“Your penetration, Mr. Towne,” answered Ned graciously, “is most remarkable.” Then he began to talk golf to Kendall, and five minutes later Harold said he had promised to see a fellow and took his departure. Ned heaved a sigh of relief when the door had closed behind him. “I can’t stand that fellow,” he said. “He gets me so nervous!” Kendall laughed. “I don’t mind him as much as I did,” he said. “He means well enough, I guess.” “All right in his way, but doesn’t weigh enough,” replied Ned flippantly. “Well, out with it, Curt.” “Out with what?” “I don’t know. Whatever it is. You’ve been fairly dying to tell me something ever since I got here. So let’s have it.” “I don’t see how you knew,” said Kendall. “I was just going to tell you that Mr. Collins called me down to his study this afternoon and――” “Wait! Don’t tell me that you’re off probation!” Kendall nodded. Ned made a gesture of disappointment. “Isn’t that the dickens?” he exclaimed. “Just when I was getting interested in you, too! I’ve never been chummy with a ‘real devil’ of a fellow before, and now you go and reform!” “I haven’t reformed,” laughed Kendall. “I’ve just been pardoned for my former sins.” “Ah! And you’re just as wicked as you ever were?” “Just!” “That’s better.” Ned sighed his relief. “I was afraid you were a reformed character, Curt. You see there are plenty of good, moral chaps in school; I know dozens of them; but you’re the first desperate character I ever got to know at all well. And so they’ve lifted the ban, eh? Well, that will help, won’t it? Now you’ll be free to take up your career of crime again. Whisper, Curt; what are you thinking of doing first? Had any experience with bombs? They tell me bombing is a pleasant and fairly safe amusement. Would you mind beginning on that roommate of yours? Incendiarism is another cute little way in which to pass an evening. I’ve often thought that Oxford would make a dandy blaze if you could get it started. Have you ever seriously considered murder? So many of our prominent citizens are going in for murder nowadays. And I can think of so many beautiful subjects for your attentions. Why, one needn’t look beyond his immediate acquaintances!” “I’m going to try and get back on the Football Team the first thing,” said Kendall. “Seriously?” “Yes. Of course, I couldn’t make the First Team now; it’s too late, I guess; but I might make the Second. What do you think?” “I admire your courage. But I regret that you choose football when you might play golf. I was going to make a gandy dolfer out of you, Curt.” “I can play golf after the football season,” said Kendall. “Um; yes; but the two sciences are widely opposed. I’ve never known a football man who could swing a golf club decently. Football seems to――to deaden the sensibilities, whatever those may be, Curt. And a man must have sensibilities to play a good game of golf. However, if you are really determined, come with me.”