But Nat Poole had not been happy over Dave's good fortune. They had met at the local post-office, and Poole had made some undertoned remarks that did not please Dave in the least. As a matter of fact Nat Poole, even though fairly well-to-do himself, envied Dave because of his riches.
"Wait and see how he tries to lord it over us when he comes back," said Nat Poole to Gus Plum, when the two met at Oak Hall. "I suppose he will put on such airs there will be no living with him. And he will do what he can to buy all the other fellows over to him."
"He shan't lord it over me, or buy me over either," answered the bully. His tone was very bitter, because of the fact that his own position in life seemed to be going down. His father had lost money steadily during the past year, and it was now almost a question whether Gus should continue at school or leave and go to work.
"It made me sick to see how Crumville folks bowed and smiled to him," went on Nat Poole. "When he was nobody they wouldn't notice him—now they tumble over each other to shake him by the hand."
"But has he really got so much money?"
"They say so—but I don't believe it."
"Does he dress any better than he used to?"
"Hardly a bit better. If that uncle of his has the rocks I guess he is miserly about using any."
"Then maybe Dave won't have so very much spending money," said Gus Plum, his face brightening a bit.
"I don't know anything about that. But I do know it makes me sick to think he is coming here to show off in front of all of us."