“And he was such a favourite with all, that none seemed to take notice, or be at all surprised at anything he might attempt or accomplish.
“He had been known to kick a foot-ball over the college buildings, three stories high, and had soundly thrashed three or four town bullies, who were said to ‘travel on their muscle’ for a living.
“He never appeared to study very hard.
“A pipe was always in his mouth, and, strange to say, he had fascinated all the university officials so effectually, that he went in and out of places considered sacred to every one but the president, or his high and mighty assistants.
“The private gardens, even, were open to him, with all their much-envied riches of plums and fruits of various kinds.
“And Tompkins had more than once sworn that, when climbing the wall one day to get at some pears, he saw him lying full length on a bench smoking in the vineyards.
“Tom seems to have mesmerized the gardeners, or heavily bribed them, for he was never at a loss for the gate keys.
“And should they be out of the way, he would simply scale the wall, and commence his evening promenade with the inevitable meerschaum in his mouth.
“One evening, two Dons caught him.
“They entered the garden, walked along the avenues of vines, and there stood Mr. Tom, smoking as usual, as large as life, with a novel in his hand!