"That's right. I'm with you," and a second hat went the way of the first, while the old men capered about like boys. They were given a round of cheers on their own account by the team when the players understood what had happened. Ford Fenton was running about, all excited, trying to find his relative. "Have you seen my uncle?" he asked several. "No!" cried Holly Cross. "And if I do, I'll shoot him on sight! Get out or I'll eat you up," and with a roar of simulated wrath he rushed at poor Fenton, who beat a hasty retreat. Tom was jubilant at the success of his college, nor did he withhold unstinted praise for Langridge. He had been surprised at the sudden improvement shown. Tom and Miss Tyler walked across the grounds toward the campus, the girl looking back several times. Suddenly Langridge appeared from amid a group of players. "I'll be with you in a minute," he called to Miss Tyler, "as soon as I change my duds. Wait for me." There was an air of proprietorship in the words and the girl must have felt them, for she turned away without speaking. "Perhaps I'd better say good-afternoon," spoke Tom, a trifle piqued. "Not unless you want to," she replied with a quick look at him. "Of course I don't want to, but I thought----" "Don't bother to think," she added with a little laugh. "It's tiresome. Come and show me the river. Not that I haven't seen it before, but it's so beautiful to-day, I want some one to enjoy it with me." "How would you like to go for a little row?" asked Tom. "I can get a boat and we'll go to Crest Island." "That will be lovely. The water is like glass." They were soon afloat. Tom was a good oarsman and sent the light craft ahead with powerful strokes. They spent some little time on the island, where other pleasure seekers were, and when the shadows began to lengthen started back. "I've enjoyed it ever so much," said Miss Tyler gratefully as the craft neared the float adjoining the college boathouse. "That's good," said Tom heartily. "Perhaps you will go again." "I probably shall--if any one asks me," she replied archly, and then he helped her out, whispering as he did so, for there were quite a number on the float, "I'll be sure to ask you, Madge." Tom may have imagined it, but he thought there was just a little return of the pressure when he pressed the hand he held. "Well, I thought you were going to wait for me," exclaimed a voice, and Langridge pushed his way through the throng and came close to where Miss Tyler was standing, waiting for Tom to tie the boat. "I didn't say so," she answered. "But you--you----" Langridge did not know what to say. "I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me now," said the girl calmly, though she smiled at Langridge in no unfriendly fashion. "Come and take a walk," he almost ordered. "I want to say something to you."