“All right,” said Gus, promptly turning to Dan. “My first question is, Do you pay for your term-bills in the Tait School or does someone else pay for them? I know it’s none of my business in one sense of the word——”
“Of course it’s none of your business!” broke in Walter. “No one but a mucker would ever ask a question like that anyway!”
For a moment Gus glared at the speaker, but as Hodge and Smith instantly stepped in front of him, no damage, at least physically, was done. “You don’t have to answer such a fool question as that,” said Hodge, turning to Dan.
“I don’t mind answering it,” said Dan, apparently unmoved. “I don’t mind telling you that I don’t pay my bills here.”
“There! That’s just what I thought!” shouted Gus and he was quick to mark the effect of Dan’s acknowledgment. It was manifest that the reply of Dan had somewhat dampened the ardor of the boys. “Now, I’ve got just one question more.”
“It’ll keep,” said Smith curtly.
“Let me hear it,” protested Dan.
“I won’t ask you who pays your bills,” continued Gus, “but I will ask you this: Now, honestly, wasn’t it because you’re a good pitcher that this unknown benefactor of yours offered to pay your way through the Tait School?”
“Don’t answer his question, Dan!” spoke up Walter hastily.