“Well, it’s a good story anyway,” answered Shadow, ruefully.
“I shan’t attempt to stop Nat unless he makes some direct accusation,” said Dave, calmly. “What would be the use? It would only make matters worse.”
“If you took notice of what he says, some folks would begin to think there was something in it,” said Phil. “Yes, better drop Nat. He isn’t worth bothering about, anyway. Just the same, it is mean for him to speak in this fashion.”
“He wouldn’t be Nat Poole if he didn’t,” retorted Roger.
Despite this incident, the boys and girls managed to have a good time on the ice, and for an hour or two Dave forgot his troubles and those of his friends.
“What are you going to do for the rest of the vacation, Dave?” said Roger, that evening. “You know you promised to come to my home.”
“Yes, and you promised to visit me, too,” added Phil. “You haven’t been to our house in a long time.”
“To tell the truth, I haven’t the heart to go anywhere,” answered Dave, soberly. “I guess I had better stay here and see if something doesn’t turn up.”
“Well, I can’t blame you,” said the senator’s son, and Phil said the same.