"Oh, pooh! The janitor!" said a half-dozen boys derisively.
"What did he care about the lesson?"
"Well, who then could it be? If I could find out, I'd thrash him for spoiling my book. I'll get a lecture from father at home when he sees that torn book. You see my brother Nelson is coming next year, and he will take my books as I leave them. My copy was new too!" and Ralph's tone was one of righteous indignation.
Joe Chester was too impatient to listen longer, and turned to go; but Drayton shouted, "Hold on, Chester! where are you going?"
"In," answered Joe shortly, motioning with his head towards the commons.
"Wait for me; I am going in too. It's no use to stand here and guess who did the mischief."
Joe Chester walked straight on, but Ralph Drayton overtook him with three strides.
As soon as they were out of hearing of the group on the playground, Drayton turned suddenly and said, "See here, Joe Chester, what do you know about this fuss?"
Joe walked on and made no answer.
"You know something. I saw it in your eye just now back there, and I saw it in your red face when old Bernard called the roll. You can't cheat me!"