“Ah! And how did you propose to scare them away?” “By hiding and turning the searchlight on them, sir. And that’s what I did, only the light wouldn’t work at first and they got some paint on before it would work. And then they ran away.” “Yes? And in what direction?” “I――I――” Kendall stopped and observed Mr. Collins apologetically. “I’d rather not tell any more, please, sir.” “Very well, my boy, but bear in mind that you are making it harder for yourself. I’d like very much to believe your version of the story, but, frankly, I can’t. Now, wouldn’t it be much more sensible to make a clean breast of the whole thing? Is there any reason why the others shouldn’t take their share of punishment? Especially if, as you say, they are the ones to blame and you are merely an innocent victim of circumstances? Come, come, Burtis!” “I couldn’t make a clean breast of it, Mr. Collins, without telling on――on the others. And――and you don’t think that’s right, do you, sir?” Mr. Collins smiled slightly. “That question has been put up to me a good many times, my boy, and I’ve always declined to answer it. There’s something to be said on both sides. It’s a question you’ll have to decide for yourself. I must tell you, though, that we have always had very little patience for the sort of tomfoolery indulged in by your party last night. Defacing property is a skulking, mean-spirited business, Burtis. Now and then some prank comes to my attention for which, although I am obliged to mete out punishment, I have a sort of admiration. Ingenuity, daring, courage, all those compel admiration even when displayed in a bad cause. But to sneak out at night under cover of darkness and daub paint on another person’s property has nothing of ingenuity nor courage about it. In short, Burtis, the defacing of school property is held by this faculty as being mischievous and contemptible and is always punished severely. I tell you this that you may realize the seriousness of your position before it is too late. Think it over a minute.” “You mean that I――that you will let me off if I tell who the other fellows were?” asked Kendall unhappily. “I mean that if you will make a clean breast of the whole affair, fixing blame where it belongs, you will be dealt with much more leniently than you will be if you persist in――in retarding justice,” replied Mr. Collins kindly. “Take your time and think about it.” He arose and passed into the front office, and Kendall heard him address Mr. Forisher, the secretary: “Let me have the card of Burtis, Third Class, please.” He returned with the card in his hand. Kendall could see his name at the top of it. It was evidently taken from the filing cabinet which stood back of the secretary’s desk. Mr. Collins laid the card on the desk and looked inquiringly at Kendall. Kendall shook his head: “I――I’d rather not, please, sir.” “You’re certain?” “Yes, sir. I’d rather not tell.”