* * * * *
The opening days of the fall term came round again. Summer weather, hot
and belated, lingered on. I was now more native to the river than to
life in a four-walled room and on street pavements.
I debated seriously whether I should return to classes, or just keep on
studying as I was, staying in my tent, and taking books out at the two
libraries. I knew that they'd allow me to continue drawing out books at
the university, even though I attended classes no longer--Professor
Langworth would see to that.
Also, most of the professors would whisper "good riddance" to
themselves. I camped at their gates too closely with questions. I never
accepted anything as granted. The "good sports" among them welcomed this
attitude of mine, especially the younger bunch of them--who several
times invited me to affairs of theirs, behind closed blinds, where good
wine was poured, and we enjoyed fine times together....
I was invited on condition that I would not let the student-body know of
these _sub rosa fiestas_. Which were dignified and unblameworthy ...
only, wine and beer went around till a human mellowness and
conversational glow was reached.
* * * * *
A trifling incident renewed my resolve to continue as a student
regularly enrolled....
Though considered a freak and nut, I was generally liked among the
students, and liked most of them in turn....
They used frequently to say--"'s too bad Johnnie Gregory won't act like
the rest of the world, he's such a likeable chap...."
As the boys came back to school I went about renewing acquaintances.
The afternoon of the day of the "trifling incident" I was returning from
a long visit to Jack Travers and the Sig-Kappas.
It was about ten o'clock when I reached the river-bank opposite my
island. There was a brilliant moon up. If daylight could be
silver-coloured it was day.
I stood naked on the water's edge, ready to wade out for my swim back to
my island. My clothes were trussed securely, for dryness, on my head.
A rustling, a slight clearing of the throat, halted me.