THE COLLEGE AND THE CIRCUS
than I have," He indicated the several streams going along the walks in various directions, then looked at Stehman again, who smiled, but considered the remark too absurd to answer. The President had a reputation as an after-dinner humorist. "I'm not joking," said the President, looking serious; "I mean you to take me very literally. I mean that they would do for you what they would not for me. I mean that I can forbid their making trouble, but you can keep them from making it."
Stehman had never thought about it in just that way before. He felt rather pleased but very foolish; so he blushed and looked over toward the fellows who were waiting for him. One of them caught his eye and grinned.
"Mr. Stehman, I take it for granted," the President was now saying, "that you do not mind my asking you to exert your influence in the direction in which lie the interests of the University?"
Stehman liked this, but he only said: "Well, sir, thank you very much for the
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