human
Go ahead, urged Rattleton.
gpt
What did Pierson say to you?
human
Oh, he said a number of things,
gpt
Haven't a doubt of it, he returned;
human
You see, it is a private matter,
gpt
Oh!
human
You know I would tell you if I could, Harry, said Frank, rising;
gpt
Oh, you needn't trouble yourself! Rattleton cut in, sharply.
human
I'll live just as long and be just as happy.
gpt
Now don't be angry, old man; that is foolish. You know I would tell you if I could do so without--
human
Oh, I don't know about that! You are getting so you have secrets lately, and you don't seem to trust me. Say, if you think I am a sneak and a tattler, say so, for I want to know it. I don't care to room with any fellow who doesn't trust me.
gpt
Old man, said Merriwell, meeting Rattleton's sullen glance with a frank, open look,
human
I do trust you, and you should know it. There is no fellow in college I would as soon room with. Still, you should know there are some things a man cannot honorably tell even his chum.
gpt
Perhaps there are some things about yourself or some friend that you would not care to tell me, Frank went on.
human
I am not going to be offended at that. It is your right to tell what you like and keep what you like to yourself. A thing like that should not create feeling between us.
gpt
But this seems different.
human
Does it? Well, I will explain that I told Pierson I would say nothing of the matter to anybody. I do not believe in lying. Do you want me to break my word in this case?
gpt
No! cried Harry.
human
You are all right again, Frank! You are always right! Don't you mind me when I get cranky. I'm a fundering thool--I mean a thundering fool! But I do hope Pierson is not working a jolly on you.
gpt
He may have tried to work a jolly on me, but he is not succeeding, smiled Frank, whose face had cleared.
human
And the quieter I keep the smaller will be the chance of success, if that is his little game.