I dreaded to be alone with Jack, and still more dreaded to be by when the fellows were--now an ordinary pastime--chaffing him at the office.

It was like living on a volcano which might at any moment explode.

However, the days went on, and my fears did not come to pass.

The fellows had either forgotten all about it, or, more likely, their sense of honour prevented them from making it known.

I was devoutly thankful, of course, and by every means in my power endeavoured to show it.