The lads were soon actively engaged in putting away the good things, and then, for a time, conversation languished, save for intermittent remarks.
"Are you having a good time, boys?" asked Socker, poking his head in the storeroom, after having shoveled some coal on the fire.
"We sure are, and we're much obliged to you," replied Jack.
"Oh, that's all right. It reminds me, to see you all eating, of how I once was nearly starved in Andersonville prison. I was in there----"
"I'm coming out to hear that story in about five minutes, Socker," interrupted Jack. "Have it all ready for me."
"I will," promised the janitor, as he went back to look at the boiler.
It was a merry time, and Will, or, as the boys called him, Bill, enjoyed it more than any one. It seemed as if a new world had opened before him. His face lost the downcast look, his eyes were brighter, and he even ventured to make one or two jokes. The boys seemed to like him, and Jack was glad of it, for he had a genuine admiration for the new boy, and wanted to befriend him.
To some of his chums he told something of Will's story, and there was general indignation expressed against the mean guardian.
"Well, fellows, I guess we've eaten everything except the table and the candles," said Jack after a while. "I think we'd better be getting back to our rooms, for Martin may take it into his head to pay a late visit."
The advice was timely, and as the lads had had a jolly evening, they prepared to disperse. They cleared away the remains of the feast, leaving Socker to put aside the boards, cans and bottles. As they filed out of the boiler-room, Socker called to Jack:
"I'm all ready to tell you that story now."
"I've got to see these infants to bed," replied our hero with a wink. "Then I'll be back, Socker. Think over all the points in the story. I don't want to lose any."
"I'll do that, Mr. Ranger," and Socker sat down in a chair before the fire and began to think deeply.
The students reached their rooms without being detected, whispering to Jack, on their way, their thanks for the spread.
"I've had the best time in my life!" exclaimed Will as he clasped Jack's hand at his door. "I can't thank you enough."
"Then don't try," replied Jack. "Brace up, and you'll be all right."