“I guess I know that without any of the fellows having to tell me.”
“What did your father know?”
“He knew a lot of things. He told me that if I didn’t do better he would be compelled to take me out of school. He said he’d put me to work in the shops!” The expression of disgust that appeared on Walter’s face as he referred to the “shops” in his father’s factory might have made Dan laugh at another time, but he felt no such inclination now. The matter was too serious.
“Look here, Walter!” said Dan. “Do you mean to tell me that you honestly believe I reported you to your father?”
“That’s the only way he could have found out some things.”
“Let me ask you a question. Do you know when your father came here?”
“Why, this afternoon, I suppose,” replied Walter in surprise.
“No, sir. He came on the eight-thirty train this morning.”
“He did? Where was he all the forenoon?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t tell me. Couldn’t you guess?”