Staring at the three chums in big black letters was the heading:
SCHOOL TOWER DYNAMITED!
Not Blown Down by Gale of Wind as First
Supposed.
BELIEVED TO BE BOYS’ WORK!
Investigation Has Been Ordered by President
Williamson of the Board of Education.
FOUR LADS SUSPECTED!
“Well, what do you think of that!” exclaimed Bart when he had finished reading the head-lines. “Isn’t that the limit?”
“Limit! It’s the strangest thing I ever heard of,” cried Frank.
“Somebody has been stuffing the reporter,” suggested Fenn. “Let’s read the rest of it.”
Looking over Bart’s shoulders the two other lads read the account. It told in vivid language how the fact was discovered that the tower had been blown down by an explosive. Those nearest the tower when the crash came told of hearing a dull boom, that was not caused by the wind. Then came the sound as the bricks fell through the corner of the roof of the auditorium.
“But if other evidence was wanting,” the article went on, “it is easily found in the dials of the clock that was in the tower. The white faces bear the black marks of powder and an analysis which has been made shows the stains to have been caused by some powerful explosive, the exact nature of which is being kept secret by the authorities.
“It is understood from a reliable source, however, that dynamite was used, a small quantity being placed in the top of the tower. It is said that part of a dynamite cartridge has been found but this is denied by the police.
“That the work was that of mischievous boys, who, possibly did not appreciate the seriousness of their deed, is the opinion of the school authorities. This is borne out by the fact that a boy confessed to having carried off one of the powder-marked dials of the clock. Why he did this has not been disclosed, but Mr. Williamson has secured an admission from him that he did take the dial from the debris of the wrecked tower. This dial the president of the board has secured, together with the other three.
“It is alleged that four boys, who are often seen in each others’ company, and who have, before this, taken part in more or less harmless tricks, are suspected of blowing down the tower. One of them, it can be asserted on the highest authority, had the clock dial. An investigation has been started by the school authorities, and the four boys in question, including the one who took the dial from the wreckage, will be called on to tell what they know. If the evidence, after a thorough sifting, points to them, it is understood that criminal action will be taken.”