old my tongue as long as I understand that you've cut
his acquaintance; otherwise, I'll feel free to speak; and there are
lots of people in this town who'll believe you had some dark motive
back of your breaking into this building to-night. Your reputation
is against you, Leon, you understand. Another fellow might enter
here, and everybody would believe what he said; but you've long ago
lost the confidence of everybody worth while in Scranton. Is it a
bargain, then?"

Leon replied with alacrity; but then that was no sign that he meant
to keep his word. He had been caught in a downright lie on many
another occasion; so Hugh did not place much reliance on his promise
to reform.

"Oh! as to that, Hugh," said the crafty Leon, "I've been figuring
on cutting away from Nick for a long time now, and I guess I'll do it.
He's got me in lots of nasty scrapes, you understand, and then just
laughs at me. I'd have given him the shake long since, only he
threatened to whip me black and blue if I ever did. But this would
be a good chance to try it out. Yes, I'll promise you to try and
break away from Nick; and I hope you'll keep mum about my coming here
to-night. If you don't mind, Thad, I'd like to have my flash light
now. And I ought to be going back home in the bargain, because dad
doesn't like me to be out nights unless he knows where I'm at."

Thad chuckled as though he considered this last in the light of a
joke; for Leon roamed the streets until a late hour every night he
chose; as there was no need of their staying longer, they passed out
of the window, and headed toward heir respective homes.

CHAPTER IX

SCRANTON IN GALA ATTIRE

That was, indeed, a busy Friday with the students of Scranton High.
Lessons had been tabooed entirely, for what was the use of trying to
hold the attention of the scholars, upon dry subjects when their
thoughts continually roamed afield, and seemed concerned only with
what great things were scheduled for the next afternoon? Still,
they gathered at school, which was a sort of general headquarters
where the various committees appointed could consult, and go forth
to the work assigned to their particular charge.

The girls were just as enthusiastic as the boys, and demanded equal
representation upon a number of the said committees, especially the
ones designed for the welcome and entertainment of the vast crowds
expected to be present from neighboring towns and villages.

It