“Yes,” answered Joel simply and earnestly.

“May I take it, too?” asked the other youth.  Joel started and looked down into the anxious and entreating face of Bartlett Cloud.  He grasped the hesitating hand that was held up.

“Yes,” he answered smilingly.

And the big drum boomed, and the shrill fifes tootled, and the crimson banners waved upon the breeze, and every one cheered himself hoarse, and thus the conquering heroes came back to the college that loved them.

And Joel, a little tearful when no one was looking, and very happy always, was borne on the shoulders of West and Cloud, friend and enemy, at the very head of the procession, honored above all!