As the gelding turned down toward Pike's, the thin old church clock
struck. "Always sounds," said Billy, "like cambric tea."

"Cambridge tea," said Bertie.

"Walk close behind me," said Billy, as they came away from the livery
stable. "Then they won't see the hole."

Bertie did so; but the hole was seen by the street-car conductors and
the milkmen, and these sympathetic hearts smiled at the sight of the
marching boys, and loved them without knowing any more of them than
this. They reached their building and separated.





V



One hour later they met. Shaving and a cold bath and summer flannels,
not only clean but beautiful, invested them with the radiant innocence
of flowers. It was still too early for their regular breakfast, and
they sat down to eggs and coffee at the Holly Tree.

"I waked John up," said Billy." He is satisfied."

"Let's have another order," said Bertie. "These eggs are delicious."