“That it was a put-up job between Gooch and Billings. That Billings made believe to take the lost watch from Merriwell’s pocket. That it was an attempt to make the fellows suspect that Frank stole the watch.”
“Exactly.”
Bruce stopped.
“Bet you are right!” he growled. “I’m going back and say a few more things to those chaps. If we were somewhere else, I’d knock them both down.”
Harry urged Browning not to go back, for he saw Bruce was fearfully angry, and he realized that the big fellow might forget he was on the campus and strike Gooch or Billings.
They went to see Frank, and told him what Rattleton had heard. Merry looked grave and concerned, but he did not display the least anger.
“Hang it!” growled the big student. “Why don’t you get mad?”
“What’s the use?” said Merriwell. “I pity those chaps.”
“What?” shouted Browning and Rattleton, together.
“Yes,” said Frank, “I pity them. They hate me, and they suffer tortures because I have many friends and am popular. Since the adventure of the other night I have learned to be more tolerant with everybody, for I see how easy it is to get on the wrong track and go to the bad. To a certain extent, Gooch and Billings are not responsible for their nature. They make themselves wretched. I am glad you silenced them, and all I ask is that they keep still. If they will let me alone, I’ll not trouble them.”