“And still you are willing to introduce me to your friends?”
“Yes. I do not believe in killing a fellow for something his father did.”
“God bless you!” cried Hooker sincerely, his voice shaking with emotion. “Now I am beginning to understand why you are so popular here. It’s not simply because you are a great athlete, but it is because you are a gentleman and have a noble heart. Let me tell you, Mr. Merriwell, you have given me more pleasure to-day than I have felt before for months! I thank you!”
“You have nothing to thank me for, my dear fellow. I do not believe you have been treated just right here at college, and I’m going to see if the mistake can’t be remedied. I am going to get you in with my set, and I rather think that will give you standing.”
“I think you had better find out if they are willing to meet me. It will be better.”
“Nonsense! My friends are not cads!”
“I know, but——”
“There are no buts about it. You must come along. We were going to my room, and there will be a little gathering there now. Come, Hooker.”
Frank passed his arm through that of the outcast, and thus they left the fence and passed along the broad walk.
“Look at them!” exclaimed Gene Skelding, who, with Chickering and the rest of his crowd, had been watching Merriwell. “By Jove! if Merriwell isn’t walking arm in arm with that son of a thief, I’m a liar!”