“What’s the bally joke?” murmured Hugh.
“Oh, nothing. That is——” Nick fell into silence again. Then: “Most of the things Jimmy tells sound a whole lot like Jimmy,” he stated suggestively. There was a moment’s silence, broken at last by Dud.
“They are Jimmy’s,” he said quietly.
“Here, don’t try to put the blame on me!” Jimmy laughed loudly. “That’s a punk trick, Dud!”
“Honest confession is good for the soul,” said Nick lightly. “Come across, Jimmy. What’s the idea? Everyone knows you’ve been touting Baker like anything ever since Christmas recess. What is it, a conspiracy?”
Jimmy laid a twig carefully on the fire. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he grumbled.
“Oh, yes, you do, old man! We’re all friends together, you know, and nothing you say will be used against you. That all right, Baker?”
“Don’t ask him,” replied Jimmy. “He’d tell you anything. He’s incapable of the truth. Say, what’s the matter with getting back, fellows?”
“Oh, there’s plenty of time,” said Nick. “Joking aside, Jimmy, just what is the big idea?”
“Go ahead and tell,” urged Dud. “I don’t mind. Besides, they won’t talk.”