SUSPICIONS
Upon the whole, Roy Henning was well pleased with the manner in which
the boys had received him. Over-sensitive as he was, he had expected
that they would either accuse him of complicity, or openly blame him
for the loss of the money. Taken altogether, they behaved remarkably
well. The majority had real sympathy for him in the awkward position
in which he found himself.
With a fine regard for his feelings, no one, after Roy's first
announcement of his probable incapacity to refund, mentioned openly to
him the question of restitution. Everybody understood that the
President had arrived at some decision on this point, but all were in
the dark as to its nature.
The days passed into weeks. Every effort was made to trace the thief,
but without success. It became finally the general conclusion that
some outsider, in no way connected with the college, was the culprit,
and that he had gotten off safely with his booty. But in the many
impromptu committees, organized in moments of unusual zeal for the
purpose of "doing something," the unanswerable difficulty always
arose--"How could a stranger know there was money in that particular
room of the dozens in the college?"
The pitcher's cage was not purchased that winter. It was noticed by
the boys that Andrew Garrett, as far as they could observe, never once
spoke to his cousin about the loss. Roy, owing to the result of the
thoughts of the sleepless night he had spent in the infirmary,
imagined that Garrett had good reasons for keeping clear of him.
He was keenly alive to Garrett's every action, resulting from what he
believed to be well-grounded suspicions. He did not fail to notice one
peculiarity on the part of his cousin. Very soon after the robbery
Garrett discarded the sky-blue sweater which had made him so
conspicuous a figure in the yard ever since September. Roy confessed
to himself that he was unable to attach any importance to this.
The theft had been too genuine a sensation at the college for all
discussion to die out soon. In the course of time the whole yard
appeared to be divided into two factions or parties. One side was loyal
and strenuous in upholding Henning, claiming him to be beyond reproach
and spotless in his integrity. As may be surmised, the leaders of this
party were Jack Beecham, Tom Shealey, Ambrose Bracebridge, and Rob
Jones, the first defender of Roy in his absence. These companions knew
Henning well. They called him "Don Quixote." They teased him often, yet
they knew that he was the soul of honor. Any one of these would as soon
suspect himself as cast suspicion on Roy.
The existence of this party was the outgrowth of a popular indignation
against a few boys who had, in discussing the robbery, persistently
left the impression that they considered that there was an
unsatisfactory mystery about it.
Out of kindness to Roy, little--scarcely anything--of what his friends
heard in the yard reached his ears. When he did not happen to be
present his friends were by no means backward in denouncing the
opposition.
Henning asked no questions, even of his friends, yet by a kind of
unconscious assimilation he became aware of the strong sentiment
against him, and of the strong resentment of those opposed to him.
These things he learned more by averted glances and partially
concealed avoidances than by overt act or speech. He never mentioned
this to his friends, who thought he did not observe it. No one had
ever told him of Jones' catlike spring at the throat of Smithers, yet
Roy learned of it in some way, and while he was filled with gratitude
toward Jones it only tended to confirm his own opinion that there was
a large party antagonistic to him.
There was now only a mere speaking acquaintance between Henning and
Garrett, which, as cousins, they could not avoid. They observed the
merest civilities.
About the middle of February Henning and his friends were surprised to
note that Garrett was spending money very freely. He had always
availed himself of every little luxury that could be purchased within
the college bounds, but now it seemed that he was more lavish than
ever. Spring was approaching. Garrett purchased two or three baseball
bats, a fine shield, mask, catcher's glove, and a number of the best
baseballs. He evidently paid the highest prices, for upon inquiry it
was found he had had no communication with the prefect, or with the
sports' committee who usually secured some discount for cash. Clothes,
shoes, hats, and ties were also lavishly purchased. What could it all
mean? To add to the mystery Stockley and that boy Smithers, who had
turned his pockets inside out in proof of his impecuniosity, were also
spending considerable money, although a much less amount than Garrett.
All this, of course, strengthened Roy's suspicions. Where did he get
all the money? And why was he making such a lavish display? Roy was,
nevertheless, puzzled by the evident fact that while all noticed
Garrett's free purchasing, no one appeared to suspect him of any
connection with the lost funds.
Henning could not in conscience mention his suspicions to any one. If
any one would but broach the subject, then he would talk and take
advice on what was the best line of action to pursue. His common-sense
told him that to accuse his cousin publicly on his mere suspicion
would be worse than useless.
To add to the complications of the situation, within a week or two of
Garrett's expenditures Roy himself began to spend money freely. Where
it came from was a mystery which was not cleared up for many a day. He
expended quite a sum on books, baseball goods, shoes, etc.
