"Gee, it gave me quite a jolt!"
"Oh, I—I rather expected it."
He left Tough, wondering how he had had the strength to answer.
"Look out, you're treading on my toes," said the Gutter Pup next him.
He mumbled something and his teeth closed over his tongue in the effort to bring the sharp sense of pain. He went to his box; the letter was there. He went to his room and laid it on the table, going to the window and staring out. Then he sat down heavily, rested his head in his hands and read:
Dear Jack: I'm writing to you among the first, for I want you particularly to know how happy I am. Mr. Ver Plank——
He put the letter down; indeed, he could not see to read any further. There was nothing more to read—nothing mattered. It was all over, the light was gone, everything was topsy-turvy. He could not understand—but it was over—all over. There was nothing left.
Some time later the Tennessee Shad came loping down the hall, tried the door and, finding it locked, called out:
"What the deuce—open up!"
Dink, in terror, rose from the table where he had remained motionless. He caught up the letter and hastily stuffed it in his desk, saying gruffly: