A carriage, drawn by a handsome pair of horses, was approaching the academy. In front of the academy was a great gathering of plebes, nearly the entire class assembling there. On their way from the gymnasium to their room, Dick Merriwell and Brad Buckhart paused. “What’s up?” exclaimed the Texan, in surprise. “What are the plebes doing?” “Here he comes!” cried some one in the crowd. Dick’s keen eyes surveyed the approaching team and the occupants of the carriage. “I believe I know what is up,” he said, a peculiar look on his face. “Enlighten me,” urged his companion. “Chester Arlington is returning to the academy, and his class is out to give him a reception. You know this is the day he was to come back.” “Well, blow me if I don’t believe you’re right!” burst forth Brad. “I opine that he’s one of those in yonder carriage. But who would have thought he could pull such a stroke, even with his own class! So help me, I believe nine-tenths of the plebes are here to give him a greeting! I do, I know!” “It looks that way,” said Dick, with a nod. “Arlington has made himself pretty solid with his class.” “How did he do it?” sniffed the Texan wonderingly. “They must be a lot of snobs! Just because he happens to have a father who is a big railroad magnate——” “No fellow who ever came to Fardale has spent half the money Chester Arlington has spent,” said Dick. “That’s right. He’s bought his friends by blowing himself on them. Well, I’ll allow I don’t care for that kind of friendship. It’s all off when the money plays out, you bet! Partner, the old hen is in the carriage with him!” “Mrs. Arlington is there, yes.” “And—and his sister!” “Yes, June is with him.” “Has he got clean over the fall he took?” “I hear he has almost entirely recovered.” “He got up mighty quick, it seems to me.” “He did recover much sooner than was expected.” “Pard, I opine he wasn’t hurt half as much as he made out.” “I don’t know about that. Yes, I know he did not seem to have much of any strength in his legs the night of the fire in the hotel.” “And you never got so much as thank you from the old hen! That shows the kind of stock he sprang from! She pretends to think all creation of him, and she should have gone down on her knees to you; but she’s such a cold-blooded old fossil that she couldn’t bring herself to thank you as she ought.” “I desire no thanks from her,” said Dick grimly. “What? When only a bit before she was threatening to have you arrested as a thief? Well, if I’d been in your boots, pard, I’d seen that she ate a large piece of humble pie. You hear me peep! I just would! It would have done her good.” By this time the carriage was quite near the academy. As it swung round the drive and stopped, the plebes thronged about it and greeted Chester Arlington with cheers. Chester smiled at this outburst and waved his hand at them. He turned to his mother and said: