But each knew that for McCarthy, who would never be above the substitute class, the issue of the senior society was settled, once and for all. The excitement of being initiated, the outward manifestation of Calcium Light Night and the spectacular parade of the cowled junior societies with their swelling marching songs, and the sudden arrival of Tap Day for a while drove from Stover all thoughts but his personal dreams. On the fateful Thursday in May, shortly after half past four, he and Tough went over to the campus. By the fence the junior class, already swallowed up by the curious body of the college, were waiting the arrival of the senior elections which would begin on the stroke of five. "Lots of others will take their medicine to-day," said McCarthy a little grimly. "You bet." Hungerford and McNab, seeing them, came over. "Gee, look at the way the visitors are on the campus," said McNab. "They're packed in all the windows of Durfee and over on the steps of Dwight Hall," said Hungerford. "I didn't know they came on like this." "If you want a sensation," said McNab, "just go over to that bunch of juniors. You can hear every one of them breathe. They're scared to death. It's a regular slaughter." Stover looked curiously at McNab, amazed to note the excitement on his usually flippant countenance. Then he looked over at the herd huddled under the trees by the fence. It was all a spectacle still--dramatic, but removed from his own personality. The juniors, with but a few exceptions, were only names to him. His own society men meant something, and Captain Dudley of next year's eleven, who, of course, was absolutely sure. He felt a little thrill as he looked over and saw the churning mass and thought that in two years he would stand there and wait. But, for the moment, he was only eagerly curious and a little inclined to be amused at the excessive solemnity of the performance. "Who do you think will be first tapped for Bones?" said McNab, at his side. "Dudley," said Hungerford. "No; they'll keep him for the last place." "Well, Allison, captain of the crew, then." "I heard Smithson has switched over to Keys." "They're both after De Gollyer." All four had tentative lists in their hands, eagerly comparing them. "Dopey, you're all wrong. Clark'll never get it." "Why not." "Look at your Bones list--there's no place for him. You've got to include the pitcher of the nine and the president of Dwight Hall, haven't you?" "My guess is Rogers first man for Keys." "No; they'll take some man Bones wants--De Gollyer, probably." "Let's get into the crowd." "Come on." "It's ten minutes of five already." Le Baron, passing, stopped Stover, saying excitedly: "Say, Dink, watch out for the crowd who go Keys and let me know, will you? I mean the men in our crowd?" "Sure I will."