"Sorry I can't offer you any seats, fellows," said Hawley, still
laughing, though there was no apparent cause for his enjoyment. "Haven't
got everything unpacked yet; but if you'll just wait a minute we'll find
something for you to sit on."

"We'll help you," said Will Phelps, at once laying aside his coat.

In their room he and Foster had done but little of the labor required in
unpacking their belongings, for neither had been accustomed to such
tasks in the homes from which they had come. Their fathers both were
well-to-do and it had not occurred to either of the boys that the manual
labor in settling their room was something to be expected of them. For a
moment Foster glanced quizzically at his friend as if he was puzzled to
account for his unexpected proffer, but knowing Will's impulsiveness as
he did he was quick to respond, and in a brief time the few belongings
of Peter John and his room-mate were unpacked and the beds were set up,
the shades at the windows, and the few scanty belongings all arranged.

"I didn't bring a carpet. Did you?" inquired Hawley of Schenck.

"No," replied Peter John.

"We can get along without one. I haven't any money to spare, and carpets
are luxuries anyway. If we feel like it we can buy one afterwards.
They're dangerous things though," and Hawley laughed as he spoke. "My
doctor says they're the worst sources of contagion in the world, and
whatever else I do I must be careful of my health." Again the laugh of
the young giant rang out, and in its contagion all three of his
classmates joined.