“Don’t let there be any ‘buts’ about it,” urged Jack. “Unless you fight the thing, Mr. Guardian will always say you are in the wrong. That’s plain, eh, Bob? It might do you a whole lot of harm.”
“Of course it might,” chimed in Tom.
“I’m glad you have confidence in me,” said Norman, pleased at their earnestness, “and I can assure you it is not misplaced. That affair broke me all up.”
“When did you see the guardian chap last?” inquired Joe, with a directness that almost made his chums smile.
“Several months ago.”
“Plenty of time for him to have changed his opinion. Was the millionaire boy mixed up in the row?” asked Dave.
“No, it did not concern him in the least.”
“Honest—don’t you think you gave up a bit too soon, though?” said Jack. “Come along with us as far as Nyack, tackle Mr. Guardian again, and our crowd will have a chance to meet the millionaire boy. I’m awfully curious to see what kind of a chap he is. It will kind o’ give variety to the trip. What do you say?”
“I don’t know how I can resist such an invitation,” laughed Norman, his face lighting up with pleasure. “You have given me hope, boys. I guess you are right—I got discouraged too soon. I hate quarrels, and Colonel Ellison is a hard man to deal with; but it won’t do any harm to see him again.”
Bob Somers, who had taken a great fancy to the quiet, studious-looking young fellow, was delighted.