Part 23 (1/2)
”Oh, they'll never guess. You've changed your name; haven't you?”
”Hus.h.!.+ Not so loud! Of course I have, but I can't change my face, and I'm afraid every day of getting found out. But what do you want, Nelson?”
”What do I always want, but money? Did you think I came here to pa.s.s the time of day?”
”I wish you had.”
”What do you mean?” demanded the man, sharply.
”I mean that I haven't any money for you.”
”Why, look here--er--Shambler--you've just got to have money for me.”
”Got to is a strong word, Nelson.”
”I know it, and I mean it. I'm broke I tell you.”
”Then get it from someone else. I haven't any.”
”Why, what have you been doing here all this while, I'd like to know?”
and the man's voice took on a whine.
”I haven't been picking up gold dollars, if that's what you mean, Nelson. I've been bucking down and studying hard. It is isn't as easy at Randall as it was at Harkness.”
”What'd you come here for then?”
”Because athletics are better managed. Now look here. You know the games won't take place for some time yet, and I can't get any cash until they're run off. I have just enough to get along on as it is, but if things go right I'll have plenty later on.”
”Backing yourself, I suppose?”
”Hus.h.!.+ You can't tell who may hear you. I tell you it was a big risk for you to come here to-day. I wish you hadn't. You had better go away now.
Go out this way, where no one will notice you.”
”I will when I get some money--not before,” growled the man.
”Oh, hang it, Nelson! Do you want to spoil everything? I tell you I can't give you any money. Why don't you go see some of the others?”
”They're broke too. I was counting on you, and I've just got to have it.
Come now, fork over. You can cut out some of your fancy business, and make it up.”
”Fancy business? I'm living plainer than any one else in college. I haven't given a spread, and I don't go to 'em when I can help it, for I can't return the compliment.”
”So that's why he hasn't been around much,” mused Tom. ”He hasn't the money. Well, that's nothing against him, but I must say I'm suspicious of this talk. I--I wish I hadn't heard it.”
Tom had on his other shoes now, and was preparing to leave the gymnasium.
Then the voices resumed.
”Well, I'll spare you a little,” said Shambler, ”though it's a hard pull. Now don't you come back here until after the games. If all goes right you'll get your share.”