The Eternal Boy: Being the Story of the Prodigious HickeyJohnson, Owen
General
The Eternal Boy: Being the Story of the Prodigious Hickey
Johnson, Owen
Preparatory schools -- Fiction
Chapel and the first two recitations over, the esplanade of the
Upper was crowded with fourth formers, circulating critically in the
dandified throng, chattering excitedly of the coming event. Perish the
memory of the fashion there displayed! It seemed magnificent then: let
that be the epitaph.
The bell called, and the group slowly departed to the last recitation.
From each house a stream of boys came pouring out and made their
lagging way around the campus toward Memorial. Slower and slower rang
the bell, and faster came the unwilling slaves--those in front with
dignity; those behind with despatch, and so on down the line to the
last scattered stragglers, who came racing over the lawns. The last
peal sounded, the last laggard tore up Memorial steps, and vanished
within. A moment later the gong in the hall clanged, and the next
recitation was on. The circle, a moment before alive with figures, was
quiet and deserted. A group of seven or eight lounging on the esplanade
were chatting indolently, tossing a ball back and forth with the
occupant of a third-story window.
At this moment Turkey emerged from the doorway in shining russets, a
Gladstone collar, a tie of robin's-egg-blue, and a suit of red and
green plaids, such as the innocent curiosity of a boy on his first
allowance goes to with the thirst of possession.
"Hurrah for Turkey!" cried the Kid. "He looks like a regular
fashion-plate."
In an instant he was surrounded, punched, examined, and complimented.
"Well, fellows, it's time to give ourselves them finishing touches,"
said the Egghead, with a glance of envy. "Turkey is trying to steal a
march on us. The girls are coming."
"Hello!" cried the Kid, suddenly. "Who's this?"
All turned. From behind Foundation House came a carriage. It drove on
briskly until nearly opposite the group on the steps, when the driver
reined in, and some one within looked out dubiously.
[Illustration: "'Get off my feet!... A fine lady you are!'"]
"Turkey, you're in luck," said the Gutter Pup. "You're the only one
with the rouge on. Go down gracefully and see what the lady wants."
So down went Turkey to his duty. They watched him approach the carriage
and speak to some one inside. Then he closed the door and spoke to the
driver, evidently pointing out his destination, for the cab continued
around the circle.
Then Turkey made a jump for the esplanade, and, deaf to all inquiries,
seized upon his roommate and dragged him aside.
"Great guns! Kid," he exclaimed, "I've seen her--Beauty's sister! She
isn't like Beauty at all. She's a stunner, a dream! Look here! Get that
dance-card. Get it, if you have to lie and steal. He's in recitation
now. You've got to catch him when he comes out. For heaven's sake!
don't let anyone get ahead of you. Tell him two girls have backed out,
and I want five more dances. Tell him I'm to take her to the debate
to-night, and the Dramatic Club to-morrow. Kid, get that card!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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