“Dud? Oh, dear, no!” responded Jimmy gently. “He’s awfully keen about it, Dud is. It’ll be a horrible disappointment to him, Meyer. Well, so long.”
Jimmy passed out with melancholy mien, closing the door softly behind him and then pausing an instant to chuckle before he opened the next portal. A moment later his expression of wicked glee changed to one of utmost decorum, for to his surprise he found that Dud had a visitor and that the visitor was none other than Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell, better known as “J. P.,” was the Greek instructor and one of the house masters in Trow. Jimmy said “Good evening, sir,” in the most deferential tones, shot a quick, inquiring glance at Dud and then paused uncertainly.
“Am I in the way, Mr. Russell?” he asked.
“Not at all, Logan. I’ve finished my business with Baker. Possibly I’d better acquaint you with it and enlist your assistance.” Mr. Russell smiled gently. “We’ve heard that Baker had a quarrel this afternoon with another boy and was heard to threaten him. As you know, both of you, fighting is not tolerated here, and I felt it my duty to drop in and warn Baker against—ah—any infringement of the rules. He has explained the circumstances and I must acknowledge that he has grounds for—ah—complaint. But the matter must be settled amicably, boys, and I shall depend on you, Logan, as an older boy, to see that your friend here does nothing he will be sorry for. Personally, I believe that there is something to be said for—ah—a physical encounter under such circumstances, but rules are rules and we are here to obey them. You agree with me, Logan?”
“Absolutely, sir,” replied Jimmy emphatically.
“Then I may depend on you to see that nothing occurs which—ah——”
“You may, sir,” said Jimmy resolutely. “In fact, I’ve already been talking it over with Dud, Mr. Russell, and I’m certain he doesn’t intend to make any trouble. You see, just at first he was a bit peeved. Any fellow would have been if another fellow had slapped his face like that. But after I’d talked to him a while——”
Jimmy paused because Dud was grinning and Mr. Russell had emitted what was an unmistakable chuckle.
“I’m afraid, Logan, your counsel didn’t prevail, after all,” said the instructor, “for I found Baker in a decidedly uncompromising state of mind. I think you’d better have another talk with him.” Mr. Russell arose, still smiling, and moved to the door. “My advice to both you boys is to be sensible. Good evening.”
“Now what the dickens did he mean by that?” asked Jimmy, frowning perplexedly after the instructor. Dud laughed.