diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-8.txt | 8638 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 117747 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 468030 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h/17636-h.htm | 8798 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h/images/296.jpg | bin | 0 -> 87973 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h/images/297.jpg | bin | 0 -> 85778 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h/images/298.jpg | bin | 0 -> 84435 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h/images/299.jpg | bin | 0 -> 80531 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636-h/images/emblem.jpg | bin | 0 -> 2561 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636.txt | 8638 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17636.zip | bin | 0 -> 117729 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
14 files changed, 26090 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17636-8.txt b/17636-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dd5a03c --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8638 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Mystery at Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mystery at Putnam Hall + The School Chums' Strange Discovery + +Author: Arthur M. Winfield + +Release Date: January 29, 2006 [EBook #17636] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + +[Illustration: SOME CADETS CAME INTO VIEW, EACH CARRYING A BUCKET OF +WATER. + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall_--_Frontispiece._ (Page 95)] + + + + + +THE MYSTERY AT + +PUTNAM HALL + +_Or_ + +_The School Chums' Strange Discovery_ + +BY + +ARTHUR M. WINFIELD (Edward Stratemeyer) + +AUTHOR OF THE FAMOUS "ROVER BOYS SERIES," ETC. + + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + + + NEW YORK + GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS + Made in the United States of America + + + + +BOOKS FOR BOYS + + +BY ARTHUR M. WINFIELD + +(Edward Stratemeyer) + + + * * * * * + +12mo. Cloth. Illustrated + + * * * * * + +THE PUTNAM HALL CADET SERIES + + THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL + THE RIVALS OF PUTNAM HALL + THE CHAMPIONS OF PUTNAM HALL + THE REBELLION AT PUTNAM HALL + CAMPING OUT DAYS AT PUTNAM HALL + THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL + + * * * * * + +THE FIRST ROVER BOYS SERIES + + THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS + THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP + THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS + THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM + THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE + THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR + THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK + THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA + THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR + + * * * * * + +THE SECOND ROVER BOYS SERIES + + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLBY HALL + THE ROVER BOYS ON SNOWSHOE ISLAND + THE ROVER BOYS UNDER CANVAS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A HUNT + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, New York + + COPYRIGHT, 1911, under the title of + _The Putnam Hall Mystery_ + +GROSSET & DUNLAP + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD 1 + + II. THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL 11 + + III. SOMETHING ABOUT A RUNAWAY 19 + + IV. A FRUITLESS SEARCH 29 + + V. THE FIGHT IN THE GYMNASIUM 39 + + VI. CAPTAIN PUTNAM INVESTIGATES 49 + + VII. PEPPER MAKES A DISCOVERY 59 + + VIII. THE FOOTBALL ELEVEN 69 + + IX. THE FOOTBALL GAME 79 + + X. PUTTING OUT A LIVELY BLAZE 89 + + XI. A MYSTERIOUS HAPPENING 99 + + XII. AN INVITATION ACCEPTED 109 + + XIII. THE WORK OF THE ENEMY 119 + + XIV. AT THE FORD MANSION 129 + + XV. THE SNOWBALL BATTLE 139 + + XVI. IN WHICH MORE VALUABLES VANISH 149 + + XVII. THE TUG-OF-WAR 159 + + XVIII. A CURIOUS MEETING 169 + + XIX. ABOUT A SET OF TEETH 178 + + XX. PEPPER A PRISONER 187 + + XXI. A GRAVE ACCUSATION 196 + + XXII. THE MYSTERY GOES ON 205 + + XXIII. AN ELECTION OF OFFICERS 214 + + XXIV. ANDY SHOWS HIS COURAGE 223 + + XXV. THE MAN AT POINT VIEW LODGE 231 + + XXVI. WHAT THE CONSTABLE THOUGHT 239 + + XXVII. LOOKING FOR CLUES 247 + + XXVIII. TO THE RESCUE 255 + + XXIX. A REAL HERO 263 + + XXX. THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED--CONCLUSION 271 + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +MY DEAR BOYS: + +This story is complete in itself, but forms the sixth volume in a line +issued under the general title of "Putnam Hall Series." + +As mentioned several times, this line was started because many young +folks wanted to know what happened at Putnam Hall Military School +previous to the arrival at that institution of the Rover boys, as +already related in my "Rover Boys Series." + +To gratify this curiosity I wrote the first volume of this series, +called "The Putnam Hall Cadets," showing how Captain Putnam organized +his famous school, and how it was Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore came to +be among his first pupils. + +In the second book, entitled "The Putnam Hall Rivals," I gave the +particulars of several contests on the field of sports, and also told +about a thrilling balloon ride and of an odd discovery in the woods. + +Following the second book came a third, "The Putnam Hall Champions," +with more bitterly-contested games, in one of which young Major Ruddy's +enemies played him a foul trick. + +From the opening of the school there had been dissatisfaction with one +of the teachers, and when another was engaged who proved to be a man of +peculiar whims, the boys went into open revolt, as related in another +volume, called "The Putnam Hall Rebellion." The cadets literally ran +away, and did not return to the Hall until Captain Putnam came upon the +scene to straighten matters out. + +The rebellion was followed by a grand outing, as related in "The Putnam +Hall Encampment." The cadets marched far away from the school, to the +shore of a beautiful lake, and there our heroes managed to have a good +time in spite of the mean work of several of their enemies. + +In the present volume are related the particulars of a most puzzling +mystery which at one time threatened to bring disaster to the whole +school. How the mystery was at last solved I leave for the pages which +follow to explain. + +Again I thank both young and old for all the nice things they have said +about my books. I hope the reading of the volumes affords all both +pleasure and profit. + + Affectionately and sincerely yours, + EDWARD STRATEMEYER. + + + + +THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL + + + + +CHAPTER I + +AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD + + +"Here we are again, as the clown says in the circus!" + +"Right you are, Pepper. And I'll be glad to get back to Putnam Hall once +more," responded Major Jack Ruddy, as he followed his chum from the lake +steamer to the Cedarville dock. + +"Hello, there is Andy!" cried Pepper Ditmore, as he caught sight of a +familiar face in the crowd of cadets, "Andy, where have you been? Why +didn't you come on the boat with us?" + +"I got in last night," answered Andy Snow. "How are you, anyway?" And he +shook hands cordially. + +"Oh, I'm as fine as a new-tooth comb," answered Pepper Ditmore, with a +grin. "Ready for study and fun." + +"Especially fun, I'll wager. How about it, Jack?" + +"Oh, Pepper usually manages to get his share," came from the young major +of the Putnam Hall battalion. "But, Andy, did you---- Hi, look where you +are going, will you, Ritter!" cried Jack, rather angrily. + +A tall youth, carrying a big dress-suit case, had forced his way through +the crowd, hitting Jack in the knee with his baggage. + +"What do you want to block the way for?" demanded Reff Ritter, sourly. +"Think you own the dock?" + +"I've got as much right here, Ritter, as you have!" retorted the young +major, sharply. "Don't you knock me again like that." + +"I will--if you get in my way." + +"If you do, you'll take the consequences." + +"Bah! Don't you try to dictate to me, Jack Ruddy!" growled Reff Ritter. +"You got the best of me last term, but you'll not get the best of me +this term, I'll tell you that!" + +"Phew! Ritter is somewhat peppery!" whispered Andy Snow. + +"I guess I know the reason," came from a student named Dale Blackmore. + +"What is it?" + +"I'll tell you later--too much of a crowd here," rejoined Dale. + +About twenty cadets, all bound for Putnam Hall Military Academy, had +arrived on the boat from Ithaca, and these, along with some others who +had come down to the dock to see the boat come in, gathered around Jack +Ruddy and Reff Ritter to see the outcome of the unexpected encounter. + +Jack Ruddy had good cause to consider Reff Ritter his enemy. But he had +hoped that during the term now opening at the school the bully of Putnam +Hall would keep his distance. + +"I am not trying to dictate to you, Ritter," answered Jack, as calmly as +he could. "But I don't propose to let you hit me with your suitcase." + +"Huh! It was an accident!" growled Reff. + +"Oh, come on, Reff!" put in Gus Coulter, the bully's close crony. "Let +us get good seats in the carryall." + +"That's the talk! Let us get in before the others take the seats!" came +from Nick Paxton, another crony. + +He pushed ahead, and his elbow caught Pepper Ditmore directly in the +ribs. + +"Not quite so swift, Paxton!" cried Pepper, and he gave the cadet a +quick shove backwards. Paxton bumped into Reff Ritter, lost his +footing, and fell over the dress-suit case in the bully's hand. + +"Hurrah! One down!" cried Andy Snow. "How many yards to gain for a +touchdown, Nick?" + +"What do you mean by knocking me down!" roared Nick Paxton, as he +scrambled to his feet. "I'll not stand for it." + +"Then sit down again," answered Pepper, merrily. "And next time keep +your elbow out of my ribs," he added. "Come on, we don't want to get +left!" he added to his chums. + +A bolt was made by many of the cadets for the Putnam Hall carryall, and +soon a crowd was inside and on the front seat, talking, joking and +cheering, as suited the mood of each individual. Jack, Pepper, Andy and +Dale managed to crowd inside throwing their suitcases on the top. Gus +Coulter got in also, but when he saw that Reff Ritter and Nick Paxton +had been left, he scrambled out again, and his place was taken by Fred +Century, another student. + +"Hello, Peleg, old sport!" cried Pepper, gaily, to the driver of the +turnout. "How have you been for the past fifty years?" + +"Oh, I'm very well, thank you," responded Peleg Snuggers. + +"Heard you had a fortune left to you," went on Pepper, with a wink at +his chums. "Old uncle died and left you half a million." + +"Three-quarters of a million," put in Andy Snow, scenting fun. "All in +gold, too." + +"Isn't that fine!" said Jack. "Peleg, how about lending me ten or +fifteen dollars?" + +"I could use a five-spot myself," added Dale. + +"I'd like to borrow about fifty for a new bicycle," came from Fred +Century. + +"Don't be modest about lending us the cash," went on Pepper. "Just hand +it out as if you had always had it." + +"I ain't had no fortune left to me!" burst out the general utility man, +desperately. "Who said I had?" + +"Why, everybody knows it, Peleg," responded Pepper. "Come, don't be +modest about it. Was it really three-quarters of a million?" + +"Maybe it was more," suggested Jack. + +"If I were you, Peleg, I'd not carry so much around in my pockets," said +Dale. + +"I ain't had a cent left to me!" shouted the driver of the carryall. +"This is some of your jokes, an' I want you to stop it! Oh, dear, now +the school's opened ag'in I suppose there won't be no rest fer nobuddy!" +And he heaved a mountainous sigh. + +"Oh, Peleg! Don't be angry with me!" murmured Pepper, with a trace of +tears in his voice. "If you get angry I'll die!" + +"You behave yourself, Pepper Ditmore, or I won't drive you to the Hall." + +"Peleg, don't you want me to drive?" asked Andy, who was on the front +seat. "I'm a cracker-jack at driving." + +"Not much! Don't you tech them hosses!" shouted the general utility man +in alarm. "That off hoss is a new one an' he's mighty skittish, I can +tell you. This mornin' when I was hookin' him up he nigh kicked the leg +off o' me!" + +"Say, how are we going to get to the Hall?" came in ugly tones from Reff +Ritter. He, with six other boys, was standing beside the carryall. + +"Captain Putnam said he'd send down some carriages," answered Peleg +Snuggers. "There they come now," and he pointed to the turnouts. + +"Pshaw! I wanted to go in the carryall," grumbled Ritter. + +"So did I," added Gus Coulter. + +"Well, this is full, so you'll have to take the carriages," answered +Peleg Snuggers. "Everybody hold fast!" he shouted, as he took up the +reins. + +"We are off!" shouted Pepper, gaily. "Farewell to Cedarville and ho! for +Putnam Hall!" + +"Wish I had room, I'd turn a handspring for you," came from Andy, who +was quite an acrobat. + +"Now don't you cut up any monkey-shines," pleaded the driver of the +carryall. "That new hoss won't stand for 'em." + +"All right, Peleg, I'll keep as quiet as a lamb without a tail." + +"Why is a lamb without a tail quiet?" asked Fred Century, quickly. + +"Give it up, Fred. Why?" + +"Because he has no tale to tell." + +"Wow!" + +"What a joke!" + +"Throw him out!" + +"Give him some cotton to eat!" + +"Say, do keep quiet!" pleaded Peleg Snuggers, as the boys in the +carryall commenced to push Fred from one seat to another. "Want these +hosses to ran away with you?" + +"Better draw it mild," suggested Major Jack. "We don't want any accident +on the way to the Hall." He looked back at the crowd left on the dock. +"Has anybody seen Bert Field?" he asked. + +"Yes, I saw him last week," answered a student named Paul Singleton. +"He'll be here to-morrow." + +"How about Emerald?" asked Pepper. + +"Coming to-night," answered Andy. "He went to Ireland this summer, and +his brogue is worse than ever." + +"Never mind, Emerald is a good fellow," said Major Jack. "His heart is +as big as a barrel." + +"Say, but wasn't Reff Ritter mad!" came from Dale. + +"Oh, he makes me tired," answered Pepper. "After all that happened last +term wouldn't you think he'd behave himself better?" + +"It isn't in him to behave himself," answered Fred Century. "He is a +bully and always will be." + +"Well, he has got to keep his distance this term," said Major Jack, with +a firm look on his face. "I am not going to stand for what I have in the +past." + +"Nor I," added Pepper. "If he doesn't keep his distance he'll suffer for +it." + +The carryall was now leaving the little village of Cedarville. Soon it +came out on a country road that ran in the direction of Putnam Hall. + +It was an ideal day in early September, and the cadets returning to the +school were in high spirits. One started to sing and the others joined +in. + +"Hello, there goes the Pornell Academy stage!" cried Pepper, presently. + +"And there are some fellows we know!" returned Jack, as the turnout +belonging to a rival school came closer. "Roy Bock and Bat Sedley." + +"I'll bet they are sore over what happened last June," cried Pepper. + +"It was their own fault that they suffered," came from Andy. + +"Look out!" sang out Dale, and dodged down in the carryall. + +Spat! A half-decayed apple struck the side of the turnout. Spat! came +one through the open window. Then the skin of a banana followed, landing +in Jack's lap. + +"Stop that, Bock!" + +"Don't throw things in here, Sedley!" + +"Something to remember us by!" shouted Roy Bock, the bully of Pornell +Academy, and he threw another soft apple into the carryall. It landed on +Pepper's arm, leaving quite a mess there. + +"All right, if that's your game!" cried Pepper, and feeling in his +pocket he brought forth an orange he had purchased on the boat. Taking +careful aim, he let fly with all force. The orange landed fairly and +squarely on Roy Bock's nose. + +"Ouch!" roared Roy Bock, and clapped his hand to his nose, which began +to bleed. + +"Here's something for you, Sedley!" cried Andy, and sent a handful of +peanut shells into the Pornell student's face. + +"I'll fix you fellows!" roared Roy Bock in a rage, and catching up a +heavy book that was on the seat beside him he started to throw the +volume at Jack and Pepper. + +But the volume slipped and went sailing in the air in another direction, +catching poor Peleg Snuggers on the cheek. The driver of the carryall +was so startled that he let go the reins and fell from his seat into the +dust of the road. + +As the reins dropped at their heels, one of the horses--the new +one--threw up his head in sudden fright. Then he made a mad lunge +forward, dragging his mate with him. The carryall gave a lurch and a +bound that sent the occupants flying into each other's laps. + +"Stop the team!" was the cry. + +"The horses are running away!" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL + + +It was true, the team was running away. One of the horses was a spirited +animal and he now had the bit in his teeth. The boys in the rear of the +turnout looked back, to see Peleg Snuggers still lying in the highway. +The stage belonging to Pornell Academy had turned down a side road. + +"Can't you stop them, Andy?" asked Jack Ruddy. + +"I don't see how," was the answer from the youth on the front seat. "I +can't get hold of the lines." + +"We must stop 'em somehow!" cried Fred Century. "Otherwise we'll have a +smash-up, sure!" + +"Whoa! whoa!" yelled half a dozen, but these cries only served to scare +the team more, and away they shot along the country road, sending the +carryall swaying from side to side. + +"Look! look!" yelled Andy, suddenly. "The regular road is shut off! They +are repairing it!" + +The boys gazed ahead and saw that some wooden horses and planking had +been placed across the highway. This side of the barrier some bars had +been taken from a fence, so that those using the road might drive +around, through an orchard belonging to a farmer named Darrison. + +"We are going to strike those planks!" cried Dale Blackmore. + +"Maybe the team will try to jump them!" came from Fred. + +"If they do, they'll smash the carryall sure!" answered Pepper. "Perhaps +we had better drop out at the rear." + +"Look out!" sang out somebody, and just then the carryall left the +highway and turned into the orchard. Then came a scraping, as the top of +the turnout hit the low-hanging branches of some apple trees. + +"Whoa! stop that wagon!" yelled a man's voice, and Amos Darrison +appeared from among the trees. He made a leap for the team, but they +swerved to one side. Then came a crash, as one of the wheels caught in a +stump. Over went the carryall, with the boys in it. Andy, quick to act, +used his acrobatic abilities by leaping into the branches of a nearby +tree. Then the farmer caught the team and stopped them. + +"Anybody hurt?" was Pepper's question, as he crawled out of the wreck. + +"I'm all right," answered Fred. + +"I got a twisted ankle, that's all," came from Dale, as he limped out. + +"Look at Jack!" cried several. "He's hurt!" + +All looked and saw the young major of the school battalion lying flat on +his back in the front of the carryall. He had a nasty cut on the temple +and his eyes were closed. + +"He is dead!" murmured Pepper, hoarsely. + +"Oh, don't say that!" said Andy, in sudden terror. He had just dropped +to the ground. + +"If he ain't dead he's putty badly hurted," said the farmer who owned +the orchard. + +Pepper caught his chum in his arms and brought him out and laid him on +the grass. + +"He is still breathing!" he cried. "Get some water and we'll bathe his +face. Maybe that will bring him around." + +"I'll get the water!" exclaimed Dale, and ran towards a well located at +the side of the orchard. + +To those who have read the other volumes in this "Putnam Hall Series," +the lads already mentioned will need no special introduction. For the +benefit of others, let me state that Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore were +close chums, living, when at home, in the western part of New York +State. Jack was slightly the older of the two and was of rather a +serious turn of mind. Pepper was full of fun, and on that account was +frequently called "The Imp." + +As related in my first volume, entitled "The Putnam Hall Cadets," the +lads left home to become cadets at a new institution of learning located +on Cayuga Lake. This new school was presided over by Captain Victor +Putnam, a retired army officer, who had modeled his institution somewhat +after the famous military academy at West Point. It was a large school, +ideally located on the shore of the lake, and had attached to it a +gymnasium, a boathouse, and several other buildings. On the lower floor +of the main building were the classrooms, the mess-hall, and the +offices, and upstairs were the dormitories. + +Arriving at the school, Jack and Pepper soon made a host of friends, +including the acrobatic Andy Snow; Dale Blackmore, who was a great +football player; Paul Singleton, who was usually called "Stuffer" +because of his constant desire to eat; Joseph Hogan, commonly addressed +as "Emerald" because of his Irish blood, and Joe Nelson, who was one of +the best scholars the school ever had. They also made some enemies, the +greatest of them being Reff Ritter, the big bully, and Gus Coulter and +Nick Paxton, his cronies. + +Not long after the students learned how to drill and to march they were +allowed to ballot for officers. A bitter contest was waged, which +resulted in Jack being chosen major of the Hall battalion. A bully named +Dan Baxter had wanted to be major, and he bribed Gus Coulter and some +others to vote for him, but without avail. It may be added here that +Baxter was now away on a vacation, but had written that he was going to +return to the school before long. + +During their first term at Putnam Hall the chums had several adventures, +not the least of which was one in the woods, where they rescued George +Strong, one of the teachers, from two of his relatives who were insane. + +Mr. Strong's ancestry dated back to the Revolution, and he told the +cadets about a family treasure buried in the vicinity of the lake. How +the boys went in search of the treasure, and how they had numerous other +adventures, was related in the second volume of this series, called "The +Putnam Hall Rivals." + +With the coming of the next summer, the thoughts of the students turned +to various sports, and in the third volume, "The Putnam Hall Champions," +I told how the chums entered several contests, both on land and on the +lake, and won out. At that time Fred Century was a pupil at Pornell +Academy, but Fred became so disgusted at the actions of Roy Bock, Bat +Sedley, and some others, that he quit the rival institution of learning +and came to Putnam Hall, where he was given a warm welcome. + +The encounters that Jack and his chums had with Reff Ritter and his +cronies were numerous, and more than once Ritter did his best to get the +young major into serious trouble. Once he drugged Jack with some French +headache powders, and when he was exposed Captain Putnam would have +expelled him had not Jack very generously asked that he be given another +chance. For this any ordinary youth would have been grateful, but +gratitude did not appear to be a part of Reff Ritter's make-up, and he +soon showed himself to be as mean as ever. + +For some time matters ran along smoothly at Putnam Hall, but then came +trouble of an entirely new kind. Once, during the absence of Captain +Putnam and George Strong, the school was left in charge of two other +teachers--Josiah Crabtree and Pluxton Cuddle. Crabtree was dictatorial +to a degree and Cuddle was a man of queer ideas, one being that boys ate +entirely too much. + +As told in the volume called "The Putnam Rebellion," the two teachers +sought to subdue the boys by starving them and locking them in their +dormitories. They rebelled, left the school by stealth, and marched +away, to camp in the woods. There the rebels split up, one party under +Major Jack and the other under Ritter. At last Captain Putnam put in an +appearance, and Major Jack explained matters. As a consequence, the +cadets went back to the Hall, and then Josiah Crabtree and Pluxton were +called on to explain. Crabtree was retained, after a stern lecture from +the master of the school, but Cuddle was discharged. + +It was Captain Putnam's custom to take his students out once or twice a +year to what was called an encampment--the lads marching to some spot +where they could pitch their tents and go in for a touch of real army +life, with target shooting, sham battles, and the like. In the next +volume of the series, called "The Putnam Hall Encampment," I told how +the cadets left the Hall and marched to a distant lake. Their camping +outfit was sent ahead by wagons, but the wagons got lost, and were +finally found in the possession of Roy Bock and some other students of +Pornell, they having made off with them while the drivers were in a +roadhouse obtaining refreshments. For this trick, Pepper and some of the +others got after the Pornellites and made them prisoners in a cave, from +which they could escape only by going out a back way, through some +water and mud, and thorny bushes. + +While they were playing a certain trick in Cedarville, Jack and Pepper +fell in with a youth named Bert Field. He was a queer lad, but did the +chums a good turn, and in return they promised to help him. He was +trying to locate a certain old man who was defrauding him out of some +property. The old man was discovered during a visit to a mysterious mill +said to be haunted, and by the chums' aid Bert Field got what was coming +to him. It was thought best to send Bert to school, and he said he +wanted to go to Putnam Hall. + +"We'll be glad to have him with us," said Jack, and so it was settled. + +Following the encampment had come the regular summer vacation, and the +cadets had scattered far and wide, Jack and Pepper going for a cruise +around the Great Lakes, and Andy and Dale going to Asbury Park and +Atlantic City. Reff Ritter had started for a summer in the Adirondacks, +but unexpected word from home, of which more will be said later, had +caused him to give up the outing. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +SOMETHING ABOUT A RUNAWAY + + +While Dale and Andy ran off to get the water, the other boys gathered +around Jack. The young major still lay with his eyes closed, breathing +faintly. + +"He got a bad crack on the head," remarked Fred Century. + +"He certainly did," whispered another cadet. "If he doesn't come around +what shall we do?" + +"How did the team happen to run away?" questioned Amos Darrison. + +"Some fellows from Pornell Academy threw things at us," explained +Pepper. "We'll have an account to settle with 'em for this," he added +grimly. + +"Wonder how poor Snuggers made out?" + +"Here he comes now," was the answer, and looking back toward the +highway, the cadets saw the driver of the carryall approaching on a +swift limp. + +"Did ye stop 'em?" he gasped. "Oh, dear, what a bust-up! But it wasn't +my fault--you boys can prove that, can't ye?" + +"We can, Peleg," answered Pepper. "Much hurt?" + +"I got a nasty twist to my back when I tumbled. Say, what's the matter +with Major Ruddy?" And the general utility man forgot his own pains as +he gazed at the motionless form of Jack. + +The cadets told him, and in the midst of the explanation Dale and Andy +came back with a bucket of water and a tin dipper. The major's face was +bathed, and a little water was put into his mouth, and with a gulp he +opened his eyes and stared around him. + +"Oh, my head!" he murmured. "Who hit me?" + +"You were in the carryall smash-up, Jack," answered Pepper. "You got a +bad one on the head." + +"Oh, yes, I remember now." Jack sat up and placed his hand to his +forehead. "Bloody, eh? Say, that was a crack, all right!" + +"It's lucky you weren't killed," said Andy. + +"Better take it easy for a while," advised Dale. "Maybe we had better +get a doctor." + +"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after a bit, Dale," answered the young +major, who had a horror of being placed on the sick list. "The knocking +around stunned me, that's all." + +"Let me tie a handkerchief over that cut," said Pepper. + +"Here, I've got some court-plaster," said Fred, producing a little +package. "Let us bind it up with that." + +This was done, and after he had had a drink of water, Jack said he felt +much better. But when he got up on his feet he was rather shaky in the +knees. + +"I--I don't think I can walk to the Hall," he said, with a faint smile. + +"We'll get a carriage," answered Pepper. "Maybe Mr. Darrison will let us +have one. We'll pay for it, of course," he went on, knowing that the old +farmer was a close person. + +"I'll let you have my three-seated carriage and a team, if you want +them," answered Amos Darrison. "But it will cost you two dollars. I +can't afford to let you have 'em for nothing, because I'm a poor man, +and taxes are heavy, and so many things wanted on the farm, and my wife +wants----" + +"Never mind, we'll pay the two dollars," interrupted Pepper. "Everybody +who rides can chip in," he added to the surrounding cadets. + +While the lads were waiting for the farmer to hook up his horses, some +of them and Peleg Snuggers examined the carryall. A wheel had come off, +and the glass had been broken, but otherwise the turnout had suffered +but little. + +"I am glad it is no worse," said Andy. "I'd hate to see that old +carryall put out of business. I've had so many nice rides in it." + +"The axle will have to be mended before we can use it again," announced +Peleg Snuggers. "We'll have to leave it here until the wheelwright can +come fer it. I'll take the hosses back to the school." + +"Look out that they don't run away with you," warned Pepper. + +"Let me ride one of them!" cried the acrobatic Andy. "Give me the new +one. I'll wager he won't get away from me." + +"You'll break your neck!" answered the carryall driver. + +"Not at all. Peleg, let me do it. I'm used to horses!" pleaded Andy. + +Now, if the truth must be told, Peleg Snuggers did not relish taking the +runaway team back to the school alone. He was a little afraid of the new +horse, remembering how he had been kicked in the morning. + +"Well, if you want to go, I'll let ye!" he said at last. "But, remember, +'tain't my fault if ye come back killed." + +"Don't you worry; no horse will ever get the best of me," answered +Andy. + +A little later Amos Darrison brought out his three-seated carriage and +all of the cadets but Andy got in. The baggage was left behind, the +farmer promising to deliver it by wagon. + +"See you later," cried Pepper to Andy. "Be careful!" + +"Don't worry; we'll get there before you do," answered Andy. + +Two blankets were arranged as saddles on the runaway team's backs and a +few minutes later Andy and Peleg Snuggers started after the carriage. + +"Let us catch up to them," cried the acrobatic youth, and urged his +steed forward on a gallop. + +"Be careful, I tell you!" cried the general utility man. "Be careful! +He'll run away with you!" + +But Andy was too light-hearted to pay heed to the warning, and soon he +was well in advance of his companion. Then he sighted the carriage in +the distance, and urged his horse to greater efforts. + +"Whoop-la! Here we come!" he yelled, and set up a great shouting. + +"It's Andy!" cried Pepper. "My, but he is riding some!" + +"He always was a good one on horseback," said Fred. + +"He wants to be careful; that horse is an ugly one," came from Jack. "I +heard a man at the dock say he wouldn't own the beast at any price." + +Soon Andy ranged up beside the carriage. + +"You're too slow for me!" he sang out merrily. "I'll have to go ahead +and tell Captain Putnam you are coming." + +He slapped the horse on the neck. Hardly had he done so when up came the +animal's hind hoofs, almost unseating him. Then the horse made a mad +leap forward and started down the highway at top speed. + +"My, see him go!" + +"He is running away!" + +"Andy, look out for yourself!" + +"If he throws you he'll kill you!" + +So the cries rang out from the carriage as horse and rider sped over the +highway leading to Putnam Hall. + +Andy paid no attention to what was said. Of a sudden he had his hands +full trying to keep on the horse's back. The steed was galloping along +with a peculiar motion. + +"Whoa! whoa, Jim!" yelled Andy, but Jim paid no attention. He was off +for a run and did not care what happened. + +The blanket had not been securely fastened and before long it commenced +to slip towards the horse's tail. Andy tried to haul it back. His +efforts were but partly successful, and with an end of the blanket +trailing around one of his hind legs, the steed became more unmanageable +than ever. + +On and on went horse and rider, until, in the distance, Putnam Hall +loomed up. On one side of the highway were the woods lining the lake +shore; on the other the broad campus leading to the school and other +buildings. + +"He'll slow up now," thought Andy. "Unless he bolts right into his +stable. If he tries that I'll have to jump for it." + +In front of the school building the roadway widened out into several +curves. Andy thought Jim would take to one of the curves, but he was +mistaken. On kept the steed, directly past the institution of learning. + +On the campus were a score or more of cadets, who stared in amazement at +the sight of the runaway horse with the boy clinging desperately to his +back. + +"It's Andy Snow!" cried Henry Lee, the captain of Company A. + +"So it is," responded Bob Grenwood, the quartermaster of the school +battalion. "How in the world did he get on that horse?" + +"It's the one that was hitched to the carryall," put in Billy Sabine, +another cadet. "Something is wrong." + +"Let's tell Captain Putnam," said another. + +"Whoa! whoa!" yelled Andy, frantically, when he realized that the horse +was not going to pass into the grounds. "Whoa, I say! You've gone far +enough!" + +The only effect his words had was to make Jim travel a little faster. +Away they went, past the gymnasium and the stables and then along the +country road leading to the farms back of the lake. + +"Well, if you won't stop, go on," said Andy, presently. "You'll get +tired sooner or later, old man. But, remember, you've got to bring me +back, no matter how tired you are." + +A good half-mile was covered, and then horse and rider reached a sharp +turn in the highway. Here the trees were thick and some of the branches +hung low. + +[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAJOR STILL LAY WITH HIS EYES CLOSED + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 19)] + +Andy bent down that he might avoid the branches. But he did not get +quite low enough. He looked ahead, saw a man standing on one side of the +roadway staring in astonishment at him, and the next instant he found +himself caught by the throat in a tree-limb and carried off the horse. +Then Jim bounded on riderless, and poor Andy, kicking and thrashing +wildly, sprang free of the tree-limb and landed on his shoulder in +the roadway. + +The man who had seen him coming leaped to one side, and just in the nick +of time, for the runaway horse passed within a foot of him. The man +gasped in astonishment, and for several seconds did not know apparently +what to do. + +"Looks like he was killed," the man muttered to himself, as he took a +few steps forward. Andy had rolled over on his back and lay stretched +out, with his eyes closed, very much as poor Jack had been stretched out +only a short while before. + +The man looked up and down the roadway and saw that nobody else was in +sight, that part of the highway being but little traveled. Then he came +closer to the unconscious boy and bent over him. + +"Only stunned, I reckon!" he muttered to himself. "Wonder if he belongs +around here?" + +As the man bent over Andy he saw the lad's watch dangling from its +chain, fastened to a buttonhole of the youth's vest. Then his +ferret-like eyes caught sight of a fine ruby pin in Andy's necktie. + +"He could easily lose that watch on the road, riding like that, and the +pin, too," he muttered to himself. "It's a fine chance to make a little +haul!" + +He straightened up and took another look around. Not a soul was in +sight. With dexterous fingers he unfastened the watch and chain and +transferred them to his pocket. The stickpin followed. Then he slipped +his hand into a vest-pocket and brought out a five-dollar bill and three +one-dollar bills. + +"Eight dollars!" he muttered. "Not so bad but what it might be worse. I +reckon the watch, chain and pin will bring me another twenty or thirty. +Sparrow, you are in luck to-day." + +He lingered, wondering if Andy had anything more of value about him. The +youth wore a ring with a cameo in it, but it looked tight and hard to +get off. + +"Might try his other pockets," mused the thief. Then a distant shouting +came to his ears. + +"Somebody is after him," he muttered. "I reckon it's time I cleared out. +It won't do for me to be seen in this neighborhood." + +He looked around for an instant. Then he walked to the roadside, ran in +among the trees and bushes, and disappeared from view. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A FRUITLESS SEARCH + + +"Hello, Pepper!" + +"How are you, Fred?" + +"My, here's the old bunch back again!" + +"Well, Henry, did you have a good time during the summer?" + +"How about that trip out West, Bob? Did you kill any bears or Indians?" + +"Getting high-toned, hiring a carriage to bring you." + +So the cries rang out, as the three-seated carriage driven by Amos +Darrison rolled up to the front of Putnam Hall. A crowd of cadets had +rushed forward to greet the newcomers. + +"Where is Andy Snow?" asked Pepper, as he leaped to the ground. + +"He went past on horseback like a streak!" cried Bob Grenwood. "Some of +the fellows just went off to tell Captain Putnam about it. What did it +mean?" + +"Tell you later, Bob. Just now somebody had better go after Andy. That +horse was running away with him." + +A hubbub arose, in the midst of which Captain Putnam, the owner of the +school, appeared. He was a fine-looking gentleman, with a face that was +at once kindly and firm. + +"What is this I hear about Andrew Snow?" he said anxiously. "A horse ran +away with him?" + +In as few words as possible Pepper and some of the others related the +particulars of what had happened to the carryall. Just as they were +finishing, Peleg Snuggers came up on the other horse. + +"This is very unfortunate!" murmured Captain Putnam. "We'll have to +follow poor Snow at once. Mr. Darrison, will you drive me?" + +"Why--er--yes, but it will take time, Captain Putnam, an' my wife wants +me to----" + +"I'll pay you for your time, sir," interrupted the owner of the school +quickly. + +"Yes, sir? all right, sir. Jump in an' we'll go right after the +runaway." + +"Can I go along?" asked Pepper. + +"I'd like to go, too," came from Stuffer Singleton. + +"So would I," added Bob Grenwood. + +"Very well, you three cadets can go along," replied the captain. "It is +possible you may be needed--if poor Snow has been hurt." He turned to +Jack. "How do you feel, Major Ruddy?" + +"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after I have rested up," answered Jack, +with a faint smile. + +"You have a cut on the forehead." + +"Yes, sir, but it doesn't hurt like it did." + +"Better bathe it with warm water and put something on it," said Captain +Putnam, and then leaped into the carriage, and Pepper, Stuffer and Bob +followed. + +"Hope they find Andy all right," said Joe Nelson, as the turnout moved +off in the direction the runaway had taken. + +"Yes, it would be too bad if Andy was seriously injured," answered the +young major. "Come on, I'm going in and wash up and put some witch hazel +on my forehead." + +"Glad to see you, young gentlemen," said a pleasant voice, when the +newcomers entered the school building, and George Strong, the second +assistant teacher, stepped forward to shake each by the hand. "I hope +you all had a nice time this summer." And then he asked about the +broken-down carryall and looked at Jack's wound. + +Although he did not say so to his chums, Jack was glad enough to get +upstairs to his dormitory and rest. The room was a large one and was +occupied not only by the young major but also by Pepper, Andy and +several others. While some of the boys busied themselves in arranging +their things, Jack rested in an easy chair near the window. + +"Quite a few new fellows here this term," said Fred, who was present. "I +understand that all of the new dormitories that were built in the wing +this summer will be filled up." + +"That shows the school is growing popular," answered the young major. + +"Jack, aren't you afraid somebody will try to get your position away +from you?" went on Fred. + +"What do you mean, Fred? Try to be elected major?