had thought of Verden University as a splendid democracy of
intellectual brotherhood that was to leaven the world with which
it came in touch.

"Do you mean that a fellow has to have money enough to make a good
showing before he can win any of the prizes?"

James K. nodded with the sage wisdom of a man of the world. "The
long green is a big help, but you've got to have the stuff in you.
Success comes to the fellow who goes after it in the right way."

"And suppose a fellow doesn't care to go after it?"

"He stays a nobody."

James was in evening dress, immaculate from clean-shaven cheek to
patent leather shoes. He had a well-filled figure and a handsome
face with a square, clean-cut jaw. His cousin admired the young
fellow's virile competency. It was his opinion that James K.
Farnum was the last person he knew likely to remain a nobody. He
knew how to conform, to take the color of his thinking from the
dominant note of his environment, but he had, too, a capacity for
leadership.

"I'm not going to believe you if I can help it," Jeff answered
with a smile.

The upper classman shrugged. "You'd better take my advice, just
the same.
At college you don't get a chance to make two starts. You're sized