Dave Farrington hesitated a moment, unwilling to repeat the unkind words of Fred's former schoolmates.
"The worst came from De Vere," he said at length.
Fred's face colored.
"I expected this," he replied; "but what did he say?"
"When I got to the school house for the afternoon session, De Vere was there, and knowing that I always stood up for you, he cried out in a sneering way:
"'Well, Farrington, what have you to say for your friend Worthington now? I suppose, of course, you know what he has done, and that John Rexford discharged him last night?'
"I said, 'Yes, I know about his discharge, but I don't know that he has done anything to deserve it.'
"'He stole some money from the drawer,' he returned.
"'How do you know that?' I asked.
"'Why, everybody says so! I always said that you would get enough of him,' he replied.