“So it was that cur, just as I expected!”
Frank felt a glow of indignation pass over him at the conviction that he had by this simple but positive means of identification discovered the thief who had not only stolen the examination paper, but tried to rob him of his good name.
He and Lef had always been at war. Bitter rivals in all things, they had on many occasions faced each other on opposite sides. And because Frank usually managed to win in these contests Lef hated him bitterly.
Frank was puzzled as to what he should do. His first thought was to hasten to the principal’s office and show him the proof of the charge he could make. Then he shook his head. Somehow that seemed to be too severe, for it would possibly result in the expulsion of the other student of Columbia High. And Frank hardly fancied having such a responsibility thrust upon his shoulders.
“I’ll charge him with it, and if he says he’s sorry, let the matter go. Anyhow, the mischief’s done. Those papers will have to go back, and others be sent on. The little experiment has afforded me more or less amusement, and that counts for something. If I can only get Lef over here alone.”
A bright thought struck Frank even while he was puzzling over this matter.
“That’s the idea—I can slip into the lunch room, and coax him there.”
First of all he carried the tray of moulding clay through the convenient door. Mrs. Louden, who had charge of the lunch counter, was still busily engaged. She made it a rule to linger when a bunch of the boys were working in the adjacent gymnasium, since that sort of thing developed enormous appetites, and many an extra dollar found its way into her till through this afternoon source.
After doing this Frank passed outside again.
“How?” remarked Lanky, as he sidled up alongside his friend.