Page:The Winning Touchdown.djvu/190

176 Now, before I look at that letter, I want to say, in the strongest way I know how, that I was not in your room to-day, nor any other day lately. In fact, I haven't been there since a lot of us fellows were talking over football matters with you and Phil and Sid one evening."

"Yes, I remember that time," spoke Tom. "Well, I believe you, of course. Here's the letter. It's mighty queer, though."

Bascome gave one glance at the missive, and murmured:

"Lenton! I wonder what he's writing about now. That fellow's off his base, I think."

As he read the note, a scowl came over his face, and he muttered something that Tom could not catch. However, the end did hear Bascome say:

"Insolent puppy! He's got nerve to write to me that way! I'll have it out with him!"

Then, with rapid motions, Bascome tore the letter to pieces, and scattered them about the corridor.

"It doesn't throw any light on the mystery that has been bothering you fellows, about your clock and chair," went on the tackle. "I had some dealings with Lenton, and this was about that."

"I didn't ask to know what was in the letter," said Tom, quickly. "The only funny part of it was that it was in our room. I thought perhaps" he hesitated.