“Gooch,” said Frank, sternly, “if we give you a chance, will you promise to turn over a new leaf? Will you promise to make good everything you have stolen, and never touch another thing that does not belong to you? More than that, will you agree to go personally to the fellows you have stolen these articles from and ask their forgiveness as you return them? You can pledge them to secrecy. If they keep your secret, you will be safe. It’s your only chance. What do you say to it?” “I will do anything! I will show you I am in earnest by beginning now and exposing a plot to ruin you, Frank Merriwell!” CHAPTER XXXVII. THE SHADOW LIFTED--CONCLUSION. Three of the professors were in consultation with Digby Rudge, the proctor. They were Babbitt, Mower and Such. “You say you can bring absolute proof against him?” questioned Prof. Babbitt, eagerly. “Yes,” nodded the proctor. “I have suspected him for some time, and now I have the proof I need.” “I cannot believe it true,” said Prof. Such, stroking his chin. “Merriwell has always seemed like an upright and honorable young man.” “So he has,” nodded Prof. Mower, stroking his beard. “Ah, you do not know him,” said Babbitt, triumphantly. “He is cunning, but I read his character aright from the start.” “Prof. Babbitt,” said Such, sternly, “I believe you are prejudiced. You have seemed to have something against Merriwell from the first, and your antipathy for him increased when you failed to trap him at your special examination, which----” Babbitt drew himself up stiffly, and made a protesting gesture. “I scarcely thought this of you, Prof. Such,” he said, interrupting. “Even though I am aware that Merriwell is a favorite of yours, I did not think you would accuse me of permitting my prejudice to influence me against him.” “You will soon see, gentlemen,” said the proctor, “that this is not a matter of prejudice. For some time robberies have taken place in Farnham Hall, and----” The door opened, and Frank Merriwell stepped into the room. Instantly the proctor pointed an accusing finger straight at Frank, adding: “There, gentlemen, stands the thief!” For a moment there was a tableau, and then Prof. Such hastened to say: “Your proof, Rudge--we demand your proof.” “It is ready,” said the exultant proctor, stepping to a side door, which he flung open. “Mr. Gooch.” Sidney Gooch entered the room. His face was nearly as white as snow, but Frank gave him a look of encouragement when their eyes met, and Sidney braced up. “Gentlemen,” said the proctor, “Mr. Gooch once had his watch stolen from him by this Mr. Merriwell. He has lost it again, and he can give positive evidence that Frank Merriwell has it, either about his person or concealed somewhere in his room.” “Is this true, Mr. Gooch?” excitedly demanded Prof. Such. “It is not!”