“I’d like to be on the stage,” observed Tom, with something of a sigh. “But I can’t do anything except catch balls. I don’t s’pose that would take; would it?” “It might,” replied Jack good-naturedly. “Well, come on, let’s get some sodas,” proposed Tom. “It was hot in there. I’ll stand treat.” “Seems to me you’re always standing treat,” spoke Jack, quickly. “I guess it’s my turn, fellows.” “Jack’s spending some of his prize money,” remarked Charlie Andrews. “It’s the first I have had to spend in quite a while,” was his answer. “Old Klopper holds me down as close as if he was a miser. I’ll be glad when my dad comes back.” “Where is he now?” asked Tom. “Somewhere in China. We can’t find out exactly. I’m getting a bit worried.” “Oh, I guess he’s all right,” observed Charlie. “But if you’re going to stand treat, come on; I’m dry.” The boys were soon enjoying the sodas, and Jack was glad that he had the chance to play host, for it galled him to have to accept the hospitality of his chums, and not do his share. Now, thanks to his abilities as a clown, he was able to repay the favors. “Well, I suppose I might as well go in the front door as to crawl in the window,” thought Jack, as he neared the professor’s house. “He knows I’m out, for that old maid told him, and he’ll be waiting for me. I’m in for a lecture, and the sooner it’s over the better. Oh, dear, but I wish dad and mom were home!” “Well, young man, give an account of yourself,” said the professor sharply, when Jack came in. Mr. Klopper could never forget that he had been a teacher, and a severe one at that. His manner always savored of the classroom, especially when about to administer a rebuke. “I went to the show,” said Jack shortly. “I told you I was going.” “In other words you defied and disobeyed me.” “I felt that I had a right to go. I’m not a baby.” “That is no excuse. I shall report your conduct to your parents. Now another matter. Where did you get the money to go with?” “I--I got it.” “Evidently; but I asked you where. The idea of wasting fifty cents for a silly show! Did you stop to realize that fifty cents would pay the interest on ten dollars for a year, at five per cent?” “I didn’t stop to figure it out, professor.” “Of course not. Nor did you stop to think that for fifty cents you might have bought some useful book. And you did not stop to consider that you were disobeying me. I shall attend to your case. Do you still refuse to tell me where you got that money?” “I--I’d rather not.” “Very well, I shall make some inquiries. You may retire now. I never make up my mind when I am the least bit angry, and I find myself somewhat displeased with you at this moment.” “Displeased” was a mild way of putting it, Jack thought. “I shall see you in the morning,” went on the professor. “It is Saturday, and there is no school. Remain in your room until I come up. I wish to have a serious talk with you.”