Prescott stepped to the fireplace and stooped as though to look under the loose bricks.

Dodge, in a panic, got there before him and pulled out some papers.
"I was trying to play a prank on you and Holmes.

As you've forestalled it, I don't think I'll let you know what it was," and Dodge struck a match and set the papers on fire, throwing them into the fireplace.
"Perhaps you don't mind letting me enjoy your int'resting joke with you, Mr.Dodge," drawled Anstey, coming into the room.
"It wouldn't interest you, Mr.Anstey.Its foundation lies in by-gone days back in Gridley," floundered Dodge.
"At any rate, your fire has destroyed the--ah--joke.

Will you assure me, Mr.Dodge, that the joke was only a good-natured one ?" asked Dick Prescott, eyeing Dodge sternly.
"I assure you of that on my honor as a cadet and a gentleman," said Dodge stiffly.
"Very well then.

And now good-night." The plebe who had just perjured himself turned from Prescott toward Anstey.