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Rh were concerned, in a sort of Scotch verdict of "not proven."

"Does that end this inquiry?' asked Mr. Keene.

"For the time being," replied Mr. Williamson.

"Then I demand that this committee issue a statement that there is not the slightest evidence against my son and his chums."

"We will do nothing of the sort!" exclaimed Mr. Williamson.

"Then I shall take legal steps to compel you to."

"And I will join you," declared Mr. Masterson.

"This investigation will be continued later," Mr. Williamson went on. "We have not finished. We are going to have some expert detectives here. Then perhaps we shall discover who perpetrated this outrage."

"You may rest assured it was none of these boys," said Mr. Dent. "I know my nephew and I know his chums too well even to suspect them."

"That is all at present," the president of the board remarked. "The meeting is adjourned."

"But it leaves these boys under a cloud," objected Mr. Keene.

"I am sorry but that cannot be helped," was Mr. Williamson's reply.