“Which is a mighty good thing for you, old man! You should thank your lucky stars.”
“I’ve never cared to associate with them, but still it cuts a fellow to have such chaps treat him with scorn.”
“Don’t let it worry you, Hooker. As far as that is concerned, they treat me with just as much scorn, and I really enjoy it.”
Frank laughed cheerfully.
“They can’t hurt you, but when a chap has a bad name, everybody seems ready to believe anything evil about him, no matter what its source may be.”
Frank realized that this was true, and his sympathy for the outcast grew.
“I believe you are too sensitive, old man,” he said. “You are inclined to draw into your shell, like a turtle. You must quit that. Come with me to my room, and I’ll introduce you to a lot of fine fellows.”
Hooker looked pleased, but still he seemed in doubt as to Merry’s sincerity.
“Do you mean it?” he asked.
“Of course I do! Come along.”