"Don't you give me none of your back talk!" snapped Mr. Appleby. "I know what I'm doin'."
"Yes, and I suppose you did when you charged us ten dollars for a little corn," said Tom.
"That's all right," replied the farmer, doggedly. "I'll find out who sot that fire, and I'll have th' law on 'em, student or no student. An' I'll find out who lost that pin."
"Good luck to you!" called Bert sarcastically.
"Maybe you lost it yourself," said the farmer quickly. "Will you show me your pin, an' will you swear you wasn't away from the school early in th' evenin' of the fire? Will you?"
"I sure will!" exclaimed Bert, "and here's my pin," and he showed where it was fastened on his sweater that he used to throw over his broad shoulders when resting from football practice.
"Where's yours?" demanded Mr. Appleby, turning to Tom and Jack.
Bert, who was looking at Tom, fancied he saw a start on the part of his chum. There was just the suggestion of a flush under the tan of his cheeks, and then he answered:
"It's in my room probably. I don't wear it all the while."
"Neither do I," added Jack quickly. "I haven't mine on. Maybe I lost it."