"You can 'bah!' all you please, but I mean what I say. To play a joke is one thing, to blame it on a fellow student who is innocent is another. As the poet Shelley says— But what's the use of wasting poetry on a chap like you? Max, you heard what was said, didn't you?"
By this time the German-American student was free of his tormentor, a happy-go-lucky student named Henry Cale. He nodded to Songbird.
"Yes, I heard it," he said, and gave Koswell a meaning look.
"Fine business to be in, listening around corners," sneered Larkspur.
"Say that once more and I'll punch your head!" cried Max, doubling up his fists.
"What are you fellows going to do?" questioned Koswell. He was beginning to grow alarmed.
"That depends on what you fellows do," returned Songbird.
"Why—er—do you think I am going to the doctor and—er—confess?"
"You have got to clear Tom Rover."
"Our word is as good as yours," said Larkspur.
"Then you are willing to tell a string of falsehoods, eh?" said Songbird coldly.
