Frank, in the adjoining room, wondered what all the commotion was about. The dean wondered, too, and said sharply:
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, what does this mean?"
"It means, sir," said Browning, respectfully, "that an infamous outrage has been attempted, by which an honorable student is made to suffer. Ford will explain."
Ford did explain with many cringing appeals for mercy, and with many protests against the violence with which the students had treated him.
The dean listened with growing indignation, while even Babbitt was stirred to anger against his favorite student.
The upshot of the matter was that Babbitt withdrew his charges against Frank, and even went so far as to make a sort of apology for having suspected him.
Ford's case went before the whole faculty at its meeting that evening, with the result that he was suspended for one year.
"I never was so relieved in my life, Merriwell," said the dean, as he shook Frank's hand, "for if it had been proven that you had done this thing, I am afraid I should have lost all faith in students, but——"
And there was a sly twinkle in his eye.
"I think we shall have to recommend that Prof. Babbitt stuff his chimney with bricks and mortar, or else move to a new room."