“I haven’t any idea,” replied Walter. “What is it?”
“Hale told me that if any more trouble was made in pretty little Carlton’s room one or two members of the team would be shut out from the games.”
“Did he mean you?”
“I guess so. If he didn’t, why did he speak to me in that way?”
“You know better than I do,” laughed Walter, as Dan looked steadily at their visitor, though he did not speak.
“Don’t let me keep you,” continued Gus, looking again at Dan. “Why do you linger so long? If you want to go and play horse or Injun with your little pal, don’t let me prevent you. My only suggestion is that you tell the nice little boy that if he ‘blabs’ on me again he will want to arrange for the coroner. And so will anyone who tries to set him up to such tricks.”
Gus’s face flushed an angry red as he spoke directly to Dan, while Walter was looking in wonder first at one boy and then at the other.
“The little fellow has a right to protect himself,” said Dan quietly.
“‘Protect himself’!” said Gus scornfully. “There isn’t any place in the Tait School for a telltale.”