“Do you want me to tell you the truth?” he asked. “Do you want me to tell you just what Dick Merriwell said?”
“I don’t believe he said anything.”
“All right; we will let it drop.”
But, girllike, Doris’ curiosity was aroused, and she felt a strong desire to hear what Arlington seemed willing to tell.
“If he did say anything, go ahead and tell me,” she finally urged. “But don’t tell me anything save the truth.”
“No danger that I will do that,” he asserted, with an air of apparent sincerity. “Of course, you met Dick first and were friends with him before my sister came to Fardale. I have heard all about it. I know the whole business. I know, too, that you and Hal Darrell were pretty good friends before Dick interfered between you.”
“He never interfered.”
“Well, that’s what I have heard. Why, a fellow at school told me that Merriwell himself said he cut Darrell out with you.”
Again the girl’s cheeks blazed.
“I don’t believe he said it,” she indignantly declared.