“Your proof, Rudge—we demand your proof.”
“It is ready,” said the exultant proctor, stepping to a side door, which he flung open. “Mr. Gooch.”
Sidney Gooch entered the room. His face was nearly as white as snow, but Frank gave him a look of encouragement when their eyes met, and Sidney braced up.
“Gentlemen,” said the proctor, “Mr. Gooch once had his watch stolen from him by this Mr. Merriwell. He has lost it again, and he can give positive evidence that Frank Merriwell has it, either about his person or concealed somewhere in his room.”
“Is this true, Mr. Gooch?” excitedly demanded Prof. Such.
“It is not!”
Sidney spoke the words distinctly, so that no one could misunderstand them. The proctor was the most astounded person in the room. Frank smiled a bit, while Prof. Babbitt uttered an exclamation.
As soon as he could recover, the proctor excitedly cried:
“What is that, sir? Didn’t you tell me your watch had been stolen again, and you knew for a certainty that Frank Merriwell was the thief?”
“I did.”