“That Snooks had better watch out!” he snapped. “I—” then he evidently thought better of his intention to say anything further concerning the bully; and taking Harry’s hand, he exclaimed: “Just keep good courage in your heart, boy. Things will come out all right. Go about your study and play exactly as though nothing had happened. I’ll let you hear from me in a few days. And now I must go or I shall miss my train.”
And giving the boy’s hand another hearty shake, the crippled veteran started again on his way to the railroad station.
Not more than a few steps had he taken, however, then he felt a hand on his valise, and turning quickly, in the fear that it might be some of the boys who delighted to play tricks on him, he had a snarl on his lips, when he saw that it was Harry.
“I’ll go down to the station with you, Mr. Brown,” he announced. “Just let me take your valise.”
Glad of the assistance, for he had found his bag heavier than he thought, the veteran held the conversation to cheerful topics, and not again was the unfortunate matter, so close to the hearts of both, mentioned. And waiting until the train departed, Harry took his way home.
But he was not as bereft of friends as he had thought.
No sooner had he taken his departure from the river than the boys who had gathered about the iceboat took up the discussion of the affair.
“Well, even if Mr. Watson does go to jail, that doesn’t mean we should throw Harry down!” announced Paul, resolutely.
Quickly several of the other boys reiterated this opinion, but more of them sided with Elmer and Pud.
“You can associate with him if you want to—but I don’t think your father will let you,” sneered the rich lad.