“Oh, I guess he’s all right,” observed Charlie. “But if you’re going to stand treat, come on; I’m dry.”
The boys were soon enjoying the sodas, and Jack was glad that he had the chance to play host, for it galled him to have to accept the hospitality of his chums, and not do his share. Now, thanks to his abilities as a clown, he was able to repay the favors.
“Well, I suppose I might as well go in the front door as to crawl in the window,” thought Jack, as he neared the professor’s house. “He knows I’m out, for that old maid told him, and he’ll be waiting for me. I’m in for a lecture, and the sooner it’s over the better. Oh, dear, but I wish dad and mom were home!”
“Well, young man, give an account of yourself,” said the professor sharply, when Jack came in. Mr. Klopper could never forget that he had been a teacher, and a severe one at that. His manner always savored of the classroom, especially when about to administer a rebuke.
“I went to the show,” said Jack shortly. “I told you I was going.”
“In other words you defied and disobeyed me.”
“I felt that I had a right to go. I’m not a baby.”
“That is no excuse. I shall report your conduct to your parents. Now another matter. Where did you get the money to go with?”
“I—I got it.”
“Evidently; but I asked you where. The idea of wasting fifty cents for a silly show! Did you stop to realize that fifty cents would pay the interest on ten dollars for a year, at five per cent?”