This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
RUTH'S LOSS
77

"It was dandy of those old grads to think to put us in the way of it once more," went on Sid.

"We'll have to pass them a vote of thanks."

Thus talking the boys went into the gymnasium, whence they emerged a little later, glowing, and feeling the spring and buoyancy of youth.

"Hello, what's this?" asked Phil, as they entered their room, and saw some letters on the table.

"From the girls!" cried Tom, as he saw a certain hand-writing.

"Here, you've got mine!" declared Frank, making a grab for the epistle in Sid's hand.

"Beg your pardon old man—so I have. I'll trade," and soon the four lads were busy perusing four notes.

"They're going to have a dance," spoke Tom. "A week from to-night. Will we go? I guess yes! That is, I don't think we have any date for that evening."

"If I have I'll break it," said Sid, quickly.

"Listen to the old misogynist—him as wouldn't used to speak to a girl!" cried Phil. "Oh, what a change! What a change!"

"Dry up!" commanded Sid, making a reach for his chum, who nimbly escaped by leaping behind the sofa.

"Say, this is pretty indefinite," went on Tom. "They just ask us to come, and don't say who's to take who, or anything like that."