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, some of the fellows deserve the position. Bart Connors, the +captain of Company B, would make a fine major, and so would Henry Lee, +the captain of Company A. And Sergeant Dave Kearney is a good fellow who +deserves promotion." + +"Then you don't care so much for the position?" + +"Oh, yes, I do care. But I realize that it isn't fair to be major all +the time. I'm willing to step down and give the other fellows a show." + +"But not a fellow like Reff Ritter, or that Dan Baxter you told me +about." + +"No, I couldn't stand for those chaps." + +"Reff is as sore as he can be over what happened last term." + +"I know it." + +"Dale says he knows something about Reff." + +"I do," came from Dale Blackmore, who had entered a moment before. "Do +you know, in one way I am sorry for Ritter," he added. + +"What is it you know?" asked Fred. + +"I don't suppose I ought to speak about it, but it is bound to get out +sooner or later. It seems Mr. Ritter, Reff's father, was a rich stock +broker and promoter of various mining companies. Well, this summer he +got himself tangled up in some mining companies that were trying to make +money too fast. As a consequence he lost the most of his wealth, and +some folks who had bought mining stock from him came close to having him +arrested for fraud. It was that state of affairs that made Reff give up +his trip to the Adirondacks and go home. I got it from some close +friends that the Ritters were almost cleaned out, and that Mr. Ritter +wanted Reff to give up school and go to work. But Mrs. Ritter was too +proud and insisted that Reff be returned to Putnam Hall. So he is back." + +"Well, that certainly is hard luck," returned Fred. "I wonder if Coulter +and Paxton will stick to him, now he is poor? My notion of it was, +Coulter stuck to him mainly for what he could get out of it, he not +having much spending money of his own." + +"Well, I shan't throw it up to Reff that he is poor," said Jack, +quickly. "All he has got to do is to behave himself and I'll treat him +as well as anybody." And then the young major left the dormitory, to +bathe his head in the bathroom, and wash up generally. + +In the meantime those in the carriage had driven along the country road +until they came upon the unconscious form of Andy. All leaped out and +gathered around while Captain Putnam made an examination. + +"He has had a bad fall," said the master of the school. "But I doubt if +any bones are broken." + +They raised the sufferer up, and presently Andy stirred and opened his +eyes. + +"Whoa!" he murmured. "Whoa!" + +"He must think he is still on horseback!" cried Pepper, and but for +Andy's pale face he would have laughed outright. + +"Snow, are you hurt much?" asked Captain Putnam, kindly. "The horse is +gone. You are safe." + +"Oh!" gasped poor Andy, and then he stared around in bewilderment. "I--I +was hung up in the--the tree, wasn't I?" + +"If you were, you must have dropped down," answered Bob Grenwood. + +"Yes. I remember now. I got caught by the throat and then I dropped--and +that's all I know. Where is the horse?" + +"Went on, I guess," answered Stuffer Singleton. "He was streaking it like +an Indian when you passed the Hall." + +"Shall we help you to get up?" asked Captain Putnam. + +"I--I suppose so," faltered Andy. "Oh, dear, but I'm weak!" he added, as +he tried to rise. + +"Let us carry him to the carriage," suggested Pepper, and this was done, +and he was made as comfortable on the cushions as possible. + +"I wonder did anybody catch the horse?" asked the acrobatic youth, as +the turnout was on its way to Putnam Hall. + +"I don't know. I'll find out after you have been taken care of," +answered Captain Putnam. "You cadets are certainly arriving this term in +an unusual manner," he added grimly. + +"You can lay the whole trouble at the door of some Pornell students," +returned Pepper. "They pelted us with soft apples and other things and +that started the team to running away. If it hadn't been for them we +would have come to the school in the carryall all safe and sound." + +"I shall investigate," answered Captain Putnam, briefly. + +"Hello!" cried Pepper, a moment later. He was gazing at Andy's clothing. +"Weren't you wearing a watch and a stickpin?" + +"Of course," replied the sufferer. He put up his hands and felt around. +"Both gone, I declare!" + +"Did they jounce off when you were riding?" asked Stuffer. + +"They must have! Oh, this is the worst yet!" + +"Did you lose anything else?" questioned the young quartermaster. + +"I don't know." Andy felt in his pockets. "Yes, my money is gone--eight +dollars in bills!" + +"Where did you have the bills?" asked Captain Putnam. + +"In this vest-pocket. It must have jounced out during the hard riding. +Oh, what luck! Captain, I'll have to go back and look for my property." + +"You are in no condition, Snow, to do that." + +"I'll go back," said Pepper. "Stuffer and Bob, will you go along?" + +"Sure thing!" cried Stuffer. + +"And if we can't find your things where you fell we'll look along the +road all the way back to the Hall," added the young quartermaster. + +"Thank you," answered Andy, and then, feeling a curious fainting spell +coming over him, he laid back on the cushions and closed his eyes. + +The three cadets sprang from the carriage and made their way back to the +spot where Andy had been found. They made a thorough search, but, of +course, failed to find any of the acrobatic youth's belongings. + +"He must have lost them farther back," said Pepper. "Let us look with +care as we walk along." + +This they did, but arrived at the school without finding anything but a +coat-button and a yellow lead pencil. Then they walked past the school +in the direction of Cedarville. + +"Might as well give it up," said Bob. "It's getting too dark to see very +good, anyway." + +"Yes, and I'm getting dead hungry," added Stuffer. + +"Was there ever a time when you weren't hungry?" asked Pepper, with a +grin. + +"Aw, now, quit it," cried the lad who had a reputation as an eater. +"Don't start so early in the term." + +"I must confess I'm a bit hungry myself," said the young quartermaster. +"I had an early dinner." + +When they got back to the school they learned that Andy had been put to +bed and that a doctor had been summoned. The acrobatic youth had been +much shaken up and it was thought best to make him keep quiet for a few +days. + +"Better not say anything about his loss for the present," advised +Captain Putnam. "I will have a man sent out to make another search." + +The accidents to Andy and to Major Jack put something of a damper on the +arrival for the term, and a jollification that had been scheduled for +that night was indefinitely postponed. Captain Putnam questioned the +cadets concerning the actions of Roy Bock and his cronies, and then sent +a stiff letter to the head of Pornell Academy. + +When Reff Ritter heard about the accidents he shrugged his shoulders and +tossed his head. + +"That's what they get for crowding us out of the carryall," he said to +Coulter and Paxton, who roomed with him. + +"Yes, and it serves 'em right," grumbled Coulter. + +"That's what!" chimed in Paxton. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE FIGHT IN THE GYMNASIUM + + +It was not until two days later that Andy Snow felt like himself again. +No bones had been broken, but the acrobatic youth had received a shaking +up that was severe. + +So far he had not been told of his loss, and when he asked for his +belongings he was much depressed by the news. + +"Couldn't find them anywhere?" he repeated, to Pepper. "Oh, are you sure +you made a good search?" + +"We certainly did, Andy," returned Pepper. "We went back the next day, +early in the morning." + +"And you didn't find a thing?" + +"Only this button and lead pencil, and this buckle." + +"The pencil is mine, but not the button and the buckle." Andy heaved a +sigh. "Then I am out my watch and chain, the stickpin, and eight +dollars! Was there ever such luck!" + +"Andy, was anybody near you when you had the tumble?" asked Pepper. + +"Near me? Why, yes, there was a man on the road just ahead of me! I had +forgotten all about it until now." + +"Who was he?" + +"I don't know. A tall fellow, with a thin, leathery face." + +"A farmer?" + +"No, he looked more like a city man. He had on a regular sack suit and a +derby hat." + +"I was thinking that possibly somebody robbed you while you were +unconscious." + +"Perhaps that is so, Pep. I'd like to see that man." + +"You never saw him before?" + +"Not that I can remember." + +"Would you know him if you saw him again? + +"I don't know about that. I didn't have much time to look at him. I was +busy trying to escape being hit by the tree branches." + +"You must have been lying on the road five or ten minutes before we +found you," pursued Pepper. "If that stranger was a rascal he would have +had plenty of time to go through your pockets. I don't see how riding +could make you lose all those things at once." + +"If he robbed me, I'd like to get hold of him," cried Andy. + +"More than likely, if he did rob you, he'll take good care to keep out +of your reach." + +"What of the horse? Did they catch him?" + +"Not yet. Most likely he left the road after he got tired of running and +wandered into the woods. He was a valuable animal and Captain Putnam is +worried about him." + +"Will he hold me for that loss?" + +"I don't think so--you didn't run away with him--he ran away with you." + +The report of the loss of Andy's valuables was thoroughly circulated +around Putnam Hall and Cedarville, and a reward of ten dollars for the +return of the things was posted. + +The next day a farmer named John Lane, who lived not far from the +school, appeared there, riding on the back of the runaway Jim. The horse +looked much subdued and was covered with burrs. + +"I was out in the woods with my son Bill, when we ran across the horse," +explained John Lane. "I knew him right away as the animal that had +belonged to Jerry Toller. I asked Jerry about it and he said he had +sold the horse to you, so I brought him here." + +"You are very kind, Mr. Lane," replied Captain Putnam. "I'd like to pay +you for your trouble." + +"Oh, that's all right, Captain Putnam," responded the farmer. "Glad to +do you a good turn." + +"Thank you very much. Any time I can do you a good turn, let me know." + +"Well, you might buy some of my extra hay, and extra potatoes. I've got +some prime hay, and the best potatoes ever grown in these parts, and +I'll sell 'em at regular market prices." + +"Then I'll take all I can use, Mr. Lane," answered the captain, and a +little later a bargain was struck, not alone for the hay and potatoes, +but also for some turnips, cabbages, and table celery. + +"What that horse needs is exercise," said John Lane, on departing. "Give +him a few miles every day and he'll be as mild as any of 'em. He's too +full-blooded to remain standing in the stable." + +"I'll see to it that he gets the exercise," answered Captain Putnam. + +On the day that the horse was returned Jack, Pepper and Fred walked down +to the boathouse, to look over the boats. As my old readers know, Jack +owned a sloop called the _Alice_, while Fred possessed a similar craft +named the _Ajax_. Besides these sloops, there were numerous boats +belonging to the Hall. + +"Well, our sloops look natural," said the young major. + +"I was wishing this summer I could go out in the _Ajax_," answered Fred. +"What do you say if we take a little sail now?" + +"In which boat, Fred?" asked Pepper. "We can't go out in both." + +"Make it the _Alice_!" cried Jack. + +"No, the _Ajax_!" came from Fred. + +"I'll toss up for it," went on Pepper and produced a cent. "Head you +win, tail you lose." And up into the air spun the coin. + +"Head!" cried Fred. + +"Head it is, and we go out in the _Ajax_." + +"All right, but you'll have to go out in the _Alice_ next time," cried +the young major. + +"By the way, did you hear about Tom Rollinson?" asked Pepper, as he +walked into the boathouse to inspect his locker there. + +"What of him?" asked Fred. + +"The family were burnt out this summer and lost everything." + +"Lost everything?" queried Jack. "That's tough luck. I shouldn't want to +lose all I had." + +"Well, it will happen sometimes," said Fred. + +"Well, some lose by fire and some lose in other ways," went on the young +major. "You have heard about Ritter. His father----" + +"You shut your mouth about my father!" roared a voice from behind a +dressing-room door. "My father is just as honest as anybody, and I won't +have you or anybody else running him down!" And then Reff Ritter +appeared, minus his coat, vest and collar, and his face distorted with +rage. + +"I didn't say your father was dishonest, Reff," returned Jack, as calmly +as he could. "I was simply going to state----" + +"Oh, you needn't try to smooth it over, Jack Ruddy," fumed the bully. +"Don't imagine that I don't know all about the mean stories you and +others are circulating about my family. You'd like to make out that my +father is the worst swindler that ever lived, and I won't stand for it." + +"Reff, that isn't true," interrupted Pepper. "Jack hasn't said a word +against your father." + +"Oh, you can't bluff me, Pep Ditmore. I know better." + +"What Pepper says is true--I haven't said a word, Reff, truly I haven't. +I heard that you had lost some of your money, and I said I was sorry to +hear it--and I am sorry. I know how I'd feel if my father lost money. +You----" + +"Don't smooth it over, I tell you!" roared the bully. "I know you! You +and your cronies have been down on me ever since I came to this school, +and now you think you can crow over me, and maybe get me to leave Putnam +Hall. But I am not going to leave, and if you dare to open your mouth +against me I'll punch your head." + +"You'll not punch my head, Reff!" answered Jack, and now his tones grew +stern. "If you don't want to believe me, you needn't. But I'll not let +you threaten me." + +"Humph! You can't boss me, even if you are major of the battalion." + +"I don't want to 'boss' anybody. You behave yourself and leave me alone, +and I'll leave you alone." + +The loud talking had attracted the attention of a number of cadets, and +they commenced to crowd around Jack and Ritter. Among the number were +Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton. + +"Why don't you fight him, Reff?" suggested Coulter. + +"That's the talk," added Paxton. "Show him that he can't talk about you +and your father as he pleases." + +"He won't fight; he is afraid," answered Reff Ritter, with a sneer in +his tones. + +"I am not afraid, Ritter, and you know it," answered Jack, trying to +keep his temper. "But you know the rules, and I, as major of the cadets, +am bound to uphold them." + +"Hit him one!" whispered Coulter, in his crony's ear. "I'll stand by +you." + +"So will I," added Paxton. + +"Well, if you won't fight, take that for your impudence!" cried Reff +Ritter, and with a quick step forward, he slapped Jack on the cheek. + +The blow was but a light one, yet it seemed to sink deep into Jack's +very heart, and on the instant all thoughts of prudence and rules were +cast aside. His face went white and his eyes flashed fire. Reff Ritter +stepped back to guard himself, but before he could do so, Jack's arm +shot out and a heavy blow landed on the bully's chin, sending him +staggering into Coulter's arms. + +"That's the way to do it, Jack!" came from Pepper. + +"He started it, now give him what he deserves!" added Fred. + +"That's for the slap in the face, Reff Ritter!" said Jack, in cold +tones. "Now mind and keep your distance." + +"Wait--I'm not done yet!" yelled the bully, and doubling up his fists he +hurled himself on the young major. + +Several body blows were struck and then the two clinched. As Ritter was +partly stripped for battle, while Jack had on his stiff uniform, the +bully had a little the better of it from the beginning. Around and +around the gymnasium floor they struggled. + +"Break away!" cried several cadets. "Break away!" + +"I'll break if he will," answered Jack. + +"All right," answered Ritter, and the hold of each youth was loosened. +But as they broke the bully tried to land his fist on Jack's ear. + +"Hi, that isn't fair, Ritter!" cried Fred. + +"You keep out of this, Century!" was Coulter's warning. + +"I'll not keep out, Coulter. Make Ritter fight fair." + +Again the two cadets faced each other. Now Ritter was on his guard, and +cleverly ducked a blow aimed at his face. Then he hit Jack on the chest +and in the shoulder. + +"That's the talk," came gleefully from Paxton. "Pummel him well while +you are at it." + +Again Jack struck out, and this time landed on the bully's arm. But then +Ritter swung a heavy left-hander that took the young major in the ear +and sent him staggering against Pepper. + +"Follow him up! Follow him up!" screamed Coulter. "You've got him +going, Reff! Finish him!" + +Thus encouraged, Ritter leaped in and another blow landed on Jack's ear. +He was a bit dazed, but shut his teeth hard and ducked under Ritter's +arm. Then both sparred for an opening, circling around the gymnasium +floor once more, the crowd of cadets around them growing larger and +larger. + +"It's a great fight, all right!" + +"Say, I hope none of the teachers come to cut it short." + +"They are about evenly matched aren't they?" + +"I don't know; we'll soon find out." + +So the talk ran on, but to it neither Jack nor Ritter paid attention. +The bully was in a fierce rage, while Jack tried his best to keep cool. +Suddenly Ritter leaped forward and two quick blows were delivered. + +Jack knocked one blow aside and dodged the second. Then he let drive, +right and left, as quick as lightning and with all his strength. One +blow took the bully in the nose and the second in the mouth. Over he +went against one of the wooden horses. Then his eyes suddenly closed, +and in a limp mass he slid to the floor. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +CAPTAIN PUTNAM INVESTIGATES + + +"Reff Ritter has been knocked out!" + +"My, what blows they were!" + +"Well, he brought it on himself," said Pepper. + +"That's what," added Fred. "He struck Jack after Jack told him he didn't +believe in fighting." + +"He couldn't save himself because he was too close to the wooden horse," +came from Coulter, who felt bound to stick up for his crony. "It wasn't +fair to run him up against the horse." + +"Coulter, a poor excuse is worse than none," answered Dale. + +"Ritter was knocked out fair and square," came from Bart Connors. + +While the talking was going on, Paxton had rushed off for water. Now he +returned with a pailful and a sponge, and commenced to bathe the fallen +one's face. Ritter soon opened his eyes and gave a groan. + +"Le--let me al--alone," he muttered. + +"Get up, Reff," said Paxton. "Go for him again." + +"I--I can't," mumbled the bully, and now it was seen that two of his +front teeth were loose. He stared around in a helpless fashion. Paxton +put some more water on his face. + +"Has he had enough?" demanded Jack, stepping up. + +"You go away," answered Coulter, surlily. + +"You wouldn't hit him when he's down, would you?" snapped Paxton. + +"I asked you if he had enough. If he has, I'm going for a sail." + +"I'll--I'll finish this some other time," mumbled Ritter, as he glared +at the young major. + +"No, Ritter, you'll finish it now if you finish it at all," answered +Jack, coldly. "You started this fight, and now you must take the +consequences. Get up, if you want to go at it again." + +"I don't want to fight--now." + +"Then you acknowledge yourself beaten?" + +"No, I don't." + +"Then get up. I don't want to wait here all afternoon for you." + +"He has all he wants," said Pepper. "He won't get up." + +"It's your fight, Ruddy," cried Joe Nelson. + +"So it is," put in half a dozen cadets. + +"Ritter is beaten and he knows it," added Harry Blossom, the first +lieutenant of Company A. + +"I--er--I won't fight any more now," mumbled the bully. He got up slowly +and then, staggering to a bench, sank down heavily upon it. Evidently +his punishment at Jack's hands had been heavy. + +"Boys! Boys! what is the meaning of this?" + +It was a loud and harsh voice from the doorway of the gymnasium that +startled all of the assembled cadets. The next instant Josiah Crabtree, +the head teacher, strode in. + +"Skip, Jack, here is old Crabtree!" + +"Run for it, Reff!" + +"I demand to know what is going on here?" went on Josiah Crabtree, in +his high-pitched voice. "Who is fighting?" + +There was no reply. The assembled cadets looked at each other. No one +felt like saying a word. + +"Ritter, have you been fighting?" went on the head teacher, noticing the +bully's condition. + +"I was--er--that is, Ruddy attacked me, and I--er--I defended myself," +stammered the defeated one. + +"Ruddy? Do you mean Major Ruddy?" questioned Josiah Crabtree, in +astonishment. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Mr. Crabtree, what Ritter says is untrue!" burst out Jack. "He hit me +first." + +"But you have been fighting? You, the major of the school battalion! +Disgraceful!" + +"Wouldn't you fight if somebody slapped you in the face?" demanded Jack, +hotly. + +"You know the rules, Ruddy--and as major you ought to be the first to +obey them." + +"I am willing to do that, sir. But I won't allow anybody to slap me in +the face." + +"I didn't slap him," put in Ritter. + +"Yes, you did," came from Pepper. + +"It is true--I saw it," added Fred. + +"So did I," added a cadet named Brown. + +"If you were struck, Major Ruddy, it was your duty to report the +occurrence at the office," said Josiah Crabtree, loftily. "Such actions +as these will most likely cost you your command." + +"Oh, what a shame!" burst out Pepper. + +"Ditmore, I want no words from you!" roared the head teacher, savagely. + +"But it wouldn't be fair to make Jack suffer for something like that," +went on Pepper, bound to stick up for his chum. + +"Ha! you dare to talk back to me, Ditmore! Go to your room at once, and +stay there until to-morrow morning." + +"But, Mr. Crabtree----" + +"Not another word. Go to your room. And you, Ruddy and Ritter, report to +me and to Captain Putnam at the private office at once." + +There was no help for it, and with an angry look on his face, Pepper +left the gymnasium and walked over to the school building. + +"I'll report as soon as I have washed up, Mr. Crabtree," said Ritter, +sullenly. + +"So will I," added Jack. + +"I'll give you both ten minutes, no more!" snapped the teacher, and then +he strode from the gymnasium as swiftly as he had entered it. + +As soon as Josiah Crabtree had departed a lively discussion commenced +between the followers of the young major and of Reff Ritter. Only a few +had seen the start of the quarrel and knew that it had been provoked +entirely by the bully. + +"I'm afraid I am in for it," said Jack, dismally, to Fred. "Ritter will +do his best to make out that it was all my fault." + +"Well, I can testify that Ritter hit you first, and Pepper and Brown can +do so, too," answered Fred. + +"Reff will get Coulter and Paxton to back him up." + +"But they weren't on hand when the quarrel started." + +"That is true--but they'll stick up for Reff, see if they don't." + +"I sincerely trust that Captain Putnam doesn't take away your majorship, +Jack." + +"If he does that, I'll--well, never mind what I'll do." + +"If he did it to me, I'd feel like leaving." + +"I was going to say that. But I'll not do anything hastily," answered +the young major, and heaved a deep sigh. + +"Want me to go along?" + +"No, since Crabtree didn't ask any one. But I wish you'd hang around, so +I can call on you." + +"I'll go to the library." + +"All right--and take Brown, if he'll go." + +Jack washed up and brushed his uniform, and then made his way to Captain +Putnam's private office. He found that Reff Ritter had hurried and +gotten ahead of him, and was telling his story, both to the head of the +school and to the first assistant teacher. Ritter's mouth, nose and one +eye were swollen, and he looked anything but happy. + +"You may remain in the hallway until I call you, Major Ruddy," said +Captain Putnam, when Jack appeared, and the young major had to go +outside, closing the door after him. + +The telling of Reff Ritter's story took some time, and he was asked +several questions by Captain Putnam and Josiah Crabtree. He said that he +had just been getting ready to take some gymnastic exercise when Jack +and some of his chums had come in and begun to talk about his father, +saying that they had heard he was dishonest. + +"Ruddy said he knew my father was dishonest," went on Reff Ritter. "That +made me mad and I ran out of the dressing-room and told him he ought to +be ashamed of himself, that my father was as honest as anybody. Then he +got on his high-horse and told me to shut up or he would knock me down. +I told him it was a shame for him to speak so of my father. Then he got +mad and all of a sudden he jumped at me and hit me in the mouth and the +eye and then in the nose. Then I went for him, and we had it hot and +heavy, until we bumped into one of the wooden horses and I went down. He +tried to hit me after I was down, but Coulter and Paxton hauled him +back. Then Mr. Crabtree came in." + +"A most disgraceful proceeding!" cried Josiah Crabtree. "And evidently +Major Ruddy's fault entirely." + +"You are quite sure Ruddy started the quarrel?" questioned Captain +Putnam, gravely. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And he told the other cadets that your father was dishonest?" + +"Yes, sir. That is what made me so mad. But I didn't hit him until he +attacked me," added Ritter, hastily. + +"Who was present at the time?" + +"Pepper Ditmore and Fred Century were with Ruddy, and Gus Coulter and +Nick Paxton were With me." + +"Anybody else?" + +"I didn't see anybody." + +"You got the worst of the fight." + +"Yes, sir. You see, he took me unawares. I guess I could whip him if we +were to meet on equal terms," added Ritter. + +"You may retire to the next room, Ritter, while I question Major Ruddy." + +"Don't you believe me?" cried the bully, in alarm. + +"One side of a story is only one side," answered Captain Putnam, +non-committally. + +"I believe Ritter tells the truth," put in Josiah Crabtree. "When I +appeared Ruddy was very insolent and so was Ditmore. I sent Ditmore to +his room as a punishment." + +"You may call Ruddy in," answered the head of the school, briefly. He +understood Josiah Crabtree's dictatorial manner perfectly, and he only +retained the man because of his unusual ability as a teacher. + +Jack came in and was told to sit down in the chair Ritter had just +vacated. Then Captain Putnam asked him to tell his story, and he related +everything just as it had occurred. + +"Are you quite sure that you have told the plain truth, Major Ruddy?" +asked Captain Putnam, after he had finished. + +"Yes, sir," answered Jack, and looked the head of the school fairly and +squarely in the face. + +"Your story does not agree with that told by Ritter." + +"I believe Ritter," broke in Josiah Crabtree. "It was an outrage to drag +in the boy's father simply because he has made some--er--unfortunate +speculations. If I were you, Captain Putnam----" + +"Wait a moment, Mr. Crabtree," interrupted the owner of the Hall. "I am +conducting this investigation. Now that we have heard the stories of the +principals we'll hear what the witnesses have to say." + +"Fred Century was there, and he is in the library now," said Jack. +"Pepper Ditmore was there, too, but Mr. Crabtree sent him to his room." + +"I will question Century and Ditmore, and also Coulter and Paxton," +answered Captain Putnam. "You may retire to Classroom Three, Major +Ruddy, until called." + +Jack bowed and withdrew and walked to the classroom named. It was empty +and he threw himself down on a seat and gave himself up to his +reflections. + +Fred was next called, and he was followed by Pepper. Both told +practically the story related by Jack. In the meantime George Strong, +the second assistant teacher, was sent off to summon Coulter and Paxton. +He was gone the best part of a quarter of an hour, and when he came back +his face was a study. + +"Captain Putnam, I have just made a discovery," he said. "I would like +to speak to you alone." + +"Alone?" queried the head of the school, somewhat astonished. + +"Yes, sir, alone." + +"Very well, then, come into the next room," answered Captain Putnam. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +PEPPER MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +"You do not--er--wish me present?" came rather awkwardly from Josiah +Crabtree. + +"Oh, that won't matter, Mr. Crabtree," answered George Strong. "I did +not desire any of the cadets present, that was all." + +"I do not care to intrude----" commenced the dictatorial teacher. + +"As you please," answered Mr. Strong, with a shrug of his shoulders. + +At first Josiah Crabtree was inclined to stand on his dignity and walk +off, but his curiosity got the better of him and he followed Captain +Putnam and George Strong into another office. + +"I went after Coulter and Paxton, as you directed me," said the second +assistant teacher, when they were alone, and the door had been closed. +"At first I could not find them, but at last I located Paxton and then +Coulter. Where do you suppose they were?" + +"I have no idea," answered Captain Putnam. + +"Paxton was under the window of the office, listening to all that was +going on. He was partly hidden behind a bush, so that nobody might see +him." + +"Indeed! That is not to his credit. And Coulter?" + +"Coulter was at another window, talking to Ritter. Ritter was giving him +some instructions, and as I came up unnoticed I heard Ritter say, 'Now, +don't make a mess of it. Tell the story just as I told it, and be sure +to stick to it that Ruddy hit me first, and tell Nick to stick to that, +too.' Those were his very words." + +"Is it possible! And what did Coulter say?" + +"He promised to tell the story as Ritter wanted it, and said he would +tell Paxton also to say that Ruddy struck the first blow." + +"Then he virtually admitted that he struck the first blow himself." + +"I should judge so, from his talk." + +"Major Ruddy said he did." + +"But Ruddy insulted him by talking of Mr. Ritter's losses----" began +Josiah Crabtree. + +"We'll look into that, Mr. Crabtree. Is that all, Mr. Strong?" + +"No, I waited until Coulter joined Paxton. The two walked out on the +campus, so I didn't catch what they said. I told them to follow me, and +they are now out in the hall." + +"I will listen to what each of them has to say--and then I will examine +Century and Ditmore again." + +Coulter was called into the main office and asked a great number of +questions. Captain Putnam was very stern, and soon had the cadet badly +twisted in his statements. Then Paxton was told to come in, and on being +questioned he became more confused even than Coulter. Then both were +confronted by George Strong, and at last they virtually admitted that +Ritter had struck the first blow, and that they knew nothing of the +quarrel previous to that time. + +"You may go," said Captain Putnam, at length. "Your efforts to shield +Ritter do you no credit." And Coulter and Paxton slunk out of the office +silently and much worried over the thought of what punishment they might +receive for trying to deceive the master of the Hall. + +After that Pepper and Fred were again interviewed and cross-questioned. +But they stuck to their original story, and as that was the story told +by Jack, Captain Putnam felt that it must be true. + +"You may go," said the captain, presently. + +"Have I got to go back to the dormitory?" queried Pepper. + +"No, you may join the other cadets," answered the head of the school. + +"But, sir----" commenced Josiah Crabtree. + +"I do not see as he merits punishment, Mr. Crabtree," said the captain, +coldly. "We will let it pass." And he spoke so firmly that the +dictatorial teacher said no more on the subject. + +When Jack was again called into the presence of the teachers it must be +admitted that he was a good deal worried. There was a strict rule at +Putnam Hall against fighting, and that rule had been violated by him. +Yet he felt he had been justified. + +"Major Ruddy, I have examined several witnesses to this affair and I +find that your story of the occurrence is substantially correct," began +the head of the school. "Ritter struck the first blow." + +"He did. He slapped me in the face. That angered me so greatly that I +pitched into him without thinking twice. It was all done in a few +seconds. But I guess I'd do it again," added Jack. "I wouldn't let +anybody slap me without getting back at him. I guess if I did that I'd +make a mighty poor soldier." + +At these words Captain Putnam's face became a study. He had been on the +point of reading Jack a stern lecture on the disgrace of breaking the +school rules, but now he paused. When at West Point a certain upper +classman had once pulled his nose and, regardless of consequences, he +had knocked the fellow down and dragged him by the heels through the +dirt of the road. He had considered himself justified in his actions, +and his whole class has stood by him. That being so, he did not have it +in his heart to punish Jack, or even to find fault with him. Yet the +discipline of the school must be maintained. + +"Major Ruddy, do you know what the first duty of a soldier is?" he +asked, but his voice was soft and easy. + +"Yes, sir; to obey orders." + +"Exactly." + +"But there is no rule about what to do if a fellow slaps your face," +added Jack, quickly. + +"That is true." Captain Putnam had to turn away to conceal a sudden +smile. "And, in one way, let me say I do not blame you for what you did, +especially as you acted on the spur of the moment. But fighting must +stop. If I dismiss this case against you, will you promise to leave +Ritter alone in the future?" + +"I will if he leaves me alone. If he attacks me, I'll defend myself to +the best of my ability." + +"He won't attack you--I'll see to that," answered the captain, grimly. +"You may go. But remember, no more fighting." + +"Thank you, sir," answered Jack, and lost no time in leaving the office. + +"Well, how did you make out?" questioned Pepper, eagerly, when Jack +joined him on the campus. + +"Case dismissed, Pep." + +"Really?" + +"Yes." + +"Hurrah! That's the best news yet. I was in fear that you would at least +be cut off from your holidays." + +"What about Ritter?" asked Fred. + +"I don't know what Captain Putnam is going to do with him." + +The fight and the doings in the office had put Jack out of the notion of +taking a sail, and the crowd of boys took a walk instead, that lasted +until it was time for the evening parade. + +"Wonder if Ritter will show up for drill?" came from Dale. + +"We'll know soon," answered Jack. + +In a few minutes the drums commenced to roll and out on the parade +ground poured the cadets and their officers. Jack had buckled on his +sword, and so had Henry Lee and Bart Conners. The cadets had their guns, +that is all but the band, who carried their drums and fifes, and the +color sergeants, who carried Old Glory and the Putnam Hall banner. + +"Battalion, attention!" came firmly from Major Jack Ruddy, and all the +young soldiers stiffened up in their places. + +He ran his eyes over the two companies, to see that every cadet was +"toeing the mark." He did not see Reff Ritter. + +"Present arms! Carry arms! Shoulder arms!" came the various commands, +and the cadets made the movements with their guns. The drilling was so +well done that Captain Putnam, who always looked on, nodded in approval. + +"By column of fours, forward march!" came the next command, and then the +drums struck up once more, the fifes joined in, and four abreast the +cadets moved off, down the parade ground. They marched up and down +several times, and executed various movements, and then marched into the +mess-hall, or dining-room, put away their guns, and took their seats. + +"Ritter isn't here," whispered Pepper to Jack. + +"So I see," was the reply. + +"I'll bet he caught it from Captain Putnam," put in Dale. + +"Silence at the table!" came harshly from Josiah Crabtree. "I want less +talking at meals!" + +"My, but he's a cheerful beggar!" muttered Dale. + +"Imagine him at the head of the school," observed Pepper. + +"Ditmore, did you hear me?" snarled the teacher. "I want you to keep +quiet." + +"All right, Mr. Crabtree; sorry I spoke," answered The Imp, cheerfully. + +"Then remember to keep your mouth closed after this." + +"Ahem! how am I to eat if I keep my mouth closed?" asked Pepper, +innocently. + +"Ha! I want none of your jokes, Ditmore! Leave the table!" thundered +Josiah Crabtree. + +"I'm not through yet." + +"Never mind, leave the table at once!" And the teacher glared at Pepper +as if to eat him up. + +"Just my luck!" muttered The Imp, and got up. + +"Here's a sandwich for you," whispered Dale, who sat near, and he passed +over two slices of bread with some cold meat between. + +"And here's a piece of cake," added Jack, and slid it along, under the +edge of the table. Then Pepper got up and left the room. He did not know +where to go and so walked slowly in the direction of the boathouse. + +As he neared the building, he saw a boy come out of the structure and +hurry across the float to where the _Alice_ and the _Ajax_ were tied +up. The boy was Reff Ritter. + +The bully of the school was in a great rage. Captain Putnam had given +him a stern lecture and told him if he did not behave in the future he +would be dismissed from the school. The captain had also cut him off +from all holidays up to Christmas, and added that he must expect to take +no part in Putnam Hall athletics. The latter was the hardest blow of +all, for Ritter had hoped that Fall to make the football team. + +"Now, what is he up to?" Pepper asked himself, and stuffing the napkin +that held the cake and sandwich into his pocket, he moved forward on a +run. + +Reff Ritter had crossed the float and now he stood beside the sloop that +was Jack's property. As Pepper came closer he saw that the bully held an +ax in his hand, the handle shoved up the sleeve of his jacket. + +"He is up to no good," thought Pepper. "I'll watch him and see what he +does." + +Pepper stepped out of sight behind the boathouse. Looking through a +window and a door, he saw Ritter walk up and down the float. Evidently +the bully wanted to make certain that he was not being observed. Then, +with a swift movement, he leaped aboard the sloop and crouched down out +of sight. + +"Guess it's time I got busy!" muttered Pepper to himself, and ran around +the boathouse and out on the float. He was soon at the side of the +_Alice_. He heard a blow sound out. Ritter was using the ax, apparently +in an endeavor to chop a hole in the bottom of the sloop! + +"Of all the mean things!" muttered Pepper to himself. "I'll soon stop +that!" And he made a leap over the guard-rail of the craft. The ax was +raised for another blow, but before it could be delivered, Pepper caught +the bully by the shoulders and sent him sprawling on his back. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE FOOTBALL ELEVEN + + +"Hi! Let go of me!" spluttered Reff Ritter, as he found himself flat on +his back, with the ax up-raised in his two hands. + +"Ritter, you leave this boat alone!" exclaimed Pepper. + +"Humph! so it's you, Ditmore," muttered the bully, and now he turned +over and arose. + +"Going to chop the boat to pieces, I suppose," went on Pepper, "Well, +not if I can prevent it." + +"I'll chop you to pieces!" roared the bully, and swung the ax so +suggestively that Pepper leaped back in alarm. "You've got no right to +interfere with me!" + +"This is Jack Ruddy's sloop; you have no right to touch her." + +"Aw, you shut up." + +"I'll not shut up, Reff Ritter. If you make another mark on this boat +I'll have you locked up!" + +"Humph! you think you've got the best of me, don't you?" sneered the +bully, but his manner showed that he was considerably disconcerted. He +had imagined that all the cadets were at supper and that no one would +see his foul actions. + +"I want you to get off of this boat." + +"Supposing I won't?" + +"Then I'll call help, and advise Jack to have you arrested." + +"Going to run the whole school, aren't you?" + +"I am going to run this affair, Ritter. Now leave the boat." + +"Oh, I'll leave," muttered the bully, and walking to the side, he sprang +down to the float. Then he ran to the boathouse and placed the ax +inside. "Don't you dare to mention this to anybody!" he shouted as he +reappeared. "If you do, you'll get yourself in hot water. My word is as +good as yours." And then he turned and ran towards the school building. + +Pepper watched him out of sight. + +"No use of reporting this to Captain Putnam," he reasoned. "Ritter +would, of course, deny everything. Wonder if he did much damage?" + +Pepper made an examination. Luckily the bully had not had time to get in +his nefarious work to any extent, and the bottom of the sloop showed +only two slight ax cuts, not deep enough to do harm. + +"Caught him just in time," thought Pepper, and then he sat down on the +stern seat and munched away at the sandwich and cake, washing the stuff +down with a drink from the cooler in the boathouse. + +By the time he had finished, the other cadets were coming from their +supper, and soon he was joined by Jack, Dale and several others. In +private, he told the young major of what had occurred. + +"The rascal!" cried Jack. "If he hurts my boat he shall pay for it!" + +"Captain Putnam must have given him a good dressing down to make him so +ugly." + +"Well, he deserved it." + +"Say," put in Dale. "That was mean of old Crabtree to send you away from +the table." + +"Never mind, I'll pay him back," answered The Imp, grimly. + +Several days passed and during that time Reff Ritter kept his distance. +The bully was in a bitter mood, and even his cronies could get little +out of him. + +The reason for this was twofold. He was smarting over the treatment +received at the hands of Jack and Captain Putnam and he was also +disturbed because his father had written to him, stating he could allow +him hardly any spending money for the term. He had already borrowed a +small amount from Paxton and he was wondering how he was going to pay it +back. Added to this, he had gambled with some racetrack men during the +summer, and one of those fellows now held his IOU for forty dollars. + +"Dad has got to let me have money, that is all there is to it," he told +himself. "If he won't, then I'll write to mother. She'll raise it for me +somehow; she always does." Which shows how foolish an indulgent mother +can sometimes be. + +In the meantime, Andy had recovered from the accident and was now around +as usual. Another hunt had been instituted for his belongings, but +without success. A report came in that a strange man had been seen on +the road just previous to the accident, and the cadets and Captain +Putnam wondered if that individual had picked up Andy's things and made +off with them. + +"Maybe he was the fellow I saw," said Andy, and then he heaved a deep +sigh, thinking he would never hear of his property again. + +Jack and Pepper were glad to see Bert Field again, and also to see their +old friend, Joseph Hogan. Emerald came back wearing a smile that was +sunniness itself. + +"Sure, an' it does me heart good to be here once more, so it does," he +said, in his rich Irish brogue. "I traveled all over the ould sod this +summer, so I did. But Putnam Hall an' the States fer me every toime!" + +"Is this your last term here, Emerald?" asked Dale. + +"I think so--if I am lucky and get through. How about you?" + +"I hope to graduate next June." + +"And so do Jack and I," added Pepper. "But you can't always tell. I'll +be sorry to leave Putnam Hall." + +"That's so; such good times as we have had here," added Jack. + +As soon as the cadets were settled down at the Hall, and the excitement +over the runaway, the loss of Andy's things, and the fight between Jack +and Ritter, was at an end, the talk of the boys turned to football and +other Fall sports. As in the past, the cadets hoped to have a good +eleven and win some substantial victories. + +"Wonder if we'll be allowed to play Pornell," said Jack. + +"I don't know," answered Dale. "I rather think the captain is sore over +the reply he got from the head of that school, over the carryall affair, +and maybe he won't let us play them." And in this Dale was correct. +Pornell was cut out that season, but it played Putnam Hall the year +following. + +Dale Blackmore was at the head of the football eleven, and, as before, +he organized a fine team. Jack, Andy, Hogan, and Bart Conners were in +their usual places. + +"And I want you, too, Pepper," said Dale. + +"Oh, I can go on the sub-bench," was the answer, for Pepper did not care +very much for football. "Give Fred Century and Bert Field a chance." + +"I know what Pepper wants," said Andy. "He wants us to play, while he +sits in the grandstand, having a good time with the girls." + +"Sure thing," answered The Imp, coolly. "Somebody has got to entertain +'em." + +"They ought to be entertained by the game," came from Dale. + +"Girls make me tired when they are at a football game," put in the cadet +named Brown. "I took one once, and she said she knew all about football. +After the game was half over she asked me how many runs and base hits +had been made, and what they had done with the bats!" + +Reff Ritter felt extra sore when the football eleven went out for +practice. He wanted to play, but Captain Putnam would not allow it, and +the bully went off by himself, up the lake-shore, where he sat down on a +rock to smoke cigarettes and brood over his troubles. While he sat +there he took from his pocket a letter and read it over several times. + +"Twenty dollars by Saturday! I don't see how I am going to raise it," he +muttered to himself. "I guess I'll have to send mother a telegram for a +remittance." + +The first football game of the season was arranged to take place between +Putnam Hall and an eleven from Cedarville called the Dauntless. The +Dauntless players were made up of former college boys and some +all-around athletes, and the cadets were told that they would have a +stiff time of it trying to beat the aggregation. The game was to take +place on the grounds at Cedarville. These were roped off and an +admission fee was charged, the entire proceeds to go to a local Old +Folks' Home. + +"I've got news!" cried Pepper, a few days before the game was to come +off. "Some of the Pornell students are coming to the game, and I +understand they are going to try to make trouble for our team." + +"Is it the Roy Bock crowd?" questioned Jack. + +"Yes." + +"Then it is up to you to keep an eye on them, Pepper. We can't do it +while we are playing." + +"I'll keep an eye on 'em, don't fear," was the answer. + +The eleven practiced every afternoon, under the direction of Mr. Strong, +who had once been a player on a college team. Josiah Crabtree took no +interest in the sport, declaring it was a waste of valuable time. + +"I've got a plan to outwit the Pornellites, if they try any funny work," +said Pepper, the day before the game. And then he took about a dozen +cadets aside and told them what his plan was. All agreed to help him, +and did what he asked of them without delay. + +The day for the game dawned clear and bright, and promptly on time the +eleven started for Cedarville in the carryall, which had just come from +the repair shop. Some of the cadets went on their bicycles, and Captain +Putnam and some of the teachers drove over in carriages. + +When the cadets arrived at the grounds they found quite a crowd +assembled. Horns and banners were in evidence, and from a flagpole +floated the Stars and Stripes. On one side was a grandstand and this was +about three-quarters filled. + +"I see some friends of mine," cried Pepper, and advanced to the stand. + +He had caught sight of Laura Ford, and her sister, Flossie, two young +ladies who lived on the lake-shore at a place called Point View Lodge. +In the past Pepper and his chums had done the Ford sisters several +valuable services, for which Laura and Flossie were profoundly grateful. + +"Oh, how do you do, Pepper?" called out Laura, on catching sight of him. + +"Aren't you playing?" questioned Flossie. + +"No, I'm merely an onlooker to-day," answered Pepper, and he raised his +cap and shook hands. "How have you been since I saw you last?" + +"Very well, thank you," answered Laura. + +"We hope Putnam Hall will win," came from her sister. + +"You can't hope it any more than I do," answered Pepper, and then he +introduced several cadets to the young ladies, and all sat down to enjoy +the game. + +Pepper has his eyes open for the appearance of the students from +Pornell. At first a few came in and took a stand in a corner, out of the +way. They did not belong to the Bock crowd and seemed to be content to +behave themselves. + +"Maybe Roy Bock got cold feet and stayed away," said a cadet named +Melmore. + +"No, here he comes!" cried Bob Grenwood. "And Sedley and four others are +with him." + +Pepper looked in the direction pointed out and saw Roy Bock and his +cronies approaching. All had big tin horns and immense wooden rattles, +and their pockets bulged with apples and peanuts. + +"Whoop her up, Dauntless!" yelled Roy Bock, as soon as he reached the +grandstand. "Whoop her up, and wipe up the ground with Putnam Hall!" And +then he swung his big rattle, and his cronies did likewise. Then the +Pornellites crowded into the grandstand and took seats near Pepper and +his fellow cadets and the girls. They talked in loud voices and said a +number of things that caused the faces of the girls to burn, and made +the cadets thoroughly angry. + +"They ought to be put off the stand!" cried Bob, indignantly. + +"And they will be put off if they keep this up," answered Pepper. "They +can cheer all they please for the Dauntless eleven, but they have got to +act like gentlemen." + +As soon as the two elevens appeared, the practice commenced, and then +there was a toss-up for goals, which Dauntless won. They took the south +goal and Putnam Hall took the ball. Then came the kick-off, and the game +was on. