"Oh, Dr. Clay, if you'll do that!" sobbed the boy, "I'll—I'll try to be better! I'll try to give up my bad habits! I never realized until now how really bad I have been! Just give me the chance, and I'll be better! I'll do as Chip Macklin is doing. Chip was never as bad as I've been, but you know how he has changed. I want to do better—I want to make something of myself, as Porter is doing. Please give me one more chance!"
"I'll do it!" said the doctor, softly, almost fatherly.
CHAPTER XXXII
THE MEDAL OF HONOR—CONCLUSION
Throughout Oak Hall there was an air of mystery that day. Gus Plum did not show himself and Dave did not come to his class until after dinner. When Dave did appear many wanted to question him, but he evaded the crowd and took no one but Roger into his confidence, although later he told Babcock and Henshaw how Plum had confessed to what had been done previous to the football game.
"That was dastardly," said Babcock.
"I know it," said Dave. "But believe me, Plum is suffering for it. He has a great deal on his mind, and it will be a real act of charity on your part if you forgive him. He has promised Dr. Clay that he will reform, and I think we ought to help him to do it."
"He can't reform—it isn't in him," said Henshaw, promptly.
"I can't believe you," answered Dave. "If you had seen what I saw you'd think better of Gus. He has a good side to him as well as a bad side. I am going to give him a chance and I hope all the other fellows will too."