The other two chums agreed to this, and, each one having purchased a paper containing the startling news, they went to the hardware store of the president of the Board of Education.
Mr. Williamson was talking to some other members of the board, in his private office, when the boys entered the store. They sent word they wanted to see him, and in a little while, his visitors having gone, the president invited the chums in.
“Well, boys,” he began, “what can I do for you?”
“This article,” began Bart. “It seems to—”
“I have read it,” Mr. Williamson interrupted.
“Do you suspect us?” demanded Bart.
“That is hardly a fair question,” Mr. Williamson replied. “I shall probably be called upon to preside at the investigation and I can not discuss the case in advance of the hearing. I will say this however: We believe some boy or boys blew up the tower, little thinking of the terrible danger to which he subjected the entire school and that audience. We have no direct evidence, as yet, but we expect to get some. I may add that a hearing will be held to-night, and I would like you boys to be there. I understand Ned Wilding has gone to New York.”
“He went this morning,” replied Bart, “but he had planned to go long before this thing happened. We are going to join him Wednesday.”
“Indeed?” and Mr. Williamson looked a little surprised.
“What time is the hearing?” asked Fenn.