[CHAPTER IV]
TOM MAKES AN ENEMY
Tom crossed the aisle of the lurching car, and was soon sitting beside the red-haired youth who had made such friendly advances.
“How did you know I was going to Elmwood?” asked our hero, as a sort of opening.
“Easy enough. You’ve got the air of a fellow going to college for the first time sticking out all over you. Oh, no offense!” exclaimed Reddy Burke as he saw Tom’s start. “It’s an honor to start at Elmwood Hall. Lots of fellows would like to, but can’t. I spotted you for a Freshman right off the bat.”
“I suppose I do look a bit green,” admitted Tom, with a smile.
“Oh, no more so than usual. Then, too, I heard your friends giving an imitation of the Elmwood yell, and that told me all I wanted to know. I’m glad to meet you. I hope I see more of you when we strike the school. Term opens to-morrow and next day you know, and there’ll be no end of fellows there. Opening day generally lasts a week. I thought I’d go down a day early, and get settled in my room.”
“That was my idea,” confessed Tom.
“Where are you going to put up?”
“I’ve got a room in Opus Manor. That seemed a nice place, and I picked it out when I came down for the entrance exams.,” replied Tom.