“Well, we’ll see,” said Father Keenan.
The group, as this conversation went on, was moving slowly towards the concrete walk which fronts the entire line of the main Campion College buildings. In the meantime, Master John Rieler had been holding spellbound nearly every lad of the Junior division with his account of Dora’s rescue, and of Will Benton’s wrench and blow. As the party then reached the walk, coincidently with the conclusion of John Rieler’s exciting narrative, the small boys, detecting their approach, spread out and, keeping at a respectful distance, devoured with their eyes Clarence, who swam to Campion; Dora, who lived a gypsy life four months; and, though his face had been familiar enough, the big Prefect of the Sodality. It is only fair to state that it was to Will Benton that they paid the most respectful attention. He was the hero of the hour. The Rector—a most unusual thing—was hardly considered.
Dora smiled and waved her hand.
“Three cheers for the Gypsy Queen,” yelled an enthusiast. They were given with wild and artless energy.
“And three cheers for Strong-Arm,” piped another. The cheers were deafening: Bedlam had broken loose.
“Let’s run,” said Will to Dora.
The child took him at his word: and the two darted along the walk, and tripped up the steps of the middle building.
The Rector with Clarence caught up with them shortly.
“Dora,” he said, “we have no place for you here; but there’s a nice family just north of our residence building who’ll keep you as long as you’re with us. I’ve sent them word already, and they have prepared a fine supper—a sort of banquet, for you and Will and Clarence and John Rieler.”
“Did I hear my name?” asked John, just then joining the group.