“This is what’s coming to you, Roy,” said Ned. “Take it.”
Hooker looked at him blankly. In Cooper’s ear Piper whispered:
“He don’t understand. What if he never comes out of it?”
“He will; he must,” Chipper whispered back.
Ned slid the coins into Roy’s pocket. “Now,” he said, “I think this party had better break up. Somebody will have to see Hooker home, and I think the outside air will revive him. This affair must be kept strictly private. If any one breathes a word about it, he will brand himself as a—— Oh, but I know there’s no need of saying such a thing, and I won’t say it.”
“You don’t have to so far as I’m concerned,” asserted Piper promptly. “Any one here would be a chump to tattle.”
As Billy was the only one Osgood had feared, Ned immediately showed his relief and satisfaction.
Hooker, still sitting supinely on the Morris chair, permitted them to readjust his collar and tie. When they lifted him to his feet he stood still while they actually pushed his arms into his heavy, reefer-like coat.
“There you are,” said Osgood, slapping him on the back. “We’re all mighty sorry it happened, Roy, but it was a mistake. As I provided the cards, I must shoulder the blame, if any one. You’ve been a game loser, old chap. Do you need some money? I’ll lend you what you want.”
“Queer,” whispered Piper. “He doesn’t seem to understand a word.”