There was a lot of talk and a good deal of fun, and in the end Steve found himself chosen one of a committee of five to call on the principal and request the permission they desired.

At a little after nine he walked back to Billings alone.

Tom didn't return until ten and then, with never a word between them, they undressed and went to bed.

Steve didn't get to sleep very easily that night.

More than once he was sorely tempted to speak across the darkness and tell Tom that he did believe him and that he was sorry.