But he did care. He was very uneasy. He remembered what Roy had told him of his home affairs. He was sorely puzzled, yet his loyalty did not waver.
“For my part,” said Garrett, “although Henning is my relative and I am therefore naturally concerned in all that he does, I can not help thinking that his action is a little unfortunate.”
“For your part,” retorted Ambrose, “and for your own credit, you had better say as little as you can.”
“For my part I shall say what I choose, and to whom I choose.”
“Then do not choose to say it to me, for I won't hear it,” and Ambrose walked away, very angry.
“Humph! the great mogul is getting quite huffy," remarked Smithers. “Well, never mind, Garrett, for although Henning is your cousin you are not to blame if he falls under suspicion.”
In his heart Garrett knew Henning was innocent. But he did not like him. He was jealous of him. He saw in him qualities of mind and heart which he knew he himself did not possess, and, as is the case with all small natures, he was jealous. He had neither the wish nor the courage to state his belief in Roy's innocence.
On the other hand Garrett despised Smithers. The boy was poor. Every one knew that. But poverty is no disgrace, and never at St. Cuthbert's has it been a subject of reproach. There are some natures which become vicious because of their poverty. Smithers was one of these. He was one of those who, in season and out of season, was forever reiterating what he called his suspicions. This was the more base, because, had there been any foundation for them, gratitude should have compelled him to remain silent. On more than one—on many an occasion—Henning had quietly and unostentatiously helped this boy out of little financial difficulties, such as paying his library fees and fines, securing for him tennis shoes, and little things of that kind.
Garrett had just heard all this for the first time, and the better side of his nature at that moment, notwithstanding his strange remark to Bracebridge, was in the ascendant. Secretly he was ashamed of