dave sympathetically. ”My Dad had to hold on to me to stop my leaving the house an hour earlier than I did.”

Both boys laughed, though not very heartily. Each was under a terrific strain---just from wondering!

”If I get through, and win out to-day,” muttered d.i.c.k, ”I know I shan't feel half as anxious when it comes time to take the graduating exams.”

”No,” agreed Dave. ”Then you'll know you have a chance; but to-day you can't be sure of that much.”

Five minutes before train time the chums were astonished at seeing another of the chums walk into the station. It was Tom Reade, looking as jovial and contented as a youngster could possibly look.

”Hullo, Tom!” came from d.i.c.k.

”Howdy, Tom, old man!” was Dave's greeting.

”Hullo, fellows!” from Reade.

”Where are you bound?” inquired d.i.c.k.

”Wilburville?”

”_What_?”

”Fact!” Reade a.s.sured them.

”Going to the exams.?” Dave demanded quickly.

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