The Reporter in the Belfry: A School Scandal Ends in Resignation and a Rope Slide

The Collegiate Institute trouble, which came to an end this week by the resignation of a professor and the dismissal of two students, had its ridiculous as well as its serious side. The investigation was held behind closed doors, but W. M. Martin, a reporter for the morning paper, contrived a scheme by which he might overhear the evidence. He secreted himself in the belfry over the room in which the investigation was to be held and was comfortably fixed to carry out his plans. One of the trustees had been warned of the intrigue and had arranged to secure the trap door and keep Martin a prisoner until the next day. From the conversation which ensued below, Martin became convinced that his presence in the belfry was suspected. Just then one of the trustees left the room. Martin thought he had gone for a ladder in order to fasten the trap door. There was a stir above. The trustees looked up and were dazed to see Martin, covered with dust and dirt, sliding down the bell rope. He looked cheap enough to go right through the floor. The blisters on his hand are a painful subject to allude to.