"A very sensible old gentleman!" thought James Holden. "Some men of
his age would make a fuss."

A little before the time when the students were expected to arrive
Doctor Mack shut himself up in his room, taking care to open the
transom. He had ascertained from the young man, his informant, that
supper had been engaged for twelve, and that the price charged per
plate was two dollars and a half, all to be paid by Walter Sherwood.

"That makes thirty dollars," he reflected. "No wonder Walter writes
for extra checks. I wonderin this thirty dollars is to figure as a
contribution to the library?"

From his window he could see the students as they approached the
hotel. Finally he caught sight of Walter, with a college friend on
each sides with whom he was chatting gaily.

"What a change!" thought Doctor Mack. "It seems only yesterday that
Walter started for college, a bashful, unformed boy, full of good
resolutions, and determined to distinguish himself in scholarship. Now
he has become a gay butterfly. And, what is worse, he has learned to
deceive his old guardian, and his chief aim seems to be to have a good
time. What can I do to change his course?"

The good doctor's face assumed a thoughtful look.

"I can tell better after what I shall hear to-night," he said to
himself.