There was a silence. Miss Nettie had taken off her sunbonnet, and was swinging it by the strings. She evidently wished to say something, but was in some doubt how to begin. Surmising what the subject might be, I asked: “Is Professor Fuller in, Miss Nettie?” “Oh, yes,” she answered, looking up quickly. Then, continuing her gaze, she said slowly, “I think I know what you want to see him for.” “No doubt of it,” answered Ray gravely. “The whole town will know it by to-night.” “I can’t tell you how awfully sorry I am,” went on Miss Nettie, with an accent of genuine sympathy. “I heard all about it at breakfast this morning, and I think you are having a great deal more trouble than you deserve.” We looked at her gratefully. “It wasn’t your fault if the other boys didn’t behave,” she continued earnestly. “You did all you could to keep them quiet, and it was very mean of them to get you into such trouble.” “The boys didn’t intend to, Miss Nettie,” I said, laughing. Notwithstanding her injustice to the other boys, I was pleased to have her take our part so warmly. “I don’t care,” she said emphatically. “They should have done as you said.” “I am sure I wish they had,” said Ray fervently. “As for bringing back the cannons, I think you ought to have the vote of thanks of the whole town instead of being suspended as if you had done something wrong. To think of your going away over to Berkeley and taking the cannons right off their campus! Oh, it was splendid! I got awfully excited while father was telling me about it. If I had been a boy I would have gone along too――and I told father so.” “Thank you very much, Miss Nettie,” said Ray. “I only hope your father is as generous in his opinion of us as you are.” Miss Nettie looked at us with an expression of significance. “To tell the truth,” she said lowering her voice, “I think father enjoyed the story as much as I did, and I believe he admires you for what you did. But don’t let him know that I told you.” We were considerably relieved to hear this. “You will find father in the library, I think,” she added. “Come in and I will see.” The professor was seated at his table when we entered the library, but he rose at once and greeted us with his cordial smile, and a warm clasp of the hand. “Good morning, boys,” he said. “I half expected to see you this morning. Be seated.” Miss Nettie here left us with her father, who resumed his chair, while we sat down opposite him. Then there was an awkward pause. “Well, out with it,” said Professor Fuller at length. “I can easily guess your errand.” “We have come to see you about our suspension,” said Ray. “We want your advice.” “Why, what advice can I give you?” he asked. “You have made your own decision. Doesn’t that dispose of the matter?” “We fear it does,” said Ray, “but we have come to see if there is any hope for us under the circumstances. Is there no possible chance of our obtaining some remittance of this penalty?”