"Yes. Do you know he sent me an unsigned letter two days ago."
"He did? I warned him not to send you anything," and now Dave's face grew stern.
"It was only a couple of lines in pencil, and said, 'If you want letters, come to Oakdale with twenty-five dollars.'"
"The rascal! So he has sunk so low he wants to sell you the letters! I knew he was going to the bad, but I didn't think he was down as far as that. I hope you didn't bring the money."
"But I did, Dave. I--I was afraid if I didn't he might--might read the letters to others and expose me to ridicule," and the girl's face grew crimson.
"Don't you give him a cent, Laura--not a cent. I'll get hold of him before the term breaks up--and I'll get those letters or know the reason why!"
A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time. A great many things were said which need not be repeated here. When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
"It was awful for that Merwell to send that letter," said Jessie. "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
"I am fairly sure it is his handwriting," answered Dave. "He tried to disguise it, but a fellow can't always do that. I'll find out pretty quick--when I get back to the Hall."
"And to think he acted so meanly toward Laura! He must be perfectly horrid!"
"It's my opinion his days at Oak Hall are numbered, Jessie. I have heard the doctor has given him warning to mend his ways, but he doesn't seem to care. Well, if he won't do what is right he must take the consequences."
Dave, Roger, and Phil had run down to Oakdale on their bicycles and now they had to return to the school--to get dinner and leave for the baseball grounds at Hilltop.
"Let us go around by way of the Chedwick road," suggested the senator's son. "It's much better riding than on the main road and we can make better time."
The others were willing, and off they sped at a speed which soon took them to the outskirts of the town. Then they came to a crossroad, on the corner of which was situated a roadhouse kept by a man named Rafferty. Rafferty's reputation was none of the best, and it was reported that the resort was used by many who wished to gamble. Doctor Clay had warned his pupils not to stop there under any circumstances.