ion," added the colonel.

Half a dozen boys rose; then one after another followed their example,
till it seemed as if the whole band intended to absolve themselves from
their vows. Those who rose were ordered to the rear of the room. Only
ten of the band decided to abide the issue. They were called out by
name.

"Here are the rest of the Regulators," said the colonel, when the
obdurate ones had taken their places upon the platform.

Mr. Gault told his story, and Richard told his. The evidence was
complete and overwhelming. Two of the teachers had been concealed in
the shed, and had seen Redman set it on fire, and scatter the pieces of
the exercise book in the vicinity. Another had seen Masters place the
matches in Richard's closet. The colonel, knowing the details of the
plot beforehand, had arranged every thing so as to insure the
conviction of the conspirators.

"Boys," said Colonel Brockridge, "I am happy to inform you that Grant
is entirely innocent."

Those in their seats received this announcement with a storm of
applause.

"I knew he was innocent from the beginning."

Another burst of applause.

The principal detailed with great minuteness the particulars of the
conspiracy, with which our readers are already familiar. The ten
Regulators were expelled at once, and sent away by the next train that
left Tunbrook. The whole forenoon was occupied in disposing of the
matter; but when the boys were sent out, there was no end to the
cheering for Richard Grant.

It was plain that Nevers and Redman were the head and front of the
Regulators. They were the authors of the association, and when they had
gone, the organization died a natural death. Leslie was Kennedy, as
Nevers was Dobbin. All the secrets and signs were bandied about and
laughed at among the boys. Those of the band who remained were punished
by being deprived of various privileges; but they behaved themselves
afterwards with commendable propriety. One of them ventured to say
"watermelons," one day, when he was angry with Richard, but a hundred
boys hissed him for it.

Three of the expelled Regulators were eventually restored, but the
lesson they had learned was all-sufficient.

* * * * *

Richard's victory was complete; and the events we have related rendered
him a greater favorite than before. At the spring election he was
chosen captain of Company D, and was regarded as the best officer in
the line.