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a moment there was silence—portentous, momentous silence, while "Pitchfork" gazed at the astonished lads, and as they returned his stare.

"Well," remarked the Latin professor, as he advanced farther into the room, and looked about at the confusion on every side, "I see that Mr. Zane is not here."

"N—no—no, sir," answered Dutch, for Mr. Tines was looking directly at him, and seemed to expect him to reply. "He—he has gone out."

"Which is evidently the reason you are here, committing these acts of vandalism!" said the professor, bitterly. "I am ashamed of you! To think that Dr. Churchill, myself and the other teachers could not go away for two days without you students behaving yourselves like this, it is disgraceful, shameful!"

He spoke as though the whole responsibility of the college rested upon himself and the venerable president, whereas it was common knowledge that the plan was being considered of dropping Mr.