Hairwig’s real name was Helwig, and he was instructor in physics and chemistry. Being a German, the boys had at first called him Herr Helwig, and later had shortened it to Hairwig. The news of his advent didn’t, however, greatly interest Bert, who inquired: “Any of our masters shown up?” “Haven’t seen any. I told you, didn’t I, that I ran across Smiles in New York one day? He was all dolled up. Said he was going out west somewhere to teach at a summer school. He seemed real glad to see me, too. Smiles is a good old sport.” “He isn’t old.” “N-no, but Latin instructors always seem old. They know so plaguey much! Who do you think will be proctor up here this year?” “Cathcart, I suppose. He’s the only senior on the floor. Wonder if we’re going to have a big junior class.” “Whopping, I heard; eighty-something. Know anyone coming up?” Bert shook his head. “No, and I’m glad I don’t. You always have to look after them, and they’re nuisances.” “You’ll have to do the guide and mentor act for your friend Ordway,” reminded Nick, with a malicious grin. “Did you say he was an upper middler?” “Yes.” “I’d hate to enter a school in the middle like that,” reflected Nick. “I should think it would be hard.” “I don’t see why.” “Well, you don’t know anyone, in the first place. It would take most of the year to get acquainted, and then you’d only have one year left. Going to put him up for Lit?” “I suppose so, if he wants me to. You have to do that much for a roommate, I guess.” “When’s he coming?” “Don’t know and don’t care. Want to buy a good racket?” “How much?” “Dollar and a half.” Nick accepted the proffered article and viewed it dubiously. “I’d have to have it restrung.” “Why would you? There’s only one string gone. Take it along and try it.” “Give you a dollar.” “I guess you would! It cost seven. Hand it over here, you Shylock.” “Dollar and a quarter, then.” “Cash?” “Dollar down and the balance――――” “Some time?” “No, next month; honest.” “All right, but you’re getting it dirt cheap. Where’s the dollar?” “Downstairs. You don’t think I carry all that money around with me, do you?” “All right, but we’ll stop in for it before you forget it. Are you really going over to the Junction to meet Guy?” “Surest thing you know! Want to come along?” “I wouldn’t make the trip on that hot, dusty old train for a thousand dollars!” “You ought to, though. You ought to go over and meet your new chum.” Bert grunted. “I’m likely to! I’ve been wondering if he will bring any pictures and truck like that. I hope, if he does, he won’t have the usual rot. This is too good a study to fill up with chromos. Something tells me, Nick, that I’m an awful idiot to go in with some fellow I’ve never seen. Bet you anything he will be a fresh kid.” Nick chuckled. “I decline the wager, Bert. Also, I agree with you that you’re taking a chance. Still, you can’t tell. Where does he come from?” “Somewhere in Maryland.”