“I deny it,” replied Ned. “I may lack tact, but I’m not an ass. Good night, Mr. Collins.”
“Good night,” laughed the host. “Come again, fellows.”
“Coming along, Ned?” called Abercrombie from the entrance.
“No, I’m going home with this chap. I want to hear more about his friend Meshach Fish.” The others laughed and went out and Ned turned to Kendall. “Mind if I go up with you and converse awhile? Those fellows are so flippant that I really feel the need of a few moments of serious conversation to compose my mind.”
[CHAPTER X]
NED TOOKER
Kendall, striving to hide his surprise, replied that he would be very glad to have Tooker come up.
“Thank you,” replied Ned, leading the way. “You’re in 21, aren’t you? I used to be in 17 myself last year.”
“What made you leave?” asked Kendall politely.