his same Mr.
Appleby. I made no reference to something that happened directly
afterward, for I scouted the idea that any of our boys could be
involved. Yet, as some of you may know, the farmer intimated that the
fire might have been set by some of the Elmwood Hall students."

There were several hisses, but Doctor Meredith raised a quick hand for
silence.

"That will do," he said calmly. "That is undignified, and we must meet
this in a dignified and fair spirit. As I said, I took no action at
that time, for the evidence was absolutely nil. However, since the
affair of the poisoning I am compelled to take some notice of an
accusation that has been brought to my notice."

Again there was a gasp of surprise. Had the farmer dared to intimate
that any Elmwood Hall lads had poisoned his horses?

"Since the last unfortunate affair," went on the head master, "I have
received a visit from Mr. Appleby. He states to me that some kind of
chemical poison was administered to all his horses after his men had
fed them In the evening. One of the animals has since died, and the
others are in a precarious state. If they recover it will be some time
before they are fit for service. Now comes the part that interests us.

"Mr. Appleby states that he himself saw, and recognized, one of our
students about his barrio shortly before it was discovered that the
horses were poisoned."

"How does he know?" asked one of the Seniors--a privileged character,
evidently, for he was not rebuked.

"He says he recognized a peculiar colored sweater the student wore, and
also his manner of walking. This student was seen near the barn, and
when Mr. Appleby hurried out to warn him away, the individual ran off,
dropping a small package. This Mr. Appleby picked up, not paying much
attention to it at the time. But later, when he learned that his
horses had been poisoned, he gave this package to a veterinarian. It
was found to contain a powder, one ingredient of which was cyanide of
potassium, a deadly poison, but which, blended with other things, may
only cause severe illness. It was this poison that was administered to
the horses."

Once more came a murmur from the students. It was hushed as Doctor
Meredith went on.

"Mr. Appleby insists on an investigation," said the head master, "and I
must admit that he has several points in his favor. I have told him I
would bring the matter before you. I might add that the sweater worn
by the per