in all sincerity.

"Well, you certainly must be innocent, mister, if you're as puzzled
as all this," replied the youngster. "Then it must be that malicious
mischief is brewing against you in some quarter. Take my advice,
mister, and find out what it all means."

"Thank you. I most certainly will, sir," replied Dave, his eyes
flashing.




CHAPTER VI

DAVE PASSES THE LIE


Dalzell looked up wonderingly as Darrin marched swiftly into their
room.

"Danny boy, have you heard any talk against me today?" demanded
Dave.

"Do I look as though I had been fighting?" queried Dan promptly.

"I've just heard, from Trotter, that a good many of the fellows
in our class are scorching me, and talking of sending me to coventry.
Will you--"