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE FOOTBALL GAME + + +At first the playing was rather tame, but inside of a few minutes both +elevens warmed up, and from that moment the work became fast and +furious. + +The Dauntless team had the advantage of weight, but the eleven had not +played together as much as had the majority of the Putnam Hall cadets, +consequently some of their combination efforts were decidedly ragged. +One move resulted in a bad fumble on the part of the left end. The ball +was captured by Jack, and he carried it forward fifteen yards before +downed. + +"Oh, my, isn't it rough!" screamed Laura Ford, as the young major hit +the grass with great force, two of the Dauntless men being on top of +him. + +"Oh, that's all in the game," was Pepper's comment. "But I shouldn't +want to see anybody get his ribs stove in," he added. + +Putnam Hall got the pigskin to within ten yards of the Dauntless goal +line, and then came an unexpected turn of affairs. The leather was lost +by the Putnam Hall center, and carried around the right end and up the +field for thirty yards. + +"Hurrah! that's the way to do it, Dauntless!" + +"Keep it up!" + +"Dauntless to the front!" yelled Roy Bock. "Everybody in the game!" and +then, in the midst of the excitement, he drew back with a soft apple in +his hand and threw the half-decayed fruit at Jack. It just grazed the +young major's shoulder. + +Pepper was on the watch, for he had expected just such a dirty trick. He +leaped up, and reaching over, caught the Pornell student by the ear. + +"Ouch!" yelled Bock. "Let go!" + +"You get out of the grandstand!" cried Pepper. "If you don't I'll get a +crowd to mob you." + +"See here, Ditmore----" + +"Don't talk--get!" interrupted Pepper. + +"Let Roy alone!" sang out Bat Sedley. "If you don't, I'll crack you +one!" + +"Hello, you rascals!" came unexpectedly from nearby, and a farmer named +Baker showed himself. "You here? Jest wait till I git my paws on you!" +And he started in the direction of Roy Bock, Bat Sedley and two of their +cronies. + +"Great Scott! It's that farmer!" ejaculated Roy Bock, and he started to +scramble out of the grandstand in a hurry, and after him went the +others. + +But they were not quite quick enough for Darius Baker, and at the foot +of the stand the farmer caught Bock in one hand and Bat Sedley in the +other. Then he swung the two together until their heads cracked. + +"Will steal my apples and pears?" he shrilled. "Will talk sassy to my +darter, eh? I'll teach you!" And then, letting go suddenly, he cuffed +Roy Bock on the ear and thumped Bat Sedley in the jaw so hard that that +student howled outright. + +"Let up!" + +"Please don't hit me again!" + +"It was all a mistake!" + +"No mistake!" bawled Darius Baker. "Git out o' here before I call the +constable an' have ye locked up!" And then Roy Bock and his cronies lost +no time in hurrying away, without so much as looking behind them. + +"Guess you know 'em?" remarked Pepper, when the farmer came back into +the stand and resumed his seat. + +"Guess I do!" was the snorted-out reply. "They came around to my place +yesterday, and stole my apples and pears, and talked sassy to my darter +an' the hired man. I saw 'em, but they ran, away before I could git my +hands on 'em. I vowed I take 'em down a peg when I met 'em, an' I guess +I done it," added the old farmer, with evident satisfaction. + +"You did, Mr. Baker," answered Pepper. "And you've done us a service in +the bargain." + +"How's thet?" + +"Those fellows came here to make trouble for our eleven, the Putnam Hall +team." + +"That so? Well, then, I'm mighty glad I cleared 'em out. I like to see a +game now an' then, but I want it clean--no rowdy work." + +There was no time to say more, for everybody was interested in the game. +The Dauntless eleven had worked the pigskin up to within a few yards of +the Putnam Hall goal line, and now over it came. + +"A touchdown for Dauntless!" + +"Great work! Now make it a goal!" + +The ball was brought out, and the Dauntless quarterback kicked a +beautiful goal, amid a great cheering and tooting of horns. + +"Eight minutes more to play," said Dale. "Boys, let us tie the score if +nothing else." + +Again the battle was on, and now Dale made a beautiful run, being aided +by some fine interference by Jack and Andy. Then Hogan got the pigskin +and worked it up to within five yards of the Dauntless goal line--and +then the whistle blew and the first half of the great game had to come +to a close. + +The Putnam Hall eleven were a sober lot when they filed into their +dressing-room to be rubbed down and to talk it over. + +"Well, they've only got a touchdown and goal to their credit," said +Jack, cheerfully. "That's not such a terrible lead to overcome." + +"We must have more snap and ginger!" cried Dale. "Now, I want everybody +on the job from the word go." + +"Try that left-end play," suggested George Strong. "It may surprise +them--and, anyway, it can do no harm." + +The play he mentioned was something of a trick they had been practicing +for a week. It was rather intricate, but Dale promised to take his +advice and use it at the first opportunity. + +The Dauntless eleven scented a victory, and went into the second half of +the game with renewed vigor. But Putnam Hall stood up manfully, and Andy +got the pigskin in a manner that elicited much applause. He carried it +down the gridiron for eight yards and passed it over to Jack. Then, on +the next down, Dale signaled for the trick play. Across the field came +the ball and then back to center. Here a quick turn was made that +bewildered the Dauntless eleven. On came the pigskin, and almost before +anybody knew it, Jack kicked a goal from the field. + +"Hurrah! a field goal for Putnam Hall!" + +"Talk about clever work, wasn't that great?" + +"It sure was!" + +"Never mind," came from a Dauntless supporter. "That doesn't count as +much as the goal from a touchdown." + +"Well, it's blood for Putnam Hall, anyway." + +Again the leather went into play, and once more each eleven did its +level best to force the pigskin over the opponents' line. The Dauntless +aggregation were now wary of more tricks, and they tried a trick of +their own, massing at the left and then running the ball up center. But +this did not work. The ball was lost to Andy, who passed it over to +Dale. + +"Go it, Blackmore!" was the cry. + +"Down him, Cressy!" + +On and on sped Dale with the rival left end at his heels. Hogan and Jack +were pounding on behind, and they stopped Cressy from blocking the +Putnam Hall captain. Over the line came Dale, to drop flat an instant +later, out of breath. + +"Hurrah! a touchdown for Putnam Hall." + +"Now for a goal!" + +The wind was blowing strongly, yet Andy measured the distance well and +kicked the goal, amid a cheering that could be heard half a mile. + +"Oh, wasn't that grand!" murmured Flossie Ford. + +"Perfectly lovely!" added Laura. + +"It's what we wanted," answered Pepper. "Keep it up!" he yelled, and +blew his horn with all his might. + +With nine minutes more to play, both elevens went at the game with great +vigor. The Dauntless team wanted at least to make a field goal--to tie +the score. But Putnam Hall held them back, and two minutes before the +whistle blew made another touchdown and kicked the goal. When the game +was ended the pigskin was on the Dauntless forty-five-yard line. + +Putnam Hall had won! + +What a cheering followed, and what a tooting of horns and sounding of +rattles! The cadets cheered for their opponents and were cheered in +return, and then all filed off the field. + +"A dandy game!" cried Pepper to his chums. "Simply great!" And he fairly +hugged Jack and Andy. + +"A splendid game," was Mr. Strong's comment. + +"I am proud of our cadets," added Captain Putnam. + +"They are an honor to the school, sir." + +"Yes, Mr. Strong, they are." + +Some of the boys remained in Cedarville for the rest of the afternoon. +As soon as Jack and Andy had put aside their football outfits, they +joined Pepper and the Ford girls, and all went to meet Mr. Rossmore +Ford, who had just arrived in his carriage. + +"I am sorry I missed the game," said the rich gentleman. "It must have +been fine." + +"Oh, papa, it was lovely!" cried Laura. + +"I was so pleased to see Putnam Hall win!" added Flossie. + +"Were you?" said Mr. Ford, and laughed good-naturedly. "Now, I imagined +you came to encourage the Dauntless boys." + +"Papa, you know better!" cried both girls. + +"How would you young gentlemen like to drive home with us and dine at +the Lodge?" asked the gentleman. + +"Oh, yes, come!" cried Flossie. + +"Do!" urged Laura. + +"Well, I don't know," answered Jack, slowly. "The eleven is going to +celebrate to-night, and they want us. Otherwise, I'd like it very much." + +"Then come some other time," answered Rossmore Ford. + +"Thank you, we will," answered Andy; and after a few words more the +Fords drove off and the cadets walked away to join their fellows. + +It was a jolly crowd that returned to Putnam Hall late that afternoon, +and Captain Putnam was willing that they should have all the sport the +rules of the institution permitted. + +"Bonfires to-night!" cried Andy. + +"Biggest ever!" returned Pepper. "I've got a surprise." + +"What is it, Pep?" asked several in a chorus. + +"If I tell you, will you keep it to yourselves?" + +"Sure!" was the ready answer. + +"Well, you saw those tar-roofers at work on the new top of the dock at +Cedarville?" + +"Yes." + +"I bought three empty tar-barrels from the foreman. He is going to leave +them in the woods yonder for me at seven o'clock. They'll make the +finest bonfires you ever saw." + +"That's the cheese!" cried Dale, slangily. "Do you know what we can do? +Place one barrel on top of another and touch them off. They'll make the +greatest blaze you ever heard of." + +"But mum's the word until the right time comes," warned Pepper. And then +the crowd dispersed for the evening drill. + +Two boys had been listening to the talk from behind a nearby clump of +bushes. They were Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter. + +Neither of the cronies had gone to the football game, having preferred +to walk to a cabin in the woods, where they could smoke and play cards. +The victory of Jack and his friends had put them in a particularly bad +humor. + +"I suppose they expect a great celebration with those tar-barrels," +muttered Coulter. "Say, I tell you what let's do!" he cried. "Let us +sneak to the woods before they arrive and roll the barrels down to the +lake!" + +"I'll do it," answered Reff Ritter. "Anything to put a damper on that +celebration." + +"Well, water will dampen the tar-barrels," added Coulter, grimly. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +PUTTING OUT A LIVELY BLAZE + + +Pepper was so full of high spirits that at the supper table he could not +resist the temptation to play a joke. He saw Joe Nelson using his +handkerchief and, on the sly, took up the pepper-shaker and dosed the +cloth liberally with pepper. + +Poor Joe caught the full benefit of the pepper, and in the midst of the +meal commenced to sneeze loudly. + +"Why, Nelson, what is the matter?" asked Mr. Strong, who was at the +table that evening. + +"I don't--ker-choo!--know!" stammered Joe. "I believe--ker-choo! +ker-choo!" + +"Exactly," whispered Pepper. "Very simple explanation, very." + +"I--ker-choo!--I guess I had better--ker-choo!" went on Joe. + +"He's 'ker-chooing' all he needs to," was Jack's comment, and this +caused a general titter. + +"I guess I'll ask to--ker-choo!--to be excused--ker-choo!" went on Joe, +and jumping up he left the table and the room. He ran out on the campus +and there sneezed himself free of the pepper, much to his relief. + +Joe was about to return to the mess-hall when he chanced to see two +figures sneaking along in the semi-darkness, in the direction of the +woods. He was just able to make out that the pair were Reff Ritter and +Gus Coulter when they disappeared behind the trees. + +"Now, what are those fellows up to?" mused Joe, as he walked slowly to +the mess-hall. "No good, I'll venture." + +He sat down and commenced to eat. Then, of a sudden, he uttered an +exclamation. + +"I've got it! That's it!" + +"What is it, Nelson?" asked George Strong. + +"Oh--er--nothing," stammered the cadet. But when the teacher was not +looking, he leaned over towards Jack. + +"What is it, Joe?" whispered the young major. + +"Tell Pepper I just saw Ritter and Coulter sneaking into the woods." + +"You did!" Jack closed one eye. "And you think----" + +"They may have learned about the barrels." + +"If that is so, we'll have to watch 'em," murmured Jack, and +immediately passed word to Pepper, Dale and Andy. + +The cadets could scarcely wait to finish their meal, and cut themselves +short on cake and pears. Pepper was the first out, but he was quickly +followed by Andy and Jack. + +"Let us try to surprise them--if they are after the barrels," said The +Imp. + +"Maybe they'll set fire to 'em before we get there," suggested the +acrobatic youth. + +"If they do that, I'll make 'em pay for the barrels," cried Pepper. "I +am not going to put up three dollars for another fellow's fun." + +"Did you pay the roofer that much for the barrels?" + +"Yes." + +The three boys hurried across the campus and dove into the woods beyond. +Then Pepper put up his hand for silence. + +"Let us surprise 'em if we can," he whispered. + +"That's the talk," answered the young major. + +It did not take the three long to reach the vicinity where the +tar-barrels had been left. As they approached they saw a light flare up. + +"They are setting 'em on fire!" cried Andy. + +"Stop, Ritter! Stop, Coulter!" yelled Pepper. "Don't you light those +barrels!" + +"Ha! ha!" came from the bully of the Hall. "What's an old tar-barrel, +anyway? Guess we can fire them if we want to!" + +"Those are my barrels," answered Pepper. + +He rushed forward, followed by Jack and Andy. But they were too late, +for on the instant a big flame shot up and all three of the tar-barrels, +standing in a close triangle, and filled with dried leaves, commenced to +burn furiously. As the flames shot up among the trees, Ritter and +Coulter backed away. + +"Good-by to those barrels!" came sorrowfully from Andy. "We'll not be +able to use them for the celebration to-night." + +"I'll fix you for this, Ritter; and you, too, Coulter!" called out +Pepper, bitterly. "Oh, what luck!" he groaned, as he saw the flames from +the tar-barrels climb higher and higher. "What a grand bonfire they +would have made on the lake-front!" + +"Boys, this fire is dangerous!" ejaculated Jack. + +"What do you mean?" came from the others. + +"It is going to set fire to the woods! See, the dried leaves are +catching already! If it reaches yonder cedars there will be a terrible +conflagration here!" + +"Phew! that's true!" came from Pepper. His merry face grew sober for the +moment. "What shall we do?" + +"We are not responsible," said Andy. "It is Ritter and Coulter's fault." + +"But we don't want these grand woods to burn down," went on the young +major. "Besides, the wind is rising and it is blowing towards the gym +and the stables! The burning embers might set fire to those buildings!" + +"Come on and put the blaze out!" said Andy. + +"How are you going to do it? We haven't any water--and water isn't of +much account against tar, anyway. Gracious, see those flames shoot up!" +Jack added, as a column of fire shot skyward. + +"One of the trees is catching already!" gasped Pepper. "We had better +sound an alarm!" + +"Andy, go back to the school and tell the others, teachers and all," +ordered the young major. "Captain Putnam will know what to do. Pepper, +you and I had better try to throw dirt and stones on the barrels. That +will keep down the flames a little." + +The acrobatic youth set off on a sprint in the direction of Putnam Hall. +While he was gone the others did their best to subdue the +rapidly-increasing conflagration. It was hot work, and soon the +perspiration was pouring down their faces. + +"It's no use!" panted Pepper, when the wind sent a sudden eddy of black +smoke in his face. + +"It would take a regular fire department to put out that blaze!" + +"Maybe Captain Putnam will send out the bucket brigade," answered his +chum. + +The wind was steadily increasing, and as it whirled around it sent the +sparks flying in all directions. Jack had one ember settle on his hand +and Pepper was burnt on the ear. They got a good deal of smoke in their +eyes and soon commenced to cough. But they kept on throwing all the +loose dirt and stones possible on the fire. + +"I wish the barrels didn't have quite so much tar on 'em," panted +Pepper. "It's a wonder the roofer left so much inside." + +"He wanted to give you the worth of your money," answered the young +major, grimly. + +After what seemed a long time a shout was heard, and then Andy burst +into view. + +"The bucket brigade is coming with pails of water," he said. "And some +other cadets are to get rakes and wet swabs and shovels." + +"They can't come any too quick!" answered Pepper. "See, two of the trees +are burning already." + +"Yes, and two others are catching!" announced Jack. Then an extra puff +of wind sent all of the cadets from the vicinity of the blazing barrels. + +"I suppose Ritter and Coulter didn't dream of such a fire when they +started it," was Andy's comment. + +"Just the same, they are responsible," answered Jack, gravely. + +A yell came from afar, and soon some cadets ran into view, each carrying +a bucket of water. Leading them was George Strong, who had a +long-handled rake and a shovel. + +"Boys! boys! didn't you know better than to light a fire here!" cried +the teacher. + +"We didn't do it," answered Jack. + +The water was thrown on the blazing barrels, and then the teacher tried +to knock them flat with his rake. But that caused a heavy shower of +sparks to ascend, setting fire to some nearby bushes. + +"It will be better to use the shovel," said Jack. "Dirt will put out +such a fire quicker than anything." + +"I believe you, Major Ruddy," answered Mr. Strong, and then he sent some +cadets back for more shovels and a few pickaxes, with which to loosen up +the dirt. + +Soon many more cadets arrived, and with them Captain Putnam. Among the +number were Coulter and Ritter, and the pair looked much dismayed. + +"Say, I didn't think the fire would spread to the woods," whispered Gus +Coulter. + +"Hush!" warned his crony. "Don't you admit that we did it. If it comes +to the worst, say it was an accident, that we were trying to light a +torch, to sneak the barrels away, when they took fire." + +"All right." + +More water was thrown on the barrels, and then a small army of cadets +commenced to dig up dirt and stones, with which to cover the burning +objects. This worked very well on the barrels. But to reach the trees +was different. One thick cedar was blazing away like a torch--the flames +far above their heads. + +"Let us cut that tree down," ordered Captain Putnam. + +Two axes had been brought along, and Dale used one while Peleg Snuggers +wielded the other. Soon the cedar commenced to totter. + +"Look out!" cried Captain Putnam, and then crash! the tree came down, +directly on top of the tar-barrels. Up went a thick cloud of smoke and +sparks. But the cadets were ready with dirt and stones, and the danger +of a new blaze was quickly averted. + +While the tree was being cut down, the cadets and teachers had been busy +with pickaxes and shovels, and also with their rakes and wet swabs, and +had put out much of the fire elsewhere. One more tree had to be leveled, +and this work was done by Joe and Bart. Then, after five minutes more +of hard work, the last of the fire was extinguished, and the crowd in +the woods was left in darkness. + +"Hello, it's dark enough now," cried Pepper. "We'll need a lantern to +get out with." + +"Here's a torch," answered one cadet, and took up a cedar bough, and +commenced to wave it into a flame. + +"No more of that, Bates!" cried Captain Putnam. "We have had enough of +fire. We'll go back in the dark. Snuggers, you stay here and see to it +that the fire doesn't break out again." + +"Yes, sir," answered the general utility man. + +"Here is a pistol. If it does break out, fire two shots for an alarm." + +"Yes, sir." + +"I'll send Alexander Pop here with more water and with some lunch, for +you'll have to stay all night," went on the owner of the school. +Alexander Pop was a colored man who had come to the school to wait on +the table. + +"Yes, sir," answered Snuggers. He did not much relish remaining in the +woods all night, but he felt that he had to obey orders. + +One by one the cadets and the teachers returned to Putnam Hall. The +conflagration in the woods had rather broken up the anticipated +celebration in honor of the football victory. + +"Now, I want to know who placed those tar-barrels in the woods," said +Captain Putnam, when he had assembled the cadets in the school building. + +"It was Jerry Cole, the roofer from Cedarville," answered John Fenwick, +a small youth usually called Mumps. He was known as a toady and a sneak, +and was very chummy with Dan Baxter. + +"How do you know, Fenwick?" + +"I saw him with the barrels on his wagon." + +"Why should he put the barrels there?" + +"I will tell you," answered Pepper, stepping forward. "I bought them to +celebrate with to-night. I thought they'd make a dandy bonfire." + +"Indeed! Then you set them ablaze, Ditmore?" + +"No, sir. My idea was to roll them to the lake-shore and pile them one +on top of the other." + +"Then who did set them on fire in the woods?" + +For the moment nobody spoke, but Pepper, Jack and Andy, as well as Joe, +looked at Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter. + +"I want an answer!" cried Captain Putnam, sternly. "Who started that +fire?" + +He looked around from one cadet to another. But nobody spoke. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A MYSTERIOUS HAPPENING + + +It was a rule of honor among the cadets of Putnam Hall that no student +should tell on another. To do that would have been to put one's self +down as a sneak, and none of our friends wanted such a reputation. + +"I ask again, who started that fire?" went on Captain Putnam, with +increased sternness. + +"I rather think I know the guilty parties," said George Strong, who had +walked away on an errand and had just returned, "Ritter and Coulter, +what have you to say?" + +The two culprits started, and Coulter turned pale. + +"Why, I--er----" stammered Gus. "I--that is----" He did not know how to +proceed. He did not dare deny his guilt, not knowing but what the +assistant teacher might have seen him and his crony light the +tar-barrels. + +"Well, if you--er--want to know the truth, Captain Putnam, +we--er--started the fire," stammered Reff Ritter. "But it was an +accident." + +"An accident?" + +"Yes, sir. We were--er--going to roll the barrels down to the +lake--going to hide 'em so that Ditmore and his friends couldn't find +'em, you know. Well, we didn't want to get the tar on our hands, so +we--er--started a little fire to see by--it was dark under the trees. +All of a sudden the barrels blazed up. We--er--didn't expect such a big +blaze." + +"That's it," cried Coulter, eagerly. "We just made the fire at first to +see by." + +"Then you didn't really want to fire the barrels under the trees?" + +"No, sir," came from both of the guilty ones. + +"It was a rash thing to do, to start such a blaze. In this wind you +might have burnt down the whole woods and endangered the school +buildings." + +"I don't believe Ritter and Coulter," whispered Andy to Pepper. + +"Neither do I," was the reply. + +"Ditmore, you said the barrels belonged to you?" went on the owner of +the school. + +"Yes, sir. I bought them from the tar-roofer in Cedarville and he +delivered them. We were going to have a great bonfire--and we did!" And +The Imp said this so dryly that even Captain Putnam had to smile. + +"Well, I presume I shall have to drop the matter," said the captain, +after a few more questions. "But let me warn you all about fires in +those woods in the future. If a fire gained headway here we might burn +everything down to the ground." + +So, from an official standpoint, the matter was dropped. Ritter beckoned +to Coulter, and they hurried away, followed by Nick Paxton and one or +two others. + +"Well, that ends the tar-barrel celebration," said Pepper, rather +mournfully. "I really ought to make Ritter and Coulter pay for the +barrels." + +"You won't get any money out of Ritter," remarked Bart Conners. + +"How do you know, Bart?" + +"Because he hasn't any. He asked for credit at the store yesterday--to +buy some cigarettes--and the shopkeeper refused, saying Ritter owed him +eighty cents already." + +"Humph!" mused Pepper, and said no more. + +"Come on--forget it!" cried Jack. "We'll celebrate anyway." + +"We've got other barrels," came from Dale. + +The cadets rushed out and to the lake-shore, and soon several bonfires +were blazing merrily. Around these the students congregated, and sang +songs and "cut up" generally. Dale had to make a speech, and the boys +caught him up on their shoulders and carried him around the campus. + +"Isn't it grand!" murmured Bert Field. "I am mighty glad I came to +Putnam Hall." + +"So am I," answered Fred Century. "It's much different from what it was +at Pornell Academy." + +"It was a great victory, Fred, wasn't it?" + +"It certainly was, Bert. I am only sorry for one thing." + +"What is that?" + +"That it wasn't Pornell we beat instead of that other club." + +"Oh, well, we'll get a chance at Pornell some day," answered Bert Field. + +The celebration along the lake-shore lasted until half-past eleven. Then +the bell was rung, and laughing and singing, the cadets trooped off to +their various dormitories. + +"All quiet by midnight!" came the order. + +"Fifteen minutes yet," cried Andy, consulting his watch. "Whoop-la! Here +goes!" And in the joyousness of high spirits he turned a handspring over +one of the beds. Then he turned another spring over a table and stood on +his head on one of the chairs. + +"Hurrah for Snow's Imperial Consolidated Circus!" cried Pepper. "The +one and only aggregation of stupendous wonders on the face of the globe! +The marvelous twisting and death-defying acrobat! Walk up and see the +blood-curdling exhibition! It will cost you but the small sum of a dime, +ten cents; children double price, and no grandfathers unaccompanied by +their parents admitted. Line will form on the left and everybody will +please have his cash ready. Transfers not accepted on this line." + +"Good for Pepper!" came from Jack. "When he fails as a student he can +turn dime-museum shouter." + +"On the right you will see our most mysterious wonder, Major Jacobus +Ruddonowsky, the royal Russian sword swallower," went on The Imp, +pointing to his chum. "He swallows two swords for breakfast, three for +lunch and six to eight for dinner, with daggers for dessert. He is +wonderfully strong, and can carry on his arms an amount of gold lace +that would break a camel's back. As soon as the tent is full he will +sing for you that famous ditty, entitled, 'How I Love to Line You Up +When I'm Major of the Gang.'" + +"Wow! that is where you caught it, Jack!" cried Dale, with a grin. + +"And here we have a third wonder," went on Pepper, pointing to the +football captain. "Commodore Daleo, the leather-ball juggler. The most +renowned juggler of the spheroid in the world! You think it is here, but +it is not, for lo! he has juggled it over the line and kicked it as high +as an airship. He will show you----" + +"Silence in here!" came a voice from the doorway, and Josiah Crabtree +appeared. "I will have silence!" + +"Oh, dear!" murmured Pepper. "Anybody got any silence to spare? Mr. +Crabtree wants some." + +"You must all be in bed by midnight, and the light must be out," went on +the teacher. "This unseemly revel must cease!" And then he walked on, to +stop the noise coming from the other dormitories. + +"Say, Pepper, how do you like that?" murmured Fred. + +"I knew there would be frost," sighed The Imp. "Every time old Crabtree +appears we get a cold wave." + +"Be thankful he didn't mark you down for extra lessons," said Andy. + +"If he did that I'd rebel," returned Pepper. + +After that the talk was carried on in whispers, and each cadet lost no +time in disrobing. A few minutes after midnight all were in bed, and one +after another lost himself in the land of dreams. + +The day had been a particularly strenuous one for Jack and the young +major slept soundly until the rising-bell rang loudly. Then he rubbed +his eyes sleepily and stretched himself. + +"Wish I didn't have to get up just yet," he murmured. "I could sleep +another hour without half trying." + +"Same here," responded Pepper. + +"I never feel awake until after I've had a wash," came from Andy, who +had just leaped up. + +Soon all of the cadets in the dormitory were dressing, and one by one +they washed up and went below. Andy and Jack were the last to leave. + +"What's the matter?" asked the acrobatic youth, as he saw the young +major searching around for something. + +"I'm looking for my watch and chain, Andy." + +"Where did you put it?" + +"Where I always do--on the stand at the head of my bed." + +"Maybe it fell on the floor." + +"If it did, it isn't there now." Jack got down on his knees to look +around, and then turned over the bedclothes and some other things. + +"Maybe Pepper played a joke on you, Jack." + +"That may be so. I'll go down and ask him about it." + +The young major looked through his clothing and all over the dormitory, +and then hurried below. As it was Sunday morning, there was no drill, +and the cadets were gathering in the mess-hall for breakfast. + +"Pepper, did you see my watch?" asked Jack, coming up to his chum. + +"Your watch? No," was the ready reply. + +"You didn't?" cried the young major, and now he was more concerned than +ever. + +"Saw it last night, when you put it on the stand as usual." + +"You didn't hide it? Come, now, tell the truth." + +"Honor bright; the last I saw of it was when you placed it on the stand +when you went to bed." + +"It's gone; and the chain with it." + +"You don't mean it, Jack! Did you look all around?" + +"Everywhere." + +"Did you ask the other fellows about it?" + +"No; but I will, right away." + +The young major walked to one roommate after another and asked about his +watch and chain. All denied knowing anything about the timepiece. +Several had seen him place the watch on the stand at the head of the +bed, but that was all. + +"Well, it's a mystery what has become of it, that's sure," was Jack's +comment. "It certainly couldn't walk off by itself." + +"Well, a good watch knows how to run," remarked Pepper, dryly, for he +couldn't help having his joke. "But, seriously, Jack, do you think +somebody stole the watch and chain?" + +"I don't know what to think." + +"I don't imagine anybody in our dormitory would do such a thing." + +"Neither do I. But the watch and chain are gone. The question is, +Where?" + +"Hadn't you better report the matter to Captain Putnam?" + +"I will, after I have taken another look around," answered the young +major, and left the mess-room just as the bell rang for breakfast. + +"Why did Major Ruddy leave?" asked Josiah Crabtree, harshly, as he saw +that the young officer was missing. + +"He had something of importance to attend to," answered Pepper. + +"Humph! It is his duty to be at the table on time, if he wants his +breakfast," muttered the dictatorial teacher. + +Jack did not come back for the best part of half an hour. By that time +the breakfast was nearly over. + +"Major Ruddy, what does this mean?" demanded Josiah Crabtree. + +"A matter of importance, Mr. Crabtree," answered the young officer. + +"I cannot permit cadets to come in late to breakfast." + +"This couldn't be helped, sir. I will explain to you and to Captain +Putnam directly after I have finished." + +"Very well. If it is of real importance I will let it pass. But +otherwise I shall mark you for being tardy," returned Josiah Crabtree, +harshly. + +Jack merely bowed and then he sat down and ate his breakfast. While he +was doing so, Pepper leaned over to him. + +"Find the watch?" he whispered. + +"No--not the least trace of it," answered Jack. + +The young major did not feel much like eating. The watch was a gold one +and the chain was also of gold, and both were valuable. They had been a +birthday gift from his parents. + +"Say, Jack, this is as bad as my loss," came from Andy, in a low tone. +"What are you going to do about it?" + +"I don't know. I want to talk the matter over with Captain Putnam +first," answered the young officer. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AN INVITATION ACCEPTED + + +Captain Putnam looked very grave when Jack reported the loss of the gold +watch and chain. + +"You are certain you left them on the stand when you went to sleep?" he +questioned. + +"Yes, sir. Pepper Ditmore saw me put them there, and Dale Blackmore saw +it, too." + +"And you have looked everywhere for them?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I will go up and look around with you." + +"All right, sir. But it will do no good," answered the young major. + +"You say that all your roommates deny taking the watch and chain." + +"Yes, sir. They say they didn't see the watch at all after we went to +bed." + +"Major Ruddy, do you suspect anybody of this crime?" demanded the owner +of the school, looking Jack full in the face. + +"No, sir," was the prompt answer. "It's a complete mystery to me. All I +know about it is, that I left the watch and chain on the stand at the +head of my bed when I went to sleep and this morning they were gone." + +"Did any of the other cadets enter your dormitory during the night?" + +"Not that I know of." + +"They may have been skylarking and may have carried the watch and chain +off by--accident, let us say," finished the captain, significantly. + +"If anybody came in, nobody who sleeps in our room seems to be aware of +it." + +Captain Putnam and Jack passed up to the dormitory, followed by Josiah +Crabtree. They were soon joined by Pepper and the other occupants of the +apartment. Another search was made, but the gold watch and chain were +not found, nor were any clues concerning the timepiece unearthed. + +"What were the watch and chain worth?" asked Fred. + +"I don't know; maybe fifty or sixty dollars," answered Jack. + +"Then if they were stolen, the thief made quite a haul." + +"Do you think they were stolen, Century?" demanded the owner of the +school. + +"Doesn't it look like it, sir?" + +"But if they were stolen, who is guilty?" asked Josiah Crabtree, glaring +around from one cadet to another. + +For the moment nobody spoke. + +"I don't suspect any of my roommates," said Jack, quickly. "I think it +was done by some outsider." + +"Some other cadet?" asked Crabtree. + +"Possibly; or else by some of the help." + +"Gracious, Ruddy, I--er--I hope you don't suspect me!" stammered the +teacher. + +"No, sir; I meant some of the servants." + +"Ah, I see!" Josiah Crabtree looked relieved. "You may be right. Perhaps +some of the new colored help took the watch," he went on, to Captain +Putnam. + +"I will start an investigation," returned the owner of the school. + +Captain Putnam was as good as his word, and over an hour was spent in +questioning the help, and the other cadets, but without results. The +investigation was continued Monday morning. But not the first trace of +the missing watch and chain was discovered anywhere. + +"It assuredly is a mystery," said Captain Putnam at last. "What do you +make of it, Mr. Strong?" he asked of his second assistant. + +"It is a very unfortunate occurrence," answered George Strong. "If +there is a thief in Putnam Hall we ought to locate him. As long as he +remains undetected none of us will be safe." + +"How are you going to catch him?" + +"I don't know. We might try to trace up the watch and chain through the +authorities." + +"I hate to let the authorities know anything has been stolen in the +school. It gives us a bad name in public." The two men were alone, so +they could speak freely. + +"It will give the school a worse name if we don't get the watch and +chain back. I am afraid Major Ruddy can hold you for the worth of them." + +"He can, and I expect to pay for them if we don't get them back. I will +think it over, and perhaps I'll report the loss." + +Later on, the authorities were notified that a watch and chain were +missing. No details were given, but the police were asked to look out +for the watch and chain in pawnbroking establishments and elsewhere. + +"I shall also offer a reward," said the owner of the school, and the +next day a bulletin was posted, offering a reward of ten dollars for +information leading to the recovery of the timepiece and conviction of +the thief. + +"It's tough to go without your watch, Jack," said Pepper. + +"Captain Putnam is going to loan me one for the present," was the young +major's reply. "It's only a silver affair, but he says it keeps good +time, and that's the main thing." + +A day or two after the reward was offered, Jack, Pepper and Andy +received an invitation to take dinner at Point View Lodge with the Fords +and spend the evening there. The weather was now growing colder and the +Fords expected before long to close up their summer home and move to the +city for the winter. + +"Say, this is all to the merry!" cried Pepper, as he read the +invitation. "Of course we'll go." + +"If Captain Putnam will let us," added Andy, anxiously. + +"I think he will," returned Jack. "He is so cut up over this watch +affair I think he will do almost anything for me." + +The three went to the captain and showed the invitation, and were told +that they could go to Point View Lodge, but that they must be back at +Putnam Hall by ten o'clock. + +"It's lucky we can go in our uniforms," said Pepper. "Otherwise I +suppose we'd have to go in full dress, eh?" + +"Sure thing." + +"How are we going to get to the Lodge? We can't walk." + +"Might hire a carriage for once." + +"Too slow. The Lodge is so far off. We could make better time on our +bicycles." + +"But if it rains--or snows?" + +"Then we'll have to take a carriage." + +The three cadets watched the weather anxiously. It remained clear and +cool up to the afternoon of the day they were going and then grew +cloudy. + +"Looks like rain or snow to me," announced Jack. + +"Oh, don't croak!" cried Andy. "It's a bit cloudy, but that's all. I +guess it will hold off until morning." + +"Got your bicycle ready for the trip, Andy?" questioned Pepper. + +"Sure, I oiled up this morning. How about you?" + +"Ready since yesterday, and Jack's wheel is ready, too," was the answer. +"Oh, say, don't you anticipate a dandy time at Point View Lodge?" + +"Yes, indeed! The Ford girls are just all right." + +"Best ever!" chimed in Jack. + +"Don't forget to fill your lamps!" cried Andy, as he turned away. + +"Mine is full," answered Jack. + +"I'll see to mine," came from Pepper. "Glad you mentioned it. It will be +quite dark on the road to-night, and I don't want to run in a hole and +take a header." + +"None of us want to do that. We'd look fine going into the Lodge with +our faces and hands all dirt and our uniforms torn." + +The cadets hurried away in various directions. They had been talking in +the gymnasium, near one of the dressing-rooms, and they did not know +that anybody else was near. But Mumps, the sneak, had overheard every +word. As soon as they had gone, the younger cadet hurried off toward the +boathouse. Here he found half a dozen students assembled, including +Ritter and Coulter. + +"Say, do you fellows know that Ruddy, Ditmore and Snow are going out +to-night?" he said. He always loved to tell the news, and thought +himself quite important in so doing. + +"Where to?" asked one of the cadets. + +"To Point View Lodge--the place where the Ford family live. They've got +an invitation to dinner." + +"Lucky dogs!" came from another cadet. As he spoke he looked at Reff +Ritter, but that individual merely scowled, and took surreptitious +whiffs at a cigarette he was smoking. + +"How are they going to Point View?" asked another who was present. + +"Going on their bicycles," answered Mumps. "It's quite a ride, isn't +it?" + +"Oh, not for them. They can make it in half an hour if they try. But +they'll find it pretty dark to-night, I'm thinking," added the cadet, +with a glance out of the boathouse window at the leaden sky. + +The talk continued and Ritter listened closely to every word. Then he +arose and motioned to Coulter, and the two walked outside. + +"Did you hear what Mumps said?" he asked of his crony. + +"About those chaps going to the Fords' home?" + +"Yes." + +"What of it?" + +"I was thinking we might spoil their fun." + +"And get caught, as we did with the tar-barrels," grumbled Gus Coulter. + +"We'll take good care that nobody sees us this time." + +"What are you thinking of doing?" asked Coulter, curiously. + +"Come with me and I'll tell you," answered Reff Ritter, and took his +crony by the arm. Slowly they walked across the campus, and as they did +so Ritter unfolded a plot that had just then come into his head. + +"What do you think of it?" he asked, after he had finished. + +"Very good; if it will work, and we are not caught." + +"We'll not get caught if you'll do as I say. Listen, Gus, all you need +to do is to stand on guard, to give me warning if anybody comes. I'll do +the rest." + +"When do you want to get to work?" + +Reff Ritter looked around anxiously. It was cold on the campus and +growing darker rapidly. Only a few cadets were in sight. + +"Come on now," he answered. "We'll see if the coast is clear." + +They walked to the end of the gymnasium building, where, in a long room, +the bicycles of the students were kept. It was pitch dark inside and not +a soul was in sight. + +"Now, you remain outside," said Ritter. "If you see anybody coming begin +to whistle 'Yankee Doodle,' as loud as you can. Don't wait for me, for +I'll go out the back way." + +"All right. But let me know when you are through," answered Coulter, +somewhat nervously. + +"Sure." + +Coulter took his stand outside of the building and peered forth eagerly +in the darkness. Only three cadets were in view and they presently +entered the school building. Then ten minutes went by--a long wait for +the youth who was aiding Ritter in his plot. Then Reff came quickly from +the gymnasium. + +"Anybody around?" he asked hurriedly. + +"No." + +"Good enough." + +"Have you finished, Reff?" + +"Yes." + +"Did you get at all three of the wheels?" + +"I sure did. Say, they will have their own troubles, see if they don't!" +chuckled the bully. "But come on before anybody sees us," he added, and +stalked away in the darkness, with his crony beside him. