“And Loring,” said Dan with a smile.
“And Loring! I wanted to mention him but modesty forbade. Now just as soon as you get your clothes on, Vinton, you run over—No, by Jove, I won’t trust you! A fellow who can even contemplate associating with Oxford can’t be trusted to look after himself. You wait for me and I’ll take you over to my room and guard the door while you write your acceptance!”
“To Oxford, you mean?”
“To Ox—” Loring looked terribly pained and glanced nervously about them. “Please don’t say those things even in fun,” he begged. “Someone might hear you and think you were in earnest!”
“All right,” answered Dan, “I’ll wait for you. And meanwhile I’ll think it over and reach a decision.” Loring grinned and slapped him on the back.
“The decision is already decisioned, my boy,” he laughed. “I’ve attended to that. All you’ve got to do is to write what I tell you to! Don’t move from where you are.”
As strict obedience would have necessitated his going to Loring’s room in his bath-robe, Dan ventured to disobey. After they were both dressed they went across to Dudley and Loring led the way along to one of the first floor rooms, Number 7.
“You’ve never honored my humble roof before, have you?” asked Loring as he ushered Dan into a very comfortably furnished room. “Sorry Tom isn’t here. You know him, though, don’t you?”
“Tom who?” asked Dan.