son the farmer saw was dropped in flight. I--er--I have it
here," and Doctor Meredith unwrapped a small bundle. He held up to
view a sweater--of a deep purple tint, with yellow stripes on it. It
was an atrociously-hued garment, such as only a student would dare wear.

Once more that gasp, for several of the students at once recognized the
garment. There were but two in the college. One like it had been worn
by Tom Fairfield, and the other by Sam Heller.

"Does--er does anyone wish to claim this sweater?" proceeded the
doctor, "and--er--and state how it came to be on the premises of Mr.
Appleby?"

In spite of their self-control, nearly all eyes were turned in Tom's
direction. He felt the hot blood leap to his face. There was a
roaring in his ears as he arose and said:

"I think that is my sweater, Doctor Meredith. At least I had one like
it and------"

"You _had_ it?" asked the doctor, emphasizing the word.

"Yes, but I disposed of it some days ago."

"How did you--er--dispose of it?"

"I would rather not state--unless I am compelled to."

"You may have to, Fairfield. But of that more later. You say this is
your garment?"

"I think so, yes, sir. At least there is only one other like it in
this school, as far as I know, and that one------"

"Belongs to me!" interrupted Sam Heller. "I have mine here," and,
opening his coat, he showed, beneath it, the brightly-colored sweater.

This time there was not an eye but what was turned on Tom. He felt the
gaze and straightened up.

"But I wish to state, Doctor Meredith," he said quickly, "that I had
nothing to do with the poisoning of the horses, and I did not know of
the occurrence until I saw the account in the paper."

"Very well, we will note your denial, Fairfield, but about this
sweater. It is rather damaging evidence, since you yourself admit that
it is yours."

"I do, but, as I said, I had disposed of it some time before."

"And you do not care to state to whom?"

"No, sir, except to say that it was not to any one connected in the
most remote way with Elmwood Hall."

Again there came a murmur, quickly hushed.

"Is there anyone who can throw any light on this rather important
subject?" asked the head master. "I must not conceal from you that
this is a serious matter. Mr. Appleby threatens to go to the police
with it, unless the guilty one confesses, and unless reparation is
made. Even then, it will be in the nature of compounding a fe