A COLLEGE BANQUET
There was a rattling of knives and forks, a clink of glasses, and a buzz
of conversation. Doctor Mack was able to hear considerable of it.
There were anecdotes of the professors, accounts of narrow escapes from
“flunking” in the recitation-room, and remarks by no means complimentary
to some of the text-books in use in college. It was evident that the
collegians assembled cared more for a good time than for study. Yet
these seemed to be the chosen associates of his ward, the doctor
reflected.
As the feast proceeded, he grew more sober. He felt that college life,
however much it was doing for the faithful students, was only fostering
self-indulgence in his ward.
“Something must be done!” reflected Doctor Mack. “Desperate diseases
require desperate remedies.”
Again the chairman rapped for order, and again Walter's voice was heard.
“Brothers,” he said, “the material part of our banquet is ended. We have
gratified our appetites with the savory dishes provided by our friend
Daniels. We have quaffed the rare Falernian wine, of a vintage unknown
to Horace; we have quickened our wits, as I trust, under those favorable
conditions, and the time has now come for the feast of reason and the
flow of soul. Exhausted as we are by our labors in the classroom”--great
laughter--“we have sought refreshment in the way that is most agreeable.
It's a way we have at old Euclid! Sing!”
Immediately the assembled company started up the well-known college
song:
“It's a way we have at old Euclid,
It's a way we have at old Euclid,
It's a way we have at old Euclid,
To drive dull care away.
It's a way we have at old Euclid,
It's a way we have at old Euclid,
To drive dull care away.
“And we think it is no sin, sir,
To take the Freshmen in, sir,
And ease them of their tin, sir,
To drive dull care away.
It's a way we have at old Euclid,
It's a way we have at old Euclid,
To drive dull care away.”
There were other verses, but these will serve as specimens. All joined
in the chorus, and Doctor Mack, who remembered his own college life,
felt almost tempted to add his voice to those of the young men in the
opposite room.
“But, pshaw!” he thought. “What would Walter and his friends think to
hear an old graybeard like me taking part in the convivial songs? There
is no great harm in singing college songs, if it is accompanied by good
work in the recitation-room.”
“Brothers,” resumed Walter, “we will do our best to drive dull care
away. Let us forget, this happy evening, that there are such things as
logarithms, and sines, and tangents, and Greek tragedies. To-night our
hearts shall be uplifted by sentiment and song. Brother Corbett, you
will oblige us with 'Rumsty Ho!'”
A young man with a pleasant voice sang this song, one unfamiliar to the
doctor:
“A beggar man laid himself down to sleep,
Rumsty Ho! rumsty Ho!
A beggar man laid himself down to sleep
By the banks of the Mersey, so high and steep,
Rumsty Ho! rumsty Ho!
“Two thieves came walking by that way,
Rumsty Ho! rumsty Ho!
Two thieves came walking by that way,
And they came to the place where the old man lay,
Rumsty Ho! rumsty Ho!
“They stole his wallet and they stole his staff,
Rumsty Ho! rumsty Ho!
They stole his wallet and they stole his staff,
And then broke out in a great horse-laugh,
Rumsty Ho! rumsty Ho!”
There was more of this song, too. Next came “Crambambuli,” and then
“Cocach-lunk” both of which were familiar to the doctor.
Then Walter said: “Brothers, I have great pleasure in stating that
Professor Griggs has concluded to honor our dinner by his learned
presence, and has consented to address us. Permit me to introduce
Professor Theophilus Griggs.”
One of the company had made up as the mathematical professor. In a nasal
tone he made a rambling speech, in which he introduced mathematical
allusions, and used some of the favorite phrases of the rather dull
and prosy instructor, with whom all the students were familiar, some to
their sorrow. It seemed to be very amusing to the boys present, as shown
by their hearty laughter, but of course Doctor Mack could not appreciate
it.
Other songs and other speeches followed. Though for the most part
college songs, there were some of a more serious character. Time slipped
by, and at length Doctor Mack saw by his watch that it was half-past
eleven.
“How long will they keep it up, I wonder?” he asked himself. “I feel
drowsy.”
He was answered by the chairman.
“Brothers,” he said, “time waits for no man. The hour has arrived when,
according to agreement, we must wind up our festivities. Hand in hand we
will sing 'Auld Lang Syne,' hoping, at some auspicious season after the
coming vacation is over, to have another good time. I thank you all for
accepting my invitation, and hope you have enjoyed yourselves.”
“Three cheers for Sherwood!” cried one of the company.
They were given with a will. Then the parting song was sung, and the
students retired to their rooms in one of the college dormitories.
Doctor Mack went thoughtfully to bed.
“It is well I came,” he reflected. “Walter has done nothing decidedly
wrong as yet, but it is evident he is not improving.”
“Well,” said James Holdens as he met Doctor Mack the next morning, “did
you hear the boys last night?”
“I couldn't very well help it,” answered the doctor, smiling. “That
young Sherwood seems to be very popular.”
“Yes, sir; he is very free with his money.”
“In what other way does he spend it?”
“Mr. Daniels keeps half a dozen horses to let to students and others.
Sherwood hires a team at least twice a week, and of course it counts
up.”
“I was not able to spend money in that way when I attended college.”
“Then you are a college graduate?” said Holden.
“Yes.”
“Did you graduate at Euclid?”
“No; I am a Yale man.”
“I congratulate you, sir; I should like to graduate from Yale.
“I hope you may, some time, my young friend. You would derive more
benefit, I'll be bound, than those young roysterers of last evening.”
“I hope they didn't keep you awake, sir.”
“They certainly did as long as they stayed. I should have gone to bed
soon afterward, but that I had something on my mind. By the way, don't
mention to any of the students that they had an unseen listener.”
“No, sir.”
Doctor Mack took the first train after breakfast, and returned to his
home without seeing his ward.
Nancy Sprague questioned him eagerly.
“And how is Master Walter?” she asked.
“Very well, indeed, Nancy.”
“Was he surprised to see you?”
“He didn't see me, Nancy.”
“He didn't see you!” ejaculated the housekeeper.
“No; the fact was, I went away on a matter of business, and it was not
convenient to call on Walter. But I heard him.”
“I don't see how you could have been near him without seeing him.”
“I shall see him soon, Nancy, and so will you. In two weeks vacation
will be here. Examinations are near, and I might have interfered with
his studies,” the doctor added, with a little innocent evasion.
“To be sure, sir! To be sure! I make no doubt Master Walter is a great
scholar.”
“I have very strong doubts on that point myself,” thought Doctor Mack,
but he did not care to express himself thus to Nancy.
“I am so glad the dear boy is coming home soon,” murmured the
housekeeper. “He has been studying so hard he needs a good long rest. I
will make some cookies expressly for him after he comes. I don't believe
he gets any at college.”
“I wonder what Nancy would say if she could have seen Walter presiding
at the supper, and heard the songs?” thought Doctor Mack.