When the bell rang at the end of the hour, in the instant confusion and clatter that arose as the members of the class got to their feet, Lester grasped David’s arm.
“Dave,” he whispered, “please don’t speak to Professor Worthington about that theme of yours till after I have a talk with you.”
At first David did not understand. “Which theme?” he said. “That about electioneering?”
“No. The one that he read to the class.”
David looked at him, amazed. “Did you do that, Lester?”
“Yes. Wait till I can tell you about it, Dave.” Lester’s face was pale, his eyes were pleading.
“All right; I’ll wait for you outside.”
They separated; Lester went to Professor Worthington’s desk, and David passed out of the door. There were three other students waiting at the desk to speak to Professor Worthington, but he noticed Lester approaching and reached out the theme to him.
“That’s a fine piece of work, Mr. Wallace,” he said. “Do another as good. You’ll excuse me, I know, for reading it to the class. I was sure they’d be interested.”