Part 14 (1/2)

Tom wanted to follow William Philander Tubbs when he went to see the young lady, who was stopping with an aunt who lived not far from Brill. The others were willing, and all hung around the campus until the stylish student made his appearance.

”She's crazy for candy--Tubby told me so himself,” said Spud. ”Eats about a barrelful a week, so I understand. That's why he got her the box, I guess.”

”If she eats that boxful she'll be a good one,” was Tom's dry comment.

It was not long before Tubbs appeared. The stylish student was faultlessly attired, in light trousers, dark Prince Albert coat, white vest, spats, and a silk hat. In one hand he carried a cane and in the other the box of candy.

”My, but we are some swell!” murmured Sam.

”He ought to pose for a fas.h.i.+on magazine,” returned Tom. ”Keep back, fellows, or he'll spot us!” And he pulled those nearest to him behind some shrubbery.

William Philander pa.s.sed them and they followed at a safe distance in the darkness. The dudish student headed directly for the house at which Miss Clarabel Ruggles was stopping, and the others saw him ascend the front piazza and ring the bell. A servant ushered him in, and the boys saw the light turned up in a parlor.

”Come on and see the fun,” said Tom, and led the way across a lawn.

The curtains to the parlor windows were half up, so they could look into the room with ease. One window was partly open for ventilation.

They saw William Philander sitting in a chair, the box of candy on his lap. Presently Clarabel Ruggles came in, attired in an elaborate evening gown. Tubbs at once arose to his feet and, bowing very low, accepted her hand, which was held on high. Then the dudish student said something and offered the box of candy.

”Oh, is this really for me!” those outside heard the young lady cry, the words coming through the partly open window.

”No, he bought it for the cat!” murmured Tom, and at this the others had to snicker.

”A--er--a slight token of my regard, don't you know,” said William Philander, with a flourish.

”So kind of you, Mr. Tubbs!” The girl gazed hungrily at the box.

”Shall I open it now?”

”If you wish to,” answered the dudish student, gallantly.

”I will--and you shall have a share of the candy,” said the young lady, and quickly drew off the ribbon and paper. ”Oh, my, how perfectly delicious!” she murmured. ”Oh, Mr. Tubbs, how could you guess just the kind I like!”

”Help yourself, my dear Miss Ruggles,” said Tubbs, as the box was held out. ”Ladies first, don't you know,” and he smiled sweetly.

She took a candy and he did likewise, and as they ate they talked of various things. Then the box was pa.s.sed back and forth.

”Yes, I came to see if you would go to the--er--to the--er----”

stammered William Philander, and then he came to a dead halt. ”Oh, my tooth!” he gasped, suddenly.

”What is it, Mr. Tubbs?”

”I--er--I really think I've broken one of my--er--teeth, don't you know!” gasped the stylish student. ”Oh, dear, that candy is awfully hard!”

”I didn't find it so, Mr. Tubbs. Here, try another piece,” answered the young lady, and helped both him and herself. ”As you were going to say,” she added, with a smile. ”Was it that concert that----” She, too, stopped short. ”Oh, my!” she gasped.

”Wha--what is it?” stammered William Philander.

”This piece of candy I have! It tastes awfully queer!”