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE WORK OF THE ENEMY + + +It was not until a few minutes after five o'clock that Jack, Andy and +Pepper hurried down to the gymnasium, to get their wheels. At the last +moment Andy discovered that one of his buttons was loose and had to be +sewed on, and Jack had trouble with the new cap he was going to wear. It +was a trifle too large and he had to place a strip of paper under the +band to make it stay on his head properly. + +"It certainly feels like snow," said Pepper, as the three got out their +bicycles. "I am sure we'll get a snowstorm before long." + +"I don't care, if only it holds off till we get back," returned Andy. + +They lit the acetylene gas lamps, with which their wheels were provided, +and then ran the bicycles down to the roadway. + +"Have a good time," cried Stuffer, who had come out to see them off. + +"Don't worry about that," replied Pepper, gaily. + +"I'll wager you'll have a dandy spread," went on the lad who loved to +eat. + +"Wish you were along, Stuffer?" asked Jack. + +"Do I? Well, now, don't mention it!" and Stuffer's eyes fairly watered +in anticipation. + +"I'll bring you something if I get the chance," sang out Pepper, as he +gave his bicycle a shove and leaped into the saddle. "So-long!" + +Jack and Andy followed their chum, and with a parting cry to Stuffer, +all three pedaled along the highway leading to Point View Lodge. It was +now night, but the three gas-lamps lit up the road so well that they had +little difficulty in finding their way. + +"We are not due until six o'clock," said Jack. "So we can take it easy. +No use of getting into a perspiration over it." + +"We'll not sweat much to-night," answered Pepper. "Too cold. I move we +keep at it until we reach that old barn near the Lodge. Then we can rest +a bit, so that we won't appear at the place all out of breath." + +Two miles were covered, and then they came to a place where the highway +was unusually rough. + +"Let me go ahead and pick the way," sang out Andy, and forged to the +front. + +"Better slack up a little!" returned the young major. "No use of taking +chances when we have plenty of time." + +Scarcely had he uttered the words when there came a cry from the +acrobatic youth. His wheel commenced to wobble and twist. Over into some +bushes he shot, to fall with a crash in their midst. + +"Hello, what's the matter with you?" sang out Pepper, and leaped quickly +to the road, an example followed by Jack. + +"Bicycle has gone to pieces, I guess," spluttered Andy, as he essayed to +scramble out of the bushes. + +"Are you hurt?" demanded Jack, anxiously. + +"Only a few scratches, Jack. Say, that was a narrow escape, wasn't it?" + +"Thought you said your wheel was in good condition," came from Pepper. + +"So it was when I looked at it this morning." + +"What's wrong now?" + +"The handle-bars are loose for one thing. I don't know what else is +wrong until I look it over." + +The machine was brought forth from the bushes. The lamp-glass had been +smashed and the light had gone out. Andy stopped the flow of acetylene +gas, and then his chums turned the rays of the other lamps on the +disabled bicycle. + +"Handle-bars loose and also nuts on the front wheel!" cried Andy, after +an examination. "Say, I believe some enemy did this!" + +"Who?" questioned the young major. + +"I don't know. Maybe Ritter, or Coulter." + +"Hurry up and tighten things," cried Pepper. "We don't want to be late." + +"Better be late than have a nasty tumble," returned Jack. "While you are +at it, Andy, better look the whole machine over carefully." + +"I will, Jack. And maybe you had better look your machines over, too." + +"Good advice." + +While Andy was fixing his bicycle Pepper and the young major inspected +their own bicycles. + +"Well, I never!" gasped The Imp, as the light fell on his rear wheel. +"Another quarter of a mile and I would have had a spill and no mistake!" + +"Same here!" came from Jack. "Oh, isn't this the worst yet!" + +"What's wrong?" queried the acrobatic youth. + +"The back wheel is loose, and two of the sprockets of the sprocket-wheel +have been filed down, to let the chain slip," answered Pepper. + +"And my handle-bars are loose and the chain all but filed in two," cried +Jack. "Boys, this was done on purpose!" + +"Of course!" came from both of the others. + +"Done by our enemies!" + +"Sure." + +"Ritter and his cronies." + +"Well, we'd have to prove that," answered Andy, slowly. + +"Don't you believe it, Andy?" + +"I do; but that isn't proof." + +"And that isn't getting us to Point View Lodge," came from Pepper. "I +guess we'll have to walk!" he added, with something like a groan. + +"Walk! We can't walk that distance," replied the young major. + +"Well, we can't trust ourselves on these machines. We might if we had +lots of time, but that we haven't got." + +The three cadets stared blankly at each other. Here they were on a +lonely road, and what to do none of them knew. + +"Oh, if I only had Ritter here wouldn't I punch his head good!" muttered +Pepper. + +"Ritter will keep. Let us look over the machines and make up our minds +what is to be done," said Jack. + +The more they inspected the wheels the more hopeless appeared the task +of fixing them up so they could be used. + +"We simply haven't got time to bother with them," announced Jack. "We've +got to get to the Lodge some other way." + +"Well, what way?" asked Andy. + +"I wonder if we could hire a rig at the next farmhouse." + +"Well, we can try that," answered Pepper. + +Trundling their bicycles, they hurried along the country road until they +reached a farmhouse. + +"Looks as if they were all out or gone to bed," was Jack's comment, for +not a light showed about the place. + +"We'll soon know," returned Pepper, and he pounded lustily on the front +door. + +There was no answer to this summons, and he pounded again. But nobody +appeared. + +"Gone away for the day, I guess," he said. "Now what?" + +"Let us leave our wheels in the barn," said Jack. "We can come back for +them any time." + +This they did, and after a look around the place, to make certain nobody +was there, they passed out on the road once more. Pepper looked at his +watch. + +"Fifteen minutes to six," he announced. + +"Oh, we'll never get there on time," groaned Andy. + +"We'll be lucky if we get there at all to-night," answered the young +major. + +"They are looking for us by now," came from Pepper. "Wonder what they +will think when we don't show up?" + +"They'll think we are pretty mean, I guess," answered the acrobatic +youth. + +"Here comes some kind of a turnout now!" cried Pepper. + +He pointed down the highway. They could see a lantern swinging idly to +and fro. It was hung under a farm-wagon, and presently they saw the +turnout, drawn by a pair of good-looking horses. The wagon was filled +with barrels of potatoes, and on the seat sat a raw-boned old farmer, +half asleep. + +"Hello, there!" challenged Jack out of the darkness. "Hold up a minute, +please!" + +"Hi, what's this, a hold-up?" exclaimed the old farmer, and then of a +sudden he reached between the barrels of potatoes and brought forth a +long horse-pistol and pointed it at them. + +"Don't shoot!" cried Pepper, thinking the old fellow might be just +scared enough to pull the trigger of his ancient weapon. "This isn't any +hold-up." + +"Who be you?" and the farmer peered forth anxiously in the darkness. + +"We are cadets from Putnam Hall." + +"Oh! I see! Waal, don't ye try to play no trick on Ezra Cole, or I'll +let fly with this hoss-pistol, sure ez you're born!" + +"We don't want to play any tricks, Mr. Cole," answered Jack. "We are in +trouble, and I was wondering if you could help us out." + +"Wot's the trouble?" + +In as few words as possible the young major and his chums explained the +difficulty. The old farmer listened with interest. + +"I know Mr. Ford; he buys garden sass from me," he said. + +"We don't know how we are going to get to the Lodge, unless we can find +somebody to drive us over," said Pepper. "Could you do it, if we paid +you?" + +"Wot, with this load o' potatoes? Not much!" + +"Couldn't you leave your potatoes here?" asked Andy. "I'll give you +fifty cents to drive me over." + +"And so will I," added Pepper. + +"That will be a dollar and a half for the three of us, Mr. Cole," put in +Jack. + +"Hum!" The old farmer began to look interested. "It's a putty stiff +drive to Point View, an' I'd have to come back fer the potatoes." + +"Make it two dollars!" cried Jack. "And do it as quickly as you can." + +"Hum! Got the cash with you, young man?" + +"Yes, here it is!" And the young major held up two one-dollar bills. + +"All right, I'm your man!" cried Ezra Cole. "I ain't in no hurry to git +to hum, an' two dollars ain't picked up every day. Jest wait till I +drive in an' leave my potatoes where they will be safe." + +"Might leave 'em with our bicycles," said Jack. + +"So I will." + +It did not take the old farmer long to unload his barrels of potatoes. +Then he swept out his farm-wagon and spread some horse-blankets for the +boys to sit upon. They leaped in and he took up the lines once more. + +"G'lang!" he shouted to his team and cracked his whip, and off they went +along the road at a good gait. + +"Great Julius Cæsar!" cried Andy, after a quarter of a mile had been +passed. "Talk about bumping the bumps! This road has 'em beaten to a +frazzle!" + +"Getting your money's worth, Andy?" asked The Imp, with a grin. + +"Ain't no springs on this wagon!" said Ezra Cole, with a grin. "But +don't you mind; it will give you a fine appetite fer that dinner when +you git there!" + +"It will, if it doesn't knock out our teeth so we can't chew!" murmured +Jack. + +On and on they rattled at a good pace until the lights of Point View +Lodge shone in the distance. + +"Just drop us off at the gate!" cried Jack. "We don't want to ride up +to the piazza in such a rig as this." + +"Why, hello, have you arrived at last?" cried a voice from out of the +darkness, and then Laura and Flossie appeared, standing by the gate. The +three cadets looked glumly at each other, and then Pepper commenced to +snicker and all burst into a hearty spell of laughter. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE FORD MANSION + + +"Don't you admire our very fashionable turnout?" questioned Pepper, as +he came forward and shook hands with the girls. + +"It's the latest in carriages," came from Andy. + +"Oh!" murmured Laura. "Did you really come all the way from Putnam Hall +in that?" + +"It must have been hard riding," was Flossie's comment. + +"No, we didn't come all the way," answered Pepper. "We'll tell you about +it later," he added. Then Ezra Cole was paid. The old farmer lost no +time in driving away. + +As the girls and boys walked slowly toward the mansion the cadets told +the particulars of the breakdown on the road. + +"And you really think some of your rivals did it?" questioned Laura. +"How mean!" + +"I'd never speak to them again," added Flossie, with a flash of her +eyes. + +"Well, we'll talk a whole lot to 'em," answered Pepper, grimly. + +"But you have got to prove them guilty first," said Laura. + +Once at the mansion the situation was explained to Mr. and Mrs. Ford, +and the boys were conducted by a servant to a bathroom, where they might +wash and brush up and make themselves otherwise presentable. They did +not linger long, and when they came below, the folding-doors to the +dining-room were opened and the butler announced dinner. + +It was a jolly meal, and the cadets were made to feel perfectly at home. +Mr. Ford asked them how they were getting along in school, and was +surprised when told that they hoped to graduate from the Hall the +following June. + +"We shall miss your visits to the Lodge," said Mrs. Ford. + +"You'll have to visit us anyway--if you get a chance," said Laura, and +all of the cadets said they would remember her kind words. Then they +talked about old times, and especially about the time when the boys had +visited the Lodge and killed the tiger that had escaped from the circus, +as related in "The Putnam Hall Cadets," and of how the girls had visited +the cadets in the woods, when the boys had run away from the Hall, as +told of in "The Putnam Hall Rebellion." + +"I'd like to go to a boarding-school," said Flossie. "It must be lots of +fun!" + +"Fun and work, mixed," answered Andy. + +After the dinner, over which they took their time, the young folks +gathered around the piano and sang and played, and they also had several +dances, with the old folks looking on. All too soon it came time for the +boys to go back to the Hall. + +"I have ordered the auto around," said Rossmore Ford. "John can take you +back, and he can also stop for your bicycles, if you wish." + +"Thank you very much," answered Jack. "We'll ride home in the auto with +pleasure. But I guess we had better let the bicycles rest to-night where +they are; eh, fellows?" + +"Yes," answered Pepper and Andy. + +A little later the cadets said good-night. The big touring car was +brought around and they got in the tonneau. Then the chauffeur turned on +the power, and away they shot into the darkness, the girls crying a +good-by after them. + +"Well, we had a dandy time, in spite of the breakdown," remarked the +young major. + +"But we have got to find out who played this trick on us," came from +Pepper. + +"That may be easier said than done," said Andy. "Whoever was mean +enough to play such a trick will do his best to lay low." + +When the boys got back to the Hall they found that the majority of their +friends had gone to bed. Only Stuffer Singleton was up, reading a novel +by the light of a wax-candle he had smuggled up to the room. + +"Hello! have a good time?" queried the boy who loved to eat, as he cast +aside the volume. + +"Bang up," answered Jack, and then he went on quickly. "Stuffer, were +you near the gym this afternoon?" + +"No. Why?" + +"Somebody was mean enough to tamper with our bicycles," answered the +young major, and gave a few particulars. + +"Oh, you can bet it was the Ritter crowd, or Ritter alone," said +Stuffer, quickly. "It would be just like them to do their best to spoil +your fun." + +It was not until two days later that Jack and his chums had a chance to +go for their broken-down wheels. They found them exactly as they had +been left, and explained to the owner of the barn how they happened to +be there. + +"It's all right," said the farmer. "You can leave them here a month if +you want to." He knew Captain Putnam well, having sold him some straw +for the school stables. + +The cadets had to trundle the bicycles back to Putnam Hall and then had +many hours' work in fixing the wheels so they could be used again. + +During those two days the youths made many inquiries, but were unable to +get a clue as to who had played the trick. Ritter and Coulter "laid low" +and kept out of their way. + +Following the game with the Dauntless Club came several other football +contests, and Putnam Hall won two games and lost one. Then the weather +turned off cold, with a promise of snow in the air. + +During those days it must not be supposed that the search for Jack's +gold watch and chain was abandoned. It was continued with spirit, but no +clue was brought to light. + +"It's as much of a mystery as the disappearance of my things when the +horse ran away with me," said Andy. "I don't suppose I'll ever hear of +those things either." + +"Yes, but that was different, Andy," said the young major. "You were on +a public highway, where anybody might pick up the things, supposing you +merely dropped them. But I was right here, where everybody is supposed +to be honest." + +"It gives the school a black eye, doesn't it?" + +"That's it. I know Captain Putnam feels terrible about it, too." + +"Do you suspect any of the hired help?" + +"I don't know what to think." + +The weather grew colder rapidly, and one morning the cadets arose to +find the ground covered with snow to a depth of several inches. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Fred. "See the snow! Doesn't it look inviting?" + +"Want a roll in it, Fred?" questioned Bart Field. + +"Not exactly. I was thinking of a snowball fight." + +"That's the talk! Let us get up a fight after school hours!" cried Bart +Conners. + +Pepper was at the window. Slyly he raised the sash and scooped up a big +handful of snow from the broad ledge outside. Andy was nearby, bending +over, lacing up his shoe. + +"Welcome to the snow!" cried The Imp, gaily, and let a portion of the +frozen mass slip down the acrobatic youth's collar. + +"Wow!" snorted Andy, straightening up with a jerk. "Hi, you, what do you +take me for, an ice-box?" And he commenced to squirm as the cold snow +ran down his backbone. Then he made a dive for Pepper and chased The Imp +around the dormitory. Over two of the beds they flew, and then brought +up in a corner with a crash. + +"Have mercy on the furniture!" cried Joe Nelson. + +"Don't knock over the table!" added Stuffer. + +"Give me that snow!" cried Andy, and managed to get a small portion from +Pepper. "How do you like that?" And he plastered the snow in The Imp's +left ear. + +"Hurrah! Snow from Snow!" cried Jack. + +"'Twill warm Pepper's blood, so it will!" was Emerald Hogan's comment. + +More snow had been scooped from the window-sill by Fred and Joe, and +soon a battle-royal was in progress in the dormitory. But it came to an +abrupt end when Dave Kearney appeared. + +"Stop it!" cried the young sergeant. "Crabtree is coming!" + +"All over!" whispered Jack. "All as orderly as lambs!" And at once every +cadet settled down and started in an orderly fashion to finish his +morning toilet. + +"What was the noise in here?" demanded Josiah Crabtree, as he threw open +the door and strode into the dormitory. + +He glared around savagely, but nobody answered him. + +"I demand to know what was going on here!" he continued. + +"Mr. Crabtree, did you speak to me?" asked Pepper, meekly. + +"I spoke to you all!" thundered the teacher. "What were you doing in +here?" + +"I am dressing, Mr. Crabtree," answered Andy. + +"I am dressing, Mr. Crabtree," came from Jack. + +"I am dressing, too," put in Fred. + +"And so was I dressing," said Stuffer, with a smile. + +"And I was dressing," supplemented Pepper. "Come to think of it, I +rather fancy we were all dressing. You see, we always do dress when we +get up in the morning, Mr. Crabtree," he added with a simple smile. + +"I want none of your impudence, Ditmore." + +"Oh, dear, was I impudent?" murmured The Imp. "I didn't know it. I beg +ten thousand pardons--yes, a million, if you'd rather, sir." + +"Be quiet, you--you forward boy! Something was going on in here! If I +find out what it was, I shall punish all of you!" And having thus +delivered himself, Josiah Crabtree strode out of the dormitory, banging +the door after him. + +"Isn't he an angel!" murmured Andy. + +"The sweetest teacher that ever grew!" returned Pepper. + +"I'd like to know how long Captain Putnam will put up with him," was +Jack's comment. + +"I don't believe it will be very long," answered Fred. + +The cadets finished their dressing and hurried below. On account of the +storm the morning drill was held in the gymnasium, and then the young +soldiers marched to the mess-room. On the way several could not resist +the temptation to pick up some snow and throw it at each other. + +"Hi, you stop that!" roared Reff Ritter, as a snowball took him in the +neck. "Who threw that?" he demanded; but nobody answered him. "I believe +it was you, Ditmore!" he went on, turning an ugly look on Pepper. + +"That's one for tampering with our bicycles, Ritter," retorted Pepper. + +It was a chance shot, taken on the spur of the moment, but it told. Reff +Ritter started and turned pale. + +"Who--er--told you I--er--tampered with your bicycles?" he stammered. + +"Never mind who told me, Ritter. We are going to get square with you, +and don't you forget it." + +"Who said I touched 'em?" grumbled the bully. + +"Never mind about that." + +"You are trying to corner me, that what's you are up to!" grumbled +Ritter. "But you shan't do it! I never touched your wheels, and you +can't prove that I did. Now don't you throw any more snowballs at me, +or I'll report you." And then Ritter hurried into the mess-room as fast +as he could. + +Pepper, Jack and Andy looked at each other. + +"He is guilty, I know it!" said Pepper firmly. + +"I believe you," answered the young major; and Andy nodded his head to +show that he agreed with his chums. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE SNOWBALL BATTLE + + +"Now then, fellows, for the greatest snowball battle of the age!" + +"Here is where Company A smothers Company B!" + +"Rats! You mean that Company B will bury Company A out of sight!" + +"Hi, Major Ruddy! What side are you going on?" queried Bart Conners, who +still commanded Company B. + +"He is coming on our side!" answered Henry Lee, the captain of the other +company. + +"Well, I can't fight on both sides," answered the young major with a +laugh. + +"Go with the company that wins!" suggested Pepper, with a grin. + +"Toss up a cent for it," suggested Andy. + +"All right, I'll toss up," answered Jack, and did so, and it was decided +that he should fight with Company B. + +"Good enough!" cried Pepper, who was in that command. "Now Company A is +licked, sure!" + +"Not much!" was the answer from Stuffer Singleton. "We'll win, sure!" + +"We will, unless you stop to eat a doughnut!" put in Joe Nelson, and at +this remark a general laugh went up, for Stuffer had once lost a +long-distance running race because he stopped on the way to devour some +cookies he had in his pocket. + +It was after school hours, and the cadets had gathered on the field +where, during the summer, corn had been raised. It was to be a battle +between the two companies of the school battalion, with the company +captain as leader on each side. + +The preliminary rules were speedily arranged. Lines were drawn at either +end of the field, about five hundred feet apart. In the center, about a +hundred feet apart, two other lines were drawn. Along the latter lines +the cadets arranged themselves. + +"Now then, fighting will begin when the school-bell rings out four!" +cried the cadet who had been made referee. "The company that chases the +other company over its back line wins the contest. No fighting with +anything but snow allowed. Anybody using his fists, or a stone, or a +lump of ice, will be ruled out of the contest." + +With all possible speed the young soldiers started to supply themselves +with snowballs, and soon each had ten to twenty in his hands and pockets +and under his arms or at his feet. + +"Get ready!" shouted Bart, as he glanced hastily at his watch. + +"Give it to 'em hot when the bell rings!" came from Henry Lee. + +Half a minute more and the Hall bell commenced to toll out the hour. The +bell had not yet ceased to ring when there came a grand shower of +snowballs from each company. The shower was so thick that a few of the +snowballs hit each other. + +"Forward!" shouted Captain Bart. + +"Forward!" echoed Captain Henry. + +And then the two long lines of cadets rushed forward over the +snow-covered field until they were within thirty or forty feet of each +other. Then came another shower of snowballs. + +"Wow!" yelled one cadet. "Oh, my nose!" + +"Cæsar's helmet! That hit me in the eye!" came from another. + +"Say, don't try to knock out all my teeth!" added a third. + +"Charge!" yelled the captain of Company A. "Charge! Get 'em on the run +right now!" + +"Stand firm!" came from the commander of Company B. "Now then, fire!" + +The rush of Company A was met with an extra heavy volley of snowballs. +The cadets staggered under the onslaught and then came to a halt. + +"Now then, up and at 'em!" yelled Captain Bart. And yelling like wild +Indians, his command charged on Company A. The snowballs flew thick and +fast, and slowly but surely Company A was forced to give ground until it +stood on the line from which it had started. But by that time Company B +was out of ammunition and had to pause to manufacture more snowballs. + +In the ranks of Company A were Ritter, Coulter and Paxton. Paxton had of +late somewhat dropped the others, but Reff and Gus were as thick as +ever. They were now standing side by side. + +"Say, I'd like to give it to Ruddy and those others," muttered Coulter. + +"So would I," whispered Ritter in return. "Confound 'em, I'd like to +know if they really know the truth about the bicycles." + +"I don't see how they found out; nobody was around when you fixed 'em +up." + +"Maybe somebody was spying; that sneak of a Mumps, for instance." + +"If he was, and told on us, I'll fix him for it." + +Both cadets were making snowballs near a hollow. As Ritter scraped the +snow up he uncovered several jagged stones. + +"Say, look here!" he whispered, and pointed at the stones. "Let's fix +up some special snowballs for Ruddy & Company!" he added with a knowing +look at his crony. + +"All right; but be careful you are not caught," answered Gus Coulter. + +Both cadets got down close to the jagged stones and adroitly slipped +several of them into the snowballs they were making. + +"Wait till we are pretty close," directed Ritter. "Then let drive for +all you are worth." + +"Who will you aim at?" + +"Ruddy and Ditmore." + +"All right, I'll aim at Snow; and I'll let Ruddy have one, too." + +Again came a ringing war-cry, and in a moment more the battle was +continued. Back and forth swayed the lines of cadets, first towards one +end of the field and then towards the other. It was plainly to be seen +that the commands were about evenly matched. + +"How long is this battle to last?" questioned Joe Nelson. + +"Half an hour," answered Fred Century, who was beside him. + +"Time is almost up, then," came from Bert Field, who had been fighting +so hard he was almost out of breath. + +"Five minutes more!" came from the referee. "Now then, if either side +is going to do something, pitch in!" + +"Forward!" came simultaneously from both captains, and forward plunged +Company A and Company B, and the snowballs commenced to fly as thickly +as before. Neither side would give ground, and at last the two lines +were within fifteen to twenty feet of each other, right in the center of +the field. + +The time was almost up, and each command was getting rid of the last of +the snowballs, when Jack saw a snowball leave Coulter's hand and sail +swiftly towards Pepper. The Imp did not see it until it was quite close +to him and failed in his attempt to dodge. The snowball hit him full in +the temple and over he went as if struck with a club. + +"Pepper!" cried the young major in horror, and started to rush to his +chum's assistance, when another snowball came flying through the air. It +struck Jack over the ear, and he, too, went down, all but knocked +unconscious. + +A bugle blew, and the great snowballing contest came to an end. + +"A tie! A tie!" was the cry. "Neither side wins!" + +"Let the two captains shake hands and call it off!" said one cadet. + +"I'm willing!" cried Bart, readily. + +"So am I," added Henry, and then the pair shook hands, while a great +cheer rolled up from both sides. But the cheer came to an abrupt end +when Fred Century cried out: + +"Pepper Ditmore is hurt!" + +"And so is Major Ruddy!" came from Emerald Hogan. + +A crowd quickly gathered around each wounded cadet. Pepper had a nasty +cut over the left eye and Jack had a lump behind his right ear. + +"They must have been hit with soakers," was Dale's comment, as he bent +over Pepper. + +"Looks as if Pepper was hit with a stone," came from Andy. + +"A stone!" cried Bart Field. + +"Yes, a stone! That cut was never made by a snowball, or a piece of ice, +either!" + +"Shall I get a doctor?" asked Stuffer, anxiously. + +"Oh, are they as bad as that?" asked Bob Grenwood. + +"I don't know," answered Bert, soberly. "Wait a minute and we'll see if +they come around." + +"Oh, what a crack!" murmured Jack, and then he sat up and stared around +him. Pepper was also stirring and he slowly put one hand to the cut on +his temple. + +"Let us carry 'em to the Hall," suggested Bert. "It's getting too cold +out here and besides, they are all in a sweat from the snowballing." + +When Pepper was picked up, Andy saw something lying beneath him in the +snow. He picked it up. + +"Hello! look here!" he called out, and held the object up. + +"A stone!" + +"Where did it come from, Andy?" + +"It was under Pepper's body. I believe it was in the snowball that hit +him!" + +"Who would be so mean?" + +"I rather guess I know," answered Pepper, and looked around for Ritter +and Coulter, but the bully and his crony had disappeared. + +Pepper and Jack were carried tenderly into the Hall and placed in easy +chairs in the reception room. Presently both had recovered consciousness +fully, and each had his head bound up in bandages. + +"Phew, but that was a crack I got!" sighed The Imp. "I thought a rock +had hit me!" + +"It was Coulter who threw that snowball," said the young major. "I saw +him do it, and I was running to help you up when I got struck myself, +and went down." + +"And I am pretty sure Ritter hit you, Jack," came from Andy. "Anyway, I +saw him aiming for you just before you staggered and fell." + +"Andy, those fellows must have hit us with stones!" muttered The Imp. + +"I feel sure they did. Ritter struck me with a snowball, on the hand, +and it left a deep scratch. Now, no ordinary snowball would do that. +Besides that, I picked up a sharp stone from where Pepper was lying." + +"It was against the rules of the contest to use stones," put in Dale, +who was near. + +"Sure it was!" cried Stuffer. "If those chaps really used stones they +ought to be punished for it." + +The news quickly went the rounds, as was to be expected. When Henry Lee +heard it he quickly sought out Captain Bart. + +"I hope you don't think I allowed any such underhand work," he said +anxiously. + +"Not for a minute, Henry!" cried the captain of Company B. "If Ritter +and Coulter did it, they did it on their own responsibility. I think +them just mean enough, too, for they are down on Major Ruddy and Pepper +Ditmore." + +"If they are guilty, I'd like to have them court-martialed!" muttered +the commander of Company A. "Such underhand work is a disgrace to Putnam +Hall!" + +"Wait and see if it can be proven," answered Bart Conners. "Then, if it +is proven, we'll read Ritter and Coulter a lecture they won't forget in +a hurry!" he added significantly. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +IN WHICH MORE VALUABLES VANISH + + +That night it snowed again, and in the morning the storm raged furiously +around Putnam Hall, so that the landscape on all sides was completely +blotted out. The cadets had to remain indoors, and it was hard work to +keep a path clear to the gymnasium and the stables. + +"We'll be snowbound and no mistake," observed Andy. "Well, I don't care +much; it will give me a chance to catch up in my lessons." + +"Very far behind, Andy?" asked Jack. + +"More than I like to think about, Jack. I want to graduate with honor, +you know." + +"Oh, we all want to do that." + +"How's the head?" + +"Still sore. But I guess I'll be all right again in a few days." + +"How about you, Pepper?" + +"I'll be all right, too, Andy. But it was a fierce crack!" added +Pepper, as his hand went up gingerly to his plastered-up cut. + +"Going to lodge a complaint against Ritter and Coulter?" + +"What good would it do? We can't actually prove that they used stones?" + +"Let it pass. If we make a complaint it will only stir up more bad +blood," said the young major. "But in the future I am going to watch +Ritter and Coulter pretty closely." + +The boys were kept at the Hall for all of that week, getting no further +than the gymnasium for recreation. The wind blew furiously at times, so +that the snow was piled up into numerous drifts, one reaching almost to +the top of the carriage-shed, and another completely hiding the posts of +the gate entrance. + +"This must be tough on some of the farmers," observed Dale. "Think of +trying to get the milk to the station in such weather." + +"Well, a farmer usually has enough to eat," answered Stuffer. "That +counts for a good deal. Now if a fellow was snowbound and didn't have +any grub----" He did not finish but shook his head dolefully. To Stuffer +such a fate was beyond words. + +As was to be expected, Ritter and Coulter kept out of the way of Jack +and Pepper. Once the young major met the pair on the stairs, but they +simply glared at him and passed on before he could say a word. + +During all this time Captain Putnam had been doing his best to solve the +mystery concerning the disappearance of Jack's gold watch and chain. +But, though all the hired help and the cadets and teachers were watched +and questioned, nothing of importance came to light. Peleg Snuggers said +he had once seen a strange man near the stables, and Captain Putnam +wondered if that individual could have sneaked into the school and +committed the robbery. + +"But if he did that, why didn't he take more?" he said, in speaking of +the matter to George Strong. + +"I am sure I don't know, sir," answered the teacher. "For the matter of +that, why wouldn't any thief take more, if he had the chance?" + +"I give it up, Strong. This thing makes me feel sick." + +"Well, we must keep our eyes open," answered George Strong; and then the +conversation changed to the lessons for the next day. + +On Tuesday morning, Pepper chanced to go to a bureau-drawer in which he +kept his collars, cuffs, neckties and jewelry. He commenced to look for +something and ended by turning out everything in the compartment. + +"What's wrong, Pepper?" asked Jack. "Lost some diamonds?" + +"It's my ruby scarfpin, Jack. Did you see it?" + +"No, not for some time. Did you have it in that drawer?" + +"I did." + +"When did you wear it last?" + +"The night we took dinner with the Fords." + +"Are you sure you put it back when you came home?" + +"Positive. I keep it in this case," and Pepper held up an empty jewelry +case. + +"Gracious! This is becoming interesting!" murmured the young major. +"First my watch and chain and now your scarfpin!" He looked pointedly at +his chum. "Pepper, do you think----" He stopped short. + +"Think what, Jack?" + +"Oh, I'd hate to say it, Pepper," and the young major shrugged his +shoulders. + +"Were you going to mention Ritter and Coulter?" + +"I was. But maybe it wouldn't be fair. It's a terrible thing to think +anybody a thief." + +"That is true. But maybe they took them as a joke and hid them." + +"That is past a joke." + +Pepper continued to hunt around until it was time to go below. Then he +marched straight to Captain Putnam's private office. + +The captain listened with a sinking heart to what the cadet had to say. +It was terrible to think that a thief was at large in the school and +could not be caught. + +"You are positive that you had the scarfpin when you came home, +Ditmore?" he questioned. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And you put it in the case in the drawer?" + +"I did." + +"Was the drawer locked?" + +"Part of the time. Sometimes I forgot and left the key in the lock." + +"What sort of a scarfpin was it?" + +"It was a sort of a clover effect, of gold, with a ruby and three small +diamonds." + +"And how much was it worth?" + +"I believe my mother paid thirty-five dollars for it. It was a Christmas +gift, so I am not sure about the value." + +"Well, take another look for it and report to me again to-morrow," +answered Captain Putnam, with a heavy sigh. Then, of a sudden, he added: +"Do you suspect anybody of taking the scarfpin?" + +"I have no clue whatever to the theft," answered Pepper, slowly. + +"But have you any suspicions, Ditmore?" And the master's voice grew a +trifle stern. + +"Only in a general way." + +"Please explain yourself." + +"I--er--I hardly know what to say, sir," stammered Pepper. "There may be +nothing in it at all." + +"In what? Come, out with it." + +"Why, you see, sir, some of the cadets in this school are not good +friends with me and Major Ruddy, and maybe they thought they would play +a trick on us by taking his watch and chain and my scarfpin." + +"Humph! a mighty poor trick! Who are those cadets?" + +"I don't want to accuse them, Captain Putnam." + +"I understand. But who are the cadets?" + +"Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter." + +"Oh, yes, I remember now. You and Major Ruddy have had quite some +trouble with them in the past." + +"Yes, sir. But I'd hate to think they did such a mean thing as this," +added Pepper, hastily. + +"Well, take a look around and report again to-morrow," returned Captain +Putnam; and then closed his desk slowly and thoughtfully. + +Pepper did take a look around, but it was of no use. Not a trace of the +missing scarfpin could be found. + +"This certainly beats the nation!" remarked Dale, when the cadets were +talking the affair over. "First Andy loses his jewelry, then Jack, and +now Pepper. Wonder if I hadn't better put my cuff-links in the captain's +safe?" And he cut a wry face. "They cost me a dollar and a quarter." + +"I'll wager Captain Putnam would give a good deal to catch the thief," +remarked Stuffer. "Say, Pep, I hope you don't suspect anybody in this +dormitory?" he added anxiously. + +"No, Stuffer," was the quick answer. Then Pepper broke into a grin. "Of +course, if it was a doughnut, or a pie, I'd suspect you right off!" + +"Huh! It's no crime to take something to eat!" grunted Stuffer. + +"I'd hate to think any cadet was guilty," came from Emerald. "'Twould +blacken the character of the whole school, so it would!" + +"Well, Jack and Pepper have some bitter enemies," said Dale, +significantly. And all present knew to whom he referred. + +"Well, you can't always tell," said Dale, and shrugged his broad +shoulders. + +At that moment Fred Century came hurrying into the dormitory. + +"Have you heard the latest news?" he cried. + +"No, what is it?" questioned Andy. + +"Maybe we are going to have an extra holiday," suggested Pepper. + +"Better yet, maybe old Crabtree has resigned," added Jack. + +"Perhaps Fred is going to give us a spread," came from Stuffer. "I'd +like that first-rate." + +"No, the news is more important than all that," came from Fred. + +"Well, what is it, Fred?" + +"Don't keep us on pins and needles any longer!" + +"Well, the news is, that there have been more robberies committed here," +answered Fred. + +"More robberies!" came from half a dozen throats. + +"Yes. The teachers were going to keep the thing quiet, but it leaked out +through Mumps and Nick Paxton. + +"What has been taken now?" asked Jack, curiously. + +"A watch, a scarfpin, and a five-dollar gold piece." + +"And who was robbed?" burst out Andy. + +"The watch was taken from Paxton, the scarfpin from Ritter, and Coulter +lost the five-dollar gold piece." + +"Is it possible!" murmured the young major, and then he looked +meaningly at his chums. Here was news indeed! + +"When did you learn of this, Fred?" asked Dale. + +"Just a few minutes ago. Mumps told me, and Paxton told Frank Barringer. +Ritter, Coulter and Paxton went to the office to report. Mumps said +Ritter was as mad as hops. Ritter's watch was only a silver affair, but +he says it came down to him from his grandfather and was valuable as an +heirloom." + +"Well, this is certainly getting interesting," was Pepper's comment. "If +that thief isn't caught he'll end up by cleaning out the whole school." + +"After this, I am going to hide my valuables," said Dale. + +"Ditto here," cried Stuffer. "I haven't got much, but what I own I want +to keep." + +A little later the cadets filed out of the dormitory, leaving Jack, +Pepper and Andy together. + +"Well, I am mighty glad I didn't accuse Ritter and Coulter," said the +young major. "This puts something of a different light on the subject." + +"But who is guilty, do you think?" asked Andy. + +"I don't know what to think," answered the young major. + +"This will drive Captain Putnam wild," came from Pepper. And he was +right; the master of the Hall was worried as he had never been worried +before. He made a rigid investigation, but it brought nothing new to +light. According to the stories told by Ritter, Coulter and Paxton the +articles stolen had been taken from their bureau-drawers, and that was +all those cadets could tell about the mysterious affair. + +"We must set a strict watch, Captain Putnam," said George Strong. + +"And we must catch that thief," added Josiah. Crabtree, sourly. "I--I +shall be almost afraid to go to sleep after this!" he added nervously. + +"If these thefts keep on I don't know what I am going to do," said +Captain Putnam, and his voice had a sound of despair in it. