Part 21 (1/2)
”I don't think I'll go,” said Will quietly.
”Not go? Why not?” demanded Foster in astonishment.
”I've been thinking it over and I've made up my mind that it won't do for me to break in on the regular program I've mapped out for myself.
You see Sat.u.r.day is the day when I always have a double dose with my tutor, and it won't do for me to spoil it,” and Will Phelps made a wry face as he spoke.
”But, Will,” protested Foster, ”you can make up the work before then and not lose a bit.”
”Yes, I've thought of that, but I don't think I'll do it. It's a bitter dose I know, but I might as well swallow it first as last.”
”Do you mean it?”
”Don't I act as if I did?”
”All right. I'll not say another word. Maybe it'll be a way out for Peter John. I'd like to fix it for the fellow if I can.”
”I don't just see--” began Will; but he stopped when he perceived that his room-mate had risen from his seat and was about to depart from the room.
On the following day the excitement among the students of Winthrop increased when a ma.s.s meeting was held and various leading spirits of the college delivered very florid and perfervid addresses in which the student-body was urged to support the team and take advantage of the low rates offered to accompany it and be on hand on the field to cheer it on to victory. Shouts and cheers greeted the speakers, and when the meeting broke up and the boys were returning to their rooms Mott and Peter John joined Will on his way to Perry Hall.
”Have the time of your young life on Sat.u.r.day, Phelps,” said Mott loudly.
”I'm not going.”
”Why not? All the fellows are.”
”I'd like to, but I've some work I _must_ do, and I can't break in on it.”
”You must be a 'shark' Phelps,” laughed Mott. ”I'd like to see the work that would keep me away. Peter John Schenck and I intend to take it all in, don't we, freshman?” he added, turning to his 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 Sat.u.r.day 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.