"Ha! So you are even willing to laugh in my face, are you!" almost
screamed Abner Sharp, and rushing at Tom he caught the youth and shook
him roughly. "Do you--er--know that this lady is my--my affianced
wife?"
"Let me go!" cried Tom, and shook himself loose. "Excuse me, sir. I
know I hadn't ought to laugh, but it looks so--so awfully funny!" And
Tom had to grin again.
"Rover!" broke in the president of Brill sternly, "aren't you ashamed
to do such a thing as this?"
"Why--er--what do you mean, sir?"
"Just what I said."
"Oh!" A light began to break in on the fun-loving Rover's mind. "Do
you think I did this?"
"Didn't you?"
"Of course he did!" fumed Professor Sharp. "And now he is willing to
laugh over his dastardly work!"
"I didn't do it, sir," said Tom firmly.
"You are certain?" It was the head of the college who asked the
question.
"Yes, sir. I never saw that picture before."
"But I have the proof against you!" fairly shouted Abner Sharp. "It is
useless for you to deny your guilt."
"I say I am not guilty."
"Isn't this your box, Rover?"
As Professor Sharp uttered these words he brought to light a German
silver case which Tom had picked up in a curiosity shop in New York.
The case had his name engraved on it, and contained pencils, crayons,
and other things for drawing.
"Where did you get that?" demanded the youth.
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