He faltered, and Tom, not wishing to prolong the unpleasant scene, said to Bruce:
“Come.”
The two walked out, silently, Tom handing the forged note to his friend. No one had a claim on him now.
“Tom Fairfield, you have saved me from disgrace!” said Bruce feelingly, and the two clasped hands in a firm grip.
[CHAPTER XXV]
A MISSING PROFESSOR
“Young gentlemen,” began Doctor Meredith, as he faced the assembled Freshmen class in the chapel, where he had requested that they meet him, “this is a solemn occasion. I hardly know what to say to you. Never, in the history of Elmwood Hall, have we gone through what has transpired in the last few days. We have never had a strike, nor an occasion for one. We have never had a burning in effigy.
“I am at a loss what to say. I have tried to sit as an impartial judge in this matter, and so far, I have to admit that there is some right on both sides, and a great deal of wrong on one side—which side is yet to be determined.”
Tom wanted to say something, but he refrained. The doctor was speaking too solemnly to be interrupted.