“You’ve got about everything there is up here, haven’t you?” he exclaimed. “Is that a wireless set? How’s it work? I never saw one near-to.” The instruments were duly explained, not over-enthusiastically, since Jack had lost interest in wireless telegraphy after a year of devotion, and then Joe made a tour of the room, examining and questioning and enjoying himself hugely. Later various scrap-books and stamp-books were pulled from under the window-seat and looked over, and finally, having still only partly exhausted the wonders, the two boys settled down amongst the cushions and talked. That afternoon sped like magic. Almost before they realised it the room was in twilight and from across town came the hoarse sound of the five o’clock whistle at the carpet mills. Whereupon Joe said he must go, and Jack, remonstrating, led him downstairs, helped him on with his coat, and accompanied him to the steps. There: “What are you doing tonight?” he asked very carelessly. “Nothing special,” replied Joe quite as disinterestedly. There was a pause. Finally: “I might run in for a minute,” announced Jack. “I’m going downtown anyway and――――” “Wish you would.” “Your aunt won’t mind?” “Of course not. I haven’t much to show you, though. My room’s just a box, you know.” “That’s all right. We can talk some more. About eight?” “Before, if you can.” “Half-past seven?” “Yes. Don’t forget.” “I won’t. So long, Faulkner.” “So long. And thanks for――everything.” Jack laughed shortly. “I haven’t done anything. See you later.” “Sure!” CHAPTER V HOCKEY AND JUST TALK That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted――well, so far as I know, it’s still lasting and seems likely to continue lasting indefinitely. In the course of time the inseparable chums were facetiously referred to as the “two Jays” or the “Joejacks.” Months later each acknowledged, a trifle shamefacedly, since the acknowledgment bordered on sentiment, that he had taken to the other at the moment of their first meeting. That was as near an expression of affection as they came to, but within a week of that day at Proctor’s Pond Joe would have jumped off the top of the Adams Building if by so doing he could have benefited his friend, and Jack would have just as readily plunged into the river from the railroad bridge had a similar result impended. And since Jack at that time couldn’t swim a stroke, his deed would have compared favourably with Joe’s as a token of esteem!