That, of course, was all the satisfaction Thompson could expect at the moment.  He went out to the remainder of his recess, feeling decidedly blue.  Nor was Dr. Thornton any less disturbed.

When recess was over, the entire body of students was questioned in the general assembly room, but no light was forthcoming.

“Of course, in view of what has happened,” counseled Dr. Thornton, “the young gentlemen will do well to leave nothing of value in their coats in the locker rooms.  And while nothing distressing, has yet happened in the young ladies basement, I trust they will govern themselves by what has happened on the young men’s side.”

Dick Prescott felt much concerned over it all, though he did not imagine that anyone suspected him of any share in the disappearance of articles of value.

Friday there were no mishaps, for the very simple reason that no one left anything of value in the locker rooms.

On Monday Fred Ripley was back again.  With the aid of a little help from the druggist the haughty young man presented two eyes that did not show any signs of having been damaged.  Fred himself offered no comment on his absence.  He seemed anxious to be on especially good terms with all of the upper classmen with whom he usually associated.

During the first period of the morning Ripley had no recitation on.  He sat at his desk studying.  Presently as permitted under the rules, he whispered softly with the boy seated behind him.

Then, suddenly, Ripley rose and tip-toed down the aisle to the desk.  The principal himself sat there in charge.

“Dr. Thornton,” began Ripley, in a low voice, “I was away last week, and so didn’t hear all the school news.  I have just learned about the locker room thefts, and so I’m uneasy.  Just as the bell rang I was having trouble with the pearl and diamond scarf-pin that I often wear.  There wasn’t time to adjust it, so I dropped it in my overcoat pocket.  I would like to go down to my coat, now, and get it.”

“Prescott is reciting in IV.  Physics,” replied Dr. Thornton, rising.  “However, in view of all that has happened, I think we shall do well to go down and call him out of class.  I don’t want any more valuable articles to be missing.”

Principal and student went quietly to the floor below.  Dr. Thornton thrust his head into the physics laboratory and quietly called Dick out, explaining what was wanted.

“You’ll come, too, won’t you, doctor?” asked Ripley.

The principal nodded without speaking.  As the three reached the barred door, Dick inserted the key, then threw open the door.  Fred marched over to his coat, thrusting his hand into a pocket.

“By thunder, it’s gone!” gasped Fred.

In an instant Dr. Thornton bounded into the locker room.  He himself explored every pocket in the boy’s coat.

“Strange! strange!” muttered the bewildered principal.