“Yes,” said Oliver.
“Why don’t you stop it, and tell them?”
“What’s the use? I’ve told them once. If they don’t choose to believe it, they needn’t.”
Any other boy would, of course, have taken this as clear evidence of the elder brother’s guilt; but it only strengthened the small boy’s indignation.
“I’ll let them know, if you won’t!” and forthwith he went and proceeded to make himself a perfect nuisance in the school. He began with Wraysford.
“I say, Wray,” he demanded, “do you hear all the lies the fellows are telling about Noll?”
“Don’t make a row now,” said Wraysford, shortly. “I’m busy.” But Stephen had no notion of being put down.
“The fellows say he stole an exam paper, the blackguards! I’d like to punch all their heads, and I will too!”
“Clear out of my study, now,” said Wraysford, sharply.
Stephen stared at him a moment. Then his face grew pale as he grasped the meaning of it all.