In his Greek that day Will failed miserably and completely, and his anger at Splinter was intensified when the professor near the close of the recitation said: 

“It is quite needless, I fawncy, for me to emphasize, young gentlemen, the necessity there is at the present time for you all to adopt the utmost care in all matters pertaining especially to your health.  I refer to you individually as well as collectively.  My advice to you is to use only mineral water—­I refer obviously to the water you drink—­and it might be well to avoid the undue use of milk—­”

A shout of laughter interrupted the professor which caused his face to flush with anger and he arose abruptly from his seat, the signal that the class was dismissed.

As Will, who was among the last to pass out, came near the desk the professor said to him, “Mr. Phelps, I should be pleased if you would remain for a brief time.  I should like exceedingly to have a word with you.”

Accordingly, Will stood by the desk till all the class had passed out, and then the professor said, “Ah, Mr. Phelps, would you kindly inform me what your opinion is as to the cause of the students receiving my remarks a few minutes ago with such an outburst of laughter?  I assure you I had not the least intention to say anything that should even appear to be liable to excite the mirth of the young gentlemen.  I do not know that I was ever more serious in my entire life.”

“I think, professor, it was your reference to milk.”

“Why should I not refer to it?  In times of fear, when typhoid fever is—­is—­ah, at least somewhat feared, it is wise to be extremely cautious, and I have it on the authority of men of the highest reputation that milk is a medium through which the germs of the disease transmit themselves most readily.”

“Yes, but you know, professor, the college is supposed to think the freshmen feed on milk.  That’s supposed to be their diet.”

“Ah, yes,” replied the professor, smiling in a manner that proclaimed his entire inability to perceive the point.  “That must be the point of the joke.  Ah, yes.  I see it distinctly now.  It is very good!  It is very good, indeed!”

“Professor, can you tell me my marks?  How am I doing in my Greek lately?”

“I am not supposed to reply to such a question from any of the young gentlemen, but I fawncy in a general way I may be able to respond to your query.  Ah, yes,” he added, glancing at the page in the little book before him wherein Will’s record was contained, “there is an improvement, not great, it is true, but still an improvement; and if your work continues it will bring you almost up to the mark required.”

“Almost?” exclaimed Will aghast.  “You don’t mean to say, do you, Mr. Splinter—­”

“Mr. who?” demanded the professor, instantly rising and his face flushing again with anger.

CHAPTER XIX