Hugh took the missive from Tom’s hand, and at the same time managed to see what was written on the outside of the carefully done-up package that the other had laid on the top of the chiffonier.

    “To Brother Tom: Wishing him many happy returns of his birthday. From Benjy!”

Even before Hugh read a single word in the note he believed he had a pretty clear comprehension as to the true state of affairs. His heart, too, was bounding with sudden relief over the happy outcome of the troublesome matter, although it was not to be expected that, being an outsider, Hugh could feel one-quarter the joy that filled Tom’s soul.
125

The letter ran as follows:

    “Dear Tom:

    “Here’s the best thing I could think of to get you. It’s a whole lot better than your old racket ever was, which I am having repaired for my own use. I’ve taken a liking to tennis lately. And, Tom, you’ll be glad to know I’ve thrown that whole crowd overboard, and I mean to make an application to join the scouts the first chance I get. Perhaps you would like to propose my name. Many happy returns of the day, Tom. I’m beginning to realize what a whole lot I owe you for keeping everlastingly at me, even when I kept turning you down. But I want to forget all that now, for it can never happen again with me.

    “Your brother, Benjy.”

Hugh folded up that note with a feeling of delight he had seldom experienced before. Then Benjy was turning out to be a splendid sort of fellow! Hugh anticipated he might prove to be that once he made up his mind to break away from those evil connections that were pulling him into the mire.
126

He must have been really hunting for the old tennis racquet on that other occasion when caught rummaging through Tom’s trunk. He had appeared confused because he feared his secret might be discovered. He had not only taken every cent he had in his bank to pay for the new racquet, but had actually sold his valuable Belgian hares in order to make up the amount he still owed at the sporting goods store.

By now Tom had snatched up the package and managed to get it undone. He uttered cries of sincere admiration and delight when he saw what an elegant tennis racquet was revealed. His eyes were swimming with tears as he looked at Hugh.

“Oh! Hugh!” he stammered, “will I ever be able to forgive myself for thinking all those bad things about him? I never felt so ashamed in my life as I do now. But I’m going to make amends for it, see if I don’t, Hugh. Look what a dandy racquet he got me, will you? Spent every cent he had saved for his Fourth.”
127

Hugh hardly knew whether he ought to relate what he had discovered. The temptation to do so overcame his scruples. Besides, now that Benjy’s innocence had been assured, he thought it too good to be hidden under a bushel by silence.

“I’m going to tell you something, Tom,” he went on to say, with a smile. “Queer, isn’t it, that often the very things we fear for most turn out to be for the very best?”

Tom immediately began to show new interest. How his fine eyes sparkled, and upon his face that worried look could no longer be seen.

“What! is there anything more good coming, Hugh?” he cried, eagerly.

“You’ll have to judge for yourself,” replied the scout master, after which he proceeded to relate how he had seen Benjy coming out of the bird store kept by Mr. Huggins, and counting some silver, also how the discovery had filled him with dismay.

“It was only natural it should, you understand, Tom,” he went on to say in apology, “after what we suspected. But I made up my mind I would learn what he had been doing in there.”
128

When Tom heard about the selling of Benjy’s pet Belgian hares he lowered his head suddenly as though he did not want his friend to see that his eyes were swimming, for as a rule, boys have a prejudice against appearing weak. Hugh respected his brotherly emotion, for he knew that it must be complete joy that affected the other now, and not anxiety.

By the time Hugh finished speaking Tom managed to get a fresh grip on himself, even though his voice did tremble somewhat.

“Hugh, I’m bound to redeem those long-eared little animals if I have to borrow the money to do it with!” he exclaimed. “To think of his making that great big sacrifice just for me! I know how fond Benjy’s been of his pets! Oh! Hugh, when you came in here little did I dream what glorious news there was going to be sprung on me! I was feeling away down in the cellar, and now, well, I seem to be on the roof looking up into the beautiful heavens!”

That wa............