"All right! I'm with you."

So the two boys went into the restaurant, and ordered plates of
roast beef, which they ate with evident enjoyment.

"I guess," said the waiter, grinning, "you two chaps come from the
institute."

"Yes," answered Hector. "What makes you think so?"

"The way you eat. They do say old Smith half starves the boys."

"You're not far from right," said Wilkins; "but it isn't alone the
quantity, but the quality that's amiss."

They ate their dinner, leaving not a crumb, and then rose refreshed.

"I feel splendid," said Wilkins. "I just wish I boarded at the
restaurant instead of the doctor's. Thank you, Roscoe, for inviting
me."

"All right, Wilkins! We'll come again some day."

Somehow the extra dinner seemed to warm the heart of Wilkins, and
inspire in him a feeling of friendly interest for Hector.

"I say, Hector, I'll tell you something."

"Go ahead."