Tom devoutly wished himself and the bags there now.

Once he was conscious of the fact that the youth beside him was glancing his way, but he pretended not to be aware of it.

Then his neighbour spoke.
"Princeton ought to have a pretty good team this year," he observed genially.

Tom, his heart in his mouth, nodded.
"Y-yes," he said.
"Interested in football ?" went on the other.

Tom dared a quick glance at the smiling face and shook his head.
"No, thank you.