"No one better," said The Roman firmly. "The boy is bound to lead. I know what's in him--he will rise to his responsibility. Doctor, you will see. I have never lost confidence in him." The Doctor, unconvinced, debated at length before acceding. When he finally gave his ratification he added with a smile: "Well, Hopkins, I do this on your judgment. You may be right, we shall see. By the way, Stover must have led you quite a dance over in the Kennedy. What is it you like in him?" The Roman reflected and then, his eye twitching reminiscently: "Fearlessness," he said, "and--and a diabolical imagination." When The Roman returned to the Kennedy he summoned Stover to his study. He knew that Dink misunderstood his attitude and he would have liked to enlighten him. Unfortunately, complete confidence in such cases is sometimes as embarrassing as the relations between father and son. The Roman, pondering, twisted a paper-cutter and frowned in front of him. "Stover," he said at last. "I have talked with the Doctor. He has seen best to approve of your election." Dink, of course, perceiving the hesitation, went out gleefully, persuaded that the decision was gall and wormwood to his inveterate foe. The last day of school ended. He drove to Trenton in a buggy with Tough McCarty as befitted his new dignity. He passed the Green House with a strange thrill. The humiliation of a year before had well been atoned, and yet the associations somehow still had power to rise up and wound him. "Lord, you've changed!" said Tough, following his thoughts. "Improved!" said Dink grimly. "I was an infernal nuisance myself when I landed," said Tough, President of the Woodhull, evasively. "I say, Dink, next year we'll be licking the cubs into shape ourselves." "That's so," said Stover. "Well, by this time next year I probably won't be so popular." "Why not?" "I'm going to put an end to a lot of nonsense," said Dink solemnly. "I'm going to see that my kids walk a chalk-line." "So am I," said McCarty, with equal paternity. "What a shame we can't room together, old boy!" "That'll come in the Upper, and afterward!" They drove sedately, amid the whirling masses of the school that went hilariously past them. They were no longer of the irresponsible; the cares of the state were descending on their shoulders and a certain respect was necessary: "Good-by, old Sockbuts," said Tough, departing toward New York. "Good-by, old geezer!" "Au revoir." "Mind now--fifteenth of July and you come for one month." "You bet I will!" "Take care of yourself!" "I say, Tough," said Dink, with his heart in his mouth. McCarty, laden with valises, stopped: "What is it?" "Remember me to your mother, will you?" "Oh, sure." "And--and to all the rest of the family!" said Dink, who thereupon bolted, panic-stricken. XXIII