“Same here,” added Ned. “And when our boat comes we’ll have some good times to make up for this hazing.”
The Neboje arrived and was launched on Lake Carmona. The possession of the motor boat brought new friends to our heroes, and they took many of their college chums on short cruises, once remaining out all night because of engine trouble when they reached the upper end of the lake.
Proctor Thornton had it in mind to punish severely the luckless ones, but when Jerry explained matters, and when Professor Snodgrass had put in a good word for the boys they were excused, but warned not to take such chances again.
“Say, fellows, don’t you want to join the Bang-Ups?” asked George Fitch one day of Ned, Bob and Jerry. This was when George had been taken out for a motor boat ride.
“The Bang-Ups?” asked Ned. “Is that something good to eat?”
“It’s a secret fraternal society,” answered George, looking carefully about to make sure he was not overheard. “It’s the most exclusive in the college, but freshmen are eligible when voted in. I’ll propose you if you like.”
“Sure, we’d like it!” declared Bob.
“There’s one thing, though,” went on George. “The initiation is a pretty stiff one. Lots of the fellows get hurt—not badly, of course, but some.”
“You can’t scare us that way,” laughed Jerry. “We’ve been in some pretty tight places ourselves.”
“We’ll take a chance,” added Bob.