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never had known such excitement as followed the destruction of the school tower.

Of course all the doings in Mr. Williamson's store leaked out, and, though there were not lacking those who accused the four chums of, at least, knowing something about the matter, there were others who felt sure they had had nothing to do with it.

"I just wish I had a chance to nurse that mean Mr. Williamson!" exclaimed Alice, when her brother had told her of the hearing. "I'd fix him."

"What would you do?"

"I'd cover him with the hottest mustard plasters I could make, and I've got a good formulæ [sic] for some powerful ones. Then I'd fasten 'em on with bandages so they couldn't come off. The idea of accusing you boys!"

"He didn't exactly accuse us," said Bart. "That's the trouble. If he did we could demand