ure his son's return, and smaller sums for any positive data, which
might lead to the arrest of the kidnapers. Tony's mother was dead. An
older brother who had been in business in the far west was once a victim
of the Malatesta clan. In spite of every possible effort, the
disappearance of the boy remained a mystery; nor could any of the
Malatesta relatives, known by various names and suspected as
accomplices, be found.

Bill and Gus were now in possession of one of the finest radio receiving
sets that could be made, and several other students had purchased
similar, or less perfect, sets from the boys. Whenever opportunity
permitted they either had the loud speaker on, or sat with the 'phones
clamped to their ears, listening in and having much amusement with the
various broadcasters, public and private. It was a liberal education to
hear a tenth of what was going on, besides the regular concert program
each evening. But most in their thoughts was the hope, often expressed
between them, of hearing something that might in some way reflect on the
kidnaping mystery, for the boys missed their kind and courteous Italian
friend.

CHAPTER XVIII

DIPLOMACY THAT FAILED

"Gus, I can't get it out of my head," said Bill one day, "that we're
not, as they say in diplomatic language, entirely _persona grata_ here.
At least, not as we should want to be if we have the proper loyalty to
the school. We have our friends, of course, among seniors, freshmen and
even some of the sophs, but the sophs generally have very little use for
us. Even some of our own class, in the sports, have a big leaning toward
Siebold and his bunch, and they like to go along with the shouters."

"Well, I guess they'll have to go along, then," remarked Gus
indifferently.

"But Gus, it's a reflection on us. We ought to be in as good fellowship
as anybody. Now that we've made out so well in our radio work and are
not nearly so busy, with the rest of the term all lectures and exams,
you know, we might gee in a little with the social end of it. And
sports, too, Gus. I can't do anything but look on and shout, but
you----"

Bill's remarks were inspired by a glimpse across the greensward at a
bunch of fellows on the ball field, evidently at town ball and practice.
With the coming of spring and warm weather the Tech ball team had been
newly organized and put at practice. The next month would see them
cr