One by one the students finished their work on the examination papers and left the hall; few of them went away from the door; the most gathered there talking excitedly about the accusation against Merriwell.
There were some who professed to believe that Merriwell had been up to a sharp trick, and had actually stolen the question paper, but the great majority indignantly denied it.
There are many students who would have no scruples against cheating at an examination, but few would think of descending so low as to commit theft for the purpose.
Frank's friends were in the majority, and very loud in their assertions as to his honorable conduct.
Among the first to leave the room after Frank's exit was Dismal Jones; he stood around with his hands in his pockets saying nothing, but looking from one to the other with a very worried expression upon his solemn face.
Among the last to leave was Mortimer Ford. He walked through the group with a jaunty air, as if confident that he had come out of the examination in good order, and started for his room.
Jones tried to speak to him, but Ford simply said:
"Ah, there, Dismal, I hope you didn't get plucked," and continued on.
Dismal scowled savagely and stood for a moment looking at Ford's retreating form, and then he turned about, and catching Diamond by the sleeve, said:
"See here, Jack! I want to speak to you for a minute."