Then there was more cheering, more handshaking and demonstrations of joy, and the boys finally found their way to the dressing-room beneath the grand-stand, where scores of admirers were ready to rub them down.
Among the Rockspur players was but one man who did not seem bubbling with satisfaction and happiness. Scott observed that Renwood did not seem elated, and his heart swelled with mingled anger and satisfaction, as he fancied the fellow had been completely balked in his treacherous designs.
In the midst of the chatter of voices somebody announced that Leon Bentley had been captured by Sim Drew, brought back under arrest and confined in the village lock-up.
This information re-awoke Don to his own troubles and reminded him that his father had not appeared to congratulate him after the game was over. Immediately he decided that the doctor, receiving information of the arrest of Bentley, had at once left the field to interview the captured rascal. This being true, it seemed certain that he still suspected his son and had hastened to learn from Leon’s lips if his suspicions were well founded.
“He might have waited a little!” the boy mentally cried. “But I suppose he thought we had lost the game anyway, so he failed to see the finish. I’m sorry. He’ll get the whole thing out of Bentley; but, unless, the fellow lies, no matter what else he learns, he’ll find out I had no part in the forgery of that check.”
The possibility that, to partly shield himself, thinking the doctor could not be so severe if Don should be implicated, Leon might assert that Don was associated with him in the check business startled and appalled Scott.
“He won’t dare!” he panted, half aloud. “If he does——”
“What ails you, old man?” asked Sterndale. “One’d never dream by the look on your face that you won the game for us to-day. You took that pass splendidly, and——”
“Saved me the disgrace of making a foozle at the critical moment,” said Renwood, coming up with half his clothes on. “I owe you thanks, Scott.”
“You owe me nothing!” Don blazed, instantly. “I rather fancy you would have felt more like thanking me if I had fumbled your pass.”