Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/219

Rh lip began to quiver, and he had to turn away to control his feelings.

"Don't you mind them!" said the senator's son, quickly. "I'll stick to you, for one, Dave."

"And you can count on me," added Phil.

"Dave knows how I stand," put in Ben. "I think he is worth a dozen such contemptible chaps as Nat Poole and Gus Plum, and as for that little sneak, Macklin, he isn't even worth considering."

"You are all very kind." In spite of his efforts to control himself, the tears stood in the eyes of the country boy. "I shan't forget your goodness."

The four went out on the river, and did not return to the academy until half an hour later, when Dave felt somewhat like himself again. On reaching Oak Hall they separated, and Dave hurried to Dormitory No. 12. He found a boy named Will Fellen there.

"Hello, Will," he said, pleasantly.

"Hello yourself," came shortly from Fellen. He looked at the country boy coldly and then, without another word, left the dormitory, slamming the door behind him.

Dave's face began to burn and he paced the floor with clinched fists. If this was to be the treatment received how could he face all of the students, in the dining hall and in the classroom?

"I'd better go back to Crumville," he told himself. "But I shan't do it—it wouldn't be fair to