Like a flash he bounded between the two boys.
"Here, here, Prescott, none of that!" he admonished.
"I---I beg _your_ pardon, sir," gasped Dick, in a tone which made it very plain that he did not include his enemy in that apology.
"May I trouble you for my pin, sir, now that it has been recovered ?" asked Fred, coolly.
"Why---um!---that depends," replied Dr.Thornton, slowly, speaking with a painful effort.

"If you, or your father, have or would have any idea of a criminal prosecution, Ripley, then it would be improper to return your pin.

It would have to be turned over to the police as an exhibit in evidence.

_But_ do you intend anything of that sort, Mr.Ripley ?" "Why, that's as _you_ say, doctor," replied the sophomore, quickly.
"It's a matter of school discipline, and belongs to your province.
Personally, I know that I would rather not have this matter go any further." "I---I don't know what to do," confessed Dr.Thornton, in anxious perplexity.

"In any event, before doing anything, I think I had better consult the superintendent and the Board of Education.
Mr.Prescott, I will say, freely, that I am most loath to believe anything of this sort against you can be possible.