“‘Never thought’ doesn’t lock the door, nor rebuild the burned house. Of course I shall advance the money, but that does not clear you. Your brother Hal is too busy to be troubled just now, but before school opens in the Autumn everything must be straightened out. Perhaps before that the girl will see fit to speak—”
“She can’t tell anything about the money.”
“But she can clear up the picnic matter.”
“But I shall not return to school, mother; I am going to work for Mr. Smith the Monday after school closes.”
Mrs. Bennett looked at him sternly a moment. “Billy, don’t you know that you are still my little boy in the eyes of the law? You will have to go to school if I require it.”
Billy put his arm around her. “Yes, mother; but you won’t require it if a woman’s good name depends on my doing what I think right.”
She returned his earnest look and sighed. “Perhaps you’re right, Billy. At least I cannot live your life for you. Take your position for the Summer, and afterward—we’ll see.” Mrs. Bennett had learned that patient waiting, more often than opposition, adjusts tangled matters wisely.
The election for president of the student body took place the next day, at the close of the afternoon session. All day groups of students at every opportunity had discussed the situation in low tones. It was known to both factions that the teachers were watching carefully, and that on the slightest indication of disorder or chicanery they would interfere.
The Kid was openly jubilant, and his forces full of brag, though Walter Buckman did not quite conceal his anxiety. But Hector’s friends were serious, extraordinarily quiet, yet mysteriously busy.
Several of the leading boys wore badges bearing an inscription none but the initiated could read. These were seen to be in close conversation for a moment at a time with student after student; and after each such conversation the badge-wearer was seen to pass a card. He was especially busy among the girls.