When refreshments were served in the dining room, Arlington made a desperate venture in offering Doris his arm to escort her to the table. “I hope you will give me that much pleasure to-night,” he said. “You will have to excuse me,” she murmured. “I have promised Hal.” Even as she spoke Hal appeared, and she accepted his arm. Chester clinched his hands and glared after them. “I don’t see that I have made much out of this,” he thought savagely. “I have simply smoothed out things for Merriwell and left myself in a hole. But I won’t give it up! I am not beaten yet. I will trap Mr. Darrell if I live long enough.” Zona appeared at his side. “Come Mr. Thundercloud,” she laughed. “Why, you’re the picture of tragedy and revenge! Don’t let anybody get onto it.” “What do I care for this bunch of flubs!” he exclaimed. “We’re the only ones left,” reminded Zona, as Billy escorted the little dark-eyed girl from the room. “Aren’t you coming?” “No!” “You’re not? What are you going to do?” “I am going upstairs,” said Chet. “I have got a headache.” Although she urged him not to do this, he persisted, and to her chagrin she was left to enter the dining room alone. June met her at the door. “I was just looking for you,” she said. “Where is Chester?” “He has a headache,” said Zona. “He’s gone upstairs.” Having excused herself for a few moments, June went in search of her brother. She found him pacing the floor in an upper room. “Come, Chester,” she urged; “aren’t you going to join us?” “Oh, what’s the use! I don’t want anything. Let me alone.” “But you must come. Think how it looks! What will the others think?” “I don’t care!” “But I care, Chester. You must come down for my sake.” “Tell ’em I’ve got a headache! Tell ’em anything.” “No, no; I can’t do that! They will know better. You must come down. Please come, Chester. I am sure I would do as much for you.” “All right. I will come, June; but it’s a mistake. The best thing you can do is to leave me here. I am dangerous to-night.” Nevertheless, she succeeded in leading him down to the dining room, and he took a seat at the table. However, he did not participate in the talk and laughter of the company, and after a while his gloomy spirits began to dampen the pleasure of the others. Obediah Tubbs seemed to be the only one who was not disturbed, and he was so absorbed in eating pie, several of which had been provided for him, that he failed to notice the growing shadow. When refreshments were over June urged some of the boys to sing, and she accompanied them on the piano. They sang “Fardale’s Way,” “Fair Fardale,” and two or three similar songs; but at last the party began to break up. In turning from the piano, Darrell bumped full and fair against Arlington. “I beg your pardon,” said Hal. “Well, you’d better,” flashed Chet. “You ran against me on purpose.” “Nothing of the sort.” “You mean to call me a liar?” hissed Arlington. “I won’t take that front any fellow anywhere.”