“That’s the Emerson we found waiting on table at the hotel,” exclaimed Stanley interestedly. “At least, I suppose it is. I don’t believe there’s another Emerson in school.”
“I’ll soon tell you,” said Jimmy, rescuing the Supplement from beside his chair. “Emerson, E., Dribble--that’s a swell cognomen, if you ask me!--Dutton, Eager--none in the senior class. And none in the junior--yes, there is, ‘Emerson, Russell Wilcox, Lawrence, N. Y., U. 27.’”
“That’s this fellow,” said Stanley. “R. W., Russell Wilcox. Any others?”
“N-no, not in the-- Hold on, though. Here’s another in the freshman bunch: ‘Emerson, Ernest Prentice--’”
“Not him. He wouldn’t be a freshie. Besides, the initials aren’t right. But who’s G. Patterson?”
“Seems to me I remember a Patterson,” mused Jimmy. “Of course! You know him; at least by sight. Tall, thin gink; curly hair; Canadian, I think. Rooms in Upton. Wasn’t he trying for baseball last spring?”
Stanley nodded. “Yes, but didn’t make it. I believe he’s a bit of a tennis shark. I remember. Maybe he and Emerson room together.”
“Right-o!” corroborated Jimmy, referring again to the list. “What do you know about them opening a store? Got their courage, what? Athletic goods, eh? Well, honest, Stan, there’s a mighty good chance for some one to handle a decent line of athletic goods here. Crocker never has what you want, or, if he has, it’s so old it falls to pieces before you can use it. Remember the glove you bought last spring?”
Stanley nodded earnestly. “Fool thing went to pieces the third time I wore it,” he grunted. “Crocker’s higher than thunder, too. He doesn’t know the War’s over yet! Wouldn’t be surprised if these fellows did pretty well, Jimmy.”
“Nor I; and I hope they do. This Emerson guy seems to have a lot of grit, or--or something. Initiative, too. Plucky chap. I liked his looks that day at Pine Harbor.” After a moment, his eyes returned to the advertisement, “Say, what do you suppose this cryptic bit means? ‘PandF spells Best.’ What’s PandF?”
“You may explore me,” replied Stanley, yawning. “Maybe a misprint for P and E, Patterson and Emerson.”
“But it’s ‘Emerson and Patterson.’ Besides, the thing’s run together, like one word.”
“It’s probably put there to make fellows curious, just as it’s made you, Jimmy. Sort of a--a--what do they call ’em? Slogans, isn’t it? Like ‘It Floats,’ or--or--” But to save his life Stanley couldn’t think of another example, and he subsided on the pillows again with a grunt.