“How much money have you collected, Roy, for the cage?”asked Ambrose as soon as both had finished rubbing their chilled cheeks to bring back the circulation.
“I have collected sixty-four dollars in cash, but about eighty-seven has been subscribed. Why do you ask?”
“Please do not think me impertinently curious if I ask you where you keep it.”
“Certainly not. It is in the drawer of the table in the dressing-room of the gymnasium. That room just off the playroom. You know, Ambrose, that is the place of meeting of all committees of the various college associations. It's safe there; don't you think so?”
“Yes—perhaps,” answered Bracebridge, with evident hesitation. “I would rather you keep it there than in your desk, or in your trunk.”
“Why? You appear uneasy. What's the matter?”
“It may be foolish of me, but, Roy, I can not help thinking there is some ugly work being concocted. No doubt you think I am fanciful, but I have accidentally overheard here a word and there a word which I do not like.”
“From whom?”
“I can not tell you from whom, because it is all too vague, and if I mentioned any name I may be doing an innocent boy a grave injustice. There is a good deal of talk against you. Many silly fellows have taken it as a personal affront that you refuse to play ball.”
“Pshaw! I——”