“Why?” asked Poke. “Are you at school?”
“I’m starting to-morrow,” replied Jim. “I’m in the Lower Middle Class. I suppose you fellows are beyond that, aren’t you?”
“One year,” replied Gil. “I didn’t know you were one of us, Hazard. What do you think of our seat of learning?”
“I like it,” answered Jim warmly. “I’ve always wanted to come here.”
“Know many fellows?” asked Poke.
Jim shook his head. “Not a one.”
“Wrong, Mr. Hazard,” said Gil; “you know two. Mr. Perry Oldham Kirkland Endicott and Mr. Gilbert Benton, two of the Academy’s most prominent and representative members. Bow, Poke.”
“Happy to meet your inquaintance,” murmured Poke politely.
“Well, I know you fellows a little,” laughed Jim, “and I know the chap across the hall in the same way. But that’s all.”
“That doesn’t matter. You’ll soon know plenty of fellows. Who is the chap you spoke of?”