Part 34 (2/2)
Two hours later d.i.c.k ran into William Philander Tubbs, who had been down to town in company with Stanley.
”Had a lovely time, don't you know,” drawled William Philander. ”While Stanley posted some letters and addressed some picture postals I did up the shops. And what do you think? I found a beautiful new maroon necktie, and it was only a dollar--same kind they would charge one seventy-five for in the big cities. And I saw a new style of collar, and some patent-leather pumps that have bows with loose ends, and--”
”Some other time, Billy,” interrupted d.i.c.k. ”I'm in a hurry now.”
”Oh, I'm sorry. But, d.i.c.k, one other thing. I met Miss Stanhope and her cousins.”
”You did?” And now d.i.c.k was willing to listen. ”Where?”
”At one of the stores. They were doing some buying, in company with those chaps you don't like.”
”The chaps I don't like! You don't mean--”
d.i.c.k paused in wonder.
”I mean that Flockley chap and his chums, Koswell and Larkspur.”
”Were Miss Stanhope and the Misses Laning with those fellows?”
demanded the elder Rover.
”They seemed to be. They were buying fruit and candy, and I think Flockley treated to hot chocolate. The girls seemed glad enough to see me, but I--ah--didn't want to--ah--break in, you know, so I came away.”
”Where did they go after having the chocolate and candy?”
”I don't know. I didn't see them after that.” And there the talk came to an end, for several other students appeared. d.i.c.k walked off in a thoughtful mood.
”Deeper and deeper!” he told himself, with something like a groan.
Then he hunted up Sam and Tom.
”Going with Flockley and that crowd!” cried Tom. ”Not much! I won't have it!” And he commenced to pace the floor.
”What are you going to do about it?” asked Sam.
”Call on the girls and talk it over--and you and d.i.c.k are going with me.”
”I'll not go,” declared d.i.c.k.
”Neither will I,” added Sam.
”Yes, you shall--and to-night,” said Tom firmly.
CHAPTER XX
DAYS OF WAITING
Eight o'clock that evening saw the three Rovers on their way to Hope Seminary. Tom was the leader, and it had taken a good half hour's arguing on his part to get d.i.c.k and Sam to accompany him.
”You'll make a fool of yourself, and make fools of us, too,” was the way Sam expressed himself.
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