The others were too much interested in receiving and outwardly examining their own letters to think further of Tom for several minutes. Then, as they turned to leave the office, Dan remembered.
“What’s the verdict, Tommy?” he asked.
Tommy shook his head silently.
“What? Missed it? Turned down?” cried Dan.
“I—I don’t know,” stammered Tom. “You—you read it.”
He held out the letter to Dan.
“Why, you haven’t opened it!” exclaimed the other. “What do you think of that, fellows? Tommy hasn’t the nerve to read it!”
“Oh ... well....” murmured Tom, tearing the envelope. “I didn’t expect to get through, anyway.” The others watched anxiously as he unfolded the single sheet which the envelope contained. Tom’s face flushed suddenly as he read. Then a wonderful, all-encompassing smile started at the corners of his mouth and grew and grew until it became an expansive grin. The others howled as they looked. There was no need to ask the verdict.
“Pu-pu-pu-pu-pu—” stuttered Tom.
“Good for you, Tommy!” cried Dan, whacking him on the back.