“Bully! Walter’s too much of a snob to slight the Prices or Hec’s gang; and if Walter goes he’ll have to swallow Max whole and shut off his gab.”
Billy started away to see Sydney. He was detained by unexpected duties however, and it was an hour after the explosion at school before he arrived to find his friends in the greatest excitement.
“He iss gone!” Mrs. Schmitz burst out with no other greeting, as Billy appeared at the open door. “Mine poor boy! The world kicks him down already.”
“And it’s my fault,” Sydney added gloomily.
“How’s that?” Billy asked, mystified.
“Read you this.” Mrs. Schmitz thrust a letter into his hand. “A messenger brings it but this minute.”
With clumsy fingers Billy unfolded the sheet and read:
Dear Mrs. Schmitz, my Second Mother:
The boys found me out and exposed me. I could not deny the charge, and explanations would have been useless.