8 ACORN As the Twig is Bent (Continued from last issue) Class work for the day was over at Billings college. Students came in twos and threes from the various buildings, some going directly from the grounds toward their homes; some loitering idly about the walks chatting and laughing merrily. Tom Weston came briskly from the Arts and Science Building, with a pile of books under his arm. It is two years since, as captain of the Harris High baseball team, he won a scholarship at Billings by his clean, fair playing, but he has not changed much, except for a more serious manner, and the thoughtful expression of his face. As he walked toward the College Dormitory, he met a fair-haired young lady of about twenty summers coming from the opposite direction, and as she smlied a greeting she made faces at the pile of books he carried. "Coming to our Frat. party tonight, aren't you Tom?" she inquired. "Well, now, Miss Josie, I'd love to," he replied, but just look at these books I've got to study and-" "Oh, bother your old books," she exclaimed. "If you keep neglecting our parties for books you'll grow to be a second Dr. Lemmen," and she danced lightly off, leaving Tom rather crestfallen and greatly chagrined at her comparing him to Dr. Lemmen, the bachelor of the faculty. "Ha, Ha, Ha!" came a voice behind him, and turning he confronted his brother Gus. "Sort of handed you one then didn't she? Serves you right." "Aw. shut up," growled Tom. "She doesn't notice you at all, even if you are a football hero." "I know it," answered Gus lightly. "Prefers your company, eh? Too bad that your confounded book buying keeps you broke, or we might hear great things of you and our college president's daughter. But remember, 'twas my loan that enabled you to take her to the show last night, so don't be so grouchy hello," he broke off suddenly, "where can Keates be going in such a hurry?" "Boys," panted Keates, the football captain, as he came up to them, "Mr. Mack wants you both to report at once at his office in the Gym. It's important. I must tell the others," and he hurried off, leaving them rather mystified at the sudden summons. Tom went to his room, put away his books, then, joining Gus, hurried to the choach's office wheer practically all members of the Athletic association were present. When all were seated, Coach Mack arose. "Boys," he said gravely; "I am sorry to say that for some time ACORN 9 there has been a thief among us. Money has been stolen here at the gym at different times, and tonight I have summoned you here because I have obtained evidence that points to the guilty person. Weston," he broke off sharply, turning to Tom, "will you kindly explain to us where you got this five-dollar bill with which you purchased tickets to the show last night?" "I I don't understand, sir," said Tom. "Perhaps you'll think an explanation necessary," said Mack, "when I tell you that this bill was marked and placed here as a trap to catch the thief. Yesterday it was taken. Now have you anything to say?" Tom stood irresolute. Accusing glances were cast at him from every side and his mind was in a turmoil. He looked once at his brother, but Gus refused to meet his glance, and turned his eyes on the floor. Tom turned and faced the Coach squarely. "I have nothing to say, sir," he said firmly. "What!" cried the Coach. "Then you must stand self convicted of this theft," and a murmur of assent went around the room. "I shall give you until Saturday to make satisfactory explanation, or you must leave the college, for much as I dislike to, I shall then be obliged to take the matter up with the President." Tom sat in his room alone. His treasured books had all been sold, his personal belongings packed, ready to leave, and he was now mentally bidding a last good-bye to his college career, and its associations so near and dear to him. As he sat there in great bitterness of spirit, thinking sadly of the friends who had deserted him at the first shadow of suspicion, the door was pushed open and Gus entered. His hair was disheveled, and dark circles under his eyes showed he had not slept, and he seemed to be laboring under a great mental strain. "Tom, what are you going to do?" he asked. "Do? There's only one thing left for me to do. I can't explain, unless you confess, which you haven't the courage to do, so I must leave in disgrace. I wondered at your generosity in loaning me that money last night and Oh, well, I'll take the blame, but for heaven's sake let this be a lesson to you. Good-bye," and picking up his grip, Tom left the room, leaving behind him a huddled figure mumbling disconnected prayers for forgiveness. Just outside on the campus stood several of his old companions, and after hesitating a moment, he stopped and held out his hand. "Fellows," he said quietly, I am leaving today under suspicion of being a thief, but before I go, I want to tell you that I am innocent, though I cannot explain. Won't you believe me, and say good-bye?" (Continued on Page 21)