“Confound you!” exclaimed Rattleton, as if provoked. “I believe you could sleep under any circumstances.” “I hardly think I should have slept had not the proctor turned up all right. That relieved my mind.” “It did mine for a time, but, after thinking the thing all over, I got into a stew pretty nearly as bad as before.” “How was that?” “Why, I thought the whole thing out, and I can see the whole crowd of us is dead sure of being expelled.” “Think so?” “Sure of it.” “Oh, I don’t know!” “I do.” “What makes you so sure of it?” “The proctor knows us.” “Why do you think that?” “Remember how he snatched the blanket from his head on the bridge?” “Yes, and I remember that it was wrapped about his head again before he could recognize a soul in the darkness. I don’t think you need to worry about that.” “I’ll go you something he did recognize us. If not, why was he stepping on the smokes--I mean smoking on the steps, and waiting for you to appear? He was watching for you.” “That may be, and still he may not be sure I was one of the crowd. He suspected me, but suspicion is no proof. Even if he suspected me, it is improbable that he knows the others of the party. Don’t let this matter tear you all up the back, Rattles. I believe I am the only one of the party that Rudge knows for sure. I may get it in the neck, but the rest of you will escape.” “There’s heaps of consolation in that!” exclaimed Harry, dolefully. “If you get it in the neck, the rest of us deserve it. If you are disgraced, I shall feel like a sneak if I do not confess my share in it and take my medicine.” Frank came close to Harry, placing his hands on Rattleton’s shoulders, and looking him in the eyes. “That shows your heart is all right, Rattles,” he said, with deep feeling; “but it would be a foolish thing for you to do. However, I think you are borrowing trouble. It is likely that there will be a charge against me, but I am going to laugh at it, and I doubt if Rudge can bring any proof.” “Unless some fellow blows--some enemy of yours.” “No fellow will dare do that.” “Why not?” “Such an act would brand him as a sneak.” “It might not become publicly known who blowed.” “It would be, for if any fellow told on us, he would have to go before the faculty. That would let it out. Oh, I do not believe I have an enemy in college who would dare do such a thing, for he would know it must bring about his social ruin the minute he did it.” Frank was so confident on this point, that, after a time, he relieved Rattleton’s feelings somewhat, and Harry departed in a much better frame of mind than he had been when he rapped on Merry’s door. Frank took a cold dip and went out for a walk before chapel. Diamond seemed to be waiting for him to appear, and they took the walk together.