"Aren't they sore on you?" someone asked.
"Oh, well, maybe a bit," admitted Sam, with a show of frankness. "But if a fellow can't take a joke what good is he?"
"That's right!" came in a chorus. "If they make any trouble for you,
Sam, let us know."
"I will, but I don't think they will. Ah! here comes the eats! Pitch in, fellows!"
"You're the stuff, Sam!" came from several. "And that sure was a joke on Tom Fairfield and his crowd," added a voice. "A corking good joke!"
There was more laughter and talk, and in the next room to the jolly party sat Tom, looking at his friend Bruce in wonder.
CHAPTER V
TOM DECIDES
"Well?" asked Bruce questioningly, after a pause. "What do you think of my experiment, Tom?"
"Is this it?"