“Wendell,” he began, “why do you take this heavy risk? You know nothing but bad of me――――” “Because I expect to know nothing but good of you hereafter,” answered Ray promptly. “I have your promise, haven’t I?” “With all my heart,” responded Howard fervently. “But how can I ever repay the loan? I can never rest until it is paid up to you, and you know I am not wealthy.” “Take your time. I can trust you,” answered Ray. “There is your check, now, so you must hurry off and get rid of your tormentors. The others we can attend to later. There is no one else knows anything of this?” “No one,” answered Howard, “except perhaps Jarvis down stairs. He may not understand about the disturbance of your desk. You know you spoke to him about it.” “Yes, so I did,” said Ray. “Never mind, I will see him and tell him that it is all right. I will explain the matter satisfactorily. Now you’d better hurry, for it is getting late.” Howard started toward the door. After two or three steps he turned hesitatingly. “Wendell――Ray――would you mind shaking hands with me?” he asked. Ray extended his hand immediately. Howard seized it convulsively with both of his, while his whole frame quivered, and tears started to his eyes afresh. It was but a moment, and then Howard turned to go away. He had already reached the door when something seemed to occur to him, and he wheeled about and came back. “Ray,” he said, “there is something else I must tell you. You remember the night we brought the cannons back from Berkeley. It was I that borrowed your match box that night, and I dropped it by the cannon on purpose.” Howard paused. “I knew it,” answered Ray quietly, “or at least, felt quite sure of it. Well, what of it?” “Well, I thought you ought to know it, that was all,” answered Howard. Then without another word he passed out of the door. Ray stood looking after him thoughtfully. I came up and touched him on the arm. “Ray,” said I, “you are a splendid fellow.” “Why, no,” he answered. “I only did what I think is a fellow’s duty. Howard will never forget to-night. He will keep his promise. Just wait and see.” CHAPTER XXIII RENEWED HOPES Ray Wendell was right when he said that I exaggerated the effect that our defeat would have upon our college mates. They were surprised and disappointed, it is true――bitterly disappointed, for they had shared our confidence in the nine; but fortunately we had numerous witnesses in the omnibus load of companions who accompanied us, and who knew well enough where the trouble lay, and what had caused our defeat. To these witnesses I soon felt a genuine debt of gratitude, for it speedily became evident that the reports which they brought back from the game were as charitable to the team as could possibly be expected under the circumstances.