They went to see Frank, and told him what Rattleton had heard. Merry looked grave and concerned, but he did not display the least anger. “Hang it!” growled the big student. “Why don’t you get mad?” “What’s the use?” said Merriwell. “I pity those chaps.” “What?” shouted Browning and Rattleton, together. “Yes,” said Frank, “I pity them. They hate me, and they suffer tortures because I have many friends and am popular. Since the adventure of the other night I have learned to be more tolerant with everybody, for I see how easy it is to get on the wrong track and go to the bad. To a certain extent, Gooch and Billings are not responsible for their nature. They make themselves wretched. I am glad you silenced them, and all I ask is that they keep still. If they will let me alone, I’ll not trouble them.” “And you will be soft with them if they do not let you alone,” growled Bruce. “I hope your experience of the other night is not going to make you worse than ever that way.” As the days passed, Frank felt safer and safer. He saw the proctor sometimes, but, as a rule, Rudge pretended not to notice Merriwell. One day they came face to face. For a single instant something like a smile came across Merry’s face. The proctor saw it, and it seemed to arouse his anger, for he exclaimed: “I know what you are laughing about! It came near being no laughing affair! Some day, Frank Merriwell, I will get even with you for that!” “Sorry to know you hold a grudge against me,” said Frank; “but I am glad to have one of my enemies come out boldly and declare himself.” The proctor passed on without another word. CHAPTER XXXVI. THE THIEF IS CAUGHT. Frank was calling on Paul Pierson when Harry Rattleton burst into the room like a whirlwind. “Quick, Merry!” he cried. “The pickens is to-day--I mean, the dickens is to pay!” “What’s up?” asked Frank, springing to his feet. “Come on, and I will tell you. Got to move quick. Come along, Pierson. Don’t waste a moment.” Out of the room hustled Harry, with the others at his heels. Pierson’s room in Farnham was on the same floor with Merriwell. Now Rattleton led the way straight toward Frank’s room. As they came in sight of Frank’s door it swung open, and, with the stealth of a cat, Sidney Gooch slipped out. Frank saw the fellow come out, and, with an exclamation of anger, Merry shot past Rattleton and grabbed Gooch by the collar. Sidney gasped, turned pale and tried to break away, but Frank held fast, angrily demanding: “What were you doing in my room?” “Take him in again, Merry,” advised Rattleton. “If you chin with him out here a score of fellows will hear it all.” Frank instantly realized this was true, and, as Rattleton threw open the door, he forced the trembling Gooch back into the room. Pierson followed them, and Rattleton closed the door. “Now answer me,” said Frank, his eyes flashing fire as he looked at his cowering enemy; “what were you doing in my room?”