acid and a number of storage battery
cells.

On their way from the central building the chums had been stopped by a
number of upper classmen. It was mid-afternoon, an optional study or
playtime, and just the hour for brewing mischief. This is what happened.

"Come on there, Freeporters! Put down those boxes; we have a little
business to transact with you," the spokesman called.

Gus gazed calmly at the five militant youths in front of him. Without
undue egotism, he possessed an easy confidence, and he knew that,
barring some bumps and scratches, that bunch would need assistance in
hazing him. He would have complied forthwith, had not Bill given an
ultimatum. With a small box under his left arm, he shifted his crutch to
his left fingers and slipped the free hand into his pocket, drawing
forth about the wickedest-looking pistol that any thug would use. The
five began backing away, the spokesman turning quite pale and the
others, no doubt, feeling much as he looked.

"Would you Indians want to haze me?" Bill asked.

"Aw, no. You're exempt, of course. We don't bother with cripples, kids,
old ladies nor natural criminals." This attempt to be witty trailed off
weakly.

"Well, my friend here is carrying glass and we can't tarry now. Any
interference with him will result in my turning criminal instanter, and
I'm keen to do so. Go on, Gus."

Gus went on, and Bill, with weapon still in hand, followed after. He
turned to call back to the flabbergasted five:

"You can find us in our room any time after to-day. Getting hazed is
really great sport, and we won't pull any guns on you then!"

Hardly half an hour elapsed before there came a knock at the door of the
room occupied by Bill and Gus. A moment before, Gus had been down to get
a pair of pliers that had dropped out of the window and two wide-eyed
lads in the hallway had hailed him:

"That crutch-thumper that rooms with you is in for the G. B.," one had
said and the other had added:

"Say, he must be a blamed fool to carry a gun and pull it here. 'Prex'
won't stand for that."

Bill called a "Come in" in answer to the knock, and no less than
President Field and Professor Whitcomb, both looking very stern,
entered.

"Brown and Grier, I have heard with real pain and very great surprise,
after the letter from Professor Gray highly recommending you two lads,
that you have so soon shown utter disregard for the rules, the standing,
the decency of our institution by carr