"But what did he burn his books for, sir? Was it the end of the year?"
"No, but Billy had been expelled that day, and was celebrating the fact. He was a nice old chap, was Billy Mathews. He's president of a Western railroad now." Joel laughed.
"That bonfire must have made as much commotion as some of the explosions in Number 15, Mr. Remsen."
"Hello! Are my efforts in pursuit of science still remembered here? Who told you about that, March?"
"Mrs. Cowles. She said you were forever doing something terrible, but that you were such a nice boy." Remsen laughed heartily as he replied:
"Well, don't pattern your conduct on mine or Mathews's, March. We weren't a very well-behaved lot, I fear. But I don't believe our pranks did much harm. In those days football wasn't as popular as it is to-day, at Hillton, and fellows couldn't work off their surplus animal spirits thumping a pigskin as they can now. Football is a great benefactor in that way, March. It has done away with hazing and street brawls and gate stealing and lots of other deviltry. By the way, how are you getting on with the game?"
"I think I'm getting the hang of it, sir. I'm having a hard time with drop kicking, but I guess I'll learn after a while."
"I'm sure you will. I'm going to have Blair give you a bit of coaching in it next week. He'll have more time then, after he has finished with this golf business. Don't get discouraged. Peg away. It's worth the work, March, and you have the making of a good back as soon as you learn how to kick a goal and run a little faster. And whenever you're puzzled about anything come to me and we'll work it out together. Will you?"
"Yes, sir, thank you."
"That's right. Well, here's where I turn off. Have you time to come and pay me a visit?"