“The remains of a slingshot and ammunition I confiscated from a Freshy who was taking shots at me,” he explained.

“Drop the beans in—­ they’ll look like jelly beans!” cried Tom.  “And cut up that rubber band into pieces for jujube-paste!”

Dick was at the door on guard, and presently he gave a low whistle, to notify the others that Tubbs was coming back.  Instantly Tom shut the candy box, put back the paper covering and ribbon; and then he and Sam slipped out of the dormitory by a side door, so that the dudish student might not see them.

Such a joke as had been played Tom could not keep to himself, and when the Rovers went downstairs he told Stanley, Songbird and Spud Jackson.

“Fine!” cried Stanley.  “That Miss Ruggles deserves it, too.  She thinks, just because her father has rocks, that she is too good to even recognize any of us.  The only fellow she tolerates is Tubby—­ I guess because he’s such a dude.”

Tom wanted to follow William Philander Tubbs when he went to see the young lady, who was stopping with an aunt who lived not far from Brill.  The others were willing, and all hung around the campus until the stylish student made his appearance.

“She’s crazy for candy—­ Tubby told me so himself,” said Spud.  “Eats about a barrelful a week, so I understand.  That’s why he got her the box, I guess.”

“If she eats that boxful she’ll be a good one,” was Tom’s dry comment.

It was not long before Tubbs appeared.  The stylish student was faultlessly attired, in light trousers, dark Prince Albert coat, white vest, spats, and a silk hat.  In one hand he carried a cane and in the other the box of candy.

“My, but we are some swell!” murmured Sam.

“He ought to pose for a fashion magazine,” returned Tom.  “Keep back, fellows, or he’ll spot us!” And he pulled those nearest to him behind some shrubbery.

William Philander passed them and they followed at a safe distance in the darkness.  The dudish student headed directly for the house at which Miss Clarabel Ruggles was stopping, and the others saw him ascend the front piazza and ring the bell.  A servant ushered him in, and the boys saw the light turned up in a parlor.

“Come on and see the fun,” said Tom, and led the way across a lawn.  The curtains to the parlor windows were half up, so they could look into the room with ease.  One window was partly open for ventilation.

They saw William Philander sitting in a chair, the box of candy on his lap.  Presently Clarabel Ruggles came in, attired in an elaborate evening gown.  Tubbs at once arose to his feet and, bowing very low, accepted her hand, which was held on high.  Then the dudish student said something and offered the box of candy.

“Oh, is this really for me!” those outside heard the young lady cry, the words coming through the partly open window.

“No, he bought it for the cat!” murmured Tom, and at this the others had to snicker.