CHAPTER V—A SURPRISE
Meanwhile Fred had decided that he would make some investigations of his own. His apparent lack of courage had reacted now and he was determined to do something which would enable him to redeem himself in the eyes of his companions.
Accordingly when his friends decided early in the afternoon that they would take the automobile and go to the country club for a game of tennis he excused himself on the plea that there were some other and very important matters to which he must attend.
It was a matter of self-denial for Fred to decline to join his companions in a visit to the country club. This place throughout the summer afternoons was one that was marked in the region. Crowds of young people assembled there and the tennis courts and golf links were occupied by people who were finding their vacation days passing all too rapidly in the beautiful region.
To the protests of his friends Fred refused to listen. Even the fact that his absence might prevent a game of tennis from being played did not appeal to him. He quietly and steadfastly adhered to his purpose.
Soon after luncheon he saw his friends depart, although the last words he heard were their calls for him to reconsider and join them.
Previous to their departure George called Fred into the library and in a low voice said to him, “Take my advice, lad, and don’t try it.”
“Don’t try what?” Fred inquired.
“You know what I mean.”