Tad made straight for a group of boys near the center of the sideline, a firm grip on Rodney’s arm impelling that youth to follow. What followed was distasteful to Rodney, distasteful and embarrassing. Tad hailed the biggest boy of the group when a few yards away.
“Fielding! Want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Merrill, First Form. He’s a brother of Ginger Merrill. Shake hands with Fielding, Rod. And this is Sykes, and Canterbury, and Jones, and Kemp.”
Between names Rodney’s hand was shaken by different members of the group, who expressed surprised delight at meeting him and hurled questions. Rodney, very red of face, muttered politely and, when it was over, turned upon Tad in wrath. “What did you do that for?” he demanded. “I felt like a perfect fool!”
Tad grinned. “You needn’t, Rod. We’re none of us perfect!”
“Well, I’ll thank you to mind your own business after this, Mudge,” replied Rodney crossly.
“Look here.” Tad turned upon him soberly. “You are Ginger Merrill’s brother, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but——”
“Then fellows have a right to know it. They want to know it.”
“It’s none of their business——”