“I hardly believe Dag would go back on us, Mike,” said Poland.
“Of course not,” put in Toleman.
“Anyhow,” said Ditson, “we can’t afford to suspect a fellow unless there are proofs against him. Have you any evidence—any reason to believe Mel squealed on us?”
“No reason beyond the fact that some one must have squealed, and I feel confident the rest of the crowd wouldn’t do that.”
“This is not the first time you and I have had words, Lynch,” said Daggett. “I want you to understand that I’m just as trustworthy as you are.”
“But you’re a greedy hog. A fellow who asks friends twenty per cent a month on money loaned to them would do almost anything.”
“That’s business, that’s business!” snapped Mel. “There’s nothing underhand or sneaky about it. If they borrow, they know what they’re expected to pay. If you mean to insinuate that I would sell my friends out to the Merriwell crowd, let me tell you that you’re a confounded liar. Is that good enough for you?”
It seemed that Lynch would make a lunge for Daggett’s throat, but both Ditson and Toleman interfered and checked him.
“Steady, Mike,” said Dunc. “We can’t afford to have a fuss just now. The very fact that Mel is so indignant over your suspicions ought to satisfy you of his innocence. I’m satisfied.”
“Of course it was queer that Merriwell got onto the business the way he did,” admitted Toleman; “but I am not willing to think that any one of the fellows here turned traitor. It leaked out through some accident and not through deliberate treachery.”