Laughlin was just reaching for the door-knob, when a scurry of feet was heard from across the hall, and the door burst open to admit Simmons, who rushed into the room in a flurry of excitement most unusual in the quiet little student.
A MISFIT BATTERY
The moment his foot touched the threshold Simmons began to exclaim: "It was perfectly great! I'm awfully glad I went! He's got a peach of a canoe, and what he doesn't know about animals and reptiles and birds—" He stopped suddenly as he caught sight of the massive form of the venerated Laughlin looming behind the door. "Oh, excuse me, I didn't know any one was here."
"No one but me," said the visitor, "and though I'm big, I'm not dangerous. Who's got the peach of a canoe?"
"Payner," answered Simmons, throwing a questioning look at Owen.
"That's the fellow that's been working the plagues on the Pecks, isn't it?"
"Yes," replied Simmons, eagerly. "How did you know about it?"