Frank told Jack of Harry’s call and fears, and the Virginian confessed that he had not slept very well himself. From what he said, Merry saw that Diamond did not fear for himself, but felt certain that Frank was in danger. “Although I do not know why, I am sure the proctor has never liked you, Merry,” said Jack. “That’s all right enough,” smiled Frank. “He tried a bit of blackmail on me when I first came to college. It did not go, and he has hated me ever since.” “Well, it is pretty sure he will make charges against you. What are you going to do? What sort of a story will you tell?” “If I tell anything, it will be the truth.” “You can’t do that!” “Then I shall keep still.” “Silence in such a case will be regarded as confession.” “I can’t help that. It will be the only course left for me.” It was plain that Diamond feared not a little for Frank’s safety. Merry could see this, but the relief from the torturing thoughts when he believed the proctor had been drowned was enough to make him comparatively lighthearted and hopeful. For the time all thoughts of the unpleasant scene that took place when Billings drew Gooch’s watch from Merry’s pocket were banished from Frank’s mind. Gooch was in Farnham Hall. He was a fellow who made quite a spread and tried hard to be popular, with very poor success. It was reported that Gooch lived far beyond his allowance. Certain it was that there were times when Sidney was frightfully “hard up.” He borrowed right and left of anybody and everybody who would lend him anything. Within a few weeks of the time concerning which I am writing a number of robberies had been committed in the dormitories. Students had lost rings, pins, watches and money. The thief was crafty, for thus far he had escaped detection. At the time that Sidney’s watch was found in his pocket Frank had realized that such a discovery must throw suspicion on him with those who did not know him well enough to be thoroughly convinced of his absolute honesty. Now, however, there was something else to think about, and he forgot that. To Frank’s astonishment, the day after the adventure with the proctor passed quietly, and he was not summoned before the faculty. “It must come to-morrow,” he thought. But another day passed, and still things went on as if nothing had happened. Among the students it was known that Prof. Babbitt had tried to find out just who had taken part in the York Street “racket.” He had obtained the names of a few who were present, but he could not seem to discover the identity of the ringleaders. His spy had been kidnaped and dragged away just in time to keep him from accomplishing his purpose. The mystery of the proctor’s escape from the river remained a mystery till, one day, as Rattleton was descending the stairs, after paying Frank a visit, a conversation between Gooch and Billings was overheard. Harry paused and listened. It was plain Billings had come to see Gooch, and found him in the lower hall.