Cateye sized up the situation quickly.
"My name's Frey," he explained to Judd who was standing by quietly, hands again on hips, "Bob asked me to meet you, I'm sorry to be late. What seems to be the matter?"
"These fellahs wouldn't let me alone, that's all," said Judd, simply.
"We come to meet him and he gives us the cold shoulder," declared Curns, "Afraid we're going to make off with his precious suitcases or smash his straw hat or throw dust in his eyes!"
"We college guys are bad eggs and no mistake!" put in Neil, sarcastically.
"My mother told me not to have anything to do with strange people," added Pole.
"Will you please tell Mr. Billings, for his own enlightenment, that he's among civilized people?" requested Potts, icily.
"These fellows are all right," Cateye assured, as Judd gazed about him doubtfully, "They didn't mean anything. They're all good friends of Bob's. They just wanted to show you a good time. You probably took them too seriously. Come on, Judd, we'll take your things to my room."
Relieved, the new arrival stooped and picked up his suitcases. His face wore a sheepish look but he offered no apology for his conduct. Rather he seemed anxious to get away from the bunch.
"A—am I goin' to bunk with you?" he asked of Cateye.