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Rh Dick," he replied. "You have only to look at his innocent countenance to know that he would never do such a thing. Guess it was Morris. He isn't here, and, besides, his dad's got enough influence and coin to buy him off. I'm certain it was Morris."

"So it was; I remember now. Another time we'll know better than to listen to his evil suggestions." And Gordon sighed deeply.

"He's older than we are, too, which makes it more—more deplorable."

"You have a wonderful command of the English language this morning," laughed Dick. "I'd love to listen to you some time when you're feeling fresh and quite wide-awake!"

"Thank you for those few kind words," responded Lanny gratefully. "I shan't attempt to conceal from you the fact that I am slightly drowsy to-day. Well, I've got to go back and report for church parade. You coming, Gordie?"

"I suppose so." Gordon got up with a sigh.

"Come around after dinner," suggested Dick, "and we'll get in Eli and take a ride. We might roll around to the scene of the late unpleasantness and see what finally happened to that roller!"

"All right," Lanny agreed, "only don't display too great an interest in the thing when you get there. Let us be—er—circumspect."