“Aren’t you proud of your brother?” said a girl near Bessie; and Bessie answered frankly, “Indeed I am, Mollie.”
“You have reason to be, Miss Bessie,” added Professor Keene. “I am proud to have him in my school. His influence is always on the right side.”
Bessie’s eyes shone with delight at this public compliment to her brother; but Edith turned away with tears in her eyes and an aching heart, because her only brother could receive no such commendation.
CHAPTER IX.
FREEMAN MAKES A DECISION.
The next morning’s mail carried to every member of Company C, and also to Clark, Freeman and Crawford, a request from Professor Keene to be at his office that morning at ten o’clock. There was some grumbling, as it was Saturday, and the summons interfered with various holiday plans; but more than one face was shadowed with uneasiness and anxiety, and among this number was that of Captain Henderson.
“I’m afraid you’re in for it, Hen,” Crawford said to him on the way to the school.
“They can’t prove anything against me,” replied Henderson, uneasily; “not if you and Freeman don’t blab.”
“I shan’t, of course, and I don’t believe Freeman will. He’s a plucky little chap.”
“I’m not so sure of him as you seem to be, Crawford; but if he does let out anything, I’ll pay him out for it. He may be sure of that,” said Henderson.