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40 just as you please at Brill. I suppose you'll feel more important than ever—after that affair of the burning steamer," he added, bitterly.

"Dudd, let Tom pay you for the hat and then let me talk to you," said Dick, quietly. "How much did it cost?"

"Five dollars."

"Here you are then," came from Tom, and he passed over a five-dollar bill. "I didn't mash it on purpose, no matter what you think."

"All right—have your own way about it, Rover," and Dudd pocketed the bill carelessly.

"Dudd, you met Koswell and Larkspur the other day," went on Dick, sitting down on the rustic bench.

"Did Minnie Sanderson tell you that?"

"She told Songbird Powell and he told us."

"Well, what of it? They came to Ashton on business—they had to get their stuff away from the college."

"Did you meet them by accident?"

"What business is that of yours?" And Dudd Flockley's voice grew aggressive.

"Perhaps it is none of my business, Dudd. But, just the same, I am going to talk to you about it. You know all about what happened in the past. Koswell and Larkspur are bad eggs—and if they can drag you down with them they will do it.