Tears rained down the face of the guilty fellow.
“Don’t ruin me, boys!” he begged. “I am sorry I did it! I’ll write home to mother and confess to her. She will send me money to pay back everything I have taken, and I will restore every article. Right here may be the turning point of my life. You may be responsible if I become a criminal! Give me one chance.”
“Gooch,” said Frank, sternly, “if we give you a chance, will you promise to turn over a new leaf? Will you promise to make good everything you have stolen, and never touch another thing that does not belong to you? More than that, will you agree to go personally to the fellows you have stolen these articles from and ask their forgiveness as you return them? You can pledge them to secrecy. If they keep your secret, you will be safe. It’s your only chance. What do you say to it?”
“I will do anything! I will show you I am in earnest by beginning now and exposing a plot to ruin you, Frank Merriwell!”
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE SHADOW LIFTED—CONCLUSION.
Three of the professors were in consultation with Digby Rudge, the proctor. They were Babbitt, Mower and Such.
“You say you can bring absolute proof against him?” questioned Prof. Babbitt, eagerly.
“Yes,” nodded the proctor. “I have suspected him for some time, and now I have the proof I need.”
“I cannot believe it true,” said Prof. Such, stroking his chin. “Merriwell has always seemed like an upright and honorable young man.”