“It might give me more or less embarrassment, though not anxiety, in the premises, Frank, on account of this paper being found on your person, only for one thing. And that was just where circumstances conspired to make the wretch who could so miserably plot to harm a fellow student, overreach himself. “After I had placed those papers in my desk, I went straight to the gymnasium, where you were practising, and called you aside. In my company you went to ascertain about certain matters that you had called to my attention, and where repairs were absolutely necessary. And I wish to state emphatically that during the half hour I was from my room Frank Allen was actually at my side every minute of the time until I stepped into my office again!” He paused, as if to let the effect of his statement sink into the minds of the whole assemblage. Then there came a ripple that immediately broke into a deluge of cheers, until the entire building seemed to vibrate with the tremendous volume of sound. Nor did Principal Parke raise a hand to assuage the voluntary tribute to the popularity of the boy who had been under so unjust a suspicion! Mr. Amos Wellington, one of the other men teachers, raised a hand feebly, but who cared for his protest when the Head, by his silence, gave tacit consent to the shouts. Then Professor Parke bent over and offered his hand to Frank, which action was the occasion for more cheers and a tiger, as well as the school yell. There certainly had never been such an extraordinary spectacle seen in old Columbia High during the twenty years of its existence. And Lef shouted just as loudly as the rest! He did not dare hold back, lest suspicion be turned his way. He was trembling in his shoes even then as the enormity of his iniquity burst upon him. What if the janitor, Soggy Dolan, had glimpsed him when he slipped out of the office, for the latter had gone past with a step ladder on his shoulder, and might have turned his head, unknown to the culprit. Lanky thought it queer that Lef should seem so pleased over the vindication of one toward whom he was known to bear only ill will. He imagined that this sudden change of heart on the part of Lef might be placed in the same category as the suspicion said to attach to the Greeks bearing gifts. And so, after all, the incident that had been planned as calculated to attach infamy to Frank’s name only served to raise him still further in the estimation of his schoolmates, and the teachers of Columbia High. And it was certainly a pleasure to have them all swarm around him later on, to declare their satisfaction and delight at his complete vindication. Frank was far from satisfied. It was a dreadful thought to realize that he had an enemy in the school vindictive enough to do such a terrible thing as this, simply to crush him. “Ten to one I could guess who he is,” said Lanky, angrily. “Have you any proof of it?” asked Frank.