"And to think I did what I did for a chap whose father won't help mine, for lack of money," snorted Fred, as he tore the letter to shreds in his anger.
CHAPTER XII
BART'S SCHEME FAILS
A moment later, Fred was ashamed of his outburst, and penitently he made amends by being unusually cordial to Bronson, who joined him as he passed the headmaster's house.
"You got home safely, I judge," exclaimed the new student.
"Yes, indeed," replied Fred, maintaining a silence upon the events of the walk home.
"I'm glad. I was afraid Montgomery and his friends might make trouble for you."
With various generalities, to which Fred gave monosyllabic assent or dissent, as the case might be, Bronson kept up a conversation, and in due course they reached the school grounds.
No sooner had they entered, however, than they realized something unusual was afoot.
In groups of varying size, the girls were talking earnestly, some to other girls and others to boys. But at the approach of Fred and his companion they became silent, and the two boys were aware of many covert glances as they passed up the tree-lined walk.