Then something happened that almost upset him. In the press about the chapel doors he suddenly saw Le Baron's tall figure across the scrambling mass. Their glances met and with a little solemnity Le Baron raised his hat. He understood; they might be enemies to the end of their days, but the hat had been raised as the tribute of a man to a man. Once in his seat he looked about with a little scorn--Troutman and Schley were not there. After first recitation he went directly to the hospital, stubbornly resolved to give no explanations, stubbornly resolved in his own knowledge of his right to affront public opinion in any way he chose. The news he received was reassuring, the girl was out of danger. Muriel Stacey not yet arrived, for which he was physically thankful. He returned to his rooms, traversing the difficult campus with erect head. "Now, boy, see here," said Hungerford, when he had climbed the stairs, "I want this out with you. What did happen, and who ran away?" "You've got the story in the papers, haven't you?" said Stover wearily. "The New Haven ones have in a couple of columns and my photograph." "Is that all, Dink, you're going to tell me?" "Yes." "Is that all you're going to let Jean Story know?" said Hungerford boldly. Stover winced. "Damn you, Joe!" "Is it?" "She'll have to believe what she wants to about me," said Stover slowly. "It's a test." "No, it isn't a test or a fair test," said Hungerford hotly. "I know everything's all right, boy, but I want to stop anything that might be said. You're hurt now because you know you're misjudged." "Yes, I am hurt." "Sure; a rotten bit of luck has put you in a false position. That's the whole matter." "Joe, I won't tell you," said Stover shortly. "I am mad clear through and through. I'm going to shut up on the whole business. If my friends misjudge me--so much the worse for them. If some one else--" He stopped, flung his hat on the couch, and sat down at the desk. "What's the lesson?" But at this moment Regan and Story came in, bolting the door. "Well, we've got the truth," said Story. He came over and laid his hand on Dink's shoulder. "What do you mean?" "Tom and I have had it out with Schley and Troutman. They've told the whole thing, the miserable little curs." His voice shook. "You're all right, Dink; you always were, but it's a shame--a damn shame!" "Oh, well, they lost their nerve," said Stover heavily. "Why the devil didn't you tell us last night?" "What was the use?" "We could have stopped its getting into the papers, or had it right." "Well--it all comes down to a question of luck sometimes," said Stover. "I was just as responsible as they were--it was only fooling, but there's the chance." "Dink, I've done one thing you may not like." "What's that?" "I've written the whole story to your folks at home--sent it off."