“That’s all right, Carlton,” said Ned soothingly, as he saw the fear expressed on the face of his small visitor. “I’m glad you came straight to me. I’ll look after it. Now, run along like a good little boy.”
“I’m going,” said Carlton, turning toward the door. Then facing Ned, he said tremblingly, “If Gus should find out that I’d told you——”
“He won’t!”
“But if he should?”
“Don’t be scared. We’ll attend to Gus at the proper time.”
“Maybe it won’t be till after he has killed me.”
“Don’t you give up the ghost till you have to,” said Ned to his frightened visitor. “Good night, Carlton. Don’t forget to root your prettiest to-morrow when Dan strikes out the heavy hitters of the Military Academy. We may need every voice;” and Ned immediately sought Dan, whom he found alone in his room. “How are you, Dan?” he inquired as he seated himself in an easy chair and looked keenly at his friend. “Feeling fit for the game to-morrow?”
“My pedal extremities are a trifle chilly,” said Dan good-naturedly.
“I’ll risk them. That isn’t what I’m afraid of.”