eaches of the night without having to grope his way back
to the bed and watch the room careen about him. He did not inhale, but
he had learned to imitate the process so as to defy detection, as he
exclaimed:

"Gee! It's good to fill the old lungs, isn't it?"

* * * * *

These things, by dint of concentration and courage, Skippy had achieved,
not to stand ashamed in the eyes of his roommate. And, having with pain
and perseverance traveled this far, he suddenly, this night, realized
how much was still lacking.

Yes, there was certainly something lacking in his progress towards
perfect manhood, something that Snorky had and he had not.

It was all very well to be a man, to smoke, to shave, and to have
acquired the sartorial evidence. This was all very well--but others
must perceive it, too! This was the point. As Snorky had done, he must
do.

The new world to conquer was the feminine heart.

Now, Skippy had not at this moment the slightest inclination towards the
lovelier sex.

He did not aspire to be a Don Juan or a Beau Brummel, but if he were to
continue to room with Snorky Green he must acquire at least the
appearance. He perceived this. It pained him that in the scheme of
things it should be so--but a reputation he must have.

"Girls, girls! Lord, how I loathe them!" he said in a last farewell to
his male independence. "What I think of a fellow who hangs around them,
wears their rings and pins and carries off their handkerchiefs! But I'll
be danged if I can stand any more of this conquering-hero stuff from
that eyesore across the room! If it's got to be done, you bet I'll do
it! I'll put it over that four-flusher, if I have to fuss every girl in
Scranton!"

CHAPTER XI

THE DEMON OF JEALOUSY

THE Easter vacation was ended and four hundred overfed, underslept boys
had returned to spread the germs of measles, mumps and tonsilitis among
their fellows. Skippy and Snorky, having fallen hilariously into each
other's arms, were proceeding with the important ceremony of the
unpacking, while surveying each other with a critical eye.

"Seems to me you look quite spruced up," said Snorky when, to be more at
his ease, Skippy had shed his coat and stood revealed in all the
splendor of a flaming-yellow buckskin vest, with gleaming brass buttons;
then noting the display of jewelry in the red and yellow tie, he added:
"Where did you get the fancy stuff?"

Skippy removed his sca