"If you want to know so much, I'll tell you. You know some men fail in order to make money."
"You mean Fred Markham's father failed dishonestly?" demanded Buttons.
So pointed was the insinuated accusation that, young people though they were, the other students realized its seriousness, and with solemn faces awaited Bart's reply.
The attention of all the scholars hanging upon the answer, none of them had noticed the approach of a well-built, manly young fellow, whose open, honest face and frank blue eyes were in striking contrast to the crafty, though handsome, features of Bart. As a result, the late-comer had reached the edge of the crowd just as Bart exclaimed:
"That's just what I mean. My father was the principal creditor. So I guess I know."
At these words there was a sharp intaking of breath by the divided groups, and Buttons retorted:
"I don't believe it. Fred Markham's father is an honest man."
"Thank you, Buttons," exclaimed a strained voice.
At the words, all eyes were turned in the direction whence they came, and as the boys recognized the speaker, shouts of "Here's Fred! Hello, Cotton-Top! Now say that to his face, you Bart!" filled the air.
"Who said my father was dishonest?" demanded Fred.