“That’s right,” he said. “I took it. I guess you know why.”
Gerald shook his head. “I don’t believe I do, Hiltz. Why?”
“To make trouble for you and Vinton, of course,” answered the other recklessly. “I didn’t want the old cup; I wasn’t stealing it. I meant to bring it back last night and put it in your room, and I tried to, but there wasn’t any chance. There were always fellows about, and after what Collins said I didn’t want to be caught. I guess you’ve got me where you want me now, Pennimore. Of course, I might deny the whole thing,” he went on musingly, “and say that you made up the story, but I guess no one would believe me.”
Gerald considered judicially. Then he shook his head.
“No, I don’t believe they would. You see, Hiltz, we all suspected you from the first, but we couldn’t prove anything. If you ask me, I think it was a silly thing to do.”
“I don’t ask you,” said Hiltz angrily. “I don’t give a hang what you think. You don’t like me and I don’t like you, and you can go to Collins this minute, but I don’t have to listen to any of your fool opinions.”
“Why didn’t you bring it back Friday morning, when you had a chance, and say that it was only a joke?” asked Gerald curiously.
“Because I wasn’t ready to. You and that fool Vinton weren’t worried enough then.”
“I don’t believe either Dan or I worried half as much as Alf did.”
“Well, I’m not crazy about Alf Loring,” answered Hiltz with a shrug. “He did all he could to help Vinton beat me for the committee. It was none of his business.”