"Now say, Nellie, don't you think----"

"Oh, Tom, I must get in before the second bell rings!" pleaded Nellie.

"Yes, but won't you promise----"

"How can I promise anything, Tom, with this affair of the missing
ring----"

"Missing ring! You don't suppose for one minute that that is going to
make any difference to me, do you?"

"Oh, no, Tom. I know you too well for that." And now Nellie gave him a
look that thrilled him through and through. "But I think I ought to
clear my name before-- before I do anything else."

"All right. I suppose it has got to be as you say," returned Tom,
hopelessly. "But listen! If they make any more trouble for you,
promise me that you will let me know."

"All right, Tom, I will." And then, after Tom had stolen a quick kiss,
Nellie hastened her steps, and a few seconds later she and her sister
disappeared within the building.

"Do you know what I'd like to do, Sam?" muttered Tom, as the brothers
turned away from the seminary grounds in the automobile. "I'd like to
wring that Miss Harrow's neck! What right has she to accuse Nellie?"

"No right at all, Tom. But one thing is certain, the ring must be