Part 16 (1/2)
”So I see,” said the president of Brill, and if anything his face grew a trifle more stern. ”Then you admit your guilt, Rover?” he questioned.
”What! That I defaced the photograph?”
”Yes.”
”No, sir! Didn't I say I had never seen the picture before?”
”This photograph was in Professor Sharp's room, on the mantel. The room was locked up, and the professor carried the key. This box was found on the table, beside some books. You had some difficulty with the professor a day or two ago in the cla.s.sroom.”
”I didn't touch the picture, and I haven't been near Professor Sharp's room,” answered Tom stoutly. ”If I was there, would I be fool enough to leave that box behind, with my name engraved on it? And if the door was locked how would I get in?”
”Did you lend the box to anybody?”
”No. The fact is, I--er--I thought I had left the box home. I--Oh!”
”Well?”
”I think maybe the box was in my dress-suit case, the case I lost. But it wasn't in the case when it was left at my door that morning.”
”Oh, nonsense!” muttered Professor Sharp. ”He is guilty, sir, and he might as well own up to it first as last.”
”I have told the strict truth!” cried Tom hotly. ”I am not in the habit of telling falsehoods.”
”Have you any other proof against Rover, Professor Sharp?”
”Not now, but I may be able to pick up more later.”
”Hum! This is certainly a serious matter. Rover, you will go to your room and remain there until I send for you again.”
”Can't I go down to town?” asked Tom.
”Not for the present. I intend to get to the bottom of this affair, if I possibly can. If you are innocent you shall not suffer. But at present it looks to me as if you were guilty. You may go.”
”But, sir--”
”Not another word at present. I have other matters to attend to. I shall call on you later. But remain in your room until I send somebody for you.”
An angry answer arose to Tom's lips, but he checked it. In the college Doctor Wellington's word was law, and he knew he would only make matters worse by attempting to argue. With a heavy heart he turned, gazed coldly at Professor Sharp, and left the office.
CHAPTER X
SONGBIRD MAKES A DISCOVERY
”It's all up with me,” said Tom to his brothers when he met them in the hall. ”I can't go to town.”
”Why not?” asked Sam.
”Got to remain in my room until Doctor Wallington sends for me.”
”What have you been doing, Tom?” came from d.i.c.k.