"I thought it was strange you would go into anything of this kind, Dick. What brings you back to-night?"
"I am ashamed of the whole thing," he answered earnestly, "and I came to release you—that is, on certain conditions."
My heart gave a bound. "What conditions, Dick?"
"I want you to promise that you won't tell who set you free," he explained. "If Dunc or the rest heard of it, they would never forgive me."
"What of it, Dick? Their opinion isn't worth anything."
"I know it—now. But they could tell mighty mean stories about me if they wanted to." And Dick Blair turned away and shuffled his foot on the ground to hide his shame.
"Don't mind them, Dick. If they start any bad report about you, do as I'm doing with the stain on our name—live it down."
"I'll try it. But you'll promise, won't you?"
"If you wish it, yes."
"All right; I know I can trust you," said Dick. Producing his pocket knife, he quickly cut the cords that bound me. Somewhat stiff from the position in which I had been forced to remain, I rose slowly to my feet.