Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/136

120 other "soft" drinks were sold, and there procured a case containing one dozen bottles of various kinds and flavors. This they took from the shop by a back way, and had it stowed under the rear seat of the carryall before Jackson Lemond put in an appearance. With the box they put their bundles of cake and candy and the other things.

"Here comes the train!" announced the driver, and in a moment more the express rolled into the station and half a dozen people alighted.

"There is Ben!" shouted Dave, and rushed forward to meet his friend, followed by Roger. All were soon shaking hands.

"You're looking fine," said Ben to Dave, as he surveyed the country lad critically. "I declare you look like a regular dyed-in-the-wool academy student already!"

"And that is just what he is," said Roger. "And we are getting to be great chums," he added.

"I'm glad of that," went on Ben. "I can tell you I am that happy over coming to Oak Hall I don't know what to do. You see, I've heard about this school for so long."

"You'll like it," said Dave. "I can't see what fault anybody could find."

"We've been buying some things for a spread, in honor of your arrival," whispered Roger.