Matt went more into the details of his experience with Merton and his friends.
"That's a nice way for the commodore of a rival boat club to act," remarked Lorry sarcastically.
"How did Merton ever get to be commodore?" said McGlory. "That's what sticks in my crop."
"Money," was Lorry's brief but significant response.
"Money cuts a pretty wide swath, and that's a fact. That work of Merton's and his friends, though, was a pretty raw blazer. Wonder what Merton's thinking of himself, now that Matt's found out he was in the gang?"
"It won't bother him much," said Lorry. "Between you and me and the gatepost, I'll bet Merton has been flying too high. When his father gets back from Europe and finds out what's been going on, there'll be doings. Like enough, Merton is plunging on the boat race in the hope of getting back some of the money he has squandered. That would ease the tension somewhat when he makes an accounting to his father."
"Too bad if he's got himself into money difficulties," observed Matt.
"A little money has made many a good fellow go wrong, Matt," returned Lorry, with a flush.
George was talking from experience, and it was an experience which he would never forget.
"There's nothing to do, I reckon," said McGlory, changing the subject, "but to plug right along and hustle the changes in the Sprite."