CHAPTER XXIII.
THE NITROGLYCERINE MYSTERY SPEAKS UP In one phase of its social life Gridley H.S.was especially sensible.
Since only a few of the boys could be expected to be able to afford evening dress suits, it was a rule that none, even the seniors, should appear at any of the class functions in these fashionable garments.
Hence, Dick & Co., when they arrived with their girl friends, did not feel out of place on the score of clothes.
Each of the freshmen wore his "Sunday" suit, and each wore a flower at his lapel.
Unfortunately, no limitations were placed on the dress of the girls.

Therefore, while some rather plain frocks were in evidence, many of the girls were rather elaborately attired.
Laura Bentley, though her father's means rather permitted, did not "overdo" in respect of dress.

Dick felt sure, however, as he offered his arm, and conducted her out on the floor, that Laura was quite the prettiest, sweetest-looking girl there.
All of Dick's chums felt satisfied with their partners of the evening, for each young man had invited the girl whose company he was sure to enjoy most.
Somehow, though they did not feel just out of place at the senior ball, the six young freshmen and their partners, all of the freshman class, happened to come together at one end of the hall.
"What do you all say," proposed Dick, "if, in the grand march, we freshies keep together, six couples all in one section ?" "We'll feel more comfortable, surely," grinned Dave Darrin.
"Why?
Are you scared ?" asked Laura, looking at him archly.
"Not so that the band-leader could notice it," replied Dave.
"Yet I think we'd all be making more noise if this were a freshman dance." "But the freshmen don't have a dance until just before commencement time," put in Belle Meade, who was there with Dave.
"Anyway, the seniors are not so very important," laughed Laura.
"the average age of the freshman class is about fourteen or fifteen.
The seniors are only three years older Pooh! Who's afraid ?" "I am," broke in Ben Badger, coming up behind them.

"Desperately afraid." "You?
Of what ?" asked Laura, turning around upon him.
"Afraid that I'm too late to write my autograph on your dance card," admitted Ben, with a rueful smile.
"But you're a senior," murmured Laura.
"Is that a crime ?" demanded Ben, in a tone of wonder.
"Why, we were planning," put in Belle, "that the freshmen boys and freshmen girls should dance together this evening." "I see a ray of hope," protested Ben.

"I'm going to college, so I shall be a freshman again next year.