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