"You asked how I knew, son," began his father with extreme gentleness. "I didn't really know. I just put two and two together. There was the scratched machine and the gasoline gone--both of which facts puzzled me not a little. But the proof that clinched it all and made me certain of what had happened came to me this morning when Havens brought me an old red sweater and some school papers of Bud Taylor's that the men who were overhauling the car found under the seat. In an instant the whole thing was solved." "You knew before we went skating then?" "Yes." "And--and--you jumped into the water after me just the same." Mr. Tolman's voice trembled: "You are my son and I love you no matter what you may do." "Oh, Dad, I'm so sorry!" sobbed the boy. "I wanted to tell you--I meant to. It was just that I was too much of a coward. I was so ashamed of what I had done that I hadn't the nerve. After it was over it all seemed so wrong. I knew you would be angry--" "Rather say _sorry_, son." "Well, sorry. And now that you have been so white to me I'm more ashamed still." "There, there, my boy, we will say no more about it," his father declared. "You and your conscience have probably had a pretty bitter battle and I judge you have not been altogether happy since your adventure. People who do wrong never are. It is no fun to carry your fault to bed with you and find it waiting when you wake up in the morning." "You bet it isn't!" replied the lad, with fervor. "But can't I do something now to make good, Dad?" Mr. Tolman checked an impulsive protest and after a moment responded gravely: "We will see. Perhaps you would like to earn something toward doing over the car." "Yes! Yes! I would!" "Well, all that can be arranged later. We--" "Henry," broke in Mrs. Tolman, "you must go this instant and get into some dry clothes. You are chilled through. The doctor says Stephen is going to be none the worse for his ducking and that he can come down stairs to dinner after he has rested a little longer. So our Thanksgiving party is not to be spoiled, after all. In fact, I believe we shall have more to give thanks for than we expected," concluded she, making an unsteady attempt to speak lightly. "I think so, too," echoed her husband. "And so do I!" added Stephen softly, as he exchanged an affectionate smile with his father. CHAPTER XIX THE END OF THE HOUSE PARTY As they were persons of strong constitution and in good athletic training neither Mr. Tolman nor Steve were any the worse for the narrow escape of the morning, and although a trifle spent with excitement both were able to take their places at the dinner table so that no cloud rested on the festivity of the day.