"I didn't say that. I didn't say that at all. All I say is that the
fellow I'm sorry for is the one who has had and lost, not the one who
never had. Now look at Peter John, and Hawley. Their room isn't so good
as ours, but it probably is just as good as they expected, or have been
used to, so they don't suffer any."

"And if you and I had to put up with their room--"

"Why, we'd feel it."

"It's a mighty comfortable way of looking at things, that's all I have
to say."

"But it's the true way," said Will glibly. "There's one thing I'm mighty
glad of for Peter John's sake."

"What is it?"

"That he rooms with Hawley. I don't believe the sophs will bother him
very much."

"Not when Hawley's on hand."

"You think they will when he's not?"

"Yes, sir, I do. Peter John just invites them. It stands right out on
his face."

"Sort of a standing invitation, so to speak?" laughed Will Phelps.
"Well, for my part, I hope he won't be too fresh. There's everything in