“Thank you.” The Doctor laid the sheet aside and faced the boy again. “We gave some thought and discussion to your case last night, Harmon, and, I am glad to tell you, decided to accept your version of the incident. That is, we reached the conclusion that your statement to the effect that you and your companions were not aware of the fact that you were defacing Doctor Handley’s property was true. While you have been with us but a short time, your hall master and your instructors spoke extremely well of you, and that weighed in your favor. It was decided that you are to go on probation for the balance of the term, a penalty which you will, I think, realize is far from extreme. Probation, as you doubtless know, requires a certain standing in class and exemplary conduct. It also denies you certain privileges, amongst them participation in athletics. I may add that as fast as your fellow culprits are discovered a like penalty will be awarded to each. I hope this will be a lesson to you, Harmon. There is a very distinct line between harmless fun and lawlessness, and I trust that hereafter you will recognize it.” Willard returned to Haylow too relieved over his escape from the extreme penalty to let the matter of probation trouble him for the time. Martin, returning from practice shortly after, performed a dance of triumph and joy. “That’s great, Brand!” he declared. “I don’t mind telling you now that I was fearing the worst. Of course, I didn’t let you see it-- What are you laughing at?” “Why, you crazy chump, I could see all along that you thought I was going to get canned! You’ve been about as jolly as an undertaker!” “Honest? Well, I’ll tell you one thing you don’t know, son, and that is that if they had canned you I’d have gone along. I made up my mind to that!” “What good would that have done?” jeered Willard. “Never mind, that’s what would have happened,” replied Martin doggedly. “Well, don’t be too care-free and light-hearted,” laughed the other. “Mac says that as fast as you chaps are found out you’ll get the same medicine.” “He’s got to find us first,” chuckled Martin. “If he was going to do it he’d have done it before this.” “Well, I hope you’re right. How did practice go?” “Fine! We scored three times on the second. Son, we’ve got a real team this year!” “Who was at left half?” “Mawson most of the time. Longstreth had a whack at it, too. We’re going to miss you there, Brand.” “Much obliged,” answered Willard dryly. “I guess you’ll worry along, though. What’s it like to be on pro?” Martin’s face sobered as he shook his head. “I’ve never been there yet, and I hope I never shall, but I guess it’s sort of fairly rotten!”