"Now, let me say," said the teacher, "that I cannot understand
why there was any collision at all. Tom Harper, why did you get
in Luke's way?"
"Because I was a fool, sir," answered Tom, smarting from
his injuries, and the evident indifference of Randolph,
in whose cause he had incurred them.
"That doesn't answer my question. Why did you act like a
fool, as you expressed it?"
"I thought I could get out of the way in time," stammered
Tom, who did not dare to tell the truth.
"You had no other reason?" asked the teacher, searchingly.
"No, sir. What other reason could I have?" said Tom, but
his manner betrayed confusion.
"Indeed, I don't know," returned the teacher, quietly.
"Your action, however, spoiled Luke's chances and insured
the success of Randolph."
"And got me a broken head," muttered Tom, placing his hand
upon the swelling at the back of his head.
"Yes, you got the worst of it. I advise you to go home and
apply cold water or any other remedy your mother may suggest."
Randolph had already turned away, meaning to return home.
Tom joined him. Randolph would gladly have dispensed with his
company, but had no decent excuse, as Tom's home lay in the
same direction as his.
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