It is quite certain that Henning did not realize how large the majority
was who were in opposition to him. Had he done so he would have acted
with more discretion, for the time was critical for him. Even some of
his best friends were sorely put to it to account for his outlay. More
than one of his staunchest supporters began to waver in their
allegiance. No one doubted his integrity, but some were not pleased with
his want of prudence. Before closing this narrative we shall explain
where this money came from, why Roy bought the particular goods he did,
and why he bought them at this particular time.
"I wonder how it is," said Smithers, "that Henning has so much money
to spend just now."
"Don't know I'm sure, but I suppose it is all right," replied
Stockley.
"But isn't it strange that he who has been so close all the year
should change and be lavish so suddenly?"
"Oh, come off! that's an innuendo! Give the fellow a show. You are
hinting that it is the subscription money he is now spending, and
that, consequently, he was the thief."
"Oh, say, don't put it that strong!" said Smithers uneasily.
"But that's what you mean, all the same. I don't like him, but to do
him justice, I don't think--I'm sure--he had any hand in getting away
with that money."
"Why?"
"Oh, because--because I don't believe he had, that's all."
"But that's no proof."
"Didn't say it was. I said it was my belief."
Just at that moment Bracebridge and Garrett joined the speakers.
"Look here, Bracebridge," said Smithers, "Stockley says that he
doesn't believe that Henning had anything to do with taking that
money."
"I'm sick of all this talk," said Ambrose angrily; "just as if any one
who knew Henning at all could entertain such a thought for a moment!"
"But why is he spending so much just now?" insinuated Smithers.
"I don't know, and I don't care. It's none of our business anyway."
But he did care. He was very uneasy. He remembered what Roy had told
him of his home affairs. He was sorely puzzled, yet his loyalty did
not waver.
"For my part," said Garrett, "although Henning is my relative and I am
therefore naturally concerned in all that he does, I can not help
thinking that his action is a little unfortunate."
"For your part," retorted Ambrose, "and for your own credit, you had
better say as little as you can."
"For my part I shall say what I choose, and to whom I choose."
"Then do not choose to say it to me, for I won't hear it," and Ambrose
walked away, very angry.
"Humph! the great mogul is getting quite huffy," remarked Smithers.
"Well, never mind, Garrett, for although Henning is your cousin you
are not to blame if he falls under suspicion."
In his heart Garrett knew Henning was innocent. But he did not like
him. He was jealous of him. He saw in him qualities of mind and heart
which he knew he himself did not possess, and, as is the case with all
small natures, he was jealous. He had neither the wish nor the courage
to state his belief in Roy's innocence.
On the other hand Garrett despised Smithers. The boy was poor. Every
one knew that. But poverty is no disgrace, and never at St. Cuthbert's
has it been a subject of reproach. There are some natures which become
vicious because of their poverty. Smithers was one of these. He was
one of those who, in season and out of season, was forever reiterating
what he called his suspicions. This was the more base, because, had
there been any foundation for them, gratitude should have compelled
him to remain silent. On more than one--on many an occasion--Henning
had quietly and unostentatiously helped this boy out of little
financial difficulties, such as paying his library fees and fines,
securing for him tennis shoes, and little things of that kind.
Garrett had just heard all this for the first time, and the better
side of his nature at that moment, notwithstanding his strange remark
to Bracebridge, was in the ascendant. Secretly he was ashamed of his
comradeship with Smithers, who was perhaps one of the most undesirable
boys at St. Cuthbert's.
"Shock" Smithers--so named on account of the permanently untidy
condition of his hair--was, therefore, very much surprised indeed at
what he next heard from Garrett.
"Of course," Garrett began, "as you speak with so much certainty about
my cousin, you have positive proof of his guilt?"
Smithers began to laugh. He thought that a good joke.
"I see no laughing matter. I ask you a plain question. You have proof
of Henning's guilt--which for some reason you are withholding?"
"Not--not exactly proof, you know, but, eh--but you know, eh--you know
as well as I do how suspicion points to him."
"Then you make all this to-do on mere suspicion?"
"Of course. We have nothing more than suspicions, have we?"
"Yes, certainly. You must have more than suspicion when you state
publicly that Roy deserves to be in State's prison."
"I--I did not say that. I--"
"Yes, you did. I heard you myself, and on that I largely based my own
judgment. Don't lie."
"I did not say that definitely, you know. I said that if what is said
about him is true he ought to be there, Andy."
"You are a liar! I myself heard you say it, and what is more, I have
only just now heard how Roy has been treating you ever since
September, giving you books, money, and buying things for you. You're
a skunk! that's what you are."
Garrett walked away. Smithers was left in no enviable frame of mind.
The principal part of his chagrin arose, not from the fact that he had
been mean and cowardly, but that it had been discovered that he had
received assistance from any one, and especially from Roy Henning.