“That’s where you come in. The fellows invited you down to the club to-night. I want you to go down and drop the letter on the floor, where it’ll be picked up by somebody besides Renwood. Whoever gets it will have to read it to see what it is, which will give the whole thing away. Will you do it?”
Don’s nature rebelled against such an act, and Leon saw he was wavering.
“Think what he’s done to you!” urged the tempter. “He’s covered you all over with dirt. He’s made the fellows believe you slashed the suits and destroyed the football. It’s your only chance to get even. Have you got the nerve?”
“Yes!” grated Don. “Go ahead and fake up that letter. I’ll drop it where it will fall into the hands of Sterndale himself.”
“Good!” laughed Bentley. “Mr. Dolph Renwood is as good as done for! Bring on the paper, pen and ink, and watch your old side-partner do the trick. The world is ours, and Renwood isn’t in it!”
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE FORGERY DISCOVERED.
The second bell was ringing when Don entered the academy the following morning. As he stepped through the doorway he felt a pull at his sleeves and a well-known voice whispered in his ear:
“Well, did you do it, Scott?”
Bentley had been waiting for him, and Don saw the fellow’s face over his shoulder.
“Yes,” he answered quickly, in a low tone. “I got a good chance last night, for I waited with Sterndale till after the others were all gone home, pretending I wanted to have a talk with him. Then, when he didn’t see me, I dropped the letter just where Renwood had been sitting, and I saw him pick it up.”