Outfield West heard him in silence after one exclamation of surprise, and when Joel had finished, cried:
"Why didn't you tell about Cloud? Don't you see that this is his doing? That he is getting even with you for his losing the football team?"
"I thought of that, Out, but it seemed too silly to suppose that he would do such a thing just for--for that, you know."
"Well, you may be certain that he did do it; or, at least, if he didn't cut the rope himself, found some one to do it for him. It's just the kind of a revenge that a fellow of his meanness would think of. He won't stand up and fight like a man. Here, let's go and find him!"
"No, wait. I'll tell Professor Wheeler about him when I go back; then if he thinks--If he did do it, Out, I'll lick him good for it!"
"Hooray! And when you get through I'll take a hand, too. But what do you suppose Remsen was going to tell?"
Joel shook his head. They found Sproule in the room, and to him West spoke as follows:
"Hello, Dickey! You're not studying? It's not good for you; these sudden changes should be avoided." Sproule laughed, but looked annoyed at the banter. "Joel and I have come up for a chat, Dickey," continued West. "Now, you take your Robinson Crusoe and read somewhere else for a while, like a nice boy."
Sproule grew red-faced, and turned to West angrily.
"Don't you see I'm studying? If you and March want to talk, why, either go somewhere else, or talk here."