26 THE PRODIGIOUS HICKEY pink polka-dots blazed from the cuffs of his nerv-

ous sleeves.

By the wheels of the stage “ Fire Crackers ” Glen- denning and “Jock” Hasbrouck, veterans of the Kennedy House, sporting the ’varsity initials on their sweaters and caps, were busily engaged in cross-examining the new boys who clambered timidly to their places on top. Presently, Fire Crackers, perceiving Smeed, hailed him.

“ Hello, over there—what’s your name?”

“ Smeed, sir.”

“ Smeed what? ”

“ Johnnie Smeed.”

The questioner looked him over with disfavour and said aggressively:

“ You’re not for the Kennedy?”

“ No, sir.”

“What house?”

“ The Dickinson, sir.”

“The Dickinson, eh? That’s a good one,” said Fire Crackers, with a laugh, and, turning to his companion, he added, “Say, Jock, w0n’t Hickey and the old Turkey be wild when they get this one?”

Little Smeed, uncomprehending of the judgment