When , where , and what ? '' asked Gus , who was a man of few words . `` To-night , our house , subject , ` Shall girls go to college with us ? ' Mother said we had better be making up our minds , because every one is talking about it , and we shall have to be on one side or the other , so we may as well settle it now , '' answered Frank , for there was an impression among the members that all vexed questions would be much helped by the united eloquence and wisdom of the club . `` Very good ; I 'll pass the word and be there . Hullo , Neddy ! The D.C. meets to-night , at Minot 's , seven sharp . Co-ed , & c. , '' added Gus , losing no time , as a third boy came briskly round the corner , with a little bag in his hand . `` I 'll come . Got home an hour earlier to-night , and thought I 'd look you up as I went by , '' responded Ed Devlin , as he took possession of the third post , with a glance toward the schoolhouse to see if a seal-skin cap , with a long , yellow braid depending therefrom , was anywhere in sight . `` Very good of you , I 'm sure , '' said Gus , ironically , not a bit deceived by this polite attention . `` The longest way round is sometimes the shortest way home , hey , Ed ? '' and Frank gave him a playful poke that nearly sent him off his perch . Then they all laughed at some joke of their own , and Gus added , `` No girls coming to hear us to-night . Do n't think it , my son . `` More 's the pity , '' and Ed shook his head regretfully over the downfall of his hopes . `` Ca n't help it ; the other fellows say they spoil the fun , so we have to give in , sometimes , for the sake of peace and quietness . Do n't mind having them a bit myself , '' said Frank , in such a tone of cheerful resignation that they laughed again , for the `` Triangle , '' as the three chums were called , always made merry music . `` We must have a game party next week . The girls like that , and so do I , '' candidly observed Gus , whose pleasant parlors were the scene of many such frolics .
`` And so do your sisters and your cousins and your aunts , '' hummed XXXXX , for Gus was often called Admiral because he really did possess three sisters , two cousins , and four aunts , besides mother and grandmother , all living in the big house together .
Devlin Ed Frank Gus Hullo Minot Neddy chums third to-night