fellows, are there any cinders on my necktie?" and he pretended to be
very much exercised.

"Oh, it's a sight!" mocked Belle. "Isn't it, girls? How are you,
Jack?" she asked, more warmly, as she shook hands. "Oh! Don't you
dare--not on this platform!" she cried, as Jack leaned forward, with
the evident intention of repeating his oscillatory greeting to Cora.

"All right. Come on around back, I'd just as soon," offered Jack,
with something of his old, joking manner. "They can't see us there."

"I guess you know Harry--all of you--don't you?" put in Walter.

"Oh, yes, forgetting my manners, as usual," laughed Jack, but there
was little of mirth in the sound. "Harry, the girls--the girls--
Harry. Pleased to meet you--and all that. Come on, Cora. I guess
I'm--tired."

His eyes showed it. Poor Jack was not at all himself.

"But how did it happen--what's the matter?" asked Cora. "Were you
suddenly stricken?"

"About like that--yes," admitted Jack. "Trying to do too much, the
doc said. I oughtn't to have made an effort for the double
literature. Thought I'd save a term on it. But that, and training
too hard, did me up. It's a shame, too, for we have a peach of an
eleven!"

"I know, Jack, it is too bad," said Cora, sympathetically.