There were tests in every course that Lester took except in English composition, and to prepare for the tests he had to do in less than two weeks the work that he had neglected for two months. Also for the course in composition he had in the same period to write a long theme. He decided to leave the theme until the night before it was due, and to give the remaining time to the other studies.
By secluding himself for such a purpose he did not impair his popularity as a candidate: his classmates were probably impressed by his studious earnestness. Through the reports of it that his roommate, Richard Bradley, spread abroad, it seemed almost heroic. If Richard was to be believed, Lester hardly put down his books in order to eat or sleep. To be sure Richard had already achieved for himself the reputation of being Lester’s publicity agent; making all reasonable allowances, however, his classmates found his tales impressive.
Lester had never found any training for football more exhausting than those days and nights of concentrated mental labor. When the time came for each examination he went to it, nervous and apprehensive. He came out from each one unexpectedly happy and cheerful. He knew that he had passed; his hard study had not been without results; he felt proud of himself, of the character and application that he had shown.
Emerging from the last examination, that in fine arts, he encountered Tom Bemis, who asked him eagerly how he had fared.
“Fine,” said Lester. “I simply killed it.”
“That’s the stuff!” cried Tom. “Now I tell you what you do. You need a little rest and dissipation after all your labors. Come with Jim Kelly and me for an automobile ride. Do you good; cool the fevered brow. We’ll have supper at some country inn and get home before it’s too late.”
“But I have a long theme due at noon to-morrow,” said Lester. “It’s just as important as an examination, and I haven’t written a word, or even got an idea yet.”
“That’s all right. You’ll get ideas coming with us. You’ve got to have some relaxation, you know. Something will snap inside your bean if you continue to treat it so cruelly.”
“What time will you get back?”
“Any time you say.”