Sidney spoke the words distinctly, so that no one could misunderstand them. The proctor was the most astounded person in the room. Frank smiled a bit, while Prof. Babbitt uttered an exclamation. As soon as he could recover, the proctor excitedly cried: “What is that, sir? Didn’t you tell me your watch had been stolen again, and you knew for a certainty that Frank Merriwell was the thief?” “I did.” “Then what do you mean----” “I was mistaken,” said Sidney. “I have since found my watch, and I was wrong in accusing Mr. Merriwell. I ask his pardon here in the presence of you all. I do not know anything against Mr. Merriwell, and I feel certain he is not the thief.” Prof. Such laughed shortly in a satisfied way, while Prof. Mower looked relieved. As for the proctor, he was both astounded and disgusted. When he started to say something more, Such interrupted him sharply: “Rudge, I think you had better follow Gooch’s example, and apologize to Mr. Merriwell. It is the only graceful thing you can do.” So the proctor was forced to apologize, although it was a bitter pill for him to swallow. “I trust you will hold no hard feelings against anyone for this little mistake, Mr. Merriwell?” said Prof. Mower. “Not in the least,” smiled Frank, his face full of sunshine and good will. “I have not been harmed, and if I have done anything to arouse anybody here against me, I wish to beg their pardon now, and say I am sorry. It is all I can do.” “Very generous--very generous for a young man who has been accused of theft!” nodded Such. * * * * * So the plot against Frank proved a failure. His generosity in wishing to give Gooch a chance to reclaim himself had led Sidney to make a clean breast of everything. Gooch had been in Frank’s room for the purpose of concealing some of the stolen articles there, where they might be found if the room was searched after Merry was accused. He pointed out the articles and told Frank that he was to be summoned before three of the faculty that very afternoon. Together Merriwell and Gooch left the room and the building. Together they walked across the campus. “I have kept my word so far,” said Sidney, huskily. “You have,” said Frank, “but the worst is to come. It will be far harder to go to the fellows from whom you have taken things and confess to them; but right there is where you will prove your manhood, and it will be a mighty mean fellow who will not respect you for it if he thinks you are going to try to turn over a new leaf. I will see each one, and do all I can to keep them still, so it will not leak out. If we can save you from disgrace, Gooch, we will.” It seemed that Sidney’s heart was moved by this. “Merriwell,” he said, “you are the whitest man living! Your heart is as large as your whole body!” Frank kept his promise to Gooch, and in the end the erring lad was given ample chance in which to redeem himself.