"He'll do."

Sam was rather surprised when the three college boys stopped and Brown
addressed him.

"What is your name, sir?"

"Barker," answered Sam.

"All right!" said Robinson, in a low voice. "There's a Barker in the
freshman class. I've noticed his name in the catalogue."

"I believe, Mr. Barker," said Brown, "that you belong to the freshman
class."

"That's a good joke," said Sam to himself. "I'll see it through."

He was not a little flattered at being mistaken for a collegian, and
nodded assent.

"We have heard of you, Mr. Barker," said Jones, in the most favorable
manner. "We belong to the senior class, and at our last meeting we
elected you unanimously a member of the Alpha Zeta Society."

"You don't say so!" exclaimed Sam, really astonished.

"We have inquired of the faculty concerning your scholarship, and have
been told that you are one of the best scholars in the class."

"If that's so," thought Sam, "the class don't know much."

"There are plenty that know more than me," said Sam, aloud.

"All your modesty, Mr. Barker," said Robinson. "We are convinced that
you are a first-class man, and will be an acquisition to our
society."

"What does it all mean?" Sam began to wonder.

"We are a committee of the society appointed to initiate you by the
usual impressive ceremonies," said Brown. "It is very fortunate we
have met with you, for Saturday is our day for initiations."

"Is it?"

"Yes; have you any particular engagement for the next hour?"

"Not as I know of."

"Then we will at once proceed to the society room and take you to the
initiation. Are you ready?"

"I haven't made my will yet," said Sam, humorously.

The three sophomores looked at each other doubtfully. Perhaps their
intended butt was not as verdant as they supposed.

"That formality is not necessary," said Jones, after a pause, "unless
you desire to leave any money to the society."

"I guess I'll join first, and see how I like it," said Sam.

"Quite reasonable," said Brown, in a tone of satisfaction.

"We'd better not lose any time," said Robinson.

"Follow us, Mr. Barker," said Brown.

"All right, gentlemen."

Robinson offered his arm, and the four proceeded to one of the older
college halls, and ascended to a room on the third floor.

"Ain't they sold, though!" thought Sam, with an inward chuckle. "They
think I'm a student, and I'll find out all about their society--I
can't think of the outlandish name."