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE TUG-OF-WAR + + +For several days nothing was talked of at Putnam Hall but the mysterious +disappearance of the students' watches and jewelry. The cadets could not +get the matter off their minds, and as a consequence recitations became +very poor. + +"I shall offer a substantial reward," said Captain Putnam, and one +afternoon a notice was posted in the school proper and in the gymnasium, +offering one hundred dollars for information leading to the capture of +the thief. + +"Say, I shouldn't mind earning that reward!" murmured Dale. + +"A fellow could have no end of a good time on a hundred dollars!" +murmured Stuffer. "Think what a spread he could give!" And his eyes +sparkled in anticipation. + +"It would be a bad thing for Stuffer to get the reward," came from Andy. + +"Why, I'd like to know?" demanded that cadet. + +"Because you'd eat yourself into a state of acute indigestion." + +"Rats! I don't eat any more than you do," grumbled Stuffer. + +"Well, I don't see any chance of your getting the reward," was Jack's +comment. "That thief had hidden his tracks well." + +With the deep snow on the ground, drills had to be held in the +gymnasium, and several contests were also arranged. The cadets got up a +tug-of-war between one team headed by Pepper and another headed by Dale, +and the excitement over this contest waged so high, that the thefts +were, for the time being, forgotten. + +The tug-of-war was held late one afternoon in the gymnasium. A line was +drawn on the floor and the long rope laid across this. On either side +wooden cleats were nailed down, so that the contestants might brace +their feet. + +The two teams consisted of eight cadets each. With Pepper were Andy, +Jack, and Fred Century, while on Dale's side were Bart Field, Bart +Conners and some other cadets already introduced. + +"Now, then, Pepper!" cried one of his friends. "See what you can do!" + +"Don't give him a chance, Dale! Yank him right over the line!" cried one +of Dale's friends. + +"I'll bet Pepper Ditmore loses," said Nick Paxton, who was present. +Ritter and Coulter had said they did not consider a tug-of-war between +such teams worth witnessing. + +Frank Barringer was timekeeper and referee, and at the appointed hour he +made both teams line up and catch hold of the rope. + +"All ready?" he asked. + +There was a moment of silence. + +"Drop!" was the cry, and on the instant both teams tightened their holds +on the rope and dropped down on the wooden cleats. + +"Hold them, Pepper!" + +"Don't let 'em haul you up, Dale!" + +"Glue yourself down, Jack!" + +"Stone foundation, Fred! Stone foundation!" + +So the cries ran on, as the two tug-of-war teams held on to the long +rope like grim death, each team determined not to give in an inch. + +For fully five minutes the rope remained as when the teams had first +dropped. Then, of a sudden, Dale gave a hiss and up came his men, to +haul in on the rope several inches and then drop as before. + +"Hurrah! that's the way to do it!" + +"Every inch counts, boys!" + +"Watch your chance for another!" + +"Get it back, Pepper! Get it back!" + +There followed another tense strain. Then Dale's team came up once more +and brought rope in another six inches. + +"That's the way to do it! Now then, a good, stiff pull and you'll have +'em over!" + +"Wake up, Pepper! It's time you and your men got on the job!" cried +Henry Lee. + +"I knew Dale's team would win," said Paxton. + +Hardly had Paxton spoken when Dale's team came up for another haul. But +this time Pepper and his men were on the alert, and in a twinkling they +commenced to haul in--six inches, a foot, a foot and a half and then two +feet--and then they dropped, the strain being as much as they could +stand. + +"Hurrah! Look at that!" + +"They got back all they lost and more!" + +"Hold 'em, Dale! Stone foundation!" + +A great many cries arose. Dale and his supporters braced back as well as +they could. Then Dale gave the word to come up for another haul. + +Back and forth went the rope, the center knot first on one side of the +line and then on the other. For several minutes it looked as if Dale's +team might win. But then the tide turned again, and with a strength that +was surprising, Pepper's team gave "a long pull, a strong pull, and a +pull all together," and brought the center knot over the winning line. + +"Hurrah! Pepper Ditmore's team wins!" + +"Say, that was a great tug, wasn't it?" + +"My foot slipped!" said one of Dale's supporters. + +"So did mine," same from a cadet on the other side. + +"It was a fair contest," said Frank Barringer. "Pepper Ditmore's team +wins. My private opinion is, both sides did well," he added. + +"They certainly did," was Mr. Strong's comment. He had watched the +contest with interest. + +After the tug-of-war came a contest on the flying rings. Here Andy was +in his element, and the acrobatic youth easily outdistanced all of his +competitors. + +"Very good, indeed, Snow," said the gymnastic instructor. "Really, you +go at it as if you were a professional." + +"Say, Andy, some day you can join the circus," suggested the young +major. + +"Maybe his folks came from a circus," sneered Nick Paxton. "It isn't +fair to bring in a professional." + +"Sour grapes, Paxton!" cried Stuffer. "You know that Andy Snow's father +is a business man in the city. Andy just takes to gymnastic exercises, +that's all." + +"Humph! I don't think such an exhibition much!" + +"Just the same, Paxton, you'd give a good deal to do as well," retorted +the youth who loved to eat, and turned his back on the other cadet. + +Thanksgiving came and went in another storm. The snow was so deep that +getting away from the Hall was out of the question, so those who had +planned to go home for the holiday were somewhat disappointed. But +Captain Putnam provided good cheer in abundance, with plenty of turkey +and cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and nuts. For the evening the boys got +up an entertainment in the assembly room, with monologues and dialogues, +and also some singing by the school Glee Club, and some very good violin +and mandolin playing. Pepper, Jack and Andy took part in the +entertainment, and everybody but Josiah Crabtree enjoyed the exhibition. +Crabtree did not believe in such "tomfoolery," as he expressed it, and +told Captain Putnam the cadets should have given a Shakespearian +recital, or something like that, instead. + +"Perhaps so, Mr. Crabtree," answered the master of the Hall. "But as the +boys are virtually snowed in, I thought I'd let them have a little fun." + +After Thanksgiving the cadets settled down to the grind once more, +counting the days to Christmas, when they could go home for two weeks. + +"I've got to go to Cedarville," said Jack, one afternoon, after the +snowstorm had cleared away. "Who will go along? I am going to walk it, +just for the exercise." + +"I'll go!" cried Pepper. + +"So will I!" added Andy. "Where are you going?" + +"To the shoe shop and the postoffice." + +The three cadets were soon on the way, Fred Century and Bert Field +pelting them with snowballs as they left. It was cold but clear, and all +were in the best of spirits. + +"I see they've got a new man of all work around the school," observed +Pepper, as the three trudged on. "I hope Captain Putnam doesn't think of +discharging Peleg Snuggers." + +"That new man is a sly kind of a fellow," came from Andy. "I was walking +through the hallway last evening and he came up behind me as silently as +a cat after a mouse." + +"I've got my own idea about that man of all work," said the young major, +with a faint smile. + +"What do you mean, Jack?" + +"If I tell you, will you keep it to yourself, both of you?" + +"Sure!" was the prompt answer. + +"Well, I don't think John Smith is a man of all work at all." + +"He isn't?" cried Andy. "Then what is he?" + +"I think he is a private detective." + +"Oh, Jack! can that be possible!" ejaculated Pepper. "But it must be so, +for I watched the fellow last evening, and he didn't do much work, and +he didn't seem to like it that I had an eye on him." + +"Of course, if he is a detective, Captain Putnam has engaged him to +clear up this mystery of the robberies," said Andy. "Well, I don't blame +the captain, for this is surely going to give the school a bad name." + +"Don't breathe a word of this to any one," went on Jack. "Of course, if +the thief knew a detective was so near he'd be more on guard than ever." + +"I only hope he gets the rascal, whoever he is." + +"Wonder if it can be one of the cadets?" mused Andy. + +"I don't know. It is either some cadet or else one of the hired help. +But it is an awful state of affairs," answered Jack. + +"By the way, Jack, how about the new election of officers?" said Pepper, +a little later. "Going to try for the majorship again?" + +"No. Why should I? I've been major long enough. I believe in giving the +other fellows a show." + +"Who, for instance?" + +"Well, I'd like to see Bart Conners made major. He's one of the best +soldiers we have, and he keeps Company B up to the scratch." + +"Bart is all right. But what about the other fellows?" + +"Well, I am not so anxious about the captaincies. Let the best fellows +win." + +"I think Reff Ritter would like to be a captain or major." + +"He never will be--he can't get the support. Why, hardly any of the +cadets go with Reff any more. Even Paxton seems to have dropped him. +About the only close friend he has is Gus Coulter." + +"Maybe the boys have dropped him because his father is no longer rich." + +"No, I don't think that, for quite a number of the cadets are far from +rich and yet they are considered good fellows. It's Ritter's ways. He is +too domineering. The fellows won't stand for his bullying manner." + +"When does the election take place?" + +"The tenth day of December--a week from next Wednesday." + +"And you are sure you don't want to run again, Jack?" + +"Yes, quite sure, Pepper. You can run if you want to." And the young +major smiled broadly. + +"Not for me!" cried The Imp. "I'd rather have my fun. And, by the way, +I've got an idea for some fun with old Crabtree," he added suddenly. + +"What is it?" questioned Andy, eagerly. + +Pepper closed one eye suggestively. + +"Just you wait and see," he answered. "Crabtree is going to wake up to a +big surprise some morning--and when he does, well, maybe he'll stop +chewing his victuals for awhile!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A CURIOUS MEETING + + +As the cadets were good walkers it did not take them long to cover the +distance to Cedarville. They stopped at a shoe store, and at a candy +store for some chocolates, and then started for the postoffice. + +"I guess Jack is looking for a letter from his best girl," remarked +Pepper, with a grin. + +"Maybe you're looking for a letter yourself," returned the young major. + +"No such luck," and The Imp heaved a deep sigh. "None of the girls ever +write to me." + +"Rats!" came from Andy. "I saw you get a letter from Flossie Ford only a +few days ago." + +"I am looking for a check from dad," said Jack. "I want it to buy +Christmas presents with." + +"So early?" + +"Better early than too late." + +"That's true." + +The three cadets entered the local postoffice. As they did so they came +face to face with a big cadet, who was carrying a dress-suit case. + +"Why, see, it's Dan Baxter!" cried Andy. + +"Hello, Baxter, coming back to Putnam Hall?" queried the young major. + +"I am," was the short answer of the bully. + +"Been away quite awhile," put in Pepper. + +"Yes," answered Baxter, shortly, and without another word he hurried out +of the postoffice. + +"Not very sociable," remarked Jack, dryly. + +"He acts as if he had something on his mind," said Pepper. + +"I wonder if he will be as bullying as he used to be," mused Andy. + +"If he is, he'll get punched," answered Pepper. He had not forgotten his +former encounters with Dan Baxter. + +"It's queer that Baxter and Ritter don't hit it off better," said +Pepper, while Jack was asking about letters. "They seem to be two of a +kind." + +"They are in some ways," answered Andy. "But, somehow, I think Ritter is +the worse of the two." + +In a moment the young major came up. He was smiling broadly. + +"Here's the letter from dad, and what do you think? He sent me a check +for ten dollars more than I asked for! Isn't that fine?" + +"Best ever," answered Pepper. + +"I'd like the same kind of a check," returned Andy. + +"While you are wishing, make it double the amount--it doesn't cost any +more," chattered The Imp. + +From the postoffice the cadets strolled down the main street of the +village, and then turned a corner near which were some new buildings. + +"There is another cadet!" cried Jack, pointing ahead. "Hello, where is +he going?" + +He and his chums looked and saw the boy in the uniform of a Putnam Hall +student enter an unfinished building. He was accompanied by a heavy-set +man wearing a long overcoat and a soft hat. The two were in earnest +conversation. + +"That looked like Reff Ritter to me," cried Pepper. + +"It was Ritter," answered Andy. + +"Who was the man?" asked the young major. + +"That is what I want to know!" cried Andy. "Say, I'm going to follow +them!" + +The acrobatic youth was plainly excited, and his chums could not help +but notice it. + +"What are you going to follow them for, Andy?" asked Jack. + +"I want to see that man." + +"Do you know him?" + +"I don't know--yet. I want to find out." + +"If we follow them Ritter will think it mighty queer," was Pepper's +comment. + +"I don't care--I want to get a good look at that man," answered Andy, +doggedly. + +The acrobatic youth led the way and his chums felt compelled to follow. +Ritter and the stranger had passed between two buildings. They found a +side doorway of one structure wide open, and stepped into a lathed but +unplastered hallway. Andy bounded up on an unfinished front piazza and +stepped through an open casement into a lathed but unplastered parlor. + +"Shall we follow?" asked Pepper of Jack. + +"Might as well," returned the young major. "Andy may get into trouble +with Ritter, and if so we want to be on hand to help him." + +Ritter and the man were talking in a low tone, so that what was said +could not be overheard. They had stepped into the house to get out of +the keen wind that had sprung up. Andy tiptoed his way across the +unfinished parlor and applied his eye to a crack where a lath was +missing. He watched until the man shoved back his soft hat and turned +his face around. Then he uttered a low cry. + +"See anything, Andy?" whispered Pepper. + +"That man--he's the same fellow--I feel sure of it!" gasped the +acrobatic youth. + +"What are you talking about?" + +"That man! Don't you remember how the horse ran away with me and I got +caught in the tree and was knocked unconscious? Don't you remember my +telling how I had seen a man ahead of me just before the accident? Well, +that is the man!" + +"Are you sure?" + +"I think so. Of course, I didn't get a very good look at him--I had my +hands full with the horse. But I think that is the man." + +"Then maybe he robbed you, Andy!" + +"Maybe he did." + +"Don't say that unless you are sure of it," warned Jack. "It's a serious +accusation and may get you into trouble." + +"Oh, I know enough to go slow," answered the acrobatic youth. + +Ritter and the stranger had turned to the rear of the house and the +watchers saw something passed between them. Then, a minute later, Ritter +turned and hurried off by a back way, while the stranger turned to leave +by the way he had come. + +Andy was undecided what to do, and while he still hesitated the man +came through to the front of the house. + +"Hello!" he cried, as he caught sight of the three cadets. "What are you +doing here?" + +"Perhaps we might ask the same question," returned Jack, as he saw that +Andy did not know what to say. + +"Have you been following me?" demanded the man, suspiciously. + +"Why should we follow you?" asked Pepper. + +"No reason at all, so far as I know. I only asked the question," and now +the man tried to speak as carelessly as possible. + +"I saw you come in here a few minutes ago and I followed, because I want +to speak to you," said Andy, shoving to the front and eyeing the fellow +closely. + +"What do you wish to speak about?" + +"Haven't I met you before?" + +At these words the man started, but quickly recovered. + +"I don't think so," he answered slowly, looking Andy straight in the +eyes. "You see, I am a stranger in Cedarville." + +"Didn't I meet you in September, on the road back of Putnam Hall +school?" asked the acrobatic youth, sharply. + +"In September?" The man shook his head slowly. "No, I wasn't here in +September--I was in Boston." + +"You are sure about that?" demanded Andy. + +"Certainly I am sure," growled the man. "Do you doubt my word?" + +"If it wasn't you it was a man who looks very much like you," said Andy, +pointedly. "Will you tell me your name?" + +"It's none of your business, boy! I never met you, and that settles it. +I'm in a hurry now, I've got to get to Ithaca, so I'll thank you to let +me pass." And so speaking the stranger brushed forward. Andy put out his +hand, as if to detain him, but then changed his mind. In a moment more +the man was hurrying down the street. He turned the nearest corner +without looking back. + +"I believe he is the same fellow, and I believe he robbed me!" cried +Andy. + +"Possibly he is, but you are not sure of it," answered the young major. +"And it would be foolhardy to have him arrested when you have no +evidence against him." + +"He acted as if he was scared," came from Pepper. "That growl of his was +all put on." + +"I wish I had forced him to give me his name and address." + +"That's true." + +"You can get that from Reff Ritter." + +"Providing Ritter will give it," added Jack. "He may be as backward +about it as the man was himself." + +"Why should he be, if the man is honest?" + +"Perhaps he won't want it known that he met the man," said Pepper. "He +came in here rather sneakingly." + +"Where did Ritter go?" + +"To the Hall, most likely. It's time we got back, too." + +The three cadets left the vicinity of the unfinished buildings and were +soon on the way to the school. As they trudged along they talked over +what had happened, and also discussed the arrival of Dan Baxter. + +"Baxter will try to stir things up," said Jack. And he was right, the +bully did stir up the whole school, but it was not until the next term, +after the young major had left. + +About half the distance to Putnam Hall had been covered when the three +cadets discovered a crowd ahead of them. + +"Who are those fellows?" asked Pepper. + +"Pornell Academy lads," announced Andy. "And see, they have spotted us!" + +He was right, the other crowd, nine strong, were students from Pornell. +They were led by Roy Bock and a fellow named Grimes. They had been +good-naturedly snowballing each other, but now they stopped. + +"Three Putnam Hall cadets!" cried Bock. "Come on, fellows, here's a +chance for sport." + +"Let's snowball 'em good and proper!" exclaimed Grimes. + +"Everybody on the jump!" yelled another Pornell youth. + +"Let's surround 'em," was the suggestion offered. + +"We'll hammer the daylights out of 'em," came from one lad, who could +only be brave when backed up by a crowd. + +"Yes, surround 'em, don't let 'em get away!" cried Bock. "Come on!" And +he led the way on the run, making snowballs as he moved. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +ABOUT A SET OF TEETH + + +"I am afraid we are in for it!" whispered the young major, as he saw the +rush of the Pornell students, each armed with all the snowballs he could +carry. + +"Shall we run away?" asked Andy. "I guess we can run as fast as they +can." + +"Never!" replied Pepper. "I am going to the Hall and on this road." + +"So am I!" added Jack. + +"Then let us rush 'em?" suggested Andy. "We can't stand and fight nine +of 'em--we'll be snowed under." + +"Rush it is," returned the young major. "Wait till I give the signal." + +On came the enemy, and soon the snowballs were flying at a lively rate. +It was growing dark, but the aim of the Pornell students was good and +the chums were hit several times. They threw snowballs in return, +hitting Bock in the breast and Grimes in the chin. + +"Come on, throw 'em over!" roared Bock. "Roll 'em in the snow!" + +"And stuff some snow down their backs!" added Grimes. + +"Now then, all together!" cried Jack. "Keep as close as possible! One, +two, three!" + +Side by side the three chums bounded forward, straight for the line of +Pornellites. They came on swiftly and took the enemy by surprise. Jack +bumped into Bock, hurling him flat, and Pepper bowled over Grimes. Andy +bent low and caught another student by the legs, sending him over into a +fourth, and both went flat. Then the three cadets caught a fifth and ran +him along the road and into a hollow, where he went into snow up to his +waist. + +"Stop 'em! Stop 'em!" was the cry, but the Putnam Hall boys could not be +stopped. Turning, they delivered a parting shower of snowballs, and then +ran on, in the direction of the school. + +"I guess the Pornell fellows will remember that for awhile," panted +Pepper, when they felt safe. + +"And just think of it--three to nine!" chuckled Andy. + +"They thought they had us dead to rights," came from Jack. "Well, I +guess we showed them a trick or two they won't forget right away." + +"Are they following us?" asked the acrobatic youth, looking back. + +"I reckon not," replied Pepper, "Must have had enough," and he smiled +broadly. + +The three cadets were tired out from their long walk and the contest on +the road, and when the school was reached all were glad enough to sit +down and rest previous to having supper. Andy looked around for Reff +Ritter, but that cadet kept himself out of sight. + +"I'll see him after supper," said the acrobatic youth. + +It was not until nearly bedtime that he got a chance to question the +bully. He followed Ritter up to his dormitory, which chanced just then +to be unoccupied. + +"Reff, I want to talk to you," he said, when the bully was on the point +of closing the door in his face. + +"What do you want, Andy Snow? I'm not feeling well to-night, and I am +tired out from a walk I took to Cedarville." + +"I won't keep you long, Reff. I want to ask you about the man you met in +Cedarville? What's his name?" + +Reff Ritter stopped short and showed that the question took him by +surprise. + +"Man I met?" he stammered. + +"Yes, the man you met at the new buildings in Cedarville." + +"Who said I met any one?" + +"We saw you, I and Major Ruddy and Pep Ditmore." + +"Huh! Been spying on me, eh?" And Reff Ritter's face took on its old +look of sourness. + +"It was an accident. But I want to know who that man was." + +"What for?" + +"I have my reasons." + +"I don't see that I am called on to answer your questions, Andy Snow. If +I want to meet anybody I'll do it." + +"Then you refuse to tell me who the man was?" + +"Tell me why you want to know and maybe I'll tell you who he is," +answered the bully, after studying the acrobatic youth's face for a +moment. + +"Very well. Do you remember the time the horse ran away with me and left +me unconscious on the road?" + +"I heard about it." + +"Well, just before I was knocked unconscious I saw a man on the road +ahead of me." + +"Well?" + +"I think it was the man you met this afternoon." + +"That man?" cried the bully, and now he showed a sudden interest. + +"Yes, and that is why I want to know his name, and where he comes from." + +"You must be mistaken, Snow. That man doesn't belong around here." + +"Where is he from?" + +"I think he comes from Boston, but I am not sure." + +"And his name?" + +"Why do you ask these questions? Do you think he had something to do +with your being thrown from the horse?" + +"No, not with being thrown from the horse, Reff. But, if you'll +remember, when I came to my senses my watch was gone, also my stickpin +and eight dollars in bills." + +"And you think that man took them?" questioned Reff Ritter, in a voice +that sounded strained. + +"I won't say that until I know more about the man. If you say he is a +good, honest man, why then I'll be bound to believe I am mistaken." + +"I don't know much about him, but I don't think he is a thief," answered +the bully, slowly. "His name is Smith, Cameron Smith, and he is a +commercial traveler. I only met him twice, once about two weeks ago and +to-day. He knows my--er--my uncle, and is doing some business for him, +and he wanted to see me about it, that's all. But I am sure you are +mistaken about his robbing you." + +"I didn't say he robbed me,--in fact, I am not positive he was the man I +saw on the road." + +"I don't think he was near Cedarville at the time. He spends most of his +time around Boston. Is that all you want to know? If it is, I'm going to +lie down and try to get some sleep," went on Reff Ritter, passing his +hand over his forehead. + +"Yes, that's all," answered Andy, shortly. "Much obliged." And he left +the dormitory. + +He was not at all satisfied with the way Reff Ritter had acted. +Evidently the bully was much put out over the fact that his meeting with +Cameron Smith was known. + +"He didn't say much about what business he had with the man," mused +Andy. "It all sounds rather fishy to me. Wish I had some way of finding +out more about this Cameron Smith. Guess I'll write to some of my +friends in Boston and see if they can find out anything about him." And +Andy sent a letter the very next morning. + +On this same day Pepper had a sharp wrangle with Josiah Crabtree. The +dictatorial teacher accused Pepper of copying an example in algebra from +another cadet, and a bitter altercation followed. + +"I didn't do it, and I don't want you to say so!" flared up Pepper, his +cheeks aflame. + +"Ditmore, be silent!" roared Josiah Crabtree. "Not another word, or I'll +send you to Captain Putnam!" + +"I don't care--I didn't copy!" muttered Pepper. "It's a shame to say I +did!" + +"You'll stay in after school," commanded Crabtree, majestically. + +The accusation, and the fact that he had to stay in when the others were +allowed to go out and have their fun, did not suit The Imp at all. While +he sat in the classroom all alone, he thought again of something that +had come into his mind before. + +"I'll do it!" he said firmly. "I'll do it to-night! I'll show him that +he can't accuse me for nothing." + +Since the fall term at Putnam Hall had opened Josiah Crabtree had been +making frequent trips to Ithaca, to a well-known dentist located in that +city. Although many of the cadets did not know it, a few, and among them +Pepper, were aware that the teacher was having a new set of false teeth +made. Now the teeth were finished, and Josiah Crabtree was wearing them +with great satisfaction and not a little pride. He fancied that the new +teeth added not a little to his personal appearance. + +It was Pepper's plan to get hold of these teeth and hide them. How the +trick was to be accomplished he did not yet know, but he resolved to +watch his chances. + +That evening, as luck would have it, Josiah Crabtree retired early. As +was his custom, he placed his false teeth in a glass of water on a stand +in his room. Watching through a keyhole, Pepper saw him do this, and +then calmly waited for the teacher to go bed and fall asleep. + +The door was locked, but The Imp was equal to the emergency. The room +next to that occupied by Crabtree was vacant, and he entered this and +threw open the window. The window of the teacher's apartment was less +than three feet away, and the sash was pulled down a few inches to let +in fresh air. + +Pepper was not such an acrobat as Andy, but he quickly raised the next +window and moved into the teacher's apartment. In a trice he had secured +the new set of teeth, and then he retired as quickly as he had come, +leaving both windows as he had found them. + +"Now what shall I do with the teeth?" the cadet asked himself. He was +strongly tempted to tell Jack and Andy of the trick, but decided to keep +the matter to himself. + +At last another idea came into The Imp's head and after everybody had +apparently gone to bed he stole downstairs and entered the assembly room +of the school. He had previously tied the set of teeth to a bit of +fishing line having a sinker at the other end. He now took aim at the +central chandelier and by good luck sent the sinker and line whirling +around one of the pendants, leaving the set of teeth dangling below a +foot or more. + +"Won't there be a surprise when they see 'em up there!" he muttered. +"And won't Crabtree have a job getting them down!" + +"Oh, my, what a thing to do!" came a voice from out of the darkness. +Pepper whirled around quickly, but the speaker had vanished, banging a +door after him. + +"Who was that?" was the question Pepper asked himself. He could not +place the voice, and was much disturbed. Would the intruder, who had +seen his actions, expose him? + +"I'll have to chance it," he told himself rather dubiously. "I can't get +the teeth down anyway. Too bad! I thought I was alone!" And then he +hurried off to bed in anything but a comfortable frame of mind. + +[Illustration: THIS WAS A SIGNAL FOR THE DISCHARGE OF ALL SORTS OF +THINGS AT THE DANGLING OBJECT. + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 192)] + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +PEPPER A PRISONER + + +At the usual hour the next morning Josiah Crabtree arose and dressed +himself. He was in a far from happy frame of mind, for a tailor's bill +he had to pay was higher than he thought it ought to be. + +Having donned his garments, and washed himself and combed his hair, he +turned to the stand to get his new set of teeth. + +He took up the glass and peered into it. + +"Hum!" he mused. "I thought I put them in there--in fact, I was sure of +it!" he murmured. + +He set the glass down and commenced to look around, on the bureau, on +his bookcase, on the shelf, and even on the chairs. But, of course, +nothing in the shape of the set of teeth came to light. + +"This is queer, mighty queer," said the teacher to himself. "Now, let me +think what I did with them. Yes, I put them in the glass, I am positive +of it!" + +He examined the glass once more, turning it around and around. Then he +commenced a systematic search of the room. At the conclusion something +like a groan escaped his lips. + +"They are gone! gone!" he murmured hollowly. "And I left the old set at +the dentist's to be made over! Oh, what shall I do? I cannot go to the +classroom without my teeth, the cadets would roar at me! It must be a +trick, a wicked trick! Oh, if only I could find out who did this awful +thing!" + +He made another hunt, and then, not knowing what else to do, opened his +door and hailed a passing cadet. + +"Kindly ask Captain Putnam to step here as soon as he can," he mumbled. + +"Yes, sir," answered the cadet, and looked curiously at the teacher. +"Got a toothache, Mr. Crabtree?" + +"No, I have no toothache," mumbled the teacher. "Send Captain Putnam as +soon as you can," and then he dove back into his bedroom. + +Several minutes passed and George Strong put in an appearance. + +"Dalling said you wanted to see Captain Putnam," he said. "The captain +has left for Buffalo on business. Can I do anything for you?" + +"Mr. Strong, a wicked trick has been played on me!" burst out Josiah +Crabtree. + +"A trick?" + +"Yes. My teeth are gone, the new set I had made! Some cadet has taken +them!" + +"Can it be possible!" murmured George Strong. "Where did you leave +them?" + +"In that glass on the stand. Oh, what shall I do? My other set is at the +dentist's, getting fixed." + +"Maybe I can send for them." + +"Hardly, since the dentist is at Ithaca. Oh, what a wretch, to take my +teeth! I cannot go to the classroom without my teeth. I would be the +laughing-stock of the entire school! It is a dreadful state of affairs!" + +"I don't see how I can help you out, sir," answered George Strong, +sympathetically. + +"I shall have to stay here until something is done. See if you can't +find the cadet who took the teeth." + +"I will do what I can," answered George Strong, and left the room. + +Josiah Crabtree was walking up and down nervously, when there came a +timid knock on the door. He opened it to confront Mumps. + +"Well, Fenwick, what do you want?" demanded the teacher, harshly. The +sneak of the school generally had some tale of woe to tell, and he was +just now in no humor to listen to any such recital. + +"Please, Mr. Crabtree, did you lose anything?" asked Mumps, nervously. + +"Ha! what is that? Come in! What do you know?" cried Josiah Crabtree, +and caught Mumps by the arm. + +"I didn't do it--really and truly I didn't!" cried the sneak, in sudden +terror. "I--I only found it out by accident." + +"About my--er--my teeth?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What do you know about them, Fenwick? Quick; out with it!" + +"Oh, sir, please don't hurt my arm so!" + +"Tell me what you know." + +"I--I know where your teeth are, sir, I--I saw them put there last +night." + +"Where are they?" + +"Hanging on the chandelier in Classroom Eight." + +"And who put them there?" roared the teacher, in amazement. + +"Pepper Ditmore, sir. But, oh, sir, please don't say I told on him or +he'll hammer the life out of me!" cried Mumps, in alarm. + +"How did he get them?" + +"I don't know that, sir. I--I went downstairs to--er--to put away a book +for another cadet and I saw Pepper Ditmore sneak into Room Eight. I +watched him, and he threw a string with the teeth on 'em up over the +chandelier. I thought they might be yours, so I came here to find out." + +"Did you get the--er--the teeth?" + +"Oh, no, sir. They are too high up. You'll have to get a ladder to get +them down." + +"The rascal!" howled Josiah Crabtree. "Oh, wait till I get my hands on +him! But I must get the teeth first." He thought for a moment. "Fenwick, +find Snuggers and send him to me at once." + +"Yes, sir." + +"And don't say a word of this to any one," added the teacher, as the +sneak hurried off. + +It took Mumps fully five minutes to locate Peleg Snuggers. Wondering +what was wanted, the general utility man hurried to the teacher's +apartment. + +"I want you to get my set of teeth," said Josiah Crabtree. "I am told +they are fastened to the chandelier in Room Eight. Get a ladder and get +them down immediately. And do it as quietly as you can." + +"Yes, sir," answered Snuggers, and left to do the errand. "Teeth on the +chandelier!" he murmured, "Wot an idee! Bet some o' the cadets did thet +trick! How funny he did look without his grinders in!" + +Pepper had not told any one about his trick, but on a blackboard in the +hall he had chalked the words: + + _Set of Teeth For Sale! + See Chandelier in Room No. 8. + Crabtree, A.M., O.I.C._ + +This scrawl had attracted the attention of fully a score of cadets, and +one after another they entered the classroom designated to find out what +it meant. When they saw the teeth dangling in the air they set up a +roar. + +"Hello, look at the set of teeth!" + +"They must belong to old Crabtree!" + +"Wonder what he wants for them?" + +"I reckon teeth come high, by the look of things!" + +The crowd of cadets kept growing larger, until the room was crowded. +Then one cadet took a blackboard eraser and threw it at the teeth. This +was a signal for a general discharge of all sorts of things at the +dangling object. + +In the midst of the excitement George Strong came in. + +"Boys! boys! Be quiet!" cried the teacher. "What is the meaning of so +much noise?" And then he, too, caught sight of the dangling teeth. "Who +placed those there?" he asked. + +There was no reply, and he was on the point of sending a cadet for a +step-ladder when the door opened and in came Peleg Snuggers with the +very thing wanted. + +"Mr. Crabtree sent me to git 'em," explained the general utility man. + +"Hurrah! Peleg to the rescue!" cried Andy. + +"Now, Peleg, do the great balancing act," said Fred Century. + +"I will hold the ladder for you, Snuggers," said Mr. Strong. "Boys, +stand back," he added, afraid that some of the lads might attempt some +joke while the general utility man was in the air. + +The step-ladder was placed in position and Snuggers mounted cautiously +to the top. He could just reach the chandelier and the teeth, and it +took him some time to cut the teeth loose. + +"I'll take 'em right to Mr. Crabtree," he said on coming down. "He's in +a mighty big hurry for 'em." + +"Very well," returned George Strong. + +Pepper was watching matters closely and he at once guessed that somebody +had told Josiah Crabtree where the teeth were. + +"It must have been the fellow who spotted me last night," reasoned The +Imp. "Wonder if he told my name? If he did----" Pepper ended the +question with a big sigh. + +With great eagerness Josiah Crabtree received the set of teeth and +examined them to see if they were all right. Then, having placed them +where they belonged, he strode forth from his room in quest of the cadet +who had played the trick. + +Pepper was just sitting down at the breakfast table when there was a +sudden step behind him and the next moment he found himself jerked out +of his place. + +"You come with me, young man!" stormed Josiah Crabtree. "I have an +account to settle with you!" + +"What do you want, Mr. Crabtree?" asked The Imp, as meekly as he could. + +"You know well enough!" cried the teacher. "Come!" And he led Pepper out +of the mess-hall. His grip on the youth's arm was so firm that it hurt +not a little. + +"Mr. Crabtree, you are hurting my arm." + +"I don't care if I am!" snapped the teacher. "You come along!" And he +fairly dragged Pepper along the hall. + +"Where to?" + +"You'll soon see." + +"What is wrong?" + +"You know well enough, Ditmore. You took my--er--my set of teeth! You +have made me the laughing-stock of the whole school! You shall suffer +for it!" + +"Who says I took the teeth?" + +"John Fenwick saw you place them on the chandelier! Oh, you need not +deny it." + +"Mumps! Well, he always was a sneak!" answered Pepper. + +"He is a nice, manly youth." + +With a firm grip still on Pepper's arm, the irate teacher led the way to +a room looking out on the rear. It was an apartment less than ten feet +square, and plainly furnished with two chairs and a couch. In one corner +was a stand with a washbowl and pitcher of water. The single window was +stoutly barred. + +"Going to make a prisoner of me?" asked Pepper, as the door was opened +and he was thrust into the room. + +"You shall stay here for the present," snapped Josiah Crabtree. "When I +let you out I think you'll be a sadder and perhaps a wiser boy." + +"Am I to have my breakfast?" + +"No," answered the teacher. + +Then he banged the door shut, locked it, and walked swiftly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A GRAVE ACCUSATION + + +"Well, I suppose I ought not to complain," mused Pepper, as he sat down +on one of the chairs. "A fellow can't have his fun without paying for +it. But just wait till I catch Mumps! I'll give him a piece of my mind, +and maybe more!" + +He got up presently and looked out of the window. He could see but +little excepting a stretch of snow. The cell-like room was almost +without heat, and he had to clap his hands together, and stamp his feet, +to keep warm. + +"I think I'd give a dollar for some breakfast," he muttered. "Wonder if +I could attract the attention of one of the servants and bribe him to +get me something?" + +As he walked around the little room his eyes caught some writing on the +wall. There were several bits of doggerel, one running as follows: + + "I am a prisoner of old Josiah, + I'd feel much better if I had a fire!" + +"I can sympathize with that fellow," murmured Pepper, as he slapped his +hands across his chest, trying to get up more circulation. Then he +walked around the room, reading another doggerel or two. Finally he drew +out a lead pencil. + +"Guess I'll play Shakespeare myself," he murmured, and after some +thought, scribbled down the following: + + "And I am jugged + Alone in solitude, and by myself + Alone. I sit and think, and think, + And think again. Old Crabtree, + Base villain that he is, hath put me here! + And why? Ah, thereby hangs a tale, Horatio! + His teeth, the teeth that chew the best of steak + Set on our table--those I found and hid; + And Mumps, the sneak, hath told on me! Alas! + When will my martyrdom end?" + +Having finished his attempt at blank verse, Pepper continued to walk +around the room. He was hungry and cold, and inside of an hour grew +somewhat desperate. + +"Crabtree has no right to starve me and allow me to catch cold," he told +himself. "I don't believe Captain Putnam will stand for it. I'm going to +attract some attention." + +He took up one of the chairs and with it commenced to pound on the door. +He had been pounding for several minutes when he heard some one on the +outside. + +"Pepper!" came in a low voice. + +"Oh, Jack, is that you?" + +"Yes. Stop that noise, or I'll get caught." + +"I want to get out. I haven't had any breakfast, and it is as cold as +Greenland in here." + +"If I had a key I'd let you out, but it isn't in the lock," went on the +young major. + +"Try some of the other keys, Jack." + +"I will," was the reply, and the young major hurried off, to return with +several keys from other doors. But not one of them fitted the lock +before him. + +"Too bad!" he murmured. + +"Major Ruddy!" came in the harsh voice of Josiah Crabtree behind him. +"What are you doing here?" + +"I came to talk to Ditmore," answered Jack, boldly. + +"Who gave you permission?" + +"Nobody, I came as major of the battalion. When a cadet is placed in the +guardhouse the major has a right to go and see him." + +"Hum!" growled Josiah Crabtree. He took but little interest in the +military side of the school and consequently did not know all the +rules. "Well, I can do the talking here. You are excused." + +"Mr. Crabtree, Ditmore tells me that he is very cold, and he has had no +breakfast." + +"Ha! So he is complaining, eh? Well, I'll attend to him. You may go." + +"Are you going to give him his breakfast?" + +"Yes--when he deserves it--not before." + +"How about keeping him in such a cold room?" + +"That is my affair." + +"If he gets sick will you take the blame?" + +"Major Ruddy, I am not here to be questioned by you!" snapped the +dictatorial teacher. + +"Pepper belongs to my command and he is my personal friend. I don't +think you have any right to starve him and keep him in a cold room in +such weather as this. I shall complain to Captain Putnam as soon as he +gets back, and, in the meantime, complain to Mr. Strong." + +"I am in charge while Captain Putnam is away." + +"Then, if Pepper takes cold from this, you'll be to blame, and you'll +foot the doctor's bill," answered Jack, and walked away. + +He spoke so sharply that Josiah Crabtree became worried, and, a little +later, Pepper was served with a cup of black coffee and several slices +of bread without butter. It was a meager meal, but it was better than +nothing, and The Imp disposed of all there was of it. Then a servant +appeared with a couple of blankets used by the cadets when in camp. + +"You can wrap yourself in these if you are cold, so Mr. Crabtree says," +said the servant. And he went out again, locking the door as before. + +"Humph! Must take me for an Indian!" muttered Pepper. Nevertheless, he +wrapped the blankets around him and then felt considerably warmer. + +The morning passed slowly, and at noon Pepper was given a bowl of soup +and several additional slices of unbuttered bread. The soup was hot and +good, and he wished there was more of it. + +"Mr. Crabtree says that is all you can have," said the waiter who served +him. + +"Crabbed Crabtree!" muttered Pepper, and said no more. + +In the middle of the afternoon, directly after school was over, Josiah +Crabtree appeared. This time he was accompanied by George Strong. + +"Ditmore, we have come to have a talk with you!" cried Crabtree. "And +let me say at the start that I want the truth, the whole truth, and +nothing but the truth, as they say in court." + +"Are you going to try me for my life?" demanded The Imp. + +"I am going to try you on a very serious charge," snapped Josiah +Crabtree. + +"Do not be too hasty, Mr. Crabtree," put in George Strong, mildly. + +"Mr. Crabtree, if you want to know about the teeth, let me confess that +I took them and hung them up where they were found," said Pepper. + +"Ha! so you are willing to confess, eh?" + +"I am. I did it for fun--but I suppose you don't see the fun," added +Pepper, dryly, so dryly in fact that George Strong had to turn away to +hide a sudden smile. + +"It was a low, contemptible trick!" returned Josiah Crabtree. "But I +must say I do not think it quite as bad as your other doings." + +"My other doings?" asked The Imp, somewhat mystified. + +"Mr. Crabtree, do not be hasty, I beg of you," put in the under teacher. + +"Ditmore, how did you get the teeth?" demanded Josiah Crabtree. + +"It was very easy, sir, if you must know. I went into the vacant bedroom +next to your room, climbed from one window to the other, and the trick +was done." + +"Were you alone?" + +"Yes, sir, absolutely alone." + +"Have you been alone when visiting the other rooms in this building?" +demanded Josiah Crabtree, sharply. + +"Mr. Crabtree----" began George Strong, but the head teacher motioned +for the assistant to be silent. + +"I--I don't understand," stammered Pepper. + +"You have shown your expertness in visiting rooms during the night, and +without awakening anybody," went on Josiah Crabtree, coldly. "Some time +ago other rooms were visited in this building, and various things were +taken--some things of great value--things which have not been returned. +Now, Ditmore----" + +"Mr. Crabtree, stop!" cried Pepper, and his eyes flashed with sudden +fire. "I know what is in your mind now! But don't you dare to accuse me! +Don't you dare!" + +"I want you to tell me the truth." + +"I have told you all I know. I took the teeth as a joke, and I put them +where they could easily be found." + +"And about the other things----" The head teacher paused suggestively. + +"I know no more about the other things that have disappeared than you +do. Do you think I'd rob myself and my best friends?" + +"In a case of this kind a person might rob himself just to throw the +public off the scent." + +"Do you dare to accuse me of these mysterious thefts?" cried Pepper, +hotly. + +"I think----" + +"Mr. Crabtree, I beg of you to be careful," cried George Strong. "Why +not drop this whole matter until Captain Putnam returns? Because Ditmore +played a joke on you does not say that he is a--a criminal." + +"Thank you for that, Mr. Strong," said the cadet, warmly. "I know I had +no right to play that joke--I have no right to play any of my jokes--but +I only did it for fun. I think it is--is horrible for Mr. Crabtree to +even think that I--that--that----" Pepper could not go on for his +emotion choked him. + +"Oh? you can't deceive me!" sneered Josiah Crabtree. "I am sure +that----" + +"Mr. Crabtree, I insist that you drop this matter until Captain Putnam +returns," interrupted George Strong. + +"You insist?" roared the irate instructor. + +"I do, sir." + +"Who is in authority here, you or I?" + +"You are the head teacher, but I feel bound to protect Captain Putnam's +interests during his absence. You have no right to accuse any cadet of a +crime unless you have proof against him. Have you any proof against +Ditmore?" + +"You heard how he acknowledged taking the teeth." + +"And he said it was a joke--and I believe it was that and nothing more. +There is a wide difference between an innocent joke and a premeditated +crime. Take my advice and say no more until you have consulted with +Captain Putnam." + +"Ha! you are against me--just as the cadets are against me!" stormed +Josiah Crabtree. "I know I am right. But we can wait, since you insist." +He turned towards Pepper. "I'll corner you yet, you young rascal!" he +cried bitterly. + +And the two teachers passed out of the cell-like room, the door was +again locked, and Pepper was left a prisoner as before. