"Well, there seems to be reason for such a feeling. The statement is made that Richard Merriwell is insolent and overbearing toward his classmates, that he makes sport of his superiors, that he mocks and derides the faculty, and that he has sought to bring disgrace upon at least one cadet by circulating false and malicious reports concerning him."
There was a sudden stir behind the screen, a quick step, and a boy, with flushed cheeks and flashing eyes, appeared.
"I demand to know," cried Dick Merriwell, "the names of my accusers!"
CHAPTER IV.
DICK MAKES ANOTHER ENEMY.
Professor Gunn had invited Dick to call at his room. The head professor was very friendly toward Frank, whom he greatly admired, and he had taken the first opportunity to have a talk with Frank’s brother.
It happened that Professor Gooch had called while Dick was in the room, but the screen had prevented him from becoming aware of the presence of the boy until Dick stepped out.
Professor Gooch was somewhat staggered by the appearance of the lad, but he quickly recovered, his wrinkled old face twisting into hard knots.
"Yah!" he exclaimed. "So you were listening behind there! Yah! Listening!"
"I was here when you came," returned Dick. "I did not come here to listen to anybody, sir."
"Insolence!" grated the professor. "It’s plain there are good grounds for the charges."