"If the truth was known," continued Ward, "I believe you've got the very key you tried to use in your pocket now. What were you doing there?" he added sternly.
"I was there this afternoon, but it was my first turn--I mean the first time I'd been there. I haven't been in West Hall before this term."
Ward hesitated. Possibly Ripley was speaking truly. He knew that Tim was shrewd and it might be that he had used different boys to do his bidding at various times. The expression which Ripley had unconsciously let slip, that it was his first turn, might understood in that light. However, his disposition had been clearly manifest, even by his own confession, and Ward's feeling of anger instantly returned.
"Ripley, you've got that key to my room I believe in your pocket now. Hand it over to me and I'll let you off this time."
"Not if I know myself," replied Ripley, his courage having evidently in a measure returned as he perceived Ward's momentary hesitation.
"You won't give it to me?"
"No, I won't give it to you," replied Ripley still more boldly.
"Then I'll take it."
And as he spoke Ward quickly sprang forward and grasped the boy by the shoulder.
Instantly all of Ripley's fears returned. Before Ward fairly realized what was occurring he had emitted three or four shrieks for help.