There must be---must be---some---er explanation.

I---I---don't want you to feel that I believe your guilt as yet assured.

I---I-----" Here Dr.Thornton broke down, dabbing at his eyes with his handkerchief.

Almost unconsciously he passed the pin, which he was yet holding, to Fred Ripley.
"Lock the locker door, Mr.Prescott---and give me the key," requested the principal.
Dick passed over the key, then spoke, with more composure than might have been expected under the circumstances: "Dr.Thornton, I am as innocent of any thieving as you yourself can be.

Sooner or later the right of this will come out.