Part 52 (1/2)

”One month more and it will all be over but the shouting,” said Roger one day, as he came into the room where Dave was studying.

”All over but the shouting or weeping,” returned Phil, who was present. ”I am afraid some of the fellows will do more weeping than cheering,” he added, grimly.

”Let us hope that everybody pa.s.ses,” said Dave, looking up with a quiet smile.

”Such a thing has never been done,” said Ben. ”Somebody is bound to drop by the wayside--I hope it isn't yours truly,” and he sank his head again into his book.

”I think old Haskers is commencing to tighten the screws again,” said Buster. ”He let up for a while, after the wild man was caught, but yesterday and to-day--phew! we caught it, didn't we?”

”We sure did!” cried Phil. ”I can't understand that man. Why is he a teacher when he just naturally hates boys?”

”That's a conundrum that can't be answered,” said the senator's son.

”Well, we won't weep on leaving him,” remarked Luke, dryly.

”Say, that puts me in mind of a story,” said Shadow. ”Once on a time a man in an auto ran into a boy carrying a cat in a basket. He didn't hurt the boy much but he killed the cat. Says he, 'I am sorry, my boy, and I'll pay you for the cat. How much?' 'I--I don't know,' blubbered the boy. 'Will two dollars do?' asked the man. 'Yes,' says the boy, and took the money. 'Were you taking the cat home?' asked the man, when he was ready to drive on. 'No,' said the boy. 'I was going to take him down to the ca.n.a.l and drown him!'” And there was a smile over Shadow's yarn.

It had been a bl.u.s.tery day, and as night came on the wind increased in violence, until it fairly howled around Oak Hall. It tore through the branches of the oaks that gave the place its name, until it looked as if some of the trees might be broken off by the fury of the elements.

”My gracious! I never saw such a wind!” cried Roger, as he came in from a trip to the gymnasium.

”It must be fierce at sea,” returned Dave, who was with him. ”I am glad I am on sh.o.r.e. The newspapers will tell about wrecks along the coast to-morrow.”

n.o.body thought of going out that evening, and the boys put in the time studying and reading. The windows rattled, and occasionally a shutter banged, and a good night's rest seemed out of the question.

”My, what a night for a fire!” remarked Phil, while he and his chums were undressing.

”Don't mention such a thing!” returned Ben, with a s.h.i.+ver. ”It would burn down everything!”

At last the boys retired. A few dropped off to sleep, but Dave was not one of them. He had studied hard and was restless, and the fury of the elements added to his nervousness.

At last he could stand it no longer to remain in bed, and got up to sit in an easy-chair for awhile.

He was just crossing the dormitory floor when there came an extra heavy blast of wind outside, followed by a crash, as one of the giant oaks standing close to the school building was broken off near the top. Then came another crash, a jingling of gla.s.s, and a sudden wild cry for help.

”h.e.l.lo, something's gone through a window!” Dave muttered. ”Maybe it's in the next room!”

He ran to the window and looked out. Just below the window-sill he saw some branches of the broken tree. He looked down and noted that the tree-top had gone into the window of the room below.

”What's the row?” cried Roger, springing up and rubbing his eyes.

”Is the roof caving in?” asked Phil.

”Some tree-branches came down and went through the window right below us,” answered Dave. ”Listen!”

All did so, and heard the cry for help repeated.

”It's Job Haskers calling!” said the senator's son. ”He uses the room below us now.”

”Let us see if he is hurt,” suggested another of the boys.