There have been many men of culture and more favorable surroundings who have thrown themselves away with less provocation.

As it was, Bud quit school, avoided Ralph, and seemed more than ever under the influence of Dr.Small, besides becoming the intimate of Walter Johnson, Small's student and Mrs.Matilda White's son.

They made a strange pair--Bud with his firm jaw and silent, cautious manner, and Walter Johnson with his weak chin, his nice neck-ties, and general dandy appearance.
To be thus deserted in his darkest hour by his only friend was the bitterest ingredient in Ralph's cup.

In vain he sought an interview.

Bud always eluded him.