“A friend of yours?” gasped Tom. “Then—then——”
The submaster smiled apologetically as he replied:
“No, Pierson, I wasn’t poaching.”
Tom stared in amazement and dismay.
“But—but you said——”
“No, I didn’t say it, but I allowed you to think it; and I plead guilty to a measure of deceit. But I think you’ll forgive it, my boy, because it has led to—well, to a better understanding between us. Don’t you think it has?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Tom, wondering but happy.
“Good; and— Hello, there’s the bell!” cried the submaster. “Let’s run for it!”
And they did.