“Thirty-five!” exclaimed Ira. “Gee! These only cost eighteen!”
“Yes, but what Dodge will turn out will outwear that suit two to one and, besides, it’ll fit you, Rowland. You won’t have to pay the whole bill right away if you don’t want to, only you mustn’t tell faculty. It doesn’t approve of the fellows running accounts.”
“Oh, if I got it I’d pay cash, I guess.”
“It’s best to,” agreed Gene. “I used to charge things all over the shop when I first came, but I was always scared that faculty would get on to it. Besides, I had a fierce time getting my bills paid off at the end of the year. Well, I must be starting back. Put your money up, please. This is my treat.”
“Oh, no! I’d rather not!”
“Can’t help it, old man. As the challenged party I have the choice of weapons, and I choose to defeat you with cash.” He had already seized Ira’s check and so the latter gave in, although a bit uncomfortably. Still, the breakfasts had been only thirty cents apiece, so perhaps it didn’t much matter. They parted outside, Gene reminding Ira of his agreement to call that evening, and went their separate ways. When Ira got back to the room he found Humphrey just starting out for breakfast.
“Well, what happened to you?” he demanded. “Been catching worms?”
“I got up early,” replied Ira. “I’ve had breakfast.”
“You have? What’s the idea? Didn’t you have enough dinner last night to hold you for a while?”