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE MYSTERY GOES ON + + +When nightfall came and Pepper still remained a prisoner, both Jack and +Andy commenced to worry about their chum. + +"It's a shame to keep him in that cold room," said the young major. + +"Wonder if we can get him out on the sly?" returned the acrobatic youth. +"I'd be willing to run quite a risk to set him free, so he could sleep +in his own bed to-night." + +"Let us sneak down after dark and see what we can do," suggested Jack. + +Of course the fact that Pepper was a prisoner was known throughout the +whole school. Many who had laughed over the teeth affair thought it too +bad that The Imp should be locked up in a cold room. But others, +including Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter, said it served him right. + +"He was too fresh," growled Coulter. + +"Let him stay there a week; it will do him good," added Ritter. + +"You leave things to old Crabtree," said Dan Baxter. "He knows how to +put the screws on a cadet." + +"Right you are," came from Ritter. + +The one boy who had little to say was Mumps. The sneak was scared almost +to death, feeling certain that Pepper would square up with him as soon +as liberated. The others did not know how Mumps had acted, or Jack and +Andy might have given the sneak a sound thrashing. + +The young major and the acrobatic youth talked the affair over, and were +joined in the discussion by Bert Field, Dave Kearney, and one or two +others. They were on the point of going below, when Fred Century came +in. + +"Crabtree is certainly going to make sure of keeping Pepper a prisoner," +said he. + +"How do you know that?" asked Jack, quickly. + +"He has placed a guard in front of the door, so nobody can open it." + +"A guard?" + +"Yes." + +"Who?" + +"Two cadets--Crane and Barlow. They are to remain on guard three hours +and then some others are to relieve them." + +"Then we can't do a thing!" groaned Andy. "We might bribe Crane, but +nobody could bribe Barlow. He's a sticker on everything he does." + +Jack went below and found that the report about the guard was true. The +cadets were on duty, and he was not allowed to even speak to Pepper. + +"It's too bad," he said, on returning to the dormitory. "I guess poor +Pepper will have to remain where he is." + +"We might protest to Mr. Strong?" suggested Bart Conners. + +"It wouldn't do any good. Crabtree is in charge during Captain Putnam's +absence." + +One after another the cadets went to bed. Jack was the last to retire, +and it was a long while before he dropped off to sleep. Then he dreamed +about Pepper up in the far North, sitting on a cake of ice in a +bathing-suit, which showed how much he had the welfare of his chum at +heart. + +In the morning Josiah Crabtree went below early. He expected Captain +Putnam back by noon and wished to be prepared to make a proper report to +the head of the school on his arrival. + +He had just seated himself at the desk in the office when there came a +knock on the door. + +"Come in!" he said shortly, thinking it might be a servant. The newcomer +was Bart Conners. + +"Well, Conners, what is it?" demanded the head teacher. + +"I want to report that I was robbed last night," answered the captain of +Company B. + +"Robbed!" ejaculated Josiah Crabtree. "Did you say robbed?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What of? Where? When?" Josiah Crabtree's manner showed his tremendous +excitement. + +"Of a diamond stickpin. I left it in one of my scarfs last night and +this morning it was gone. I've looked all over, but I can't find it." + +"How late was it when you retired?" + +"About ten o'clock." + +"And when did you get up?" + +"At the first bell." + +"And you noticed it was gone at once?" + +"Yes, for I wanted to lock it away in my bureau, as Captain Putnam +warned us to do when the others' things were stolen." + +"This is strange. Do you suspect anybody?" + +At this question Bart Conners shook his head. + +"Very well, I will look into the matter immediately after breakfast." + +Scarcely had Josiah Crabtree spoken when Dan Baxter appeared at the +door. + +"I want to tell you something!" he said sourly. "I want somebody locked +up." + +"Locked up?" queried the startled teacher. "What is wrong?" And as he +asked the question Bart Conners looked on with interest. + +"I'll tell you!" burst out Dan Baxter. "Last night I went to bed with +eleven dollars in my vest-pocket. This morning every cent of the money +is gone! I want it back! If I don't get it back Captain Putnam has got +to stand the loss, for I won't." And the bully looked more sour than +ever. + +"You robbed, too!" cried Josiah Crabtree, faintly. "Will it ever stop? +What is the school coming to?" + +"Have you any idea who took the money, Dan?" asked Bart Conners. + +"No. I was dead tired and slept like a dog. But I know I had the eleven +dollars when I went to bed, and now it's gone." + +"So is my diamond stickpin," and the captain of Company B gave the +particulars. + +"Humph!" muttered the bully. "I heard of those other robberies, but I +didn't think I'd get touched as quick as this. If it keeps on the whole +school will be cleaned out." + +"Yes, and Captain Putnam will be ruined," added Bart, gravely. + +"I will see you two cadets later," said Josiah Crabtree, and shut the +office desk with a bang. He hurried away, leaving Bart and Dan Baxter +to console themselves as best they could. + +Josiah Crabtree was thinking of Pepper. He had accused The Imp only the +day before of these crimes, and here the thefts were continuing while +Pepper was a close prisoner. + +"Perhaps he got out during the night," he muttered. "I must make sure of +it." For, to be fair to the dictatorial teacher, he really thought +Pepper might be the guilty party. + +He questioned the cadets who had been on guard during the night. One and +all declared that Pepper had remained a prisoner all night and was still +in the cell-like room. Then he spoke to The Imp himself. + +"Did you go out last night?" he asked. + +"How could I?" asked Pepper. + +"Answer my question, Ditmore." + +"No, I didn't go out. I have been here ever since you brought me in +yesterday." + +Teacher and cadet looked sharply at each other, and there was a silence +that could be felt. From one of the guards Pepper had learned how Bart +and Dan Baxter had been robbed. + +"You know I didn't go out," went on Pepper. "You know that I am not +guilty of the crimes that have been committed in this school. As soon +as Captain Putnam returns I want to see him, so he can hear my side of +the story." + +At these words Josiah Crabtree winced. He felt that Captain Putnam might +not agree with him concerning the treatment given to Pepper, and that +Pepper might get him into "hot water." Even George Strong had intimated +this. + +"Ditmore," he said, slowly and mildly, "I--er--I feel that perhaps I +have been a bit harsh with you. Your trick upset me very much; such a +trick would upset anybody. If I--er--accused you falsely I am sorry for +it. Supposing I let you go, and supposing we drop the whole matter?" + +"I am willing to drop the matter, providing you will retract what you +said about my being connected with these--er--these other things," +answered Pepper, slowly. + +"Well, I--I must have been mistaken. I didn't say you were guilty. I +only said it looked suspicious--the way you prowled around, and the way +you got into my room. But if you are willing we'll drop the entire +matter, and you can go to your room and get ready for breakfast." + +Pepper thought rapidly. He was angry over being accused of the crimes, +yet he knew he had gone too far in his joke at Josiah Crabtree's +expense. + +"All right, sir; we'll drop the matter, Mr. Crabtree," he said. +"Good-morning," and a moment later he quitted his prison and was on his +way to his dormitory. + +The cadets had much to talk about that day--the sudden liberation of +Pepper, and the losses Bart Conners and Dan Baxter had suffered. At noon +Captain Putnam came back, and he had the captain of Company B and Dan +Baxter in his office for the best part of an hour. But nothing came of +the conference, excepting that the owner of the Hall said he would pay +all losses and gave Baxter his eleven dollars on the spot. Then he had a +long conference with the new man of all work, who was really a detective +in disguise. But that individual was as much in the dark as anybody. He +had seen nobody prowling around during the night. + +"We must get at the bottom of this affair," said Captain Putnam to +George Strong. "If we do not, the school will surely be ruined." He was +told about the affair of the teeth, but paid little attention, knowing +that Josiah Crabtree could be left to manage his own differences with +the students. + +Pepper had dropped the matter so far as it concerned Josiah Crabtree, +but he did not drop it so far as it concerned Mumps. He watched the +sneak that day and the next, and managed at last to catch Mumps at the +boathouse. + +"Now, I am going to give you the thrashing you deserve!" cried The Imp, +and caught the sneak by the collar. + +"Lemme go!" shrieked Mumps. "Lemme go, or I'll tell Captain Putnam on +you!" + +"No, you won't!" answered Pepper. "If you do, I'll promise you another +licking at the first chance I get!" + +And then and there he boxed the sneak's ears and then threw him down in +the snow, washing his face and shoving a lot of the snow down inside the +lad's shirt. Mumps yelled like a wild Indian, but Pepper did not let up +until he felt that he had given the sneak all he deserved. + +"You say a word and I'll give you a double dose the next time!" warned +Pepper. And this so scared Mumps he never once opened his mouth about +the affair. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +AN ELECTION OF OFFICERS + + +"Election of officers to-morrow!" + +"As if every cadet at the school didn't know it, Pepper." + +"Well, Andy, have you made up your mind how you are going to vote?" + +"Sure I have," replied the acrobatic youth. "I am going to vote for Bart +Conners for major, since Jack don't want to run again." + +"That's the way I am going to vote, too." + +"How about the two captains?" asked Joe Nelson. + +"Well, I think I'll vote for Dave Kearney for one," answered Pepper. "I +am not so sure about the other." + +"What's the matter with Harry Blossom?" asked Bert Field. "He seems to +be a nice sort." + +"He is." + +"I understand Reff Ritter wants to be a captain," put in Stuffer. + +"Sure, an' he'd be afther wantin' to be major, only he ain't popular +enough," came from Emerald. + +"Coulter is out for a captaincy, too," said Jack, who had come up during +the talk. + +"Do you think either of them will be elected?" asked Andy. + +"Not if I can prevent it," replied the young major. "Neither of them +deserves any office." + +"I understand Dan Baxter wants to be major," said Stuffer. "Talk about +gall! What has he ever done for the school? Nothing." + +"He won't get the office," said Jack. + +"Is Bart going to have a walkover?" asked Pepper. + +"Hardly. Both Dave Kearney and Harry Blossom will run against him, and +so will Bob Grenwood, and they all have their friends." + +"Well, let the best fellows win, say I!" cried Andy, and then he ran +off, to do some fancy "stunts" in the gymnasium. + +The excitement attending the disappearance of Bart Conners's stickpin +and Dan Baxter's money had somewhat subsided, and now the cadets could +think of nothing but the coming election. + +"How many cadets are there to vote?" asked Pepper, as he and Jack walked +away to the river to skate. + +"Eighty-three." + +"Then it will take forty-two votes to elect anybody." + +"That's it." + +"Well, I hope Bart gets the forty-two votes." + +"I have been doing a little figuring, and I think he can count on at +least thirty-one votes. But I am not so sure of the other eleven." + +The election of officers was made the occasion of a holiday at Putnam +Hall. Immediately after breakfast, the battalion was formed and marched +around the campus and then to the gymnasium. Here Captain Putnam made a +little speech, in which he announced that the balloting for a major +would be immediately followed by the balloting for one captain and then +the other, and then for the lieutenants. + +"It is now nine-thirty," concluded Captain Putnam. "Balloting for a new +major will take place promptly at ten o'clock." + +"Captain Putnam, may I say a word?" asked Major Jack, saluting with his +sword. + +"Certainly, Major Ruddy." + +"Fellow cadets," began Jack, in a clear, steady voice. "All I wish to +say is this: As major of the Putnam Hall Battalion I have enjoyed myself +very much, and I trust my successor, whoever he may be, will have as +good a time. I understand that some of you want to vote for me again. +Let me say that I am not a candidate, and will not accept the office +even if elected. I expect to leave this institution next June, and in +the meantime hope to devote my time mostly to my studies. I thank you +for your attention." + +"Hurrah!" shouted a number of the cadets. + +"Three cheers for Major Ruddy!" shouted Pepper, and they were given with +a will. + +"We'll never get a better major!" called out one enthusiastic cadet. + +After that there was a great canvassing for votes. Dan Baxter was +unusually active, and Jack and Pepper felt certain that he was trying +one of his old tricks, namely, that of buying votes. Some of the poorer +cadets had very little spending money, and it was a great temptation to +them to have money offered for their ballots. Of course, buying votes +was dishonorable, and Baxter had to work on the sly. Ritter also tried +to buy votes, but soon found out that very few of the cadets would even +listen to him, because of the way he had misled them in the past. + +At last came the time to vote, and the ballot-box was placed on a table +in charge of two cadets and George Strong, who had consented to act as +judge of the election. + +"This is for a new major only," announced George Strong. "You will step +up and vote as your names are called." + +It took but a few minutes to cast the eighty-three ballots. Then the +vote was tabulated, while the boys stood around on the tiptoe of +expectation. + +"I will read the result," announced Captain Putnam, after receiving a +paper from Mr. Strong, and he read as follows: + + "Whole number of votes cast, 83. + Necessary to a choice, 42. + Paul Singleton has 4. + Henry Lee has 5. + Harry Blossom has 7. + David Kearney has 9. + Reffton Ritter has 12. + Daniel Baxter has 18. + Bart Conners has 28." + +"Nobody is elected," said Pepper, in a disappointed voice. + +"Boys, you will have to try it again," said Captain Putnam. + +"I beg to withdraw my name from the list of candidates," cried Paul +Singleton. "All who voted for me will kindly vote for Bart Conners, who +is my choice." + +"We must beat Ritter and Baxter!" said Andy, in a low voice. + +"That's right!" cried another of the cadets. "But how?" + +"Let us try to make up a slate," proposed Jack, who was something of a +politician. "Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney might withdraw in favor of +Bart Conners if the fellows promised to support them for the two +captaincies." + +"Let us see if it can be done," returned Pepper, quickly. "Hustle now, +for we've got to vote again in fifteen minutes." + +They hurried around and interviewed Blossom and Kearney, and about +twenty other cadets. As a consequence, the pair named said they would +withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if supported for the captaincies +later. In the meantime Henry Lee said he would drop out also, since he +expected to leave school in June. + +Once again the ballots were cast, and now it was easy to see that Bart, +Ritter and Baxter were exceedingly anxious. Both Ritter and Baxter did +their best to gain the votes dropped by Henry Lee and Paul Singleton. + +"I will read the result," said Captain Putnam, a few minutes later. And +amid a breathless silence, he read the following: + + "Whole number of votes cast, 83. + Necessary to a choice, 42. + Robert Grenwood has 5. + Reffton Ritter has 10. + Daniel Baxter has 12. + Bart Conners has 56." + +"Hurrah for Bart Conners!" shouted half a dozen cadets in chorus. + +"Bart Conners is declared elected major for the ensuing term," went on +Captain Putnam. "Major Conners, allow me to congratulate you," and he +came forward and held out his hand. + +"And let me congratulate you, too," added Major Jack, and he shook hands +also. + +A great number of cadets, and some teachers, come up to shake Bart by +the hand. Ritter and Baxter were conspicuous by their absence. Each of +the bullies was chagrined at the poor showing he had made. Instead of +gaining on the second ballot they had lost. + +"That shows how much one can depend on his friends," growled Baxter to +Mumps. + +"Never mind, Dan, maybe you'll be elected a captain," answered the toady +and sneak. + +"I don't want to be a captain; I want to be a major or nothing," +grumbled the bully. + +A little later the balloting for a captain for Company A was started. +There were half a dozen candidates, including both Ritter and Coulter, +and Ritter did all he could to get the boys who had voted for Baxter to +support him, and then bribed Coulter to step out in his favor. But Jack, +Pepper and Bart Conners worked hard for Harry Blossom, as agreed, and as +a consequence Harry was elected on the third ballot by fifty-two votes. + +"Hurrah for Harry Blossom!" was the cry, and the newly-elected captain +of Company A was congratulated on all sides. + +This election was followed by that for a captain for Company B. Here the +struggle was as fierce as before, but Dave Kearney won out on the sixth +ballot. Then came ballots for the lieutenants, and Bob Grenwood came out +strong with fifty-five votes. Dale Blackmore was made the new +quartermaster, much to his delight, although Dale cared more for +athletics than he did for military matters. + +Not one of the Ritter or the Baxter crowd got an office, much to their +disgust. Baxter went off by himself to sulk, but Ritter and Coulter +denounced their rivals openly. + +"I reckon votes were bought," said Ritter. + +"Sure they were bought," responded Coulter. + +"So they were, by Ritter & Company," retorted Andy, who overheard the +talk. + +"Oh, give us a rest, Snow!" muttered Ritter. "I don't want the old +office anyway, and all my real friends know it." + +"Sour grapes," answered the acrobatic youth. + +"Don't you get fresh, or I'll punch your head!" cried the bully, +savagely. + +"Will you?" answered Andy. "Just you try it, if you dare!" + +"I will!" came hotly from Ritter, and leaping forward he hit Andy a +sharp blow on the chin. + +The assault came so suddenly that the acrobatic youth had no time to +defend himself. He staggered and fell, and as he went down the bully +gave him a sharp kick in the side. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +ANDY SHOWS HIS COURAGE + + +"Stop that, Ritter! What do you mean by kicking Andy when he is down?" + +It was Pepper who uttered these words, as he rushed up from the other +side of the campus. + +"I didn't kick him," retorted Ritter. He was startled, for he had not +anticipated being seen. + +"You did!" + +"A fight! A fight!" was the cry, and soon a crowd of cadets began to +collect. + +Slowly Andy arose to his feet. His face was pale, for both the blow on +the chin and the kick in the side had been severe. + +"You--you brute!" he gasped. "You dirty brute!" + +"Hi, don't you call me a brute!" roared Ritter. + +"You are a brute!" put in Pepper. "No fair-minded chap would kick a +fellow when he was down." + +"Ditmore, you keep out of this," grumbled the bully. + +"I'm going to see that Andy has fair play," returned Pepper. + +The encounter had occurred after Captain Putnam and the teachers had +disappeared, so there was little chance of an interruption by the Hall +authorities. + +Andy stood up and tried to collect himself. He was "boiling mad," for +the attack had been a dastardly one. + +"Had enough?" demanded the bully, coming closer, and with his fists +clenched. + +"No, I haven't!" answered the acrobatic youth, and then, of a sudden, he +sprang high in the air, to come down on Ritter's shoulder. Then he +caught the bully around the neck with one arm. + +"Hi! hi! let up----" began Ritter. "I--I----" + +"I'll not let up!" retorted Andy. "You brought this on yourself, Reff +Ritter, and now you can take the consequences. How do you like that, and +that, and that?" + +Each "that" was accompanied by a stinging blow, one on the ear, one on +the eye and one on the nose. The second made the bully's left optic +black, and the third caused the blood to spurt freely. Then Andy landed +another blow on Ritter's mouth, leaped to the ground, and shoved the +fellow from him. + +"I'll give you those for an opener," he said, breathing heavily. "You +can have some more in another minute." + +"You--you rat!" hissed the bully and came at Andy with a rush. But the +acrobatic youth dodged, and Ritter ran full tilt into Dan Baxter. + +"Hi, keep your distance, Ritter!" growled Baxter. + +"I'll fix him!" yelled Ritter, and made another lunge for Andy. This +time he hit Andy on the shoulder. But the acrobatic youth came back at +him in double-quick order, and Ritter received a blow in the chin that +bowled him over into the arms of Nick Paxton. As he went over his eyes +closed, and then he slid in a heap to the ground. + +"A knockout for Snow!" + +"Say, that was a smashing blow!" + +"It served Ritter right; he kicked Andy when he was down." + +"Yes, and he hit him before he was ready." + +Paxton, Coulter and several others gathered around the fallen bully and +rubbed his face with some snow. In a few minutes he opened his eyes and +stared around. + +"Don't--don't hit me again!" he mumbled, between his bleeding teeth. + +"Have you had enough?" demanded Andy. "If you haven't, stand up and get +some more." + +"Don't--don't hit me again!" + +"Then you have had enough?" + +"I'll--I'll meet you another time." + +"No, you won't, Ritter, you'll meet me now." + +"That's the talk!" cried several. "Finish the fight." + +"I don't want to fight any more," answered the bully, and his words came +in almost a whine. + +"Then you have had enough? Yes or no?" + +"I've--I've had enough," said Ritter, in a low tone. + +"Very well; see that you remember this lesson," declared Andy, and then +turned on his heel and walked towards the Hall, followed by a dozen of +his admirers. + +"Andy, it was great, the way you jumped on him!" declared Pepper. + +"It was only a little acrobatic stunt," declared Andy. "But it came in +mighty handy. I shouldn't have tried it only he didn't fight +fair--hitting me before I was ready, and kicking me when I was down." + +"You watch out that he doesn't play you foul," said Dale, who was +present. + +"I'll keep my eyes open." + +It was soon whispered around the school how Andy had met and vanquished +the bully, and as a consequence many of the fellows who had toadied to +Ritter deserted him. Even Paxton gave him the cold shoulder openly, and +Baxter simply sneered at him. Only Gus Coulter clung to Ritter, and the +pair seemed to become greater cronies than ever. + +After the election of officers, and the fight, matters ran along swiftly +until the midwinter holidays. During those days many of the boys visited +their homes. Captain Putnam spent his time in trying to clear up the +mystery surrounding the disappearance of the things from the Hall, but +without success. The detective he had hired unearthed nothing of +importance and was discharged. One of the waiters left of his own +accord, and the master of the school could not help but wonder if he was +the guilty party. + +In the meantime, Andy and his chums had been trying to find out +something about Cameron Smith. They were equally unsuccessful, for no +one they knew in Boston had ever heard of that individual. His name was +not in the directory. + +"There was something strange about him," said Andy. "I wish Ritter would +tell us more about him. But I know it would be useless to ask Reff. He +hasn't spoken to me since the fight." + +After the holidays came some fine skating on the lake, and also some +iceboating. + +Fred Century had had a new iceboat built at Cedarville. It was called +the _Skimmer_, and he was exceedingly proud of the craft. + +"You must come out with me," he said to Jack, Pepper and Andy, one +Saturday afternoon. "The ice is as smooth as glass, and the wind is just +right." + +"All right!" cried Pepper. "A sail will suit me down to the ground." + +Jack and Andy were also pleased to go, and the quartet of boys were soon +down at the boathouse, where the _Skimmer_ was tied up. + +They were just getting aboard of the iceboat when they saw another craft +heave in sight. + +"Who is that on board?" asked Andy. + +"It is Reff Ritter," answered Pepper, "and Gus Coulter is with him." + +"The iceboat belongs to a fellow in Cedarville," said a cadet standing +near. "Ritter hired it for a week." + +The second craft was called the _Rosebud_, and was rather a fine-looking +outfit, with steel runners and a snowy-white sail. + +"He must have paid something to rent that," observed Jack. "I thought he +didn't have much money?" + +"He says his father is in business again and is doing better," answered +Paxton, who was present. "Hello, Reff!" he called out. "Want another +passenger?" + +"I don't want you!" answered the bully, briefly. + +"All right, you don't have to have me!" growled Paxton. + +"Say, Century, do you want to race me?" asked Ritter, as he brought the +_Rosebud_ alongside the dock. + +"I don't know," answered Fred, slowly. "What do you say?" he whispered +to the others. + +"Do you think you can beat him?" asked Pepper. + +"I can try." + +"Then go ahead," said Jack. "You don't care, do you, Andy?" + +"Not at all--if Fred can beat him," was the reply from the acrobatic +youth. + +"All right, I'll race!" called out Fred. "But you will have to carry +four, the same as myself." + +"Humph!" growled Ritter. "I don't know about that." + +"I'll go, Reff!" cried Mumps. + +"So will I!" added a cadet named White. + +"All right, jump aboard," cried the bully, and Mumps and White lost no +time in doing as bidden. + +"Where do you want to race to?" asked Fred. + +"Up to Dorsett's Point and back." + +"All right. Are you ready?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let her go!" yelled the owner of _Skimmer_; and in a moment the +iceboat race had started. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE MAN AT POINT VIEW LODGE + + +At first it was an even race. Reff Ritter knew how to handle an iceboat +to perfection and brought his craft up in the breeze in a manner that +won considerable admiration. + +"Take care that he doesn't beat you, Fred," said Pepper. "If he does, he +will never get done crowing over you." + +"This race isn't over yet," answered the owner of the _Skimmer_. "Wait +till we round the bend yonder." + +When the bend mentioned was gained the _Rosebud_ was a good three +lengths in the lead. + +"Good-by!" shouted Coulter. "Here is where we leave you behind!" + +"Your iceboat isn't in it with this," added Mumps. + +"We'll tell them you are coming by-and-by!" came from Ritter. + +"Don't answer them," whispered Jack. "Fred, can we do anything to help +the boat along?" + +"Just shift a little more to the left--that's it," was the reply. "Now +we'll soon get the breeze and then we'll do better." + +Fred's words proved true. As the _Skimmer_ rounded the bend, a good, +stiff blast struck her sails and away she started after the _Rosebud_. + +"Now we are going some!" cried Andy, his face brightening. + +"Make her hum!" cried Pepper. + +Slowly but surely the _Skimmer_ crept up on the _Rosebud_, until the bow +of the second craft overlapped the stern of the first. + +"Not walking away so fast now, are you?" questioned Pepper, cheerily. + +"Just wait, we'll beat you, see if we don't!" growled Coulter. + +"Swing the mainsail over!" cried Ritter. + +His order was obeyed, and the _Rosebud_ commenced to pick up again. But +the _Skimmer_ kept on steadily, and at last, when the turning-point was +reached, was several lengths ahead. + +"Now for the homestretch!" cried Jack. + +"I hope we win by about a mile!" was Andy's wish. + +The turning-point was a well-known rock, and the _Skimmer_ came around +this in fine style. But, just as this was accomplished, Ritter allowed +the _Rosebud_ to swing around out of the proper course. + +"Look out, you'll run us down!" yelled Fred, in alarm. + +"Clear the track!" yelled Ritter, angrily. "Clear the track!" + +"The clown!" muttered Jack. "Does he want to run into us?" + +Fred worked quickly, assisted by all the others and the _Skimmer_ was +thrown out of her course. On rushed both of the iceboats and the +_Rosebud_ slid by the other with less than six inches to spare. + +"Ritter, that wasn't fair!" shouted Fred. "I won't race with a fellow +who won't sail fair!" + +"You go to grass! I don't care about the race anyway!" howled the bully. + +"You are beaten and you know it," cried Pepper. + +"In a regular race such actions would disqualify you," was Jack's +comment. + +"Oh, don't preach! I know what I am doing!" grumbled Ritter, and then he +steered off in another direction and out of hearing. + +"What a mean bully he is getting to be!" said Fred. "It seems to me he +is much worse than he was when I first came to the Hall." + +"He is slowly but surely losing his grip here and that is souring him," +answered Jack. "Before he knows it he won't have a friend in the world. +As it is, about the only fellow who is really friendly with him is +Coulter. Paxton doesn't have much to do with him, and Mumps merely +toadies to him the same as he toadies to Dan Baxter and some of the +rest." + +"Where shall we go now?" asked Fred. + +"Anywhere you please," came from the others. + +"Shall we take a run up to Point View?" and Fred looked quizzically at +first one and then another of his friends. + +"Might do that," answered Jack. "But the Lodge is shut up, you know; the +Fords are at their city home for the winter." + +"Well, we can run up that way anyway," said Pepper. "One place is as +good as another." + +The course of the iceboat was slightly changed, and in less than a +quarter of an hour they swept up to the dock attached to Point View +Lodge. The sails were lowered and they went ashore to stretch their +legs, for sitting on the iceboat rather cramped them. + +"Might as well take a look around the Lodge while we are here," +suggested Jack. + +"Is there a caretaker here?" asked Andy. + +"I don't think so, but there may be." + +The four youths walked through the snow in the direction of the mansion, +which was set among some heavy trees. + +"Hello, what is that, an animal track?" asked Jack, pointing to a trail +among the trees. + +"Looks more like human footprints to me," replied Pepper. + +"Then somebody must be here." + +"Funny the trail leads from the side fence," came from Andy. "If it was +some person who belonged here why wouldn't he come from the road or the +dock?" + +"Maybe it was easier to come that way than by the road, right after the +snow fell," suggested Pepper. + +They walked forward to the mansion and saw that the trail led to the +back door and then around to a side window. + +"Hello! I don't like this!" exclaimed Jack. "What would a person be +doing at the side window?" + +"Try the window?" suggested Fred. They had already tried the door, to +find it locked. + +Jack stood on a flat rock that was handy and took hold of the lower +sash. Much to his surprise it went up with ease. + +"It's open!" he exclaimed. "Do you know what I think? I think somebody +came here and got into the house by this window!" + +"A tramp, perhaps," said Fred. + +"Or a burglar!" vouchsafed Andy. + +"Do you think he is in the house now?" asked Pepper. + +"That is something for us to find out. If he is, we must catch him and +turn him over to the authorities!" + +"Have we a right to enter the house?" questioned Andy. + +"I am sure Mr. Ford would want us to do so, Andy." + +"I guess you are right. But be careful, Jack, that fellow, whoever he +is, may be a desperate character." + +"Perhaps he isn't here now," said Fred. "He may have looted the place +and skipped." + +"I'll soon see," cried Jack. "Pepper, do you want to go in with me? You +other fellows might stay on guard." + +"Sure, I'll go in," answered The Imp. + +In a moment more the two cadets stood in the sitting-room of the +mansion. + +"Better not make too much noise," whispered Jack. "If he is here we may +be able to take him unawares." + +As the sky was overcast that afternoon it was rather dark in the +mansion, and the cadets could see but little as they made their way from +one room to another. They were just entering the dining-room when +Pepper's foot struck something and sent it spinning across the floor. + +"What's that?" asked his chum. + +"I don't know--sounded like a spoon or a fork," was the reply. Pepper +walked forward, bent down, and felt around. "Yes, it's a silver fork!" + +"It made as much noise as if it was a dozen of 'em!" murmured his chum. + +"Hark!" + +Pepper put up his hand and both listened intently. They had heard a +noise, as of footsteps overhead. + +"Somebody is up there!" whispered Jack. + +"It must be the fellow we are after!" returned Pepper. "What shall we do +next, go after him?" + +"Yes, but we had better try to arm ourselves." + +"I've got the fork." + +"I'll take this," said Jack, picking up a bronze ornament from the +mantelpiece. + +Hardly daring to breathe, the two cadets stole from the dining-room to +the hall and prepared to mount the stairs. As they did this they heard +more footsteps, this time in the rear of the upper floor of the mansion. + +"There he goes, Jack!" + +"Sounds as if he was going to try to get out the back way!" + +"Hi, there, stop!" called Pepper, at the top of his voice. "Stop, you +rascal!" + +"Don't you try to stop me!" was the reply from the upper hallway. "If +you do, it will be the worse for you!" + +"Who is he?" asked Pepper, quickly. "I've heard that voice before." + +"I think I know," answered his chum. "Come on, and we'll soon see if I +am right." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +WHAT THE CONSTABLE THOUGHT + + +Up the stairs went the two cadets, Jack leading the way. On the upper +landing they paused, for the sounds of footsteps had suddenly ceased. + +"Which way did he go?" whispered Pepper. + +"I don't know, Pepper. Go slow now, we don't want to walk into any +trap." + +With caution the chums made their way to the back end of the hall. As +they did this a door close by came open and a cold draught of air met +the lads. + +"This way!" cried Jack. "He has opened a window! That air comes from +outside!" + +He rushed through the open door, to find himself in a bedroom. In an +alcove was a window and this was wide open. Beyond the window was the +top of a back porch, with a trellis reaching to the ground. + +"There he goes!" exclaimed Jack, pointing down among the trees. + +"Stop! stop!" came in a cry from the side of the mansion, and a moment +later Andy appeared, followed by Fred. + +"Stop the rascal!" shouted Jack, and bounced out on the porch with all +speed. Down the trellis he came, with Pepper following. + +By this time the fleeing individual had gained the shelter of a number +of trees. Beyond these was a hedge, and he dove through this and then +into some brushwood that lined the highway. + +"Can you catch him, Andy?" asked Jack. + +"I can try!" was the answer. + +"Keep back, unless you want to get shot!" roared the man, and he raised +something he held in his hand. It was too dark to see if it was a +pistol. + +Andy came to a halt, and in a few moments his companions joined him. By +this time the fellow was out of sight. The cadets strained their ears, +but in the snow no sounds of footsteps reached them. + +"I guess we have lost him," murmured Fred. + +"Sorry I didn't keep after him," grumbled Andy. + +"He might have shot you." + +"Come on, let us make a hunt for him!" cried Jack, and this was done. +But though they searched the vicinity for the best part of half an hour +they failed to locate the man who had fled. + +"Jack, who do you think it was?" questioned Pepper, as the four boys +gathered in the mansion and lit one of the lamps, for it was now quite +dark. + +"I may be mistaken, but to me his voice sounded like that of the man +Reff Ritter met in Cedarville, Cameron Smith." + +"Just what I think!" cried The Imp. "Did you get a look at his face?" + +"Not a close look, and it was too dark to see much. But that Smith had a +queer catch in his voice and this fellow had the same thing." + +"Yes, I remember that." + +"Was that the fellow Reff met?" demanded Andy. + +"We are not sure, Andy, but we think so." + +"What was he doing here?" asked Fred. + +"That remains for us to find out," answered Pepper. "Certainly the man +had no right here, otherwise he wouldn't have run away as he did." + +"Let us take a look through the house," suggested Pepper. + +A hand-lamp was lit and the boys began a systematic inspection of the +Lodge. They found nothing disturbed in most of the rooms, but when they +inspected the library all set up a shout. + +"The safe!" + +"It has been blown open!" + +"Yes, and look, the contents are scattered all over the floor!" + +It was true, the small safe that was located under a bend of the stairs +had been drilled and the door blown asunder. On the floor of the library +lay the shattered door and likewise several bundles of papers and +legal-looking documents. They also saw a case that had contained +silverware. + +"Wonder how much he took?" said Pepper. + +"He took something, that is sure," answered Jack. + +"We must have come in right after he blew the safe open," said Andy. + +"Boys, I think we ought to notify the authorities at once, and also +notify the Fords," cried Jack. "This is a serious piece of business." + +"Let us go to the nearest farmhouse and tell the folks," suggested Andy. + +He hardly uttered the words when a loud ring at the front door of the +mansion made every cadet jump. + +"There is somebody now!" cried Fred. + +"I'll see who it is," said Pepper, and went off, followed by Jack. + +When they opened the door they found themselves confronted by a farmer +named Fasick, who lived in that vicinity. + +"Hello!" cried the farmer, on noticing the uniforms the boys wore. "What +are you cadets doing here?" + +"Who are you?" questioned Jack. + +"I'm Isaac Fasick, and I own the farm down the road a spell. I saw the +lights here, and as Mr. Ford asked me to keep an eye on his property I +made up my mind I'd come over and see what it meant. Is he here on a +visit?" + +"Not that we know of, Mr. Fasick," answered Jack. "Come in out of the +cold, and we'll tell you something." + +The burly farmer entered, and the cadets quickly related what had +occurred. When Mr. Fasick saw the shattered safe he was all but stunned. + +"The pesky rascal!" he ejaculated. "Did he run away with much?" + +"That we don't know, for we have no idea what was in the safe," replied +Jack. + +"He must have taken some of the silver spoons, and knives and forks," +put in Pepper. "Here is the empty silverware case, and I found a loose +silver fork on the floor of the dining-room." + +"The Fords will be the only ones to tell just what was taken," said +Andy. "And the sooner we notify them the better." + +"I don't know if they are in the city or not," said Isaac Fasick "I +know they meant to travel some this winter." + +"They are at their city home just now; I got a letter day before +yesterday," answered the former major of the school battalion. He did +not deem it necessary to say the letter was from Laura Ford. + +"Let us telegraph to them," said Pepper. "But what about the thief? We +ought to get right after him." + +"We can tell Jed Plodders," said the farmer. "He's the Cedarville +constable and pretty smart, too." + +"Jed will never catch that fellow," answered Jack. "He'll be miles and +miles away before the constable gets his badge pinned on to go after +him." + +"Oh, Jed is smart," cried the farmer. "He's my wife's second cousin, and +the whole family is mighty cute." + +"All right, let him catch the thief," answered Pepper. + +Matters were talked over for several minutes, and the boys decided to +separate, Andy and Pepper to remain on guard at the Lodge and Fred and +Jack to run the iceboat to Cedarville and take Isaac Fasick along. + +"Now, don't you run into no air-holes!" cried the farmer, as he took a +seat on the _Skimmer_. "I don't want to drown just yet, not me!" + +"We'll be on our guard," answered the owner of the craft. + +"The wind is just right," said Jack, as the mainsail was hoisted. This +was true, and the run to the village took but a few minutes. While the +boys went off to send their message to the Fords, Isaac Fasick hunted up +the constable and related what had occurred. + +"Ha! a robbery, eh?" cried the constable, looking highly important. + +"That's it, Jed." + +"And you caught the boys in the house all alone?" went on the constable, +trying to look very wise. + +"Why, yes; I did." + +"Maybe they did the robbery, Isaac." + +"By gum! I didn't think of that, Jed!" exclaimed the farmer. + +"It would be an easy way of tryin' to look innercent," went on the +constable. "They fixed it all up--blow open the safe, hide the silver +an' other valerables, an' then, when you surprise 'em, they try to put +the crime off on sumbuddy else." + +"Say, Jed, do you think that's so?" asked the farmer, his suspicions +aroused. + +"Don't it look reasonable, Isaac?" + +"It sure does, Jed. But to think them boys would do sech a terruble +deed!" + +"Some o' them boys at boardin'-school spend a fierce sight o' money. +Some of 'em drink an' gamble. They ain't above gittin' money by hook or +crook, ef they need it. Yes, they may be guilty," and the constable +swelled out with his own importance. + +"Perhaps you better question 'em," suggested the farmer, timidly. + +"Question 'em?" snorted the constable. "Yes, I will; an' I'll do +more--I'll hold 'em until this mysterious case is cleared up!