“I hope,” remarked Nelson solicitously, “that English History wasn’t among the subjects in which you were examined for admission to Erskine, Tommy.”
“Say!” cried Tom. “I’d ought to hear pretty soon about that exam. Maybe the letter will be at Newport!”
“Want to turn back?” asked Bob.
“I—I’d almost like to,” admitted Tom.
“Oh, you’ve made it all right, Tommy,” Dan consoled. “The cheek of trying to get from third year at Hillton to Erskine so flabbergasted them that they passed you before they recovered.”
“I hope so,” said Tom anxiously. “If I’ve missed it I’ll——”
But they were alongside the steamer by that time and Tom forgot the subject of admission to Erskine College in the excitement of passing the big boat. There were not many persons aboard her, but what there were flocked to the rail and waved their handkerchiefs or caps. Bob gave a blast on the whistle and Dan peered out from the edge of the awning and blew a kiss. Ten minutes later the steamer was far behind and the Vagabond was churning her way across the waters of Buzzard’s Bay, with Sakonnet Point beckoning them ahead. Before five they were in Narragansett Bay and at twenty-two minutes past were tied up at the landing of the New York Yacht Club House.
They made hurriedly for the post office and were rewarded with a whole bundle of mail.
“Bear up bravely, Tommy,” said Nelson, who was sorting it over. “Here’s an epistle postmarked ‘Centerport.’”
“Oh, gosh!” muttered Tom as he took it.