At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits. “No, and you can’t ward off the attack of a secret assassin,” remarked Bemis Perry quietly. All eyes turned upon the speaker, for he seldom attracted attention by any outspoken words, and Scott Clemmons, with angry face, asked: “Do you mean that for me, sir?” “I shot at random, Clemmons; and if you got in the way it is your lookout, not mine.” “I wish you to explain your ambiguous words,” said Clemmons hotly. “Permit me to do so,” was the response. “You were pleased to apply an insulting application to my roommate and friend, Mark Merrill, and as he has suffered much secret persecution from one who would stab him in the back, I say that one can no more protect oneself from a secret assassin than you can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Now, if the shoe fits you, put it on and wear it.” “As it does not, there is no cause of quarrel between us,” Scott Clemmons said, retreating through the exit open to him. “You are wise,” and with this Bemis Perry walked away, and as he did so he muttered to himself: “I will do it.” An hour after found him in the presence of the commandant, waiting to be heard by that august personage. “Well, Mr. Perry, what is it?” said the commandant, somewhat abruptly. “I have no complaint to make, commandant, for myself, but I have an explanation to offer in behalf of another.” “Well, Mr. Perry, I will hear you.” The commandant had taken a fancy to the quiet, reserved but brilliant youth who had become Mark Merrill’s roommate, and he now saw that he had something more than a favor to ask. “I wish to make a statement, sir, and hope that you will take what I have to say as though uttered under oath.” “So serious as that, is it, Mr. Perry?” “Yes, sir; but as I said, it is not of myself that I will speak.” “Who, then?” “Of my roommate, sir.” “Ah! Has Merrill gotten out with you, too?”