Page:Dave Porter and his Classmates.djvu/314

288 the postscript—but I said you ought to have a chance of exposing the person who was trying to ruin your character."

"I want to see the letter. I've got some idea already regarding the writer."

"So have I!"

"Link Merwell?"

"Yes. Do you know he sent me an unsigned letter two days ago."

"He did? I warned him not to send you anything," and now Dave's face grew stern.

"It was only a couple of lines in pencil, and said, 'If you want letters, come to Oakdale with twenty-five dollars.

"The rascal! So he has sunk so low he wants to sell you the letters! I knew he was going to the bad, but I didn't think he was down as far as that. I hope you didn't bring the money."

"But I did, Dave. I—I was afraid if I didn't he might—might read the letters to others and expose me to ridicule," and the girl's face grew crimson.

"Don't you give him a cent, Laura—not a cent. I'll get hold of him before the term breaks up—and I'll get those letters or know the reason why!"