“Resigned three months ago. And I was elected in his place. Congratulate me, old man!”
“With all my heart; this is splendid news.” And Redfern again seized the other’s hand. “Mosley and I were classmates here at Ripley,” he added, to the others.
“Let me add my congratulations, too,” said Colonel Ellison, stiffly, “and express the hope that the majority of visitors will not be obliged to come, as I have, with complaints against the actions of your students.”
“Ah,” said the new president, “what is it? I am sorry if they have misbehaved themselves.”
“Some effort should be made to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
“What is the nature of your complaint? But perhaps we had better withdraw to another place,” added the president, noting that his visitor spoke in a tone which carried a long distance.
As they walked slowly along the road, President Mosley listened intently to Colonel Ellison’s complaint against Bill Stiles and his motor boat crew, and promised to look into the matter thoroughly.
“And now,” he said, “if you will permit me, Colonel, we will change the subject. I was on the point of communicating with you on a matter of the utmost importance, both to yourself and Norman Redfern.”
“Eh?” said the Colonel.
“What is that, Mosley?” asked Redfern, quickly.