There was an excruciating howl of agony and Amy was violently set upon, deposited on the nearer bed and pummelled until he begged for mercy. When quiet was restored Edwards asked: "Is 'Boots' coming back this year, Jack?"
"Yes, he'll be here in a day or two, I think. Robey had a letter from him last week."
"Thought someone said he wasn't coming back," observed Still.
"He said in the Spring he didn't think he could," explained Jack, "but you couldn't keep him away if you tried, I guess. You second team fellows will know what hustling means when he takes hold of you, Thayer."
Clint smiled and looked politely interested, but the subject was not continued, for at that moment, Amy, who had been craftily biding his time, reached out and pulled Still's chair over, and in the ensuing confusion the gathering broke up. On the way along the Row, Clint asked Amy about the mysterious "Boots."
"His name is Boutelle," explained Amy. "We call him 'Boots' for short; a sort of a last name." Amy chuckled gleefully.
"What's the joke?" asked Clint.
"Didn't you get it? Last name; see? 'Boots'--last!"
"Oh!"
"Thank you! I was afraid I'd have to explain it for you in a foot-note."