"Before his refusal, he told me he had a son entering your Form in Baxter. Do not let the father's action prejudice you against the son. Remember, he is a stranger in Baxter, and treat him courteously." "And to think I did what I did for a chap whose father won't help mine, for lack of money," snorted Fred, as he tore the letter to shreds in his anger. CHAPTER XII BART'S SCHEME FAILS A moment later, Fred was ashamed of his outburst, and penitently he made amends by being unusually cordial to Bronson, who joined him as he passed the headmaster's house. "You got home safely, I judge," exclaimed the new student. "Yes, indeed," replied Fred, maintaining a silence upon the events of the walk home. "I'm glad. I was afraid Montgomery and his friends might make trouble for you." With various generalities, to which Fred gave monosyllabic assent or dissent, as the case might be, Bronson kept up a conversation, and in due course they reached the school grounds. No sooner had they entered, however, than they realized something unusual was afoot. In groups of varying size, the girls were talking earnestly, some to other girls and others to boys. But at the approach of Fred and his companion they became silent, and the two boys were aware of many covert glances as they passed up the tree-lined walk. "Wonder what's up?" exclaimed Bronson. "Don't know," returned his companion. "More stories about me, I suppose, judging from the way they all stop talking and stare when I come near." With that super-sensitiveness, from which he was a sufferer, Fred had ascribed the actions of his schoolmates to the matter of his father's failure, and in no more forceful manner could he have shown his real character, than by his next remark. "I say, Bronson," he began, a little catch in his voice, "I don't think it's a good plan for you to associate with me. I'm under a cloud, you know, and it may queer you with the others." "Of course, if you don't like me, I won't," returned the new student, after a moment's silence. "It isn't _that_," responded Fred hurriedly. "I _do_ like you. But I was thinking of your own good--your success at Baxter, you know." "If that's the only reason for your former remark, forget it," exclaimed Bronson emphatically. "I'd rather have your friendship than that of anyone else in school. You were the only one who treated me decently yesterday--and I don't forget such things." "All right, Clothespin, if you feel that way. Goodness knows, I need friends at this time, badly."