Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/281

Rh dormitory. Will Fellen is leaving No. 11. How would that suit you? There's a prime set of boys in No. 11."

"They won't want me—not after what I've done," answered the smaller student, gloomily.

"I'll try to fix it up for you—that is, if you'll promise to turn over a new leaf."

"Do you mean it, Dave?"

"I do, Chip. I want to see you make something of yourself. I don't want to see anybody throw himself away for such a fellow as Plum. If you'll turn over a new leaf, and he tries to abuse you, I'll stand up for you."

"Will you, really?" Chip Macklin's face brightened. "Oh, you don't mean that!"

"I do; did you ever know me break my word?"

"It's good of you, Dave. I don't deserve this. It was mean to play the sneak on you, and steal that composition. But honestly, I was going to put the paper back. I was scared to death the minute after I took it. Plum got me to take it—or, at least, he suggested the thing to me. He's always suggesting something for me to do."

"Well, don't listen to him after this."

"I won't, I'll promise you, and I'll—I'll do my level best to be all right after this, too." The smaller boy caught Dave's hand. "I will do it, yes, I will!"

Quite a talk followed, and Dave continued to