“Do what?”
“Clear me. Clear me of all suspicion.”
“It seems to me that in the present state of the boys' minds that would be impossible. In saying what I have said about you, Roy, I have only followed the lead of others. Things have been hinted so often that at last I began to believe some of them—at least partly believe them.”
“You coward,” said Henning, now thoroughly angry. Both boys rose from the bench simultaneously and faced each other. By a singular chance each had his hands in his pockets. It appeared for an instant that they were coming to blows. So
strained was the situation, that if either had at that moment taken his hand from his pocket it would have been a signal for a fight. Henning's face was white with anger. Garrett's was red with apprehension and vexation.
“You are a coward,” repeated Henning; “you know a great deal about this affair.”
Garrett thought best to deny all knowledge.
“I do not.”
“Indeed! and I suppose you know nothing of the loosened bars of the window of the committee-room?”
“No.”