“The last time,” interrupted Freddy quickly. “Why will it be the last time?”
“I mean I may never have a chance at such a jolly holiday again,” answered Dan, suddenly remembering his promise to Father Mack. “But we’ll make this one a hummer. If Killykinick is half what I think it is, we’ll make this chance a hummer you’ll never forget.”
VII.—A Holiday Start.
And the holiday proved to be a “hummer” from the very start. Everybody was in high spirits. Even Dud Fielding, with his nose happily reduced to its normal color and size, had lost his “grouch,” and was quite himself again, in a sporting suit of English tweed, ordered from his tailors for “roughing it.” Easy-going Jim was in comfortable khaki; so was little Fred; while Dan had been privately presented by the Brother wardrobian with two suits of the same,—“left by boys for the poor,” good Brother Francis had whispered confidentially.
“I fill the bill then, sure,” said Dan, with a cheerful grin.
“You do, but many a fine man has done the same before you,” answered Brother Francis, nodding. “I’ve put a few more things in your trunk, Dan; take them and God bless you! I’ve cut off the marks so nobody’ll be the wiser.”
Brother Bart’s wrinkled face wore a glow of pleasurable excitement as, after seeing the baggage off, he marshalled his holiday force on the college porch for the last words of command from his reverend chief.
“Give your orders now, Father; though God knows how I’ll be able to keep this lot up to them. They are not to be killing and drowning themselves against my will and word.”
“Certainly not,” said Father Regan, with a smile. “Brother Bart is to be obeyed, boys, or you’ll promptly be ordered home.”
“And there is to be no roving off wid pirates and smugglers that may be doing their devilment along the shore,” continued Brother Bart, anxiously.