'As Gold in the Furnace' Part 17

He was keenly alive to Garrett's every action, resulting from what he believed to be well-grounded suspicions. He did not fail to notice one peculiarity on the part of his cousin. Very soon after the robbery Garrett discarded the sky-blue sweater which had made him so conspicuous a figure in the yard ever since September. Roy confessed to himself that he was unable to attach any importance to this.

The theft had been too genuine a sensation at the college for all discussion to die out soon. In the course of time the whole yard appeared to be divided into two factions or parties. One side was loyal and strenuous in upholding Henning, claiming him to be beyond reproach and spotless in his integrity. As may be surmised, the leaders of this party were Jack Beecham, Tom Shealey, Ambrose Bracebridge, and Rob Jones, the first defender of Roy in his absence. These companions knew Henning well. They called him "Don Quixote." They teased him often, yet they knew that he was the soul of honor. Any one of these would as soon suspect himself as cast suspicion on Roy.

The existence of this party was the outgrowth of a popular indignation against a few boys who had, in discussing the robbery, persistently left the impression that they considered that there was an unsatisfactory mystery about it.

Out of kindness to Roy, little--scarcely anything--of what his friends heard in the yard reached his ears. When he did not happen to be present his friends were by no means backward in denouncing the opposition.

Henning asked no questions, even of his friends, yet by a kind of unconscious a.s.similation he became aware of the strong sentiment against him, and of the strong resentment of those opposed to him.

These things he learned more by averted glances and partially concealed avoidances than by overt act or speech. He never mentioned this to his friends, who thought he did not observe it. No one had ever told him of Jones' catlike spring at the throat of Smithers, yet Roy learned of it in some way, and while he was filled with grat.i.tude toward Jones it only tended to confirm his own opinion that there was a large party antagonistic to him.

There was now only a mere speaking acquaintance between Henning and Garrett, which, as cousins, they could not avoid. They observed the merest civilities.

About the middle of February Henning and his friends were surprised to note that Garrett was spending money very freely. He had always availed himself of every little luxury that could be purchased within the college bounds, but now it seemed that he was more lavish than ever. Spring was approaching. Garrett purchased two or three baseball bats, a fine s.h.i.+eld, mask, catcher's glove, and a number of the best baseb.a.l.l.s. He evidently paid the highest prices, for upon inquiry it was found he had had no communication with the prefect, or with the sports' committee who usually secured some discount for cash. Clothes, shoes, hats, and ties were also lavishly purchased. What could it all mean? To add to the mystery Stockley and that boy Smithers, who had turned his pockets inside out in proof of his impecuniosity, were also spending considerable money, although a much less amount than Garrett.

All this, of course, strengthened Roy's suspicions. Where did he get all the money? And why was he making such a lavish display? Roy was, nevertheless, puzzled by the evident fact that while all noticed Garrett's free purchasing, no one appeared to suspect him of any connection with the lost funds.

Henning could not in conscience mention his suspicions to any one. If any one would but broach the subject, then he would talk and take advice on what was the best line of action to pursue. His common-sense told him that to accuse his cousin publicly on his mere suspicion would be worse than useless.

To add to the complications of the situation, within a week or two of Garrett's expenditures Roy himself began to spend money freely. Where it came from was a mystery which was not cleared up for many a day. He expended quite a sum on books, baseball goods, shoes, etc.

It is quite certain that Henning did not realize how large the majority was who were in opposition to him. Had he done so he would have acted with more discretion, for the time was critical for him. Even some of his best friends were sorely put to it to account for his outlay. More than one of his staunchest supporters began to waver in their allegiance. No one doubted his integrity, but some were not pleased with his want of prudence. Before closing this narrative we shall explain where this money came from, why Roy bought the particular goods he did, and why he bought them at this particular time.

"I wonder how it is," said Smithers, "that Henning has so much money to spend just now."

"Don't know I'm sure, but I suppose it is all right," replied Stockley.

"But isn't it strange that he who has been so close all the year should change and be lavish so suddenly?"

