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278 "Ahem! Is this a strike, gentlemen?" asked the president, with a twinkle in his eyes.

"It's a 'find'!" exclaimed Tom, and he held out the deed.

To say that Dr. Churchill was surprised would be but faintly to express it. He eagerly questioned the boys, who as eagerly answered, telling the story of their missing clock and chair from the beginning.

"I can't understand it," went on the president, with a puzzled shake of his head. "But I'll take good care of this quit-claim deed, and we can make inquiries later. You have rendered a service to Randall to-day, gentlemen, that she will not soon forget. I thank you personally, and, later, I will see that you receive the recognition you deserve."

"Come on!" whispered Tom to his chums, for the good old doctor was much affected. "It's nearly time for the game, and we don't want to miss that."

Murmuring over and over again his thanks at the unexpected discovery, Dr. Churchill locked the deed in the safe, stating that he would take immediate steps to have the court matters brought to a close, if possible.

"For this, I think, settles forever the title of Randall College," he said. "We are now secure."

Tom and his chums hurried back to their room.