So Hickey sat, examining Mr. Baldwin, and speculating into which classification he would fall. "Now, boys," said Mr. Baldwin, with an expanding smile, "we're beginning the new term. I hope you'll like me--I know I shall like you. I'm quite a boy myself--quite a boy, you know. Now I'm going ahead on a new principle. I'm going to assume that you all take an interest in your work [the class sat up]. I'm going to assume that you look upon life with seriousness and purpose. I'm going to assume that you realise the sacrifices your parents are making to afford you an education. I'm not here as a taskmaster. I'm here to help you, as your friend, as your companion--as an older brother--that's it, as an older brother. I hope our interest in one another will not be limited to this classroom." Hickey and the Egghead, who had prominently installed themselves in the front seats, led the applause with serious, responsive faces. Mr. Baldwin acknowledged it, noticing pleasantly the leaders of the demonstration. Then he rapped for order and began to call the roll, seating the boys alphabetically. He ran rapidly through the F's, the G's and H's and, pausing, inquired: "Are there any J's in the class?" At this excruciatingly witty remark, which every master annually blunders upon, the waiting class roared in unison, while Hinsdale was forced to slap Hickey mercilessly on the back to save him from violent hysterics. Mr. Baldwin, who suddenly perceived he had made a pun, hastily assumed a roguish expression and allowed a considerable moment for the laughter to die away. The session ended in a gale of cordiality. Hickey and the Egghead paid a visit that afternoon to the Griswold, to make the new arrival feel quite at home. "Ah, boys," said Mr. Baldwin, with a wringing hand-shake, "this is very friendly of you, very friendly." "Mr. Baldwin," said Hickey seriously, "we were very much interested in what you said to us this morning." "Indeed," said Baldwin, gratified. "Well, that pleases me very much. And I am glad to see that you take me at my word, and I hope you will drop in often. There are lots of things I want to talk over with you." "Yes, sir," said the Egghead. "It's very kind of you." "Not at all," said Baldwin, with a wave of his hand. "My theory is that a master should be your companion, and I have one or two ideas about education I am anxious to have my boys interested in. Now, for instance, take politics; what do you know about politics?" "Why, nothing," said Hickey in acquiescent surprise. "And yet that is the most vital thing you will have to face as men. Here's a great national election approaching, and yet, I am certain not one in four hundred of you has any clear conception of the political system." "That's so, Egghead," said Hickey, nodding impressively at his companion. "It _is_ so." "I have a scheme I'm going to talk over with you," continued Baldwin, "and I want your advice. Sit down; make yourselves comfortable."