Hal left with Hans, very much relieved. Not that he had anything to be worried over, but the way the matter had come about had upset him more than he himself could tell, and now that he had explained himself fully, his feelings again became normal, and he went about his work of the day in a much better frame of mind than he had enjoyed since he had the accident. CHAPTER X UNDER SUSPICION The theft of the medal was of course the all-absorbing topic at all places where students came together. Hal’s explanation of his intended flight and the causes which made him want to know where the pawnshop was, brought to an end the clew which the authorities had thought would quickly locate the thief. There seemed to be absolutely no way to trace the culprit. A week passed and Hal’s foot became better and he was able to resume his practice with the team. On Friday evening Hal was in his room doing his studies, in order to have them out of the way, so that he could enjoy himself fully on Saturday and Sunday, without having to think of college work, when he received a note from Mr. Williams, the treasurer of the University, asking him if he could come down for a few minutes. The note was delivered by a blue-coated messenger boy. After reading it, he said he would go and the messenger left. Hal went into Hans’ room to tell where he was going, found that he was not in his room and as they had planned to do some studying together later in the evening he started to write a note on the pad on the writing desk. Then he thought Hans would understand better what was up if he left the treasurer’s note on Hans’ desk. He did this and went on down to see Mr. Williams. When he arrived there he found Mr. Williams, Dr. Lawrence, the president, and Mr. Smith, the secretary, waiting for him. There was nothing that Hal need be nervous about, and he could think of nothing they could want him for, unless perhaps they wanted to “call him down” for leaving the University without explanation. On second thought he made up his mind that if that were the idea, they surely wouldn’t have the president of the University on hand. Then he thought that perhaps the president wanted to hear his story about the pawnshop, etc., and he wished Hans were with him to verify it. All this passed through his mind in the few seconds he had to wait until they noticed his arrival. “Oh, Case,” said Mr. Williams, “we have asked you down here to-night to tell you some important news. First, the medal has been found, and----” “I am very glad it has turned up,” broke in Hal, relieved, “and I appreciate your telling me in this way, Mr. Williams, because I suppose you know I have----” “Yes, that is one reason, Case,” now broke in Mr. Williams, “but there are certain circumstances in connection with the finding of the medal, which I regret to say will need a little further explanation on your part.” “Why, what do you mean?” asked Hal, growing a little nervous at the tone used by Mr. Williams.