Babbitt gave Frank a scowling glance and remarked:
"Ah! I see that with your customary nerve you're here. We will settle this matter, therefore, without delay."
The dean laid down his pen and looked up in surprise.
"What is the matter, Prof. Babbitt?" he asked.
"I am compelled, dean," returned the professor, "to accuse Merriwell of cheating in an examination. I hardly need say that I should not make the charge unless I had ample proof to sustain it."
The dean looked over his glasses at Frank in a way that showed that he was not only shocked, but vastly surprised; then he gave an inquiring glance at the man who had come in with Prof. Babbitt.
"Excuse me, dean," said the professor, "this is Mr. James Harding. I thought that you were acquainted with him."
"I have not met Mr. Harding before," responded the dean, "although his face is familiar."
"I'm glad to make your acquaintance, sir," said Harding.
The dean rose and both shook hands. Then the dean hesitated a moment and said: