With that Bill drew forth the nickeled pistol again, snapped it open and disclosed a rather unique cigar case which he extended toward the men.
“Oh, you mean that this thing was——”
“Just that, Doctor. I hope we have respect for the institution to which we have come for a much needed and wanted education. But I saw no harm in fooling those chaps who think they have the right to compel us to lose a lot of time and money. Am I right?”
President Field was human; he tilted back his head and laughed most heartily, nudging the professor also, in quite a boyish way.
“We are greatly relieved, and I wish you had scared those young rascals more than you did. Professor, we shall simply have to put a stop to this hazing—stop it under pain of dismissal. And this joke, now—it should be mentioned at chapel, eh? I really want to thank you, young gentlemen, for doing the school a distinct favor.”
“We hope to add to the joke somewhat by to-morrow, if you will kindly hold up that hazing ban for one day.”
“And how is that, may I ask?”
“Would you mind if we keep it a small secret until then? We can promise to refrain from anything dreadful.”
“But then we——”
“Please, Doctor. This, if you will trust us, will do more real good than anything the faculty can do in the way of verboten. Just twenty-four hours, Doctor.”