“You may, O Startled Fawn! And if you take my advice you’ll be a trifle more――more――what’s the word?――responsive. It’s a good thing for a fellow to have friends. It helps here and hereafter. If you go up to college you’ll find that having friends there will make a lot of difference. I’ve never been to college, but that’s what they tell me. And in the meanwhile if there’s any little thing you’d like――a place on the hockey team or the baseball nine or next year’s class presidency or the presidency of your society――what are you, by the way? Oxford, aren’t you?――just mention the fact quite casually. It’s a good time. Maybe you won’t get all you want, but it’s a good plan to let fellows know.” “I don’t want a thing,” replied Kendall in an alarmed voice. The Duke laughed. “All right; you needn’t get scared, though. I just mentioned it. There’s Jensen and Jim Hough coming down the placid stream. Just for fun, now, let’s see what they do when they catch sight of us here. Would it be quite convenient for you to sit up?” “What for?” “So they can recognize your charming countenance, of course. It’s dollars to doughnuts they’ll come ashore.” “I’d rather not,” said Kendall hurriedly. “Oh, all right. It isn’t necessary, anyhow. I guess they’ve seen you, for they’re headed this way. And behind them come Perky Davis and Whitehall. Know Whitehall?” “I’ve met him. He’s the editor of the paper, isn’t he?” “He is. Whitehall is our one best high-brow. He’s an awful bore, but he’s a good-hearted chap for all that. Yes, here they come. Hello, Jim! Come ashore and hear the birdies sing. Greetings, Jensen, you old Dutchman. You fellows know Burtis, don’t you? Hello, Perky! Well, well, if it isn’t our old friend Horace Greeley Whitehall! Wonders never cease! Step ashore, Horace, and join the crowd! You’re just the fellow I’ve been wanting to see. I’ve been telling Burtis that he ought to get out and try for the _Scholiast_ next term.” “Really?” asked Whitehall, turning eagerly to Kendall. “By Jove, Burtis, I wish you would, you know! We need fellows of your kind on the paper!” “That’s what I tell him,” said The Duke mendaciously. “He hasn’t decided about it yet, you know, but he’s terribly interested, aren’t you, Burtis?” “Why――why――why, I think it would be very nice,” stammered Kendall. “Do you think I could do anything?” “I don’t know who could if you couldn’t,” responded Whitehall. CHAPTER XIV KIRK EXACTS A PROMISE