"Let's go back to the Hall, I am sick of it here," answered the bully of the school; and a few minutes later he and Jasniff started off, leaving Poole behind, in the company of several girls who had driven in to witness the football match. Poole always dressed very fastidiously, and sought the company of the girls whenever the opportunity offered.
Halfway to Oak Hall, Plum and Jasniff determined to ride on their wheels to Hampton, a small village south of Oakdale. Here they put up at the tavern, and Jasniff spent his last twenty cents for some liquor. Then they sat down in the back room, to smoke cigarettes and talk over their future plans.
"It don't feel nice to be dead-broke," said Jasniff. "Wouldn't you like to earn a little pile, Gus?"
"How?" questioned the bully eagerly.
"Oh,—I don't know exactly," drawled Jasniff, looking up at the ceiling. "But it might be done, you know."
"Well, I've got to get money somehow," answered Plum, desperately. "I am not going around without a cent in my pocket, and in debt, too."
"Will you stand by me if I show you a way to get a little pile?" asked Jasniff, lowering his voice.
"Yes, I will," answered Plum, boldly.
"All right, then; I'll let you know what I can do in a few days. I've got to consult somebody else first, though."