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +LOOKING FOR CLUES + + +Having sent their message to the Fords, the two cadets turned in the +direction where the farmer had said the constable lived. + +"I don't think old Plodders will be able to do a thing," said Jack. +"He'll look wise and ask a lot of questions, and that's all." + +A block had been covered when they saw the farmer and the constable +approaching. On his breast Jed Plodders had pinned a bright, silver +star, and he carried a policeman's club in his hand. + +"There they are!" cried Isaac Fasick. + +"Is them the cadets?" queried the guardian of the peace. + +"That's two of 'em. The other two said they'd stay an' watch the house." + +"Stop!" cried the constable, and pointed his club at the cadets. + +"Are you Constable Plodders?" questioned Jack. + +"That's who I be," was the stern reply. "Now then, out with it, young +fellers. You broke into Mr. Ford's house, didn't you? Now, don't try to +fool me, fer it won't wash! You broke into the house, and Mr. Fasick +ketched you at it, didn't he?" And the constable cast what was meant for +an eagle eye on Jack and then on Fred. He had made up his mind that he +would surprise both of the boys into a confession. + +The two cadets stared in wonder at the constable, and then a smile came +into Jack's face. The situation was so ludicrous he felt like laughing. +Jed Plodders saw the smile and frowned deeply. + +"This ain't no laughing matter, you scamp!" he bellowed. "You broke into +the Ford house an' tried to steal the silverware! Now don't try to deny +it, or it will be the wuss fer you! You done it now, didn't you?" And he +pointed his club at first one cadet and then the other. + +"No, we didn't do it!" burst out Fred. "You are a great big chump to +think we did!" + +"Hi! hi! don't you talk to me like that!" roared the guardian of the +peace. + +"Then don't you accuse us of any crime," came quickly from Jack. + +"Didn't Mr. Fasick find you at the house?" demanded the constable. + +"He did, but we didn't go there to steal; we went there to see if +everything was all right. He went there for the same purpose." + +"Say, don't you go for to mix me up in this robbery," interrupted Isaac +Fasick, hastily. "I didn't have a thing to do with it." + +"No more had we," answered Fred. "We just sailed to the place on my +iceboat. We can prove it." + +"We are friends of the Ford family; we can easily prove that, too," +added Jack. "Mr. Ford and his wife both asked us, when we were in this +vicinity, to take a look and see if everything was all right. We found a +strange man in the mansion and we did our best to catch him, but he got +away. What we want you to do is to get busy and try to catch that +rascal. If you don't do it, we'll make a complaint against you for +neglect of duty." + +While Jack had been major of the school battalion he had been in the +habit of speaking in an authoritative voice, and now he used the same +tone in addressing Jed Plodders. The constable stared at the cadet for a +moment and then his jaw dropped and likewise the club in his hand. + +"Well--er--if you're friends o' the family mebbe that alters +the--er--the case," he stammered. "Why didn't you say so fust?" + +"You didn't give us a chance," answered Fred. + +"What you want to do is to go to the house and then try to get on the +track of that robber," said Jack. "We'll help you all we can." + +"I got to send word to Mr. Ford." + +"We have already done that, and he will probably come as quickly as he +can, or send somebody." + +"Did you git a good look at the man?" + +"No, not a very good look." + +"Then you hain't got no idee who he might be?" went on the constable. + +"Well, I think----" commenced Jack, and then broke off short, and at the +same time pinched Fred's arm. It would do little or no good to acquaint +the constable with their suspicion that the rascal might be the man +named Cameron Smith. + +"What do you think?" demanded Jed Plodders. + +"I think I saw the man in Cedarville once. But I am not certain. I +rather imagine he was a stranger around here." + +"Thet's what he was," came from Isaac Fasick. "There hain't no thieves +livin' in these parts. We are all honest folks." + +Several other men of Cedarville were told about the robbery, and a crowd +of half a dozen got on the iceboat and sailed to Point View Lodge. When +they arrived at the house they found that Pepper and Andy had brought in +some wood and started a cheerful blaze in the big fireplace of the +living-room. + +"It was so cold we couldn't stand it," said Pepper. "I don't think Mr. +Ford will mind." + +The constable and the other newcomers inspected the damage done to the +safe with interest, and walked through the rooms of the house. The +cadets showed them just how the thief had made his escape, and Jed +Plodders and two of the men went off to see if they could trail the +evil-doer. + +"I think at least one of us ought to stay here until Mr. Ford comes," +said Pepper. + +"Supposing you and I stay?" suggested Andy. "Fred and Jack can take the +iceboat back to the Hall and explain matters to Captain Putnam." + +This was agreed to, and a little later the _Skimmer_ was on the way to +the school. It was now after eight o'clock and the cadets were hungry. +Andy and Pepper were to have their meals sent to them from the Fasick +farmhouse. + +Tying up at the boathouse landing, Jack and Fred hurried into the Hall. +As they passed one of the classrooms they came face to face with Reff +Ritter. + +"Got back late, didn't you?" said the bully to Fred. + +"Yes," was the short reply. + +The bully passed on without another word. + +Jack was in a quandary. What should he tell Captain Putnam? If he told +of his suspicions concerning Cameron Smith he would drag Reff Ritter +into the mix-up. + +"I guess I had better wait until something more turns up," he thought. +"If I mention this Smith, and he is innocent, both he and Reff will be +terribly angry at me." + +As briefly as possible the former major of the school battalion related +what had occurred at Point View Lodge. Captain Putnam listened with keen +interest. + +"It is a pity you didn't catch that robber," said he. "For all we know, +he may be the fellow who has been stealing here." + +"Well, we couldn't get him," answered Jack. "Maybe Constable Plodders +will be more successful." + +"I hardly think so, Ruddy. So you left Snow and Ditmore at the Lodge?" + +"Yes, sir. We thought Mr. Ford would like them to remain until he got +there, or sent somebody." + +"I see." Captain Putnam mused for a moment. "I don't see that I can do +anything. You had better go and get your supper. Tell the head waiter I +sent you in." + +"Yes, sir," said Jack, and he and Fred hurried off to the mess-hall. +The waiter was inclined to grumble a little at having to serve them at +such a late hour, but, nevertheless, he got them plenty to eat, and they +pitched in as only hungry boys can. + +On the following morning came word from Cedarville that Mr. Ford had +arrived, and Jack and Fred were allowed to take the _Skimmer_ and sail +to Point View Lodge. There they met the gentleman, who was somewhat +excited over what had occurred. + +"The loss of the silverware is a serious one," said he. "The ware came +from my wife's grandfather and she prized it very highly. I meant to +take it to the city with me, but forgot to ship it, and so we placed it +in the safe here. A couple of gold napkin-rings are also gone, and +likewise my old gold watch." + +"Mr. Ford, I wish to tell you something in private," said Jack, and then +he took the gentleman aside and related his suspicions concerning +Cameron Smith. + +"I think this is assuredly worth looking into, Jack," said Rossmore +Ford, slowly. "I shall put a first-class city detective on this case, +and I'll tell him about this Cameron Smith. He'll soon be able to find +out who the chap is. If he is an honest man, well and good. But if not, +we'll round him up and make him give an account of himself." + +"Please don't mention our names," said Jack, gravely, "And please don't +mention Reff Ritter." + +"I'll remember that," answered the owner of the Lodge. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +TO THE RESCUE + + +"If this weather keeps on, skating and iceboating will soon be over, +Jack." + +"Right you are, Pepper. I think if we want any more skating this season +we had better go out this afternoon." + +"Just what I say!" cried Dale Blackmore. "If it starts to rain the ice +will be gone in no time." + +"All out for a skate, as soon as school is dismissed!" came from Andy. + +A week had passed, and during that time nothing had been learned +concerning the robbery at Point View Lodge. Mr. Ford had hired two city +detectives but, so far, neither these men, nor the local constable, had +been able to accomplish anything. One city detective was trying to +locate Cameron Smith, but that individual could not be traced. + +During the past few days the weather had moderated greatly. Much of the +snow was gone, and the cadets feared that soon the ice on the lake +would disappear and then skating would be a thing of the past. + +"Spring will be here before you know it," said Pepper. + +"Yes, and then summer, and the end of our days at Putnam Hall," added +Jack, with something of a sigh. + +"Jack, how are you getting along in your studies?" questioned Andy. + +"Fairly well. I find Latin rather hard. How about you, Andy?" + +"Mathematics is my bugbear, Jack. Some of those problems old Crabtree +gives us are corkers." + +"Well, you must be sure to pass, Andy, and then it will be good-by to +Crabtree forever." + +After school was dismissed about twenty of the cadets hurried down to +the lake-front to go skating. + +"I see Reff Ritter has hired the _Rosebud_ again," remarked Pepper, as +he was adjusting his skates. "Fred, are you going to take out the +_Skimmer_?" + +"No, I don't think it is safe. Skating is one thing; to sail a heavy +iceboat is another." + +"Just my idea," added Stuffer. + +They watched Reff Ritter sail away. The only person with the bully was +Gus Coulter. Jack and Pepper watched Ritter closely and then looked +questioningly at each other. What did Ritter know about Cameron Smith, +and was the man really the fellow who had robbed the Ford mansion? + +Soon the merry shouts of the cadets proved they were enjoying themselves +thoroughly. Some started a race, while others formed sides for a hockey +contest, with Dale Blackmore as captain of one five and Emerald Hogan as +captain of the other. + +"Let us go down the shore a bit," suggested Jack to Pepper and Andy, and +the three joined hands for the spin. All felt like "letting out," as +Andy expressed it, and they covered over a mile almost before they knew +it. + +"The ice is getting pretty rotten," said Jack, as his skate cut in so +deeply that he would have fallen had not his chums supported him. + +"Yes, a day or two more and skating will be at an end," answered Andy. + +"Jack, are you going in for baseball this spring?" questioned Pepper. + +"No, I am going in for nothing but study towards the end of the term." + +"Well, I guess I'll have to do the same--if I want to graduate," +answered Pepper, and he heaved a deep sigh as he thought of all the fun +he would have to miss. + +The three cadets skated on until they came to a spot where the shore +made a sharp turn. On the point of land were a number of trees and +bushes, so they could not see what was beyond. + +"Listen!" cried Andy. "Somebody is calling!" + +"Help! help!" came the cry. "Help!" + +"Somebody must have broken in!" exclaimed Jack. "Come on, maybe we can +save him!" + +He broke away and led around the point of land. Beyond were some rocks +and a sort of cove, where the ice was extra soft. + +"There is an iceboat!" exclaimed Andy. "It's the _Rosebud_!" + +"It's in the water!" ejaculated Pepper. "And see, Gus Coulter is +clinging to it." + +"Where is Ritter?" + +"I don't know." + +"I see Ritter!" burst out Jack. "He is clinging to the ice yonder, +trying to crawl out! Come on, fellows, we've got to help them both." + +"Help! help!" screamed Gus Coulter, and his voice showed that he was +almost scared to death. Ritter did not call, but was making frantic +efforts to get on top of the ice, which seemed to break away as he +placed his weight on it. + +It took Jack, Pepper and Andy but a minute to get to the vicinity of the +mishap. As he skated forward, the former major of the school battalion +stripped off the sweater he was wearing. + +"Join hands with me," he called to his chums. "Now be careful; not too +near the hole, remember. I'll throw Ritter the end of the sweater." + +His chums understood, and while they held hands, Jack advanced +cautiously. The ice cracked ominously, but step by step he drew closer +to where Ritter was clinging. + +"Catch hold!" he cried, as he swung one end of the sweater toward the +unfortunate youth. + +"You--you won't let go?" questioned the bully, suspiciously. + +"Of course not!" retorted Jack. "Hold tight now, and we'll haul you up." + +He gave the signal, and Andy and Pepper pulled back with all their +might, and Jack did the same. Slowly but surely Reff Ritter came up out +of the icy water, his teeth chattering loudly. Soon he was out of +danger. + +"Run for the nearest farmhouse!" cried Jack. "Put the sweater on if you +want to," and he tossed the garment over. + +"It was Coulter's fault," growled Reff Ritter. "He swung the sail the +wrong way." And then he ran off as advised. + +"Such meanness!" snorted Pepper. "And Coulter may be drowned!" + +"Ritter was always willing to lay the blame on somebody else," added +Andy. + +The chums skated as closely as possible to where the iceboat was +drifting in a sheet of open water--a spot where some days before a +farmer had been cutting ice. To the craft Coulter was clinging and still +crying piteously. + +"Help!" came in a chattering tone. "Please help me, somebody, or I'll be +dro--drowned! I can't ho--hold on mu--much lon--ger!" + +"We are coming, Coulter!" yelled Pepper. + +"I'm nearly fro--frozen to de--death!" chattered the suffering cadet. + +"If we only had a line we might throw it to him," said Andy. + +"I've got an idea!" exclaimed Pepper. "Come on and get that fallen +tree!" + +He pointed to the shore, where a long sapling lay partly uncovered in +the snow. He skated off for this, with Andy at his heels. + +While Andy and Pepper were doing their best to get the sapling out of +the snow and drag it over the ice, Jack circled the spot where the +_Rosebud_ was drifting. The iceboat was now within ten feet of the ice, +so he could see Coulter quite plainly. The poor fellow had been ducked +in the water and was shaking from head to feet from cold. + +"We'll soon have you ashore, Gus!" he called out. "Keep up your +courage." + +"I--I can't hold on much longer!" was the gasped-out reply. "I am +free--freezing to de--death!" + +At that moment a blast of air came sweeping across the lake. It caught +the sail of the iceboat and tilted the craft over in the water. + +"Oh! oh!" screamed Coulter, and then, as the iceboat whirled around, the +exhausted cadet lost his grip and commenced to slip slowly downward. +Soon he was in the water up to his shoulders. + +"Save me!" he yelled. "Oh, Ruddy, don't let me drown! Please sa--save +m--me! Please!" And then of a sudden his head went under out of sight! + +Jack was for the moment struck dumb with horror. He felt that Coulter +was drowning before his very eyes. Then a sudden noble determination +came to him, and measuring his distance carefully he leaped for the +iceboat and managed to catch the swaying mast. He went down in the water +up to his knees, but held on to a stay with his left hand. + +The icy water made the youth gasp. But he set his teeth hard and looked +down for Coulter. Presently he saw the other cadet bob upward. Then a +hand came up and was waved frantically. Jack tried his best to reach +that hand, but could not. Then Coulter commenced to sink again from +sight. + +"I must save him! I must!" thought Jack, and an instant later leaped +boldly into the waters of the icy lake. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +A REAL HERO + + +It was a desperate plunge to take, for the former major of the school +battalion ran the risk of getting a chill that would kill him. But Jack +was a hero, and he could not bear to see Gus Coulter drowned before his +eyes. + +As the icy waters closed over him, he struck out boldly for the spot +where he had last beheld the struggling youth. Then his hand came in +contact with Coulter's body and he caught the cadet by the arm. + +As soon as Coulter felt himself touched, he swung around, and the next +instant had Jack by the shoulder, in a grip like that of death itself. + +The former major of the school battalion realized only too well that he +must not let the drowning boy catch him by the neck, otherwise both +would go down to rise no more. He shoved Coulter as far off as possible +and at the same time struck out to regain the surface of the lake. + +When the pair came up they were some distance from the iceboat and also +some distance from the edge of the ice. + +"Help! help!" yelled Jack to Pepper and Andy. + +The latter had succeeded in getting the sapling free of the snow, and +were dragging it to the ice on the lake-shore. + +"Hello, Jack's in, too!" cried Andy, in horror. + +"Hurry with the tree!" yelled Jack, as he commenced to swim for the edge +of the ice. "Quick now, or we'll both go down again! This water is +frightfully cold." + +A few strokes brought Jack and Coulter to the edge of the ice. Coulter +was still holding fast, but his strength was rapidly growing weaker. His +head shook so that his teeth rattled like castanets. + +Luckily Jack reached a spot where the shore ice was tolerably firm. More +than this, the water was somewhat shallow, so he could stand on the +bottom while Pepper and Andy shoved out the end of the sapling to him. + +"Here, I'll lift Gus out!" he called, his own teeth chattering not a +little. "He ca--can't hel--help hi--himself!" + +He lifted the other cadet as high as he could and with a shove sent him +rolling on the ice beyond. Andy and Pepper caught Coulter by the feet +and immediately dragged him out of harm's way. Then Jack caught hold of +the end of the sapling and was hauled up by his chums. + +"How in the world did you fall in?" gasped Andy. + +"I didn't fall in--I ju--jumped in!" + +"Oh, Jack!" came from Pepper. "Talk about nerve! But come, you had +better get to shelter as soon as you can." + +"Yes, I fe--feel as if I wa--was turning to i--i--ice!" chattered the +other. + +"The Darwood farmhouse is just over the hill, let us run to that," +suggested Andy. "Here, put on my sweater!" and he stripped off the +garment in an instant. + +"Do--don't leave m--me!" came from Coulter. He was on his knees, being +too weak to rise to his feet. + +"I'll carry you on my back!" cried Pepper. "Come, take hold." + +Coulter was too far gone to aid himself, and Andy had to place him on +Pepper's back. Then off the whole party started, Andy holding Jack by +the arm and thus giving him some support. + +"Where did Ritter go?" asked Jack, as they sped over the hill in the +direction of the farmhouse mentioned. + +"I think he went up the lake, in the direction of the Saldy farm," +answered Andy. + +The Darwood farmhouse set back from the road, among some cedar trees. +Rushing up to the back door, the boys pounded vigorously. + +"Who is there?" demanded a man's voice, and then Mr. Darwood showed +himself. + +"Please let us in, we are nearly frozen!" cried Jack. + +"Hello! been in the water, eh?" cried Samuel Darwood. "Come right in and +I'll stir up the fire!" and he stepped aside that the cadets might +enter. + +When Pepper deposited his burden in a chair it was seen that Gus Coulter +was in a bad way. His eyes were closed, and he was shaking as with +convulsions. + +"Here, we'll strip off some of his wet clothes and rub him down!" cried +Andy. "And can you get something hot to drink, Mr. Darwood?" + +"Sure I can," cried the farmer. "But I'll pile some wood on the fire +first!" he added. + +[Illustration: "CATCH HOLD!" JACK CRIED, AS HE SWUNG ONE END OF THE +SWEATER TOWARD THE UNFORTUNATE YOUTH. + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 259)] + +He was as good as his word, and soon the fire was roaring, and the +kitchen got thoroughly warm. The farmer was home alone, but he knew how +to make some hot coffee, which he speedily offered to all of the cadets. +Coulter could hardly drink, and it was a good half-hour before he felt +at all like even speaking. He was propped up in a big rocking-chair +directly in front of the fire, and Andy and Pepper took turns at +trying to restore his blood to circulation. Jack was not so far gone, +and soon felt quite like himself. The wet uniforms were hung up to dry, +Mr. Darwood in the meantime lending the lads some other garments. He had +been the one to cut the ice from the lake at that spot, so he felt in +some measure responsible for the mishap, even though he had put up +several danger signs, to which Ritter and Coulter had paid no attention. + +"I don't know that we will care to skate back to the Hall," said Pepper. +"Mr. Darwood, could you take us back in your sleigh, if we paid you for +it?" + +"I'll take you back, and it shan't cost you a cent," answered the +farmer, quickly. + +"Hadn't we better find out what became of Reff Ritter?" questioned Jack. + +"I'll run over to the Saldy farm and see," answered Andy, and set off +without delay. + +While Andy was gone, Samuel Darwood went to the barn to hitch up his +team. Jack, Pepper and Coulter remained in the kitchen. Coulter sat +staring at the fire, but occasionally his eyes wandered to Jack. +Suddenly, while the others were silent, he spoke. + +"Say, but you're a fine fellow, Jack Ruddy!" he said. "A fine fellow! +And I'm a--a skunk! That's what I am, a low-down, mean skunk!" + +"Never mind now, Gus," answered Jack, kindly. He hardly knew what to say +at this outburst. + +"You--you jumped in and saved me from drowning, didn't you?" + +"Yes. But anybody would do that, Gus, for a schoolmate." + +"No, they wouldn't; Reff Ritter wouldn't. He would have left me to +drown!" And Coulter shuddered. "You're a real hero, Jack Ruddy! And I'm +a--a skunk; yes, a mean, low-down skunk--and I always have been!" And +now Gus Coulter buried his face in his hands. + +"Jack certainly deserves great credit for jumping in after you," said +Pepper, warmly. "It was a mighty cold plunge for anybody to take." + +"Oh, let's drop it!" came modestly from the hero of the occasion. + +"I am not going to drop it!" retorted Gus Coulter, with spirit. "You +saved my life, and I want everybody to know it, especially Reff Ritter. +He would have left me to drown!" + +"Reff had to save himself. He was chilled to the bone when we got him +out," answered Jack. + +"If you had been Reff you wouldn't have run away and left me to drown," +went on Coulter, stubbornly. + +At this Jack was silent. + +"You don't know it all, Jack Ruddy. Reff and I had a quarrel. He said +he--he didn't want to have anything more to do with me. I believe he--he +would have been glad to have me drown!" + +"Oh, don't say that, Gus!" burst out Pepper. + +"But I will say it!" flared out Gus Coulter. "After this I am going to +cut Reff Ritter! And I am going to tell what I know about him, too! And +I am going to get Nick Paxton to tell what he knows, too!" + +"What do you know about him?" asked Jack, with sudden interest. + +"Oh, I know a good deal." + +"Coulter, answer me honestly. Do you know anything about his dealings +with a certain man named Cameron Smith?" + +"Oh, do you know that fellow?" questioned the other cadet, and he stared +wonderingly at Jack. + +"I know a little about him." + +"Don't you have anything to do with him, Jack! And don't you have much +to do with Reff! They are both bad! Oh, you don't know how bad!" And Gus +Coulter shook his head to emphasize his words. + +"What did you and Reff quarrel about, Gus?" asked Pepper. + +"We quarreled about--about---- Oh, I don't know how I can speak of it! +But I suppose I've got to, if I want to remain honest. We quarreled over +something I found one day in his private box. I got suspicious of him, +and when he was taking a nap I took his key and opened the box. And in +the box what do you suppose I found?" + +"What?" came simultaneously from Jack and Pepper. + +"Your watch and chain, Jack." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED--CONCLUSION + + +"My watch and chain!" cried the former major of the school battalion. + +"Yes." + +"What did you do about it? Why didn't you report it to me, or to Captain +Putnam?" + +"I was so stunned I didn't know what to do. I couldn't believe that Reff +had taken them, and that he was guilty of the robberies that were going +on. I locked the box up and put the key back in his pocket. That night I +accused him of the theft, and we had a quarrel and almost came to blows. +He said he didn't take the watch and chain, that he found them in the +gymnasium near the lockers. He said he was only keeping them to get +square with you, and that he would return them to you before the term +closed." + +"Found them in the gym?" repeated Pepper. + +"I don't believe it," came firmly from the former major of the school +battalion. "I believe he took them; and I believe he took the other +things, too!" + +"And I believe that myself, now!" cried Gus Coulter. "Oh, my eyes are +open! I used to think Reff was a pretty good fellow, even though +something of a bully, but I am learning that he is bad through and +through. Paxton saw him sneaking through the dormitories at night, and +he got afraid of him and cut him." + +"And what of Cameron Smith?" asked Jack. "You said he was bad?" + +"He is. I didn't know it at first, but I heard about it during the +holidays, when he and Reff went off on what they called a good time." + +"Can you give me Smith's real address?" + +"He claims to come from Boston, but I know Reff once sent him a letter +addressed to Springfield, care of the Excelsior Hotel." + +Having once opened his mind, Gus Coulter talked freely of his doings +with Reff Ritter. He said the bully had quite some money at times, but +the amount was quickly spent. + +Just as Mr. Darwood drove around to the door with his sleigh Andy came +back to the farmhouse. + +"I had some hot words with Ritter," he explained. "He was just as +bullying as ever, and gave us no credit for hauling him out of the lake, +and he said if Coulter was drowned it would be his own fault. Oh, he is +the limit!" + +The ride to Putnam Hall was a short one, and on arriving at the school +the cadets hurried to their dormitories to change their damp clothing +for suits which were perfectly dry. In the meantime Jack asked Pepper to +find Captain Putnam and tell the master of the school that he wished to +see him on a matter of great importance. + +A little later the former major of the school battalion entered the +captain's private office, followed by Pepper and Andy. They found +Captain Putnam staring at a telegram that had just come in. + +"Well, what can I do for you?" he asked. + +"I've got something to tell you, sir," returned Jack, and as briefly as +possible he narrated what had occurred on the lake and repeated what +Coulter had told him. As he progressed Captain Putnam shook his head +sadly. + +"It must be true," he said almost brokenly. "It all fits in--this +telegram and what you say." + +"The telegram?" repeated Jack. + +"Yes, Ruddy. This telegram is from Mr. Ford. He states that Cameron +Smith has been caught and has made a confession that he looted the safe +at Point View Lodge. Smith was partly intoxicated at the time of his +capture, and informed the detective that some jewelry he had in his +possession had come from Reff Ritter. He stated that Ritter took the +stuff from the cadets and the others while they slept, and it was +Smith's part to pawn the things and divide the proceeds." + +"And Ritter was guilty of all the thefts at the Hall?" cried Pepper. + +"Yes, and he even took some of his own things, just for a blind, +according to this man Smith. What Coulter has to say, and Paxton, seems +to corroborate his story." + +"What a terrible thing to do!" murmured Jack. + +"Smith had a bunch of pawn tickets hidden away in a drawer, and they +represent all the things taken from this school, and they also represent +some other things, namely, those lost by you, Snow, at the time the +horse ran away with you." + +"Then it was Cameron Smith after all whom I saw, and who robbed me when +I was unconscious!" cried the acrobatic youth. + +"Yes. He was a bad man, and I have no doubt but that he was the one to +lead Ritter astray." + +"What are you going to do with Ritter?" + +"I cannot do otherwise than have him arrested. But I hate to have such a +scandal attached to the school," and Captain Putnam heaved a sigh that +came from the bottom of his heart. + +In the meantime, Reff Ritter had come back to Putnam Hall in another +sleigh, and had gone to his dormitory to change his clothes. Here he was +confronted by Coulter and, a little later, by Nick Paxton, and a hot +discussion arose, which ended in blows. Both Coulter and Paxton fell +upon the bully together and punished him severely. The pair told Ritter +what they thought of him, and each declared that he was going to expose +the bully to Captain Putnam. + +"I'll tell all I know about Ruddy's watch and chain, and about you and +that Cameron Smith, too!" declared Coulter. + +"Don't you do it!" shouted Ritter. + +"And I'll tell what I know about your sneaking in and out of the +dormitories at night," added Paxton. And then he and Coulter went off +together. + +They reached the office just as Jack, Andy and Pepper were about to +leave. Each told his story, and both were closely questioned by the +master of the school. + +"How long ago did you find this out about the watch and chain, Coulter?" +demanded Captain Putnam. + +"Only a few days ago, sir." + +"You should have told me before. And you, Paxton, should have told me +about Ritter's sneaking around." + +"Oh, I thought it was only fun at first," pleaded Paxton. + +"He is undoubtedly guilty, and there remains nothing to do but to have +him arrested." + +It was not long after this when he and George Strong went on a hunt for +Reff Ritter, to place him in the guardroom until an officer of the law +could be summoned. Ritter could not be found, and it was not until some +time later that Peleg Snuggers brought in the information that the cadet +had been seen leaving the Hall, dress-suit case in hand, by a side door. + +"He has run away!" cried George Strong. + +"If so, perhaps it is just as well," murmured Captain Putnam. "To +prosecute him in court would create a terrible scandal! I would rather +pay for the stolen things out of my own pocket!" + +Reff Ritter had indeed run away. By some means unknown he managed to get +to a town at the end of the lake and there boarded a midnight train +bound West. He was traced as far as Chicago, but that was the last seen +or heard of him until many years later, when it was learned that he had +gone to Alaska with some gold miners. He got very little gold for a +large amount of hard work, and drifted from place to place, picking up +odd jobs that offered themselves. + +The announcement that Ritter was the fellow who had perpetrated the +many thefts at Putnam Hall created strong excitement in the school. But +the matter was hushed up as much as possible by Captain Putnam, and the +master saw to it that every cadet got back the things that belonged to +him, and also squared matters with the teachers. + +In due course of time Cameron Smith was tried for the robbery of Point +View Lodge and was sent to prison for a term of years. He admitted +robbing Andy after the runaway, and the acrobatic youth got back from +the pawnbrokers the things taken on that occasion. + +After the excitement had passed, Jack, Pepper, Andy and their chums of +the senior class buckled down to hard work for the rest of the term. As +a consequence, Jack graduated at the head of the class, with Joe Nelson, +second; Andy, third; Stuffer, fourth; Pepper, fifth; Henry Lee, sixth, +and Fred Century, seventh. + +"I must congratulate you, Ruddy," cried Captain Putnam, warmly. "All +through your term at this school you have made a record to be proud of. +And the other graduates have made fine records, too. I shall hate to +part with all of you." + +"And I shall hate to leave Putnam Hall," answered the former major of +the school battalion. "I have had the time of my life since I have been +here." + +"So have I!" put in Pepper. + +"The best ever!" chimed in Andy. + +"I shall never forget Putnam Hall, no matter where I go," came from +Stuffer. + +"The best school there ever was!" added Joe Nelson. + + * * * * * + +And now, kind reader, let me add a few words more and then bring this +story of "The Putnam Hall Mystery" to a close. As I promised some years +ago, when I gave you "The Putnam Hall Cadets," I have now related in +detail the most important events that transpired at the military school +during the first years of its existence. What took place there after +Jack Ruddy and his chums left will be found set down in another line of +books called "The Rover Boys Series," starting with "The Rover Boys at +School." In that volume you will not only meet the three jolly Rover +brothers--Dick, Tom and Sam--but also learn more concerning the doings +of Bart Conners, Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney, and again meet that +dictatorial old teacher, Josiah Crabtree, and the bully, Dan Baxter, and +his toady, Mumps. The Rover boys went to Putnam Hall for a number of +years, and had just as good a time as did Jack and his friends. + +The graduation exercises at Putnam Hall were that year very elaborate, +and many visitors were present, including the parents and brothers and +sisters of the graduates, and Mr. and Mrs. Ford, and Laura and Flossie. + +"Oh, I am so glad that you came out at the head of the class, Jack!" +cried Laura, as she came up to shake his hand. + +"Thank you very much, Laura," he answered, and then, as he took her hand +he looked full into her clear eyes. "I'd rather have your +congratulations than anything else," he added. + +"Oh, Jack!" she murmured, and then she gave him a glance that thrilled +him through and through. Heretofore, they had only been friends, but +from that moment a deeper sentiment seemed to stir them both, and, years +later, when Jack became settled in business, pretty Laura Ford became +Mrs. Ruddy. In the same year, Pepper, who went into the insurance +business with his father, married Flossie; and all were very happy. Andy +remained a jolly bachelor, to visit one or the other of his chums, as +suited him. He went into business with Jack, and the firm prospered +greatly. + +The fun, when the school broke up for the term, was of the +never-to-be-forgotten variety. Great bonfires were lit along the +lake-shore, and around these the cadets gathered, to sing and "cut up" +generally. Some of the boys caught Peleg Snuggers and made him ride a +wooden horse, while others captured Mumps and made the sneak dive +head-first into a barrel that contained several pounds of pulverized +charcoal. When the cadet came forth he was a sight to behold. One +bonfire was made up of discarded schoolbooks. + +"Farewell to thee forever!" cried Pepper, as he cast in an old grammar +and a volume of Cicero's works. "Never again shall I need thee, thank +goodness!" And this speech brought forth a roar of laughter. + +"Everybody in a grand march!" shouted Andy, a little later. "Jack, as +our old major, you must lead off!" + +"So I will," answered Jack, with a happy smile. "Battalion, attention! +Present firebrands! Forward, march!" + +And then the cadets marched around and across the campus, waving their +firebrands, and singing and cheering lustily. And here let us wish them +all good luck and say good-by. + + +THE END + + + + +THE FAMOUS ROVER BOYS SERIES + +BY ARTHUR M. WINFIELD + +(Edward Stratemeyer) + + + * * * * * + +American Stories of American Boys and Girls + + * * * * * + +NEARLY THREE MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THIS SERIES + + * * * * * + +12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS. + + * * * * * + + THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS + THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA + THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS + THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM + THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE + THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR + THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK + THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA + THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLBY HALL + THE ROVER BOYS ON SNOWSHOE ISLAND + THE ROVER BOYS UNDER CANVAS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A HUNT + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE LAND OF LUCK + THE ROVER BOYS AT BIG HORN RANCH + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE TOM SWIFT SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + * * * * * + +=UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. INDIVIDUAL COLORED WRAPPERS.= + + * * * * * + +These spirited tales, convey in a realistic way, the wonderful advances +in land and sea locomotion. Stories like these are impressed upon the +memory and their reading is productive only of good. + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS + TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE + TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER + TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON + TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP + TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL + TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WAR TANK + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR SCOUT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS UNDERSEA SEARCH + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE FIRE FIGHTERS + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + * * * * * + +Transcriber's note: Punctuation normalized. + +Page 60, "say" changed to "said" (Major Ruddy said he). + +Page 154, "Pegged" changed to "Pepper" (Pepper. "There) + +Page 161, double "and" repaired (up and catch). + +Page 163, "ring" changed to "bring" (bring in a professional). + +Page 204, double "the" repaired (And the two teachers). + +Page 208, "scribbed" changed to "scribbled" (scribbled down). + +Page 273, double "you" repaired (and what you say) + +Page 276, "Goerge" changed to "George" (cried George Strong.) + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery at Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL *** + +***** This file should be named 17636-8.txt or 17636-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/6/3/17636/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/17636-8.zip b/17636-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..364e82f --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-8.zip diff --git a/17636-h.zip b/17636-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1b4ffab --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h.zip diff --git a/17636-h/17636-h.htm b/17636-h/17636-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9291596 --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h/17636-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8798 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mystery At Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + .right {text-align: right;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 25%; + margin-right: 25%;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Mystery at Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mystery at Putnam Hall + The School Chums' Strange Discovery + +Author: Arthur M. Winfield + +Release Date: January 29, 2006 [EBook #17636] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1>THE MYSTERY AT</h1> + +<h1>PUTNAM HALL</h1> + +<h3><i>Or</i></h3> + +<h4><i>The School Chums' Strange Discovery</i></h4> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>ARTHUR M. WINFIELD</h2> + +<h3>(Edward Stratemeyer)</h3> + +<div class="center">AUTHOR OF THE FAMOUS "ROVER BOYS +SERIES," <span class="smcap">Etc.</span></div> + + +<div class="center"><br /><br /><i>ILLUSTRATED</i><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 50px;"> +<img src="images/emblem.jpg" width="50" height="50" alt="Emblem" title="Emblem" /> +</div> + +<div class="center"><br /><br /><br /><br />NEW YORK +GROSSET & DUNLAP<br /> +PUBLISHERS<br /><br /> +Made in the United States of America +</div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 248px;"> +<img src="images/296.jpg" width="248" height="400" alt="SOME CADETS CAME INTO VIEW, EACH CARRYING A BUCKET OF WATER." title="SOME CADETS CAME INTO VIEW, EACH CARRYING A BUCKET OF WATER" /> +<span class="caption">SOME CADETS CAME INTO VIEW, EACH CARRYING A BUCKET OF WATER.</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Mystery of Putnam Hall</i>—<i>Frontispiece.</i> (<a href='#Page_95'>Page 95</a>)</div> + + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> + +<div class='bbox'><h2>BOOKS FOR BOYS</h2> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">By Arthur M. Winfield</span></h3> + +<div class='center'>(Edward Stratemeyer)</div> + + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<h3>THE PUTNAM HALL CADET SERIES</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Putnam Hall Cadet Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE RIVALS OF PUTNAM HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE CHAMPIONS OF PUTNAM HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE REBELLION AT PUTNAM HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>CAMPING OUT DAYS AT PUTNAM HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<h3>THE FIRST ROVER BOYS SERIES</h3> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The First Rover Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<h3>THE SECOND ROVER BOYS SERIES</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Second Rover Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT COLBY HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON SNOWSHOE ISLAND</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS UNDER CANVAS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON A HUNT</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<div class='center'><br /><br /><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap</span>, Publishers, New York</div> +<br /><br /></div> +<div class='center'> +<span class="smcap"><br />Copyright</span>, 1911, under the title of<br /> +<i>The Putnam Hall Mystery</i><br /> +</div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap</span></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='left'>CHAPTER </td><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>I.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">An Encounter on the Road</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>II.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Cadets of Putnam Hall</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_11'>11</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>III.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Something About a Runaway</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_19'>19</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Fruitless Search</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_29'>29</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>V.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Fight in the Gymnasium</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_39'>39</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Captain Putnam Investigates</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_49'>49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Pepper Makes a Discovery</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_59'>59</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VIII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Football Eleven</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_69'>69</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IX.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Football Game</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_79'>79</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>X.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Putting Out a Lively Blaze</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_89'>89</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XI.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Mysterious Happening</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">An Invitation Accepted</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_109'>109</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Work of the Enemy</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_119'>119</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIV.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">At the Ford Mansion</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_129'>129</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XV.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Snowball Battle</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_139'>139</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVI.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In Which More Valuables Vanish</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_149'>149</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Tug-of-War</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_159'>159</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Curious Meeting</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIX.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">About a Set of Teeth</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_178'>178</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XX.