Freeman sat upright and stared in blank amazement.
“How did you know it?” he said.
“Perhaps I ought to say I guessed it, for of course I did not know what message you carried to Baum, but I saw Henderson speak to you, and then I saw you go to Baum, and I thought you gave him something. Afterward, when I saw him hand something to the rascal that fired that cracker, I guessed at once that Henderson had sent you to do the abominable errand for him.”
“Did you tell all this to the professor?” questioned Ray.
“No, Ray, I gave the professor no names, but I may have to tell him about Baum. I cannot tell him about you.”
Freeman’s head went down on his hands again and he groaned out:—
“That isn’t all, either, Stanley. It was I that snapped the marble that broke Raleigh’s glasses, and I lied about that, too.”
“Did you do that, Ray? I was afraid it was you, but I hoped I was mistaken. Why didn’t you own up when Mr. Horton gave you the chance? He wouldn’t have been hard on you. He knew it was an accident,” said Clark.
“But it wasn’t, Stanley. At least, I meant the marble to hit Raleigh’s head, though of course, I didn’t think of his glasses. I’ve had a hand in all the mischief that has been done in the room these last two terms, and I’ve lied like a trooper right straight through it all. Stanley—I don’t believe I can help lying now.”
“Nonsense, Ray!” Clark spoke sternly, now. “Don’t be so weak as to give up trying to make a man of yourself. I tell you, Ray, your father’s son must be a true, honorable man. You have to take his place in the world—fill his place to your mother and Edith.”