But before he had consumed a quarter of the reading matter, a _real_ collision resulted. He was just about to turn the northwest corner of Phillip’s Hall when there was a scurry of feet, and before he could look up some one hurrying at top speed swept around the corner. Instantly the air was full of arms and legs, the copy of _The Blue and White_ accompanied by several school books, went speeding down the graveled path and a moment later Jack found himself seated on the ground and feeling for the exact spot on the back of his head where the west wall of the dormitory building had hit him. Six feet away sat tiny Tommy Todd, also feeling for injured places and trying at the same time to regain his breath.
“Jiminy--puff--puff--crickets, what’er you gettin’ into a fellow’s--puff--puff--way like that for, Jack?” demanded Tommy.
“Well, how on earth-- Say, why don’t you blow your horn when you are making a corner at top speed? I didn’t know you were coming,” returned Jack, scrutinizing the brick wall for dents. “Jiminy, I think if I had hit just a little harder, Phillip’s Hall would be minus a few bricks.”
“Huh, that’s nothing to the amount of gravel I’ll be carrying round with me for the rest of my life. Bet there is a peck of it jammed into my head,” returned Tommy, rubbing his head solicitously.
“Well, why the hurry, anyway, Tommy?” asked Jack, as they stood up and began to brush themselves off.
“Found me quicker than you expected, didn’t you?”
“Yes and no; that is, when I discovered you weren’t in your room I decided you might bob up most any place--and you did--”
“Well, what’s wanted of me in such a hurry?” demanded Jack.
“What is wanted? Oh, nothing, only there are about a half dozen fellows over in your room waiting for you. Did you forget that there was a special meeting of the ‘D’ Club called for this afternoon? The meeting is in your room at three o’clock, you know.”
“No, I hadn’t forgotten only--say, it isn’t three o’clock yet, is it?” asked Jack, somewhat surprised.
“Oh, isn’t it?” demanded Tommy, as he exhibited his watch.
“Jingo-netties, it’s half-past three. I was so interested in _The Blue and White_ that I forgot to hurry. Come on back, Tommy, and we’ll have the meeting started immediately,” said Jack, and seizing the diminutive catcher of the baseball team by the arm, he hurried him at top speed back toward the broad entrance of Phillip’s Hall.