He came back slowly, casting a hasty, doubtful look up to the dormitory windows.

After some hesitation, during which he kicked the gravel of the walk with his toe, he began: "There was a time when you didn't like Merriwell any better than the rest of us, and you have done things that would put you in a pretty bad corner, if they were known." Hodge's brows lowered in a scowl, and his nostrils dilated, like those of a wild creature that scents danger.

He said nothing, but his steady, piercing gaze made Snell keep his eyes on the ground.
"Of course I am not the kind of a fellow to blow anything of the sort," Wat went on, hurriedly.

"I simply mentioned it by chance.

You seem friendly with Merriwell now, and I thought you might have forgotten." "I wonder what the rascal is coming at ?" thought Bart; but not a word did he speak aloud.
"For the sake of old times, I thought--perhaps--you might do something for some of your old friends--I didn't know but you might.