Three-quarters of an hour later Skippy again, but alone, reached the protecting shadows. Again the orchestra was beating out an exhilarating measure. "You bet I'm not going to let her dance with other men," he said under his breath. He balanced carefully, stretched out one arm to encircle an imaginary waist and started heavily to tread the illusive measure. Suddenly he realized that he was not alone. Farther down a couple were swaying in the shadows. Then Dolly's voice reached him. "The idea! Puffy, of course you can dance. If Jack Bedelle can learn, you ought to be ashamed to give up." "Skippy dance!" "Of course, foolish boy! Do you want to sit and watch him dance with me _all_ summer?" That evening after he had escorted the triumphant Dolly Travers home in company of four other victims, Skippy went heavily upward to his room. "Hello there!" said the big brother from his bed. "Hello, Sambo," said Skippy, slinking in disconsolately. "What's the matter, bub? You look like a plucked chicken. You've been moping around for a week. What is the matter with you anyhow?" "What is the matter?" said Skippy, staring at him. "Exactly, what is the matter?" "The matter is, I took your advice," said Skippy reproachfully. "You told me to pick out something young and easy." "Well?" "Well, I did it," said Skippy, who then, without noticing Mr. Sam's growing interest, began to unburden himself. * * * * * Three days later, about five in the afternoon, Skippy emerged from behind the Gutter Pup's barn, leaving Mr. Puffy Ellis to readjust himself with more painful leisure. Skippy was somewhat bruised himself, and his clothes were a sight to behold, but he was happy. Mr. Puffy Ellis had finally seen the light and one obstacle at least had been removed from the summer. "I may not be much shakes on my feet as yet," said Skippy to himself grimly, "but thank the Lord I can use my fists." He remembered certain gorgeous passages in "The Count of Monte Cristo" and, thinking of what still remained to be done, said tragically, "So much for _one_!" Suddenly, in front of the Travers home, he beheld a buckboard draw up, and as with rising anger he pressed forward for a view of the next rival, Miss Dolly Travers tripped down, gave her hand delightedly, and sprang to the seat. Another rival, another Puffy Ellis to crush! Unmindful of anything but his consuming jealousy, he strode forward, fists doubled and glowering. The next moment the carriage had swung up and passed him. Miss Dolly Travers, blissfully entranced with her new conquest, had not even noticed him, standing there humbly in the road! But worse than that--oh, perfidy of perfidies--at the reins was no other than the great man of the university, his brother Mr. Sambones Bedelle! CHAPTER XXV ANTICS OF A TALKING MACHINE