Chester seemed so busy that he scarcely realized who had asked to know the time. Dick stepped over to the wall and took a watch from Chester’s pocket. He had noted that Gorman was close at hand. In a low tone, he said: “Look here, Gorman; do you know this watch?” Abe looked at it, started, gave a jump and grabbed it. “Do I know it?” he cried excitedly. “It’s mine! Why, where did you——” He stopped short, seeing that the watch was attached to a chain that was hooked into the vest hanging on the wall. “Whose coat and vest are these?” he asked harshly. Chester had been attracted by Abe’s words. He left Bradley and stepped over. “What’s the matter?” he asked. “Does this coat and vest belong to you?” demanded Gorman. “Sure thing,” nodded Arlington. “Well, will you explain how you happened to have my watch in your pocket?” “Your watch?” “Yes.” “Why——” “Here it is! I saw Merriwell take it from your pocket. It’s attached to this chain.” Arlington seemed thunderstruck. Dick was watching Chester closely, and he thought: “The fellow is amazed, or he’s an excellent actor.” “What sort of a joke is this?” Arlington demanded. “Where is my watch?” “I don’t know about your watch,” said Gorman coldly; “but I do know that this watch, found in your pocket, is my watch. I wish you to explain how its came there!” Chester had turned pale. “Why, confound it! I hope you don’t think I stole your old watch, Gorman?” he said hotly. “I have not stopped to think much about it. I know it was stolen from my room, and I know it was found in your pocket.” Other fellows were gathering around, and Arlington grew indignant. “I’d have you understand,” he said fiercely, “that my father is D. Roscoe Arlington, and I do not have to become a petty thief! I can have a dozen watches, if I need them. Somebody put that watch there to injure me! Merriwell, you—you asked what time it was! I told you to look at my watch. You—you are the one who took it out of that pocket! You,” he almost shouted—“you have put up this job on me!” In his great excitement, Chester seemed almost ready to hurl himself at Dick. “Steady!” flung back the captain of the eleven. “No fellow ever knew me to put up a dirty job on another. I found that watch in your pocket, Arlington.” “Ready for the field!” cried the timekeeper. “Everybody hustle! Just time to get back.” The football-players hurried toward the door. Dick, with the others, leaving Gorman and Arlington to settle the matter. Elmer Dow came panting into the gym. “Got it?” asked Dick anxiously. For reply Dow thrust into Dick’s hands a large paper bag. Dick opened it quickly and peered within. The bag contained a glistening white powder. “That’s the stuff!” exclaimed the captain of the eleven exultantly. “Now we’ll see if there is no way of holding on to those greased New Era chaps!” And he hurried to overtake his men.