So deeply moved were the aunt and nephew, they dared not speak in the fear that they would be unable to control their voices, and they expressed their appreciation of the old veteran’s words by shaking his hand cordially.
Sad, indeed, was the little household during the rest of the day, and as soon as Harry could find an excuse he went to his room and to bed, where, after forming various plans for the undoing of his father’s enemies, he finally dropped asleep.
“Now you must try to forget that things are not as they always were,” whispered his aunt in the boy’s ear as he started for school the next morning. “Just appear your usual self, and do not let any of your friends know that you are not happy.”
“It isn’t my friends I’m afraid of; it’s the fellows who don’t like me,” returned Harry.
“All the more reason why you should keep a stiff upper lip,” declared Mrs. Watson. And, promising to do his best, the boy set out for the bluff on which the Rivertown High School was, situated.
But it seemed as though Fate had conspired against Harry!
As he entered the main hallway, Elmer stepped up, having evidently been on the lookout for him.
“See here, Watson, I saw you skating with Viola Darrow yesterday afternoon!” he exclaimed.
“Well, what of it?”
“Just this much—don’t do it again!”