Lieutenant Brooks looked intently at the young man. Then he said: “Yes, sir, I remember that half an hour before his examination in mathematics had finished, last Monday, he came up to me with his papers and asked me if he should sign his name. I told him no; there was really no need whatever for his question; full instructions had been given.”
“Thank you; that’s all, Mr. Brooks. Now, professor, you will take these two young men and give them immediately the same examination they had last Monday, and when they have finished, bring the papers to me.”
Ralph was exultantly happy. Terror was exhibited in every feature of Short’s face; he was nervous and frightened, and hesitation and uncertainty were in every motion he made.
“Wh—wh—what’s the matter, sir?” he faltered. “I—I have finished my examination in mathematics; I made 3.63, sir.”
“Which is your paper, sir?” demanded the superintendent, “this numbered 153, or this numbered 155?”
“This, this one, sir,” indicating the latter.
“Then will you please tell me why the number 155 bears evidence of erasure on every sheet? And can you explain why the handwriting of the papers marked with your number and which you claim as your own, should be in such utterly different handwriting from that of your papers in geography, grammar and history? Are not these your papers, sir?” And the superintendent handed him the mathematical papers marked 153, for which Ralph Osborn had received the mark of nine-tenths. “These papers are certainly in the exact handwriting of your papers in the other subjects, and yet they are charged against Mr. Osborn.”
Short was unable to speak, and he stood before the superintendent awkward and abashed. He dared not, could not answer.
“Professor,” continued the superintendent, “start these two young men on this same examination immediately; take them into the board room across the hall.”
Ralph started in vigorously with exuberant joy in his heart. Having once worked the questions they were now doubly easy; and he figured away with enthusiasm.