human
What's the matter, old fellow? called Bob the instant he was inside the door.
gpt
Are you used up?
human
I say, what's the trouble?
gpt
Can't you say something?
human
I hardly know what to say, Bob answered with slow gentleness.
gpt
I'm so sorry--so sorry and upset. I can't for the life of me understand how you came to do such a thing. Did you expect to get away with it? You must have known you would be missed at recitations and tracked down.
human
That's right--rub it in!
gpt
I'm not rubbing it in; I'm only trying to understand it.
human
There's nothing to understand. I just was crazy to go to that ball game and I started. I should have gone, too, if it hadn't been for the kid getting hurt.
gpt
It was bully of you to bring him back, anyway, Bob said.
human
Of course you knew it was all up with you when you did it.
gpt
I didn't think about it at all. I wasn't thinking of anything but that poor little chap who was mowed down by the brute in that car. If I hadn't happened to hear the motor it might have been me instead. I wish it had been,
human
No you don't. Great Scott, cheer up, Van! The country hasn't gone to the dogs yet. I must admit you are in a mess; but it doesn't begin to be the mess it would have been if you had gone to the game, had a bang-up time, and come home a sneak who had stolen his fun. At least you have done the square thing and 'fessed up, and now you'll be man enough to take what's coming to you. What do you suppose Maitland will do?
gpt
I can guess pretty well--pack me off home. He is stiff as a ramrod on obedience to the school rules, sighed Van,
human
I can't see, just for one afternoon of sport, how you-- Bob broke off.
gpt
If I'd only been here you never would have gone.
human
Maybe not, admitted Van. Then he added in the same breath:
gpt
No, I shouldn't have gone if you had been here, Bobbie. Somehow you're my good angel. I wrote Father so the other day.
human
Stuff!
gpt
It's true. You are such a brick! I thought you'd blow my head off when you'd heard what I'd done.
human
Well, I am mad enough to do it, was the tart reply.
gpt
For you to go and do a thing like that just for a ball game! It wasn't worth it. Think of your being pitched out of Colversham for a measly game of baseball. And you didn't get there, either!
human
Don't light into me, Bobbie, he moaned.
gpt
Don't I feel bad enough as it is?
human
I don't know whether you do or not; you ought to.
gpt
I do, Bob. I'm dead sorry.
human
If you'd stay sorry it might do some good, returned Bob. A sudden thought seemed to strike him. He did not speak for a few moments; then he said half aloud:
gpt
Who knows--it might help.
human
What might help?
gpt
Nothing.
human
Will you stay right here like a decent chap and not get into any more mischief until I get back?
gpt
Where are you going?
human
Nowhere much--just across the campus for a little while. I'll be back soon. Will you wait here exactly where you are?
gpt
Yes, but--
human
Honor bright?
gpt
Sure!
human
All right. Don't quit this room until I come. So long!