The Argosy, Vol. XI, No. 22 — page 4: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

d42 of the trustees, so that he was prevented from being present. One other case has occurred, so that this tonight makes the third. We have been unable to detect the perpetrator hitherto, but we shall not let this matter rest until the mys- tery has been solved. ‘There are only a few here who knew of the existence of that old cesspool, and that fact may serve as aclew to begin with. But I must repeat my direction that you keep the affair perfectly quiet.” With that the interview closed, and Brad, leaving the library, went to his room. Perry Landon, tired of waiting for him, had fallen sound asleep, so Brad had nothing but his own thoughts for company as he retired. But these were active and turbulent enough to keep him wide awake for a long time after his head touched the pillow. Again and again he went over in his mind the events of the whole evening, from the receipt of the note to the inter- view in Dr. Hope’s library, striving to find a satisfactory ex- planation of the matter, but with no success. ‘Well, well, this is a nice way to get an education,” he muttered to himself. ‘I come here to settle down, and in the first four days I have more excitement than I’ve had in four months battering around in the Cinderella. But 1 can't say Ilikeit. This fighting in the dark don’t suit me. I'd almost rather walk the plank and have done with it than have to watch out all the time for underhand sneaks. And why anybody should want to serve me that trick I can’t un- derstand. I can't believe it. Those boards must have been moved for some other purpose—and yet, there was that forged letter—that knocks all doubt in the head. It must have been a plot. I've been here too short atime to makea bitter enemy of anybody. I know of only two who bear me any real grudge, and—well, I'll do as Dr. Hope said, and not suspect anybody. It leaves the whole thing in the dark for awhile, but I'll obey orders and see what comes of it. Meantime,” he continued, as he rolled over and settled back into his customary easy-going philosophy, ‘tI can pat my- self on the back for alucky dog. It isn't often a fellow walks blindly into a trap like that and comes out gloriously on the winning side, with a brace of thieves as trophies.”’ And with this comforting reflection he fell asleep. CHAPTER IX. A STARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT. N more ways than one Brad's narrow escape was a cause of self congratulation. The sympathy and interest of the whole academy naturally centered in him for sev- eral days following, and he was lionized as only the hero of so exceptional an adventure could be. Again and again he was compelled to narrate his story, including the minutest details ; and this he did with the greatest good humor, being careful, however, each time to observe Dr. Hope’s injunc- tion to suppress every allusion to the note he had received, and never hinting at the suspicions he entertained. No better or more general introduction to the favor of the boys could have been desired, and Brad was pleased to find himself growing rapidly in the esteem and respect of his companions. Pluck, graced by modesty and good humor, will soon make a boy popular, and Brad needed but a few days to overcome the first unfavorable impression that his coming had produced. And as for that old corduroy suit which had so offended the aristocratic tastes of some of the upper four—why, bless me, after that Saturday night the boys wouldn't have had Brad wear anything else. It seemed now to give him a peculiar character of his own, and they liked both 1t and him. This popularity was not without exception, however, for Brayton Arkell and Clarence Bliss seemed, if anything, to re- THE ARGOSY sent the circumstances that had placed Brad upon terms of such good fellowship with his mates. Sidney Ivers was coldly indifferent, as he had been ever since his quarrel with Brad, while Arthur Paton adopted a tone of lofty approval that only amused Brad, knowing as he did how insincere it was. ‘To these four Brad paid little heed, and the slight an- noyance they occastonally caused him was more than bal- anced by the genuine triumph he felt he had won in secur- ing the friendship of Eugene Clifford. It was on Monday afternoon that Brayton Arkell, Clarence Bliss and Clifford were talking over the affair in the large recitation room, when Brayton said : ‘* Well, perhaps it was plucky of the fellow. I don’t say it wasn't. Fellows of his kind have usually some brute courage, but 1 can’t see why every one should try to make a hero of him. Isuppose he is good enough in his way, and yet——_”’ ‘*Qh, here, Brayton,” interrupted Clifford with consider- able heat ; ‘' I’m tired of hearing you and Clarence run down Mattoon. You have nothing against him, except that he doesn't seem to be quite your kind. Well, I think that's in his favor if you can't prove yourselves above sneaking around, talking behind his back. Now, I wasn't particularly taken with Mattoon when he first came here, altnough I couldn't help seeing that he was a fine fellow physically ; but I have already begun to like him merely by watching the manly, generous way in which he has taken your treat- ment. Heisa mighty plucky fellow, and you can't under- rate him, no matter what you say. If he is pepular he de- serves it, for there is plenty in him to admire. You may think him unworthy your acquaintance if you chose, but I am going to speak to him.” As Clifford belonged to a most enviable family, both for wealth and social distinction, his words had a keen edge, and both Bliss and Arkell were seriously taken aback as he walked away with an expression of unusual annoyance on his face. He made his way directly to Brad, who was at that moment sitting alone at his desk. Extending his hand cordially, Clifford said in his pleasantest tones : ‘* Don't think me rude, Mattoon, for not speaking to you before. I am rather slow at making acquaintances. I have been watching you ever since you came here, and I have made up my mind that you are just the kind of fellow I like to know. I hope to see a great deal of you.” ‘You are very kind,” exclaimed Brad with genuine pleas- ure, warmly grasping the other's hand. ‘‘ I have been watch- ing you, too, and have wanted very much to meet you. I have been told that you are quite an athlete. I can speak of your skating myself. I was admiring your skill the other afternoon.” ‘Oh, yes,” said Clifford, well pleased by the compli- ment, and seating himself beside Brad. ‘'1 was practicing. You see, the prize competition takes place very soon, and I am getting into shape.” ‘Tell me aboat this competition,’ terest. ** Well, it is the great affair of the winter. There is a regular skating club in the town, who have their headquar- ters and clubhouse at the lake. 1 am a member, as also several other fellows here. Every year a big skating contest takes plage on the lake, to which every one is invited. A temporary grand stand is erected, and everything is very gay. The contest takes place in the afternoon, and a ball is given by the members of the club at the clubhouse in the evening, when the prizes are awarded.” ‘When does it come oft ?”’ asked Brad. ‘We always wait for the cold snap that usually comes at said Brad, with in- ecomnieoooks COU