t and rather calm atmosphere of college life was rudely broken
when one night, following a mild celebration over the victory of the
basketball team, several robberies were discovered.

A number of rooms in the college buildings had been entered, and various
articles of jewelry and some money had been taken. Freshmen were mainly
the ones who sustained the losses, though no class was exempt.

"This is getting serious!" exclaimed Dunk, as he and Andy talked the
matter over. "We'd better get a new lock put on our door."

"I'm willing, though I haven't got much that would tempt anyone."

"I haven't either, only this," and he pulled out a handsome gold watch.
"I'm so blamed careless about it that most of the time I forget to carry
it."

"Well, let's put on a lock, then. The one we have doesn't catch half the
time."

"No, it's been busted too many times by the raiding sophs. I'll buy
another first time I'm down town."

But the matter slipped Dunk's mind, and Andy did not again think of it.

The thefts created no little excitement, and it was said that a private
detective agency had been engaged by the faculty. Of the truth of this
no one could vouch.

Another warning was given by the Dean, and students were urged to see to
the fastening of their doors, not only for their own protection, but in
order not to put temptation in the way of servants.

Andy came in from a late lecture one afternoon, to find open the door of
his room he had left locked, as he thought. At first he supposed Dunk
was within, but entering the apartment he saw Link Bardon there. The
helper arose as Andy came in and said, rather embarrassedly:

"Mr. Blair, I'm in trouble."

"Trouble!" exclaimed Andy. "What kind?"

"Well, I need money. You see I've got a sick sister and the other day
she wrote to me, saying she'd have to have some money to buy an
expensive medicine. I sent it to her. She said her husband would get his
pay this week, and she'd send it back to me. Now she writes that he is
sick, and can't earn anything, so she can't pay me back.

"I was counting on that money, for my wages aren't due for several days,
and I have to pay my board. I don't like to ask my landlady to wait, and
I thought maybe----"

"Of course I'll let you have some!" exclaimed Andy quickly. "How much
do you need?"

"Oh, about seven dollars."

"Better have ten. You can pay me back when you like," said Andy as he
extended the bill.

"I don't know how to thank