Page:Baseball Joe on the School Nine.djvu/239

Rh The doctor came to that part in a moment.

"We are unable to say who perpetrated this act of sensational vandalism," he went on, "but I may say that once the students are discovered they will be instantly dismissed from Excelsior Hall—this is no place for them. I say we do not know who did it, but we have reason to suspect"

Here the good doctor paused and there was an uneasy movement among several lads.

"We have reason to suspect that some one knows who did it, but will not tell. I am sorry to say that we have been obliged to inflict the usual punishment on this—ahem—student and he is now on probation. The usual exercises will now be held."

They went on, but it is doubtful if the lads were in a very devotional spirit. Joe's absence was at once noted, and of course it was guessed why he was not there, though being on probation did not bar one from chapel or classes.

"By Jove!" exclaimed Tom, when they were on their way to first lectures. "It's Joe! Who'd ever dream it?"

"So that's why he was wanted in the office," added Peaches.

"I don't believe he had a thing to do with it!" declared Teeter vehemently.