CHAPTER XXI

MARJORY THE FRANK

At the door of the senior block Burgess, going out, met Bob coming in, hurrying, as he was rather late.

"Congratulate you, Bob," he said; and passed on.

Bob stared after him. As he stared, Trevor came out of the block.

"Congratulate you, Bob."

"What's the matter now?"

"Haven't you seen?"

"Seen what?"

"Why the list. You've got your first."

"My--what? you're rotting."

"No, I'm not. Go and look."

The thing seemed incredible. Had he dreamed that conversation between Spence and Burgess on the pavilion steps? Had he mixed up the names? He was certain that he had heard Spence give his verdict for Mike, and Burgess agree with him.

Just then, Mike, feeling very ill, came down the steps. He caught sight of Bob and was passing with a feeble grin, when something told him that this was one of those occasions on which one has to show a Red Indian fortitude and stifle one's private feelings.

"Congratulate you, Bob," he said awkwardly.

"Thanks awfully," said Bob, with equal awkwardness. Trevor moved on, delicately. This was no place for him. Bob's face was looking like a stuffed frog's, which was Bob's way of trying to appear unconcerned and at his ease, while Mike seemed as if at any moment he might burst into tears. Spectators are not wanted at these awkward interviews.

There was a short silence.

"Jolly glad you've got it," said Mike.

"I believe there's a mistake. I swear I heard Burgess say to Spence----"

Now, provide a numbered list of answers to these questions:

1. Who was the first person to meet Bob?
2. What was everyone saying to him?
3. Was Bob surprised?
4. Why was everyone congratulating him?
5. Was he dreaming?
6. What did he think he heard?
7. Who did he come in contact with that he was uncomfortable with?
8. Was Mike crying?
9. Did Mike respond to him?
10. Where did Spence and Burgess speak at?
11. Who told Bob he got first?
12. Who was running late?
13. What did he think when he heard the news?
14. Where did this take place?
15. Did Mike show his real feelings to him?
16. What did Bob's face look like when talking to Mike?

Numbered answers:
1. Burgess
2. Congratulate you, Bob
3. Yes
4. He got first
5. No
6. Spence give his verdict for Mike
7. Mike
8. No
9. Yes
10. pavilion steps
11. Trevor
12. Bob
13. He was in disbelief
14. At the door of the senior block
15. no
16. a feeble grin