I do n't mind 'em at school , but I 'd just as soon they had a room to themselves . We should get on better . '' '' You would if Mabel was n't in your class and always ahead of you , '' observed Ed , whose friend was a fine scholar , and he very proud of the fact . `` Look here , if you fellows keep interrupting , I wo n't sit down for half an hour , '' said Joe , well knowing that eloquence was not his gift , but bound to have his say out . Deep silence reigned , for that threat quelled the most impatient member , and Joe prosed on , using all the arguments he had ever heard , and paying off several old scores by sly hits of a personal nature , as older orators often do . `` It is clear to my mind that boys would get on better without any girls fooling round . As for their being as smart as we are , it is all nonsense , for some of 'em cry over their lessons every day , or go home with headaches , or get mad and scold all recess , because something ` is n't fair . ' No , sir ; girls ai n't meant to know much , and they ca n't . Wise folks say so and I believe 'em . Have n't got any sisters myself , and I do n't want any , for they do n't seem to amount to much , according to those who do have 'em . '' Groans from Gus and Ed greeted the closing remarks of the ungallant Joe , who sat down , feeling that he had made somebody squirm . Up jumped Grif , the delight of whose life was practical jokes , which amiable weakness made him the terror of the girls , though they had no other fault to find with the merry lad . `` Mr. Chairman , the ground I take is this : girls have not the strength to go to college with us . They could n't row a race , go on a lark , or take care of themselves , as we do . They are all well enough at home , and I like them at parties , but for real fun and go I would n't give a cent for them , '' began Grif , whose views of a collegiate life were confined to the enjoyments rather than the studies of that festive period . `` I have tried them , and they ca n't stand anything . They scream if you tell them there is a mouse in the room , and run if they see a big dog . I just put a cockroach in Molly 's desk one day , and when she opened it she jumped as if she was shot . '' So did the gentlemen of the club , for at that moment half-a-dozen fire-crackers exploded under the chair Grif had left , and flew wildly about the room . Order was with difficulty restored , the mischievous party summarily chastised and commanded to hold his tongue , under penalty of ejectment from the room if he spoke again .
Firmly grasping that red and unruly member , XXXXX composed himself to listen , with his nose in the air and his eyes shining like black beads .
Ed Grif Joe Mabel Molly day ejectment enjoyments hour left