“Dr. Marks said you were not to go!” repeated David. “Why, Joel, why?” he demanded in a gasp.
“I haven't studied; I'm way behind. Let me alone,” cried Joel. “I've got a perfect lot to make up,” and he clutched harder than ever at his hair.
“Then I shall not go,” declared David, and rushing out of the room he was gone before Joel could fly from his chair; which he did, upsetting it after him.
“Dave—Dave!” he yelled, running out into the hall, in the face of a stream of boys coming up from gymnasium practice.
“What's up, Pepper?” But he went through their ranks like a shot. Nevertheless David was nowhere to be seen, as he had taken some short cut, and was lost in the crowd.
Joel bent his steps to the under-teacher's room, knocked, and in his excitement thought he heard, “Come in.” And with small ceremony he precipitated himself upon Mr. Harrow, who seemed to be lost in a revery, his back to him, leaning his elbow on the mantel, and his head upon his hand.
“Er—oh!” exclaimed Mr. Harrow, startled out of his usual composure, and turning quickly to face Joel. “Oh, it's you, Pepper!” which by no means lifted him out of his depression.
“Dave says he won't go without me. You must make him,” said Joel, in his intensity forgetting his manners.
“To Moose Island?” asked Mr. Harrow.
Joel nodded. He couldn't yet bring himself to speak the name.