Finally, Proctor Thornton, who made it his business to visit each class room, some time during the progress of an examination, entered the room. He looked in surprise at the seated students in the semi-darkness, and he noted the absence of Professor Baldwin.
“Where is the dean?” asked the proctor.
“He hasn’t been here, sir,” answered Jake Porter.
“This is very strange. Wait here a moment, and I will inquire.”
The proctor was gone a short time, during which the hopes of Bart and his friends rose high. There was hardly time for an examination now, and to-morrow would be a holiday.
The proctor came back.
“I am very sorry, young gentlemen,” he said, “but Professor Baldwin is not to be found. The examination is postponed. You may go.”
And not even the proctor’s presence could restrain the cheer that echoed through the room.
“Hurrah, Bart!” cried his friends, as they hurried out. “You play against Kenwell to-morrow.”
“I guess I do,” admitted Bart with a grin.