He had been up early that morning, and it was a warm spring day. Consequently, it was only natural that he should feel drowsy. Taking advantage of the moment to relax utterly, Merry put back his head and closed his eyes. Almost before he knew it, he had dropped off into a light doze.
He was roused by a sharp knock at the door, and sprang up instantly with a shout to enter. The door swung back and disclosed Colonel Gunn’s orderly.
“You’re wanted at the office, Mr. Merriwell,” said the cadet, with symptoms of flurried haste. “Colonel Gunn sent me after you on the run.”
“What’s up?” queried Frank, in surprise. “Is Randall in trouble?”
“In up to his neck,” said the cadet. “But I’d better not say anything about it, I guess.”
“All right,” and Merry seized his hat. “Come along!”
CHAPTER XXXIII.
ACCUSED OF THEFT.
Colonel Gunn was fat, ponderous, and highly dignified. He owned his military title by virtue of having been an aid on the governor’s staff, but none the less he was an extremely capable man.
Merry had no inkling of what trouble Randall was mixed up in, for the orderly had wisely refrained from discussing it. Upon entering the office of the principal, Chip found Colonel Gunn seated at his desk. Before him was Randall, white-faced and evidently badly frightened, while at one side stood the constable from Fardale village.