Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/139

Rh off he ran to help with the other things. Dave in the meantime rejoined Ben, who was still at the front door. The office bell was rung, and Dr. Clay immediately put in an appearance.

"So this is Master Basswood," he said, shaking hands. "I am pleased to know you, and I welcome you to Oak Hall. Come into my office, and you may come too, Master Porter, if you wish."

A short talk took place in the office, and Ben was questioned briefly in regard to his studies. Then both were dismissed, and Dave took his friend up to dormitory No. 12.

"This is to be your bed," said Dave. "That is mine, that is Roger's, and those belong to the other fellows in our set. Next to this room is dormitory No. 11, connecting with this by that door. No. 11 and No. 12 always pull together in everything, and we are going to have that feast to-night."

"All providing something doesn't occur to cut it short," said Ben, with a grin. "I've heard that Dr. Clay is very strict about these things."

"He has to be—or some of the fellows would ride right over him. But we've fixed it to get rid of one of the teachers—Job Haskers—and the head monitor, Murphy, will sort of stand in with us,—so I fancy all will go smoothly."

The trunk had been brought up, and Dave assisted his friend to stow away his things. From