“Why not? That’s what we’re here for!” “Yes, but――but what about studying and――and learning things?” “Oh, don’t worry,” Gerald laughed. “We study, Burtis. But we try to have a good time even doing that. I guess it’s a sort of pose here at Yardley to seem careless and happy-go-lucky and keep on smiling. Life isn’t always a joke, not by any means; but we don’t believe in drawing long faces, Burtis. They say over at Broadwood that a Yardley man never knows when he’s beaten; and there’s something in that, too. I said a minute ago that it was a pose. It isn’t, though; it’s a habit. Oh, you’ll like us better when you learn our ways.” “I like you now,” replied Kendall with a smile. “Only I didn’t quite understand. I’m glad you’ve told me.” “I suppose you don’t know many fellows yet?” “No, none to speak of.” “Well, you will in a day or two if you keep on with football. And you must come over here now and then. Fellows drop in here a good deal, you know. How do you like Towne?” “I――it’s pretty soon to judge yet,” replied Kendall evasively. Gerald laughed. “Well, don’t judge us all by him,” he begged. “I guess I looked pretty much of a fool last night,” said Kendall sheepishly. “About that application blank, I mean.” “Oh, yes; well, that was a bit green, but I don’t know why you shouldn’t have believed Towne. We’re all pretty innocent when we get here first. And, by the way, Burtis, I ought to tell you, I guess, that we don’t say ‘sir’ to one another here. I noticed last night that you said it to Dan.” “Thanks; I’ll remember,” replied Kendall gratefully. “Only he was older and the football captain and I somehow thought――” “There was no harm done,” Gerald assured him. “Not a bit. But you needn’t say ‘sir’ or ‘mister’ to anyone except faculty, you know, and Mr. Payson. Let’s see, you’re in the Third, aren’t you?” “Third Class? Yes.” “Well, any time you want help come over. I’ve been through with it and I know it’s mighty hard sledding in places. I’m not a ‘grind’ by any means, but I might be able to help you out of a hole maybe.” “Thank you. I will. I guess I’ll be going now.” “All right. Come over and see me sometimes. By the way, ever done any running?” “Running?” repeated Kendall. “Yes, on the track.” Kendall shook his head. “Well, you’d better come out in the spring and try for the Track Team,” said Gerald. “With those legs of yours you ought to be able to just eat up the cinders. Good-by. See you again.” Kendall found Harold Towne stretched out on his bed, reading. “Hello!” said Harold, “how did you like――” Then he caught sight of Kendall’s attire and a broad grin overspread his face. “Well, say, where on earth did you get that costume?” “What’s the matter with it?” asked Kendall in surprise. “What’s the matter with it! You look like a scarecrow! Have you been out for practice like that?” “Yes. I hadn’t anything else. Vinton said――”