Suspended!

That did not mean expulsion, but it did mean that, until the school authorities had taken definite action on the case, young Prescott could not again attend H.S., or any other school under the control of the Board of Education.

The five other partners of Dick & Co. had faced the school defiantly when taking Dick’s books from his desk and strapping them to bring home.

Dan Dalzell thrashed a sophomore for daring to make some allusion to Prescott’s “thefts.”  Tom Reade tried to thrash another sophomore for a very similar offense, but Reade got whipped by a very small margin.  That fact, however, did not discourage Reade.  He had entered his protest, anyway.

Dave Darrin extracted apologies for remarks made, from three different sophomores.  All of the partners were diligent in protecting and defending the reputation of their chief.

Every day the “Co.” came to see Dick.  They made it a point, too, to appear on the street with him.  Not one member of the football team “went back on” the suspended freshman.  All treated him with the utmost cordiality and faith wherever they met him.  Laura Bentley and some of the other girls of Dick’s class stood by him unwaveringly by chatting with the suspended freshman whenever and wherever they met him on the street.

“Pooh, old man, a fellow who has all the brains you displayed in making that football stroke doesn’t need larceny as an aid to getting ahead in the world,” was the way Frank Thompson put it.

“Thank you, Thompson.  It’s always good to have friends,” smiled Dick, wistfully.  “But, just now, I appreciate them more than ever.”

“The football team and its best friends are giving Fred Ripley the dead cut,” pursued Thompson.  “And say, you know the junior class’s dance comes off the night after tomorrow night.  Juniors are always invited, but members of other classes have to depend on favor for invitations.  We’ve fixed it so that Ripley couldn’t get an invite.  He tried, though.  Now, Prescott, you’ll receive an invitation in tomorrow morning’s mail.  Fix it to be there, old man.  Do!  You’ll find yourself flanked by friends.  If any fellow looks at you cross-eyed at the junior dance, the eleven will throw him out through a window!”

Dick looked more wistful than ever.  He had never had many lessons in dancing, but he took to the art naturally.  Had life been happier for him just then he would have been glad to take up the invitation.  Besides, Dave Darrin had told him that Laura Bentley was invited and meant to go.

“Now, you’ll come along, of course,” asked Thompson, coaxingly.

“No-o-o,” hesitated Dick, “I don’t believe I shall.”

“Oh, nonsense, old man!”

“I believe I’d rather not,” replied Prescott, sadly; “though I’m tremendously grateful to those who want me to come and who would try to make it pleasant for me.”