"I think it's very mean of you to say such things about him when he isn't here," she burst out. "Sid--I mean Mr. Henderson--doesn't--I mean--I'm sure he wouldn't--anyhow, why don't you be fair to him?" and, before any of the others could answer, she burst into tears and fled from the room. CHAPTER XVI A SERIOUS CHARGE "Well, what do you know about that?" exclaimed Phil, turning to his sister and Miss Tyler. "If that isn't the limit!" "Hush!" begged Ruth. "Poor Mabel! She isn't herself." "I wasn't saying anything against Sid," went on Phil. "I only said it was too bad something seemed to have gotten hold of him lately. Then she flies up----" "How dare you speak about Mabel flying up?" interrupted Ruth, stamping her little foot, and shaking her finger at her brother. "She's nervous and upset, that's all. You'd better go to her, Madge. Perhaps she has a headache." Miss Tyler, with a sympathetic look at Phil, glided from the apartment. "What do you s'pose ailed Miss Harrison?" asked Phil. "I don't know," replied Ruth. "Of course it was rather unexpected when she and Mr. Henderson became such friends. Then came that item in the paper, and his refusal to explain, and then meeting that horrid fellow at the picnic, and then--but I never expected her to break a lance for him in this fashion. I guess she cares more than she shows," and with this philosophical reflection Ruth bade her brother good night, as Miss Philock was marching aggressively up and down the corridor like a sentinel, for the hour of retiring was approaching. "Now don't say a word about this to Sid," cautioned Ruth. "Of course not," growled Phil. "Nor Tom Parsons, either." Phil grunted, but that night he told Tom everything, and the scene further added, in the mind of the pitcher, to the mystery that was enveloping Sid. "Maybe the worst of it's over," suggested Tom, as they were discussing the matter. "Sid hasn't been out late nights for two weeks now, and he's studying hard. He's playing the game, too. We'll beat Fairview the next time we tackle 'em, and wipe up Boxer Hall, likewise." But alas for Tom's hopes. Two nights later, as the three chums were studying in their room, Wallops brought a note for Sid, who showed much perturbation, and hastily went out, saying nothing to his chums. "There he goes again," remarked Tom helplessly, as the door closed on Sid. "Um," grunted Phil. He had nothing to say.