He was well satisfied with what the day had brought forth. Franklin had departed crestfallen, knowing that Dick would keep his word and investigate the charge of professionalism against several of her team. Had she been victorious she would not have cared so much, but now she knew a close investigation would result in the breaking off of athletic contests between the two schools, and she would be left with the bitter taste of defeat in her mouth. Dick arrived at the hotel and had his card taken to Mrs. Arlington. There was some delay, following which the lady came sweeping haughtily into the parlor where Dick waited. “I presume, sir,” she said frigidly, “you have come to your senses and decided to return that locket.” “I concluded to come here and talk the matter over with you, Mrs. Arlington,” said Dick, perfectly at his ease. “Have you brought the locket?” “I keep it with me all the time.” “I will take it.” “If you wish to when you hear what I have to say. The locket was given me by your daughter. She gave it to me on the night of her second visit to this place. She attended a mask-party that night and discovered a plot to ruin my arm so that I could take no further part in football this season. It was to be done by means of a poison ring with a cutting point, which was to be worn on the hand of one of my disguised enemies. A scratch from the ring would cause something like blood-poison to set in.” “Of what interest is this to me, sir? I——” “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Arlington; possibly you will be interested in a moment. Three of my enemies in school were concerned in the plot, and your son was one of them—your son, who is my bitterest enemy!” “I will not believe it!” “I can prove it if necessary. Your daughter begged me not to expose her brother, for she knew exposure would mean disgrace and expulsion of her brother from Fardale Academy. I promised not to expose him. She gave me the charm for luck. I have kept it, and it seemed to give me luck. If you take it from me, if you compel me to give it up, I shall consider that there is no further reason why I should not expose your son.” “Sir,” said the woman angrily, “I do not believe a word of your preposterous story! My son is a gentleman, and——” “Ask your daughter.” “It is true, mother,” said June, entering the room. “Mr. Merriwell might have disgraced Chester, but he declined to do so. I gave him the locket, and——” There was a sudden cry that caused her to stop. It had a most alarming sound. Then came other cries and a rush of feet. “Fire! fire!” Dick sprang to the parlor door. Above he saw rolling smoke and a gleam of flames. “The hotel is afire!” he cried. “My brother!” screamed June. “He is up there in Room 42!” “My son!” cried Mrs. Arlington, in horror, and swayed as if about to faint. “Oh, Heaven, my son! Save him!”