"Oh, come off! that's an innuendo! Give the fellow a show. You are hinting that it is the subscription money he is now spending, and that, consequently, he was the thief."

"Oh, say, don't put it that strong!" said Smithers uneasily.

"But that's what you mean, all the same. I don't like him, but to do him justice, I don't think--I'm sure--he had any hand in getting away with that money."

"Why?"

"Oh, because--because I don't believe he had, that's all."

"But that's no proof."

"Didn't say it was. I said it was my belief."

Just at that moment Bracebridge and Garrett joined the speakers.

"Look here, Bracebridge," said Smithers, "Stockley says that he doesn't believe that Henning had anything to do with taking that money."

"I'm sick of all this talk," said Ambrose angrily; "just as if any one who knew Henning at all could entertain such a thought for a moment!"

"But why is he spending so much just now?" insinuated Smithers.

"I don't know, and I don't care. It's none of our business anyway."

But he did care. He was very uneasy. He remembered what Roy had told him of his home affairs. He was sorely puzzled, yet his loyalty did not waver.

"For my part," said Garrett, "although Henning is my relative and I am therefore naturally concerned in all that he does, I can not help thinking that his action is a little unfortunate."

"For your part," retorted Ambrose, "and for your own credit, you had better say as little as you can."

"For my part I shall say what I choose, and to whom I choose."

"Then do not choose to say it to me, for I won't hear it," and Ambrose walked away, very angry.

"Humph! the great mogul is getting quite huffy," remarked Smithers.

"Well, never mind, Garrett, for although Henning is your cousin you are not to blame if he falls under suspicion."

In his heart Garrett knew Henning was innocent. But he did not like him. He was jealous of him. He saw in him qualities of mind and heart which he knew he himself did not possess, and, as is the case with all small natures, he was jealous. He had neither the wish nor the courage to state his belief in Roy's innocence.

On the other hand Garrett despised Smithers. The boy was poor. Every one knew that. But poverty is no disgrace, and never at St. Cuthbert's has it been a subject of reproach. There are some natures which become vicious because of their poverty. Smithers was one of these. He was one of those who, in season and out of season, was forever reiterating what he called his suspicions. This was the more base, because, had there been any foundation for them, grat.i.tude should have compelled him to remain silent. On more than one--on many an occasion--Henning had quietly and unostentatiously helped this boy out of little financial difficulties, such as paying his library fees and fines, securing for him tennis shoes, and little things of that kind.

Garrett had just heard all this for the first time, and the better side of his nature at that moment, notwithstanding his strange remark to Bracebridge, was in the ascendant. Secretly he was ashamed of his comrades.h.i.+p with Smithers, who was perhaps one of the most undesirable boys at St. Cuthbert's.

"Shock" Smithers--so named on account of the permanently untidy condition of his hair--was, therefore, very much surprised indeed at what he next heard from Garrett.

"Of course," Garrett began, "as you speak with so much certainty about my cousin, you have positive proof of his guilt?"

Smithers began to laugh. He thought that a good joke.

"I see no laughing matter. I ask you a plain question. You have proof of Henning's guilt--which for some reason you are withholding?"

"Not--not exactly proof, you know, but, eh--but you know, eh--you know as well as I do how suspicion points to him."

"Then you make all this to-do on mere suspicion?"

"Of course. We have nothing more than suspicions, have we?"

"Yes, certainly. You must have more than suspicion when you state publicly that Roy deserves to be in State's prison."

"I--I did not say that. I--"

"Yes, you did. I heard you myself, and on that I largely based my own judgment. Don't lie."

"I did not say that definitely, you know. I said that if what is said about him is true he ought to be there, Andy."

"You are a liar! I myself heard you say it, and what is more, I have only just now heard how Roy has been treating you ever since September, giving you books, money, and buying things for you. You're a skunk! that's what you are."

Garrett walked away. Smithers was left in no enviable frame of mind.

The princ.i.p.al part of his chagrin arose, not from the fact that he had been mean and cowardly, but that it had been discovered that he had received a.s.sistance from any one, and especially from Roy Henning.