The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures Part 26

But there was no need to call Shirley, nor Mabel, either, for that matter. Both girls had heard the sound of the shots, and had immediately arisen from bed and begun to dress. Mabel's father also had been aroused and now came from the house with them. As Jimmy and Mr. Willing approached, Mr. Ashton called out:

"What's the matter, Willing?"

Mr. Willing explained in a few quick sentences. Then he turned to his daughter.

"Come to my room," he said. "I want to ask you some questions."

Shirley, Mabel, and Mr. Ashton followed Mr. Willing and Jimmy.

"Now, Shirley," said Mr. Willing, sternly, "tell me all that you know about this matter."

Shirley hesitated, but knew well it was useless. So, starting with the first conversation she had overheard between Jones and Jimmy, she told it all. At the conclusion of her story, Mr. Willing turned a grave look upon Jimmy.

"So you thought of selling me out, eh?"

Jimmy hung his head but made no reply.

"Daddy," interrupted Shirley, "he did no such thing. He was just tempted; that's all."

"That he should even listen to the voice of the tempter is enough for me," said Mr. Willing. "Smith, you may pack your clothes and leave the first thing in the morning."

Jimmy bowed his head, and started to leave the room.

But Shirley ran across the room and stopped him. Standing between him and the door through which he would have left, she turned flashing eyes upon her father.

"Shame upon you," she said, pointing an accusing finger at him. "But for Jimmy, there is no telling what might have happened to Gabriel this night. You know as well as I do that Jimmy is perfectly honest. You shan't drive him away."

"This is my business," said Mr. Willing.

"And it is mine, too, when I see you doing an injustice," replied Shirley. "You would be terribly sorry in the morning, and I don't want you to have any such regrets."

"Thank you, Miss Shirley," said Jimmy quietly, "but it is best that I go."

He moved toward the door.

Mr. Willing's manner underwent a sudden change. He turned sharply to Jimmy.

"Didn't you just hear my daughter tell you to stay?" he demanded.

"Why-why--" began Jimmy.

"Don't stand there and stutter at me," said Mr. Willing. "My daughter's wishes must be obeyed. What do you mean by trying to run away?"

In spite of herself, Shirley was forced to smile. Mr. Willing noticed this smile, and his face grew red. He turned again to Jimmy, held out his hand, and with an effort that was apparent, said:

"Jimmy, I beg your pardon. I should have known better. And forgive my last outburst, too. If you know how hard it is for me to admit that I was wrong--"

Shirley cut short the rest of the apology by throwing her arms tightly about her father's neck.

"You are just the best Daddy in the world," she said, and gave him a resounding kiss. "I knew you didn't mean it."

"I wouldn't lose Jimmy for the world," said Mr. Willing.

At this moment a voice was heard in the hall.

"What's the matter?" came Leonard Wolfe's voice. "I thought I heard a shot."

"The shot," said Shirley, trying not to smile, "was fired half an hour ago. You must have been some distance away if it took this long for the sound of it to reach you."

Wolfe's face grew scarlet.

"I--" he began, but Shirley interrupted him.

"It amounts to nothing," she said.

CHAPTER XVI.-MORE TROUBLES FOR JIMMY.

Jimmy returned to the stable and the rest went to bed. The night pa.s.sed without further incident.

"Jimmy," said Mr. Willing the following morning, "I want you to go to town and buy a new strong lock, one that cannot be opened from the outside. We will take no further chances with Jones and his crowd."

"Very well, sir," replied the boy, and a half hour later started on his way, riding one of the horses.

The lock purchased, Jimmy, in an unfrequented part of town, was just preparing to mount for his homeward journey, when a rude hand was suddenly laid on his shoulder. Jimmy turned about quickly and looked into the smiling face of Jones.

"You listen to me, son," said Jones. "We haven't been able to get together so far, but I still think I can make it worth your while to do what I ask."

"I don't want anything to do with you," replied Jimmy.

"Come, now," said Jones, "don't be stubborn. Come with me to where we can talk without fear of being overheard."

Jimmy hesitated.

"Perhaps I can learn something," he told himself. Aloud he said: "All right."

Jones smiled and led the way down the street. He turned in the door of what appeared to be a small hotel, and walked up the steps, Jimmy following.

Jones went into a little room, and drew two chairs up to the table that stood in the center.

"Now we can get down to business," he said.

Jimmy sat down, and at that moment the door opened again and a newcomer appeared upon the scene. He was young, but large and apparently very strong. He took a seat at the table without a word. Then Jimmy noticed for the first time that his hand was tightly bandaged.

"This, d.i.c.k," said Jones to the newcomer and indicating Jimmy, "is the youngster who put the bullet through your hand."