greenbacks. So she trudged up to the bank with it. The journey
was something more than a mile in length. Mrs. Cantwell arrived
at the bank, only to make the same discovery that her husband
had made about the need of counting and wrapping the money before
it could be deposited or exchanged. It was close to one o'clock,
and the High School not far away. So, full of ire, Mrs. Cantwell
started down to her husband's place of employment.

Once school let out for the day, a quarter of a thousand members
of the student body went off, full of glee, to spread the news
of the joke. As they hurried along many of the students noticed
that Mrs. Cantwell was standing not far from the gate and that,
at her feet, lay her husband's black satchel. Several of the
students were quick to wonder what this new phase of the matter
meant.

After school was dismissed Fred Ripley remained behind, strapping
several books together. Then, as he passed the principal's desk,
he remarked:

"I suppose, Mr. Cantwell, that some of the students thought that
a very funny trick that was played on you this morning. While
I am speaking of it, I wish to assure you, sir, that I had no
hand in the outrage."

"I am very glad to hear you say that, Mr. Ripley. Some day I
hope I shall have a notion who _did_ originate the practical joke."

"I don't believe you would have to guess very long, sir," Ripley
hinted.