The High School Freshmen; or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and Sports

u heard---" the boy began, as

Rich

her, I am

enough to kill one who loves you. Come! Your father is in th

ick, paling instantly

Dick I'm too dazed to guess," repli

ol principal was in the room. But the boy's whole gaze was centered on a

th a little formality--that is all. This matter at the High School has puzzled me to such a degree that I left early t

k best," pursued Hemi

have anything that you

pin was found in my pocket today, and I can only guess that some one--Ripley, perhaps dropped it in my pocket. Ripley has some feelings of enmit

til today," broke in Dr. Thornton. "Now, a pin and a wa

to those two articles I cannot offe

such a contemptible trick," explained Dr. Thornton, thoughtfully. "As far as the incident of the scar

er pin and the watch?" shot in Policema

ight either have betrayed himself, or gone to stammer

them, Mr. Hemingway. I have

u about you at this mom

o turn out his pockets. He produced the two coppe

ut you, then, somewher

ged Dick, frankly, a

w it, and shall be gl

e the search, with the spe

money about you," ad

e some put a

be likely to be?

idden behind books; oh, there's a lot of plac

f them, then, won't you please?

tortured soul this police investigation seemed to be the acme of disgrace. It all poi

hing your son's room--in the presence of yourself and of Dr. Thornton, of course? I am obliged to ask you

mother, quickly. "But you'll be wasting your time, fo

at is what we most want--not to find anything there. Will you lead

y about, exploring the pockets of Dick's other clothing hanging there. He delved into, under and behind all of the few books there. Thi

declared the policeman, bending over and tr

a boy of many possessions. After a few moments the policeman deftly produced, from the bottom, a gold watch. This he laid on the floor without a word,

escott's throat. Dr. Thornton turned as white as chalk. Hemingway, an old a

asked the policeman, straightening up and pas

be," nodded Dr. T

forward, weeping and throw

ard, my boy!" was

he young freshman, being all grit by nature, straightened up, feeling that he could look all the world in the eye. Only his

boy said, more solemnly, after a pause.

ence when you've given me your w

ke your instructions, Dr. T

rder given," nodded

l pri

rrest youn

not cry out. She kissed her son, then went jus

d," replied the principal, slowly. "If I were convinced that this would be the last

he things that you hold in your hand?"

ton. "It seems wicked--monstrous--to believe that

roke down. Then he add

thi

ot very far into the future lies the

on, "you'll make me as happy as

to the chief, doctor," requested Hemingway,

ied the principal, "unless the superintend

e doorway could be heard

g, doctor. You'll come to th

rincipal. He turned to Dick, s

re guilty, I hope you will pause, think and resolve, ere it is too late, to make a man of yourself hereafter. If you are innocent, I hope, with all my heart, th

tairs Dr. Thornton

ending official action by the school authorities, y

room. He did not close the door, but crossed to the window, wher

a step, Dick Prescott felt