Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/135

Rh congratulated him and joked with him on having saved the day. Frank Windsor, as captain, was quite bubbling over with happiness. He slapped Herrick on the back.

"There's no doubt at all, Joe!" he exclaimed gayly. "You're the hero of the occasion. You're the one that did it."

"Oh, yes, I'm the one," Herrick responded grimly.

A few hours later the story of Herrick's foul play was known throughout the school.

Francis Stoddard had declared it in his first indignation to some of his friends. Then he had reported Herrick's confession to Nat Belmont and others. By supper-time the boys who had played on the Corinthian eleven were confronted with the sensational charge.

Frank Windsor laid it excitedly before Herrick himself.

"I have nothing to say," was Herrick's answer. Then when Frank Windsor pressed him to deny the charge, he said:— "Ask Harry Harding, if you want. He knows."