tly, and if
three of us trooped in the drug store, and began asking questions, it
would make a scene. Besides, lots of our fellows hang out there for
soda, and they'd see us. I don't want this talked about until I get it
a little more cleared up. I don't want you fellows to feel that------"

"Oh get out!" interrupted Jack. "You do just as you please, Tom, and
we'll fill in, or play wherever you want us. This is your game,
anyhow, though we want to help you all we can. Just say the word."

"That's good of you," assented our hero. "I think it would be best if
I went alone. I'll tell you later what I find out. I think I'll go
now. It isn't too late."

"It's after hours," said Bert.

"Well, I'll take a chance," decided Tom, and putting on his hat and
coat he prepared to leave the dormitory, first having ascertained that
the coast was clear.

Tom was half way down the corridor of the building where he and his
chums roomed, and he was thinking of what might come from his
prospective interview with the druggist, when, as he turned a dark
corner, he ran full tilt into someone who was coming with some speed in
the other direction.

"Wha--what's the matter! Who--who are you?" gasped Tom, when he had
recovered his breath.

"I--I--who are _you_?" came the quick retort, and the voice was
suspicious. Whoever it was evidently was not going to be caught by a
prowling monitor.

"George Abbot!" gasped Tom, as he recognized the voice of his chum.
"What in the world is the rush? What's the hurry?"

"News! I've got great news!" cried George. "Cats! But you knocked
the wind out of me all right. I--I was coming fast myself, I guess.
Where are you going?"

"Out," replied Tom briefly. "But what's the news?"

"Better not go," advised George, speaking more composedly now.
"There's been a lot of fellows cutting for it to-night, and just before
I came in a bunch was rounded up by the proctor, and rushed to Merry's
office. I just escaped. Don't you take a chance, Tom."

"No, I guess I'd better not. But was that the news you had to tell me.
If it is, why----"

"It isn't that," cried George. "It's great. Sam Heller was just
brought across the campus by old Farmer Appleby. He had him by the
collar."

"Who had who by the collar?" demanded Tom, much excited now. "Did Sam
have------"

"No, it was the other way around. Appleby had Sam, and he was making
all sorts of threats."

"Who was; Sam?"

"No, the old