Belton roughly pushed him aside and strode into the building and roamed through it, in search of his room-mate, whom he now felt assured did him the trick.
But his room-mate, foreseeing the consequences of detection, had made beforehand every preparation for leaving and was now gone.

No one could quiet Belton during that whole day, and he spent the night meditating plans for wreaking vengeance.
The next morning the president came over early, and entering Belton's room, was more kindly received.

He took Belton's hand in his and sat down near his side.

He talked to Belton long and earnestly, showing him what an unholy passion revenge was.

He showed that such a passion would mar any life that yielded to it.
Belton, he urged, was about to allow a pair of dirty socks to wreck his whole life.