On their way from the gymnasium to their room, Dick Merriwell and Brad Buckhart paused.
“What’s up?” exclaimed the Texan, in surprise. “What are the plebes doing?”
“Here he comes!” cried some one in the crowd.
Dick’s keen eyes surveyed the approaching team and the occupants of the carriage.
“I believe I know what is up,” he said, a peculiar look on his face.
“Enlighten me,” urged his companion.
“Chester Arlington is returning to the academy, and his class is out to give him a reception. You know this is the day he was to come back.”
“Well, blow me if I don’t believe you’re right!” burst forth Brad. “I opine that he’s one of those in yonder carriage. But who would have thought he could pull such a stroke, even with his own class! So help me, I believe nine-tenths of the plebes are here to give him a greeting! I do, I know!”
“It looks that way,” said Dick, with a nod. “Arlington has made himself pretty solid with his class.”
“How did he do it?” sniffed the Texan wonderingly. “They must be a lot of snobs! Just because he happens to have a father who is a big railroad magnate——”