"Just so. And, being poor, some pocket money comes in mighty handy at times, doesn't it?"
"But not as much as you'd like; ain't that so?"
"Oh, I could spend more--if I had it," answered Dave, trying to find out what the other was driving at.
"Well, supposing I promised to give you some money to spend, Porter, how would that strike you?"
Dave was astonished, the suggestion was so entirely unexpected. But he tried not to show his feelings.
"Would you give me money, Gus?" he asked, calmly.
"Yes, I would--if you'd only promise to keep quiet."
"Well--I--er--I'd do the right thing. Did Phil Lawrence see me on the river?"
"Then you were alone." Gus Plum drew a sigh of relief. "Now, let us come to terms, by all means. I'll do the square thing, and you'll have all the pocket money you want."
"But how much are you willing to give me?" queried Dave, his curiosity aroused to its highest pitch.
"I'll give you"--the bully paused, to add impressiveness to his words--"I'll give you fifty dollars."
"Fifty dollars!" ejaculated Dave. He was bewildered by the answer. He had expected Plum to name a dollar or two at the most.
"Do you think it is enough?" asked the country boy. He scarcely knew what to say. He was trying to study the bully's face.
"Well--er--if you'll give me your solemn word not to whisper a word--not a word, remember--I'll make it a--a hundred dollars."
"You'll give me a hundred dollars? When?"
"Before the end of the week. I haven't the money now, but, if you want it, I can give you ten dollars on account--just to bind the bargain," and the bully drew two five-dollar bills from his vest pocket. "But, remember, mum's the word--no matter what comes."
He thrust the bills at Dave, who merely looked at them. Then the country boy drew himself up.
"I don't want a cent of your money, Gus Plum," he said, in a low, but firm, voice. "You can't bribe me, no matter what you offer."
The bully dropped back and his face fell. He put his money back into his pocket. Then he glared savagely at Dave.
"Then you won't come to terms!" he fairly hissed between his teeth.
"You had better. If you dare to tell on me--breathe a word of what you saw that night--I'll--I'll make it so hot for you that you'll wish you had never been born! I am not going to let a country jay like you ruin me! Not much! You think twice before you make a move! I can hurt you in a way you least expect, and if I have to leave this school, you'll have to go, too!" And shaking his fist at Dave, Gus Plum strode off, leaving Dave more mystified than ever before.