They not only played together but they got into mischief together, and went to school together, until Tom went to college.

When they got into mischief together Tom, somehow, usually managed to escape punishment, for he was a much keener lad than Bill, and Bill, on his part, seldom failed to receive his full share of punishment." "That weren't fair!" broke in Jimmy.

"'Tweren't honest for Tom to let Bill get all the punishment!" "He didn't mean to be dishonest, I'm sure," said Skipper Ed.
"But 'tweren't honest," insisted Jimmy.
"As I was saying," continued Skipper Ed, "Tom went to college and made new friends, and when Bill followed him to college two years later the lads saw little of each other.

Tom was a brilliant fellow, and everyone liked him.

He had a host of friends among the students.