"I'm glad you didn't apologize to Sharp," said Sam.
"What are you going to do with yourself—go home?" asked Dick.
"No. I am going to move to Ashton, and then try to get to the bottom of this matter."
"The doctor will send a letter home."
"So will I, and you must do the same. I think father will believe us."
Tom left that night, and established himself at the leading hotel in
Ashton.
News travels swiftly, and Koswell and his cohorts took care that the girls at Hope should hear the story about the Rovers and Stanley and their supposed disgraceful doings. Dora, Nellie and Grace could scarcely believe their ears when they heard it.
"This is awful!" murmured Dora, and the tears came to her eyes.
"I don't believe one word of it!" cried Nellie with spirit.
"But Tom has been suspended," said Grace. "And think of poor Sam and
Dick!" And her heart sank like lead within her bosom.