Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/224

202 at him curiously, and Gus Plum, whose eye was partly blackened, looked sour. Two or three lads "stuck up their noses" at Dave, but he paid no attention to anybody and merely slipped quietly into his seat.

"Master Porter, you are late," came severely from Job Haskers. "What is the reason?"

"I had an interview with Dr. Clay, in his office," answered Dave. "He told me to state that I was excused for my tardiness."

"Oh!" grumbled the second assistant, and then said no more.

Ben, Phil, and Roger looked at the country boy questioningly, but during the meal Dave got no opportunity to explain matters. And this was just as well, for he scarcely knew what to say to his friends. The meal over the lads hurried outdoors again.

"Did you report Plum?" demanded Phil, quickly.

"No, I reported nobody," answered Dave. "I am going to fight my own battles."

"But you went to the doctor——" began Roger.

"I asked him about myself, that's all. I wanted him to know that I—well, that I didn't intend to sail under false colors, as they call it."

"And what did he say, Dave?" asked Ben. "You needn't answer if you don't want to," he added hastily.