"It's too bad! I'm sorry for you, Fred, and I think De Vere is the cause of the whole trouble."
"I don't see how he could have been at the bottom of what came up yesterday between Mr. Rexford and me."
"Well, I believe, from what he said, that he was the means of your first trouble, and I can't see why you won't charge him with it, and not let every one think he is so nice and that you are guilty."
"What has he said?" asked Fred eagerly, thinking perhaps Matthew had exultingly told the boys his trick.
"He told Tom Martin that he was glad you showed up as you did, for it gave the people a chance to see what kind of a fellow you were."
"Was that all he said?"
"No; Tom said to him that he supposed he and you were great friends, as he had seen you together so much. De Vere replied that he knew what he was about, and had gained his point. That's all I heard. Isn't that enough?"
"Oh, that doesn't count for anything!" replied Fred, turning the matter off. "But tell me," he continued, "what was said at school about me. You said you heard the report there."
"Do you really want me to tell you?"
"Yes; I am not expecting anything complimentary, and may as well know the worst."