[CHAPTER XXI]
BOB SAYS SO
Willard’s heart sank. There was no need to pick the thing up for closer examination. Its crumpled, distasteful folds showed one border missing, and, if evidence had still been lacking, closer inspection would have elicited the fact that, half obliterated by a paint smudge, the word “Harmon” was plainly printed on a corner. It was the handkerchief that he had given to Bob Newhall Saturday night to wipe his hands on.
“Yes, sir,” replied Willard.
“When and where?” asked the Doctor quietly.
“Last Saturday night, sir, at Hillsport.”
The Doctor picked the object up gingerly and dropped it back in the drawer. Then he closed the drawer slowly and gazed thoughtfully for a short moment at the book he had laid aside.
“I have received a very indignant letter from Doctor Handley, at Hillsport School,” he said presently. “He tells me that some time during Saturday night the wall of his residence was defaced with black paint in—um—in ill-advised celebration of Alton’s football victory over Hillsport.”
Willard gasped. “We—I didn’t know it was his wall, sir!” he exclaimed.