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46 him! I hope he doesn't let them drag him down any deeper."

"He has only himself to blame for the position he is in," said Sam "We did what we could for him—more than most fellows would do, Dick."

"That is true, Sam."

Supper was had at the usual hour and then the students commenced to gather on the campus and down by the river. Nearly everybody was in good humor, and they sang, and made a racket generally. Bonfires were lit, and also a string of paper lanterns.

"I've got a surprise for the crowd," said Tom to Sam. "Come on and help me to wake Brill up."

"How?" questioned the younger Rover.

"I'll soon show you—come with me."

Tom led the way to a storeroom behind the gymnasium. In one corner, under some old canvas, was a box several feet long, that had come in by express.

"I had the time of my life getting this here without having it pass inspection by the Head," said Tom.

"What's in it, Tom?"

"Fireworks—a regular Fourth of July outfit—rockets, Roman candles, pinwheels, bombs, and all. I sent the order to the city a week ago."