The two young men shook hands in the heartiest fashion and separated. There was intense personal rivalry between them, far more than their words expressed; it was a commendable rivalry; each was determined to make every effort to win the great prize, but each had a high personal regard for the other.
This meeting was on one of the Saturdays in May. Robert was now highly elated with the efficiency of his six-pounder crew. It drilled every day. Dummy six-pounder shells were thrown into the gun with tremendous speed and remarkable precision. There were now no slips, no jams. While this was proceeding Robert would be at the shoulder-piece, his eye at the peep-sight, aiming at some boat in the river. This was the nearest approach possible to actually firing the gun. And every man of the gun's crew was enthusiastically confident.
"Stone," said Robert, after dinner this Saturday, "I've permission to use a steamer this afternoon and I've got up a party to go up the Severn River."
"I'll bet Helen is in the party," replied Stonewell, smiling at his roommate.
"Of course she is; Mrs. Blunt is coming, and Glassfell and Farnum. Now we want you too."
"I wish I could go, but I can't," replied Stonewell, decidedly. "I've an engagement I can't break."
"Oh, rats, chuck your tailor for once--your measure will keep. But now I'll give you some information that will bring you along with us--Nellie Strong is with the Blunts; she arrived this morning and is going to stay over for graduation. Now will you come?"
"I can't, Bob, but I'll be out to the Blunts' house to-night."
"Pshaw, I counted on your going--what is your engagement; can't you put it off?"
"I really wish I could, but it's imperative; there's nothing pleasant about it--I may tell you about it later--I can't now."
"It seems to me you've been getting an extra lot of letters lately, Stone."
"Yes, more than I wish for," rejoined Stone rather bitterly.
"Helen and I went walking that Sunday afternoon, the Sunday you and I had intended going across the river. First Helen had an errand to do on Conduit Street and right ahead of us you were walking along. You went into a big yellow house."
Stonewell gave a start. "Well," he said, "what of it?"
"Look here, Stone, old chap, you have something on your mind that's bothering you terribly. Is there no way I can help you; will it do you no good to talk things over with me?"