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Pepper a Prisoner</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_187'>187</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXI.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Grave Accusation</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_196'>196</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Mystery Goes On</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_205'>205</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">An Election of Officers</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_214'>214</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIV.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Andy Shows His Courage</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_223'>223</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXV.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Man at Point View Lodge</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_231'>231</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXVI.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">What the Constable Thought</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_239'>239</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXVII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Looking for Clues</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_247'>247</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXVIII.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">To the Rescue</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_255'>255</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIX.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Real Hero</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_263'>263</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXX.</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Mystery Explained—Conclusion</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_271'>271</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + +<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">My Dear Boys:</span></div> + +<p>This story is complete in itself, but forms the sixth volume in a line +issued under the general title of "Putnam Hall Series."</p> + +<p>As mentioned several times, this line was started because many young +folks wanted to know what happened at Putnam Hall Military School +previous to the arrival at that institution of the Rover boys, as +already related in my "Rover Boys Series."</p> + +<p>To gratify this curiosity I wrote the first volume of this series, +called "The Putnam Hall Cadets," showing how Captain Putnam organized +his famous school, and how it was Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore came to +be among his first pupils.</p> + +<p>In the second book, entitled "The Putnam Hall Rivals," I gave the +particulars of several contests on the field of sports, and also told +about a thrilling balloon ride and of an odd discovery in the woods.</p> + +<p>Following the second book came a third, "The Putnam Hall Champions," +with more bitterly-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>contested games, in one of which young Major Ruddy's +enemies played him a foul trick.</p> + +<p>From the opening of the school there had been dissatisfaction with one +of the teachers, and when another was engaged who proved to be a man of +peculiar whims, the boys went into open revolt, as related in another +volume, called "The Putnam Hall Rebellion." The cadets literally ran +away, and did not return to the Hall until Captain Putnam came upon the +scene to straighten matters out.</p> + +<p>The rebellion was followed by a grand outing, as related in "The Putnam +Hall Encampment." The cadets marched far away from the school, to the +shore of a beautiful lake, and there our heroes managed to have a good +time in spite of the mean work of several of their enemies.</p> + +<p>In the present volume are related the particulars of a most puzzling +mystery which at one time threatened to bring disaster to the whole +school. How the mystery was at last solved I leave for the pages which +follow to explain.</p> + +<p>Again I thank both young and old for all the nice things they have said +about my books. I hope the reading of the volumes affords all both +pleasure and profit.</p> + +<div class='right'> +<span style="margin-right: 8em;">Affectionately and sincerely yours,</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Edward Stratemeyer.</span><br /> +</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD</h3> + + +<p>"Here we are again, as the clown says in the circus!"</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Pepper. And I'll be glad to get back to Putnam Hall once +more," responded Major Jack Ruddy, as he followed his chum from the lake +steamer to the Cedarville dock.</p> + +<p>"Hello, there is Andy!" cried Pepper Ditmore, as he caught sight of a +familiar face in the crowd of cadets, "Andy, where have you been? Why +didn't you come on the boat with us?"</p> + +<p>"I got in last night," answered Andy Snow. "How are you, anyway?" And he +shook hands cordially.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm as fine as a new-tooth comb," answered Pepper Ditmore, with a +grin. "Ready for study and fun."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Especially fun, I'll wager. How about it, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Pepper usually manages to get his share," came from the young major +of the Putnam Hall battalion. "But, Andy, did you—— Hi, look where you +are going, will you, Ritter!" cried Jack, rather angrily.</p> + +<p>A tall youth, carrying a big dress-suit case, had forced his way through +the crowd, hitting Jack in the knee with his baggage.</p> + +<p>"What do you want to block the way for?" demanded Reff Ritter, sourly. +"Think you own the dock?"</p> + +<p>"I've got as much right here, Ritter, as you have!" retorted the young +major, sharply. "Don't you knock me again like that."</p> + +<p>"I will—if you get in my way."</p> + +<p>"If you do, you'll take the consequences."</p> + +<p>"Bah! Don't you try to dictate to me, Jack Ruddy!" growled Reff Ritter. +"You got the best of me last term, but you'll not get the best of me +this term, I'll tell you that!"</p> + +<p>"Phew! Ritter is somewhat peppery!" whispered Andy Snow.</p> + +<p>"I guess I know the reason," came from a student named Dale Blackmore.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll tell you later—too much of a crowd here," rejoined Dale.</p> + +<p>About twenty cadets, all bound for Putnam Hall Military Academy, had +arrived on the boat from Ithaca, and these, along with some others who +had come down to the dock to see the boat come in, gathered around Jack +Ruddy and Reff Ritter to see the outcome of the unexpected encounter.</p> + +<p>Jack Ruddy had good cause to consider Reff Ritter his enemy. But he had +hoped that during the term now opening at the school the bully of Putnam +Hall would keep his distance.</p> + +<p>"I am not trying to dictate to you, Ritter," answered Jack, as calmly as +he could. "But I don't propose to let you hit me with your suitcase."</p> + +<p>"Huh! It was an accident!" growled Reff.</p> + +<p>"Oh, come on, Reff!" put in Gus Coulter, the bully's close crony. "Let +us get good seats in the carryall."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk! Let us get in before the others take the seats!" came +from Nick Paxton, another crony.</p> + +<p>He pushed ahead, and his elbow caught Pepper Ditmore directly in the +ribs.</p> + +<p>"Not quite so swift, Paxton!" cried Pepper, and he gave the cadet a +quick shove backwards. Pax<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>ton bumped into Reff Ritter, lost his +footing, and fell over the dress-suit case in the bully's hand.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! One down!" cried Andy Snow. "How many yards to gain for a +touchdown, Nick?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by knocking me down!" roared Nick Paxton, as he +scrambled to his feet. "I'll not stand for it."</p> + +<p>"Then sit down again," answered Pepper, merrily. "And next time keep +your elbow out of my ribs," he added. "Come on, we don't want to get +left!" he added to his chums.</p> + +<p>A bolt was made by many of the cadets for the Putnam Hall carryall, and +soon a crowd was inside and on the front seat, talking, joking and +cheering, as suited the mood of each individual. Jack, Pepper, Andy and +Dale managed to crowd inside throwing their suitcases on the top. Gus +Coulter got in also, but when he saw that Reff Ritter and Nick Paxton +had been left, he scrambled out again, and his place was taken by Fred +Century, another student.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Peleg, old sport!" cried Pepper, gaily, to the driver of the +turnout. "How have you been for the past fifty years?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm very well, thank you," responded Peleg Snuggers.</p> + +<p>"Heard you had a fortune left to you," went on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> Pepper, with a wink at +his chums. "Old uncle died and left you half a million."</p> + +<p>"Three-quarters of a million," put in Andy Snow, scenting fun. "All in +gold, too."</p> + +<p>"Isn't that fine!" said Jack. "Peleg, how about lending me ten or +fifteen dollars?"</p> + +<p>"I could use a five-spot myself," added Dale.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to borrow about fifty for a new bicycle," came from Fred +Century.</p> + +<p>"Don't be modest about lending us the cash," went on Pepper. "Just hand +it out as if you had always had it."</p> + +<p>"I ain't had no fortune left to me!" burst out the general utility man, +desperately. "Who said I had?"</p> + +<p>"Why, everybody knows it, Peleg," responded Pepper. "Come, don't be +modest about it. Was it really three-quarters of a million?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe it was more," suggested Jack.</p> + +<p>"If I were you, Peleg, I'd not carry so much around in my pockets," said +Dale.</p> + +<p>"I ain't had a cent left to me!" shouted the driver of the carryall. +"This is some of your jokes, an' I want you to stop it! Oh, dear, now +the school's opened ag'in I suppose there won't be no rest fer nobuddy!" +And he heaved a mountainous sigh.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Peleg! Don't be angry with me!" mur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>mured Pepper, with a trace of +tears in his voice. "If you get angry I'll die!"</p> + +<p>"You behave yourself, Pepper Ditmore, or I won't drive you to the Hall."</p> + +<p>"Peleg, don't you want me to drive?" asked Andy, who was on the front +seat. "I'm a cracker-jack at driving."</p> + +<p>"Not much! Don't you tech them hosses!" shouted the general utility man +in alarm. "That off hoss is a new one an' he's mighty skittish, I can +tell you. This mornin' when I was hookin' him up he nigh kicked the leg +off o' me!"</p> + +<p>"Say, how are we going to get to the Hall?" came in ugly tones from Reff +Ritter. He, with six other boys, was standing beside the carryall.</p> + +<p>"Captain Putnam said he'd send down some carriages," answered Peleg +Snuggers. "There they come now," and he pointed to the turnouts.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! I wanted to go in the carryall," grumbled Ritter.</p> + +<p>"So did I," added Gus Coulter.</p> + +<p>"Well, this is full, so you'll have to take the carriages," answered +Peleg Snuggers. "Everybody hold fast!" he shouted, as he took up the +reins.</p> + +<p>"We are off!" shouted Pepper, gaily. "Farewell to Cedarville and ho! for +Putnam Hall!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wish I had room, I'd turn a handspring for you," came from Andy, who +was quite an acrobat.</p> + +<p>"Now don't you cut up any monkey-shines," pleaded the driver of the +carryall. "That new hoss won't stand for 'em."</p> + +<p>"All right, Peleg, I'll keep as quiet as a lamb without a tail."</p> + +<p>"Why is a lamb without a tail quiet?" asked Fred Century, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Give it up, Fred. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because he has no tale to tell."</p> + +<p>"Wow!"</p> + +<p>"What a joke!"</p> + +<p>"Throw him out!"</p> + +<p>"Give him some cotton to eat!"</p> + +<p>"Say, do keep quiet!" pleaded Peleg Snuggers, as the boys in the +carryall commenced to push Fred from one seat to another. "Want these +hosses to ran away with you?"</p> + +<p>"Better draw it mild," suggested Major Jack. "We don't want any accident +on the way to the Hall." He looked back at the crowd left on the dock. +"Has anybody seen Bert Field?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I saw him last week," answered a student named Paul Singleton. +"He'll be here to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"How about Emerald?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Coming to-night," answered Andy. "He went <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>to Ireland this summer, and +his brogue is worse than ever."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Emerald is a good fellow," said Major Jack. "His heart is +as big as a barrel."</p> + +<p>"Say, but wasn't Reff Ritter mad!" came from Dale.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he makes me tired," answered Pepper. "After all that happened last +term wouldn't you think he'd behave himself better?"</p> + +<p>"It isn't in him to behave himself," answered Fred Century. "He is a +bully and always will be."</p> + +<p>"Well, he has got to keep his distance this term," said Major Jack, with +a firm look on his face. "I am not going to stand for what I have in the +past."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," added Pepper. "If he doesn't keep his distance he'll suffer for +it."</p> + +<p>The carryall was now leaving the little village of Cedarville. Soon it +came out on a country road that ran in the direction of Putnam Hall.</p> + +<p>It was an ideal day in early September, and the cadets returning to the +school were in high spirits. One started to sing and the others joined +in.</p> + +<p>"Hello, there goes the Pornell Academy stage!" cried Pepper, presently.</p> + +<p>"And there are some fellows we know!" returned Jack, as the turnout +belonging to a rival school came closer. "Roy Bock and Bat Sedley."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll bet they are sore over what happened last June," cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>"It was their own fault that they suffered," came from Andy.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" sang out Dale, and dodged down in the carryall.</p> + +<p>Spat! A half-decayed apple struck the side of the turnout. Spat! came +one through the open window. Then the skin of a banana followed, landing +in Jack's lap.</p> + +<p>"Stop that, Bock!"</p> + +<p>"Don't throw things in here, Sedley!"</p> + +<p>"Something to remember us by!" shouted Roy Bock, the bully of Pornell +Academy, and he threw another soft apple into the carryall. It landed on +Pepper's arm, leaving quite a mess there.</p> + +<p>"All right, if that's your game!" cried Pepper, and feeling in his +pocket he brought forth an orange he had purchased on the boat. Taking +careful aim, he let fly with all force. The orange landed fairly and +squarely on Roy Bock's nose.</p> + +<p>"Ouch!" roared Roy Bock, and clapped his hand to his nose, which began +to bleed.</p> + +<p>"Here's something for you, Sedley!" cried Andy, and sent a handful of +peanut shells into the Pornell student's face.</p> + +<p>"I'll fix you fellows!" roared Roy Bock in a rage, and catching up a +heavy book that was on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>the seat beside him he started to throw the +volume at Jack and Pepper.</p> + +<p>But the volume slipped and went sailing in the air in another direction, +catching poor Peleg Snuggers on the cheek. The driver of the carryall +was so startled that he let go the reins and fell from his seat into the +dust of the road.</p> + +<p>As the reins dropped at their heels, one of the horses—the new +one—threw up his head in sudden fright. Then he made a mad lunge +forward, dragging his mate with him. The carryall gave a lurch and a +bound that sent the occupants flying into each other's laps.</p> + +<p>"Stop the team!" was the cry.</p> + +<p>"The horses are running away!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL</h3> + + +<p>It was true, the team was running away. One of the horses was a spirited +animal and he now had the bit in his teeth. The boys in the rear of the +turnout looked back, to see Peleg Snuggers still lying in the highway. +The stage belonging to Pornell Academy had turned down a side road.</p> + +<p>"Can't you stop them, Andy?" asked Jack Ruddy.</p> + +<p>"I don't see how," was the answer from the youth on the front seat. "I +can't get hold of the lines."</p> + +<p>"We must stop 'em somehow!" cried Fred Century. "Otherwise we'll have a +smash-up, sure!"</p> + +<p>"Whoa! whoa!" yelled half a dozen, but these cries only served to scare +the team more, and away they shot along the country road, sending the +carryall swaying from side to side.</p> + +<p>"Look! look!" yelled Andy, suddenly. "The regular road is shut off! They +are repairing it!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boys gazed ahead and saw that some wooden horses and planking had +been placed across the highway. This side of the barrier some bars had +been taken from a fence, so that those using the road might drive +around, through an orchard belonging to a farmer named Darrison.</p> + +<p>"We are going to strike those planks!" cried Dale Blackmore.</p> + +<p>"Maybe the team will try to jump them!" came from Fred.</p> + +<p>"If they do, they'll smash the carryall sure!" answered Pepper. "Perhaps +we had better drop out at the rear."</p> + +<p>"Look out!" sang out somebody, and just then the carryall left the +highway and turned into the orchard. Then came a scraping, as the top of +the turnout hit the low-hanging branches of some apple trees.</p> + +<p>"Whoa! stop that wagon!" yelled a man's voice, and Amos Darrison +appeared from among the trees. He made a leap for the team, but they +swerved to one side. Then came a crash, as one of the wheels caught in a +stump. Over went the carryall, with the boys in it. Andy, quick to act, +used his acrobatic abilities by leaping into the branches of a nearby +tree. Then the farmer caught the team and stopped them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Anybody hurt?" was Pepper's question, as he crawled out of the wreck.</p> + +<p>"I'm all right," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"I got a twisted ankle, that's all," came from Dale, as he limped out.</p> + +<p>"Look at Jack!" cried several. "He's hurt!"</p> + +<p>All looked and saw the young major of the school battalion lying flat on +his back in the front of the carryall. He had a nasty cut on the temple +and his eyes were closed.</p> + +<p>"He is dead!" murmured Pepper, hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't say that!" said Andy, in sudden terror. He had just dropped +to the ground.</p> + +<p>"If he ain't dead he's putty badly hurted," said the farmer who owned +the orchard.</p> + +<p>Pepper caught his chum in his arms and brought him out and laid him on +the grass.</p> + +<p>"He is still breathing!" he cried. "Get some water and we'll bathe his +face. Maybe that will bring him around."</p> + +<p>"I'll get the water!" exclaimed Dale, and ran towards a well located at +the side of the orchard.</p> + +<p>To those who have read the other volumes in this "Putnam Hall Series," +the lads already mentioned will need no special introduction. For the +benefit of others, let me state that Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore were +close chums, living, when at home, in the western part of New York<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> +State. Jack was slightly the older of the two and was of rather a +serious turn of mind. Pepper was full of fun, and on that account was +frequently called "The Imp."</p> + +<p>As related in my first volume, entitled "The Putnam Hall Cadets," the +lads left home to become cadets at a new institution of learning located +on Cayuga Lake. This new school was presided over by Captain Victor +Putnam, a retired army officer, who had modeled his institution somewhat +after the famous military academy at West Point. It was a large school, +ideally located on the shore of the lake, and had attached to it a +gymnasium, a boathouse, and several other buildings. On the lower floor +of the main building were the classrooms, the mess-hall, and the +offices, and upstairs were the dormitories.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the school, Jack and Pepper soon made a host of friends, +including the acrobatic Andy Snow; Dale Blackmore, who was a great +football player; Paul Singleton, who was usually called "Stuffer" +because of his constant desire to eat; Joseph Hogan, commonly addressed +as "Emerald" because of his Irish blood, and Joe Nelson, who was one of +the best scholars the school ever had. They also made some enemies, the +greatest of them being Reff Ritter, the big bully, and Gus Coulter and +Nick Paxton, his cronies.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p>Not long after the students learned how to drill and to march they were +allowed to ballot for officers. A bitter contest was waged, which +resulted in Jack being chosen major of the Hall battalion. A bully named +Dan Baxter had wanted to be major, and he bribed Gus Coulter and some +others to vote for him, but without avail. It may be added here that +Baxter was now away on a vacation, but had written that he was going to +return to the school before long.</p> + +<p>During their first term at Putnam Hall the chums had several adventures, +not the least of which was one in the woods, where they rescued George +Strong, one of the teachers, from two of his relatives who were insane.</p> + +<p>Mr. Strong's ancestry dated back to the Revolution, and he told the +cadets about a family treasure buried in the vicinity of the lake. How +the boys went in search of the treasure, and how they had numerous other +adventures, was related in the second volume of this series, called "The +Putnam Hall Rivals."</p> + +<p>With the coming of the next summer, the thoughts of the students turned +to various sports, and in the third volume, "The Putnam Hall Champions," +I told how the chums entered several contests, both on land and on the +lake, and won out. At that time Fred Century was a pupil at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> Pornell +Academy, but Fred became so disgusted at the actions of Roy Bock, Bat +Sedley, and some others, that he quit the rival institution of learning +and came to Putnam Hall, where he was given a warm welcome.</p> + +<p>The encounters that Jack and his chums had with Reff Ritter and his +cronies were numerous, and more than once Ritter did his best to get the +young major into serious trouble. Once he drugged Jack with some French +headache powders, and when he was exposed Captain Putnam would have +expelled him had not Jack very generously asked that he be given another +chance. For this any ordinary youth would have been grateful, but +gratitude did not appear to be a part of Reff Ritter's make-up, and he +soon showed himself to be as mean as ever.</p> + +<p>For some time matters ran along smoothly at Putnam Hall, but then came +trouble of an entirely new kind. Once, during the absence of Captain +Putnam and George Strong, the school was left in charge of two other +teachers—Josiah Crabtree and Pluxton Cuddle. Crabtree was dictatorial +to a degree and Cuddle was a man of queer ideas, one being that boys ate +entirely too much.</p> + +<p>As told in the volume called "The Putnam Rebellion," the two teachers +sought to subdue the boys by starving them and locking them in their +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>dormitories. They rebelled, left the school by stealth, and marched +away, to camp in the woods. There the rebels split up, one party under +Major Jack and the other under Ritter. At last Captain Putnam put in an +appearance, and Major Jack explained matters. As a consequence, the +cadets went back to the Hall, and then Josiah Crabtree and Pluxton were +called on to explain. Crabtree was retained, after a stern lecture from +the master of the school, but Cuddle was discharged.</p> + +<p>It was Captain Putnam's custom to take his students out once or twice a +year to what was called an encampment—the lads marching to some spot +where they could pitch their tents and go in for a touch of real army +life, with target shooting, sham battles, and the like. In the next +volume of the series, called "The Putnam Hall Encampment," I told how +the cadets left the Hall and marched to a distant lake. Their camping +outfit was sent ahead by wagons, but the wagons got lost, and were +finally found in the possession of Roy Bock and some other students of +Pornell, they having made off with them while the drivers were in a +roadhouse obtaining refreshments. For this trick, Pepper and some of the +others got after the Pornellites and made them prisoners in a cave, from +which they could escape only by going out a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>back way, through some +water and mud, and thorny bushes.</p> + +<p>While they were playing a certain trick in Cedarville, Jack and Pepper +fell in with a youth named Bert Field. He was a queer lad, but did the +chums a good turn, and in return they promised to help him. He was +trying to locate a certain old man who was defrauding him out of some +property. The old man was discovered during a visit to a mysterious mill +said to be haunted, and by the chums' aid Bert Field got what was coming +to him. It was thought best to send Bert to school, and he said he +wanted to go to Putnam Hall.</p> + +<p>"We'll be glad to have him with us," said Jack, and so it was settled.</p> + +<p>Following the encampment had come the regular summer vacation, and the +cadets had scattered far and wide, Jack and Pepper going for a cruise +around the Great Lakes, and Andy and Dale going to Asbury Park and +Atlantic City. Reff Ritter had started for a summer in the Adirondacks, +but unexpected word from home, of which more will be said later, had +caused him to give up the outing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>SOMETHING ABOUT A RUNAWAY</h3> + + +<p>While Dale and Andy ran off to get the water, the other boys gathered +around Jack. The young major still lay with his eyes closed, breathing +faintly.</p> + +<p>"He got a bad crack on the head," remarked Fred Century.</p> + +<p>"He certainly did," whispered another cadet. "If he doesn't come around +what shall we do?"</p> + +<p>"How did the team happen to run away?" questioned Amos Darrison.</p> + +<p>"Some fellows from Pornell Academy threw things at us," explained +Pepper. "We'll have an account to settle with 'em for this," he added +grimly.</p> + +<p>"Wonder how poor Snuggers made out?"</p> + +<p>"Here he comes now," was the answer, and looking back toward the +highway, the cadets saw the driver of the carryall approaching on a +swift limp.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 242px;"> +<img src="images/297.jpg" width="242" height="400" alt="THE YOUNG MAJOR STILL LAY WITH HIS EYES CLOSED" title="THE YOUNG MAJOR STILL LAY WITH HIS EYES CLOSED" /> +<span class="caption">THE YOUNG MAJOR STILL LAY WITH HIS EYES CLOSED</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Mystery of Putnam Hall.</i> (<a href='#Page_19'>Page 19</a>)</div> + +<p>"Did ye stop 'em?" he gasped. "Oh, dear, what <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>a bust-up! But it wasn't +my fault—you boys can prove that, can't ye?"</p> + +<p>"We can, Peleg," answered Pepper. "Much hurt?"</p> + +<p>"I got a nasty twist to my back when I tumbled. Say, what's the matter +with Major Ruddy?" And the general utility man forgot his own pains as +he gazed at the motionless form of Jack.</p> + +<p>The cadets told him, and in the midst of the explanation Dale and Andy +came back with a bucket of water and a tin dipper. The major's face was +bathed, and a little water was put into his mouth, and with a gulp he +opened his eyes and stared around him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my head!" he murmured. "Who hit me?"</p> + +<p>"You were in the carryall smash-up, Jack," answered Pepper. "You got a +bad one on the head."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I remember now." Jack sat up and placed his hand to his +forehead. "Bloody, eh? Say, that was a crack, all right!"</p> + +<p>"It's lucky you weren't killed," said Andy.</p> + +<p>"Better take it easy for a while," advised Dale. "Maybe we had better +get a doctor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after a bit, Dale," answered the young +major, who had a horror of being placed on the sick list. "The knocking +around stunned me, that's all."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let me tie a handkerchief over that cut," said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Here, I've got some court-plaster," said Fred, producing a little +package. "Let us bind it up with that."</p> + +<p>This was done, and after he had had a drink of water, Jack said he felt +much better. But when he got up on his feet he was rather shaky in the +knees.</p> + +<p>"I—I don't think I can walk to the Hall," he said, with a faint smile.</p> + +<p>"We'll get a carriage," answered Pepper. "Maybe Mr. Darrison will let us +have one. We'll pay for it, of course," he went on, knowing that the old +farmer was a close person.</p> + +<p>"I'll let you have my three-seated carriage and a team, if you want +them," answered Amos Darrison. "But it will cost you two dollars. I +can't afford to let you have 'em for nothing, because I'm a poor man, +and taxes are heavy, and so many things wanted on the farm, and my wife +wants——"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, we'll pay the two dollars," interrupted Pepper. "Everybody +who rides can chip in," he added to the surrounding cadets.</p> + +<p>While the lads were waiting for the farmer to hook up his horses, some +of them and Peleg Snuggers examined the carryall. A wheel had come off, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>and the glass had been broken, but otherwise the turnout had suffered +but little.</p> + +<p>"I am glad it is no worse," said Andy. "I'd hate to see that old +carryall put out of business. I've had so many nice rides in it."</p> + +<p>"The axle will have to be mended before we can use it again," announced +Peleg Snuggers. "We'll have to leave it here until the wheelwright can +come fer it. I'll take the hosses back to the school."</p> + +<p>"Look out that they don't run away with you," warned Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Let me ride one of them!" cried the acrobatic Andy. "Give me the new +one. I'll wager he won't get away from me."</p> + +<p>"You'll break your neck!" answered the carryall driver.</p> + +<p>"Not at all. Peleg, let me do it. I'm used to horses!" pleaded Andy.</p> + +<p>Now, if the truth must be told, Peleg Snuggers did not relish taking the +runaway team back to the school alone. He was a little afraid of the new +horse, remembering how he had been kicked in the morning.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you want to go, I'll let ye!" he said at last. "But, remember, +'tain't my fault if ye come back killed."</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry; no horse will ever get the best of me," answered +Andy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p>A little later Amos Darrison brought out his three-seated carriage and +all of the cadets but Andy got in. The baggage was left behind, the +farmer promising to deliver it by wagon.</p> + +<p>"See you later," cried Pepper to Andy. "Be careful!"</p> + +<p>"Don't worry; we'll get there before you do," answered Andy.</p> + +<p>Two blankets were arranged as saddles on the runaway team's backs and a +few minutes later Andy and Peleg Snuggers started after the carriage.</p> + +<p>"Let us catch up to them," cried the acrobatic youth, and urged his +steed forward on a gallop.</p> + +<p>"Be careful, I tell you!" cried the general utility man. "Be careful! +He'll run away with you!"</p> + +<p>But Andy was too light-hearted to pay heed to the warning, and soon he +was well in advance of his companion. Then he sighted the carriage in +the distance, and urged his horse to greater efforts.</p> + +<p>"Whoop-la! Here we come!" he yelled, and set up a great shouting.</p> + +<p>"It's Andy!" cried Pepper. "My, but he is riding some!"</p> + +<p>"He always was a good one on horseback," said Fred.</p> + +<p>"He wants to be careful; that horse is an ugly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>one," came from Jack. "I +heard a man at the dock say he wouldn't own the beast at any price."</p> + +<p>Soon Andy ranged up beside the carriage.</p> + +<p>"You're too slow for me!" he sang out merrily. "I'll have to go ahead +and tell Captain Putnam you are coming."</p> + +<p>He slapped the horse on the neck. Hardly had he done so when up came the +animal's hind hoofs, almost unseating him. Then the horse made a mad +leap forward and started down the highway at top speed.</p> + +<p>"My, see him go!"</p> + +<p>"He is running away!"</p> + +<p>"Andy, look out for yourself!"</p> + +<p>"If he throws you he'll kill you!"</p> + +<p>So the cries rang out from the carriage as horse and rider sped over the +highway leading to Putnam Hall.</p> + +<p>Andy paid no attention to what was said. Of a sudden he had his hands +full trying to keep on the horse's back. The steed was galloping along +with a peculiar motion.</p> + +<p>"Whoa! whoa, Jim!" yelled Andy, but Jim paid no attention. He was off +for a run and did not care what happened.</p> + +<p>The blanket had not been securely fastened and before long it commenced +to slip towards the horse's tail. Andy tried to haul it back. His +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>efforts were but partly successful, and with an end of the blanket +trailing around one of his hind legs, the steed became more unmanageable +than ever.</p> + +<p>On and on went horse and rider, until, in the distance, Putnam Hall +loomed up. On one side of the highway were the woods lining the lake +shore; on the other the broad campus leading to the school and other +buildings.</p> + +<p>"He'll slow up now," thought Andy. "Unless he bolts right into his +stable. If he tries that I'll have to jump for it."</p> + +<p>In front of the school building the roadway widened out into several +curves. Andy thought Jim would take to one of the curves, but he was +mistaken. On kept the steed, directly past the institution of learning.</p> + +<p>On the campus were a score or more of cadets, who stared in amazement at +the sight of the runaway horse with the boy clinging desperately to his +back.</p> + +<p>"It's Andy Snow!" cried Henry Lee, the captain of Company A.</p> + +<p>"So it is," responded Bob Grenwood, the quartermaster of the school +battalion. "How in the world did he get on that horse?"</p> + +<p>"It's the one that was hitched to the carryall,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> put in Billy Sabine, +another cadet. "Something is wrong."</p> + +<p>"Let's tell Captain Putnam," said another.</p> + +<p>"Whoa! whoa!" yelled Andy, frantically, when he realized that the horse +was not going to pass into the grounds. "Whoa, I say! You've gone far +enough!"</p> + +<p>The only effect his words had was to make Jim travel a little faster. +Away they went, past the gymnasium and the stables and then along the +country road leading to the farms back of the lake.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you won't stop, go on," said Andy, presently. "You'll get +tired sooner or later, old man. But, remember, you've got to bring me +back, no matter how tired you are."</p> + +<p>A good half-mile was covered, and then horse and rider reached a sharp +turn in the highway. Here the trees were thick and some of the branches +hung low.</p> + + +<p>Andy bent down that he might avoid the branches. But he did not get +quite low enough. He looked ahead, saw a man standing on one side of the +roadway staring in astonishment at him, and the next instant he found +himself caught by the throat in a tree-limb and carried off the horse. +Then Jim bounded on riderless, and poor Andy, kicking and thrashing +wildly, sprang free of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>tree-limb and landed on his shoulder in +the roadway.</p> + +<p>The man who had seen him coming leaped to one side, and just in the nick +of time, for the runaway horse passed within a foot of him. The man +gasped in astonishment, and for several seconds did not know apparently +what to do.</p> + +<p>"Looks like he was killed," the man muttered to himself, as he took a +few steps forward. Andy had rolled over on his back and lay stretched +out, with his eyes closed, very much as poor Jack had been stretched out +only a short while before.</p> + +<p>The man looked up and down the roadway and saw that nobody else was in +sight, that part of the highway being but little traveled. Then he came +closer to the unconscious boy and bent over him.</p> + +<p>"Only stunned, I reckon!" he muttered to himself. "Wonder if he belongs +around here?"</p> + +<p>As the man bent over Andy he saw the lad's watch dangling from its +chain, fastened to a buttonhole of the youth's vest. Then his +ferret-like eyes caught sight of a fine ruby pin in Andy's necktie.</p> + +<p>"He could easily lose that watch on the road, riding like that, and the +pin, too," he muttered to himself. "It's a fine chance to make a little +haul!"</p> + +<p>He straightened up and took another look around. Not a soul was in +sight. With dexterous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>fingers he unfastened the watch and chain and +transferred them to his pocket. The stickpin followed. Then he slipped +his hand into a vest-pocket and brought out a five-dollar bill and three +one-dollar bills.</p> + +<p>"Eight dollars!" he muttered. "Not so bad but what it might be worse. I +reckon the watch, chain and pin will bring me another twenty or thirty. +Sparrow, you are in luck to-day."</p> + +<p>He lingered, wondering if Andy had anything more of value about him. The +youth wore a ring with a cameo in it, but it looked tight and hard to +get off.</p> + +<p>"Might try his other pockets," mused the thief. Then a distant shouting +came to his ears.</p> + +<p>"Somebody is after him," he muttered. "I reckon it's time I cleared out. +It won't do for me to be seen in this neighborhood."</p> + +<p>He looked around for an instant. Then he walked to the roadside, ran in +among the trees and bushes, and disappeared from view.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>A FRUITLESS SEARCH</h3> + + +<p>"Hello, Pepper!"</p> + +<p>"How are you, Fred?"</p> + +<p>"My, here's the old bunch back again!"</p> + +<p>"Well, Henry, did you have a good time during the summer?"</p> + +<p>"How about that trip out West, Bob? Did you kill any bears or Indians?"</p> + +<p>"Getting high-toned, hiring a carriage to bring you."</p> + +<p>So the cries rang out, as the three-seated carriage driven by Amos +Darrison rolled up to the front of Putnam Hall. A crowd of cadets had +rushed forward to greet the newcomers.</p> + +<p>"Where is Andy Snow?" asked Pepper, as he leaped to the ground.</p> + +<p>"He went past on horseback like a streak!" cried Bob Grenwood. "Some of +the fellows just went off to tell Captain Putnam about it. What did it +mean?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tell you later, Bob. Just now somebody had better go after Andy. That +horse was running away with him."</p> + +<p>A hubbub arose, in the midst of which Captain Putnam, the owner of the +school, appeared. He was a fine-looking gentleman, with a face that was +at once kindly and firm.</p> + +<p>"What is this I hear about Andrew Snow?" he said anxiously. "A horse ran +away with him?"</p> + +<p>In as few words as possible Pepper and some of the others related the +particulars of what had happened to the carryall. Just as they were +finishing, Peleg Snuggers came up on the other horse.</p> + +<p>"This is very unfortunate!" murmured Captain Putnam. "We'll have to +follow poor Snow at once. Mr. Darrison, will you drive me?"</p> + +<p>"Why—er—yes, but it will take time, Captain Putnam, an' my wife wants +me to——"</p> + +<p>"I'll pay you for your time, sir," interrupted the owner of the school +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir? all right, sir. Jump in an' we'll go right after the +runaway."</p> + +<p>"Can I go along?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to go, too," came from Stuffer Singleton.</p> + +<p>"So would I," added Bob Grenwood.</p> + +<p>"Very well, you three cadets can go along," replied the captain. "It is +possible you may be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>needed—if poor Snow has been hurt." He turned to +Jack. "How do you feel, Major Ruddy?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after I have rested up," answered Jack, +with a faint smile.</p> + +<p>"You have a cut on the forehead."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, but it doesn't hurt like it did."</p> + +<p>"Better bathe it with warm water and put something on it," said Captain +Putnam, and then leaped into the carriage, and Pepper, Stuffer and Bob +followed.</p> + +<p>"Hope they find Andy all right," said Joe Nelson, as the turnout moved +off in the direction the runaway had taken.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it would be too bad if Andy was seriously injured," answered the +young major. "Come on, I'm going in and wash up and put some witch hazel +on my forehead."</p> + +<p>"Glad to see you, young gentlemen," said a pleasant voice, when the +newcomers entered the school building, and George Strong, the second +assistant teacher, stepped forward to shake each by the hand. "I hope +you all had a nice time this summer." And then he asked about the +broken-down carryall and looked at Jack's wound.</p> + +<p>Although he did not say so to his chums, Jack was glad enough to get +upstairs to his dormitory and rest. The room was a large one and was +occupied not only by the young major but also by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> Pepper, Andy and +several others. While some of the boys busied themselves in arranging +their things, Jack rested in an easy chair near the window.</p> + +<p>"Quite a few new fellows here this term," said Fred, who was present. "I +understand that all of the new dormitories that were built in the wing +this summer will be filled up."</p> + +<p>"That shows the school is growing popular," answered the young major.</p> + +<p>"Jack, aren't you afraid somebody will try to get your position away +from you?" went on Fred.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Fred? Try to be elected major?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, some of the fellows deserve the position. Bart Connors, the +captain of Company B, would make a fine major, and so would Henry Lee, +the captain of Company A. And Sergeant Dave Kearney is a good fellow who +deserves promotion."</p> + +<p>"Then you don't care so much for the position?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I do care. But I realize that it isn't fair to be major all +the time. I'm willing to step down and give the other fellows a show."</p> + +<p>"But not a fellow like Reff Ritter, or that Dan Baxter you told me +about."</p> + +<p>"No, I couldn't stand for those chaps."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Reff is as sore as he can be over what happened last term."</p> + +<p>"I know it."</p> + +<p>"Dale says he knows something about Reff."</p> + +<p>"I do," came from Dale Blackmore, who had entered a moment before. "Do +you know, in one way I am sorry for Ritter," he added.</p> + +<p>"What is it you know?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"I don't suppose I ought to speak about it, but it is bound to get out +sooner or later. It seems Mr. Ritter, Reff's father, was a rich stock +broker and promoter of various mining companies. Well, this summer he +got himself tangled up in some mining companies that were trying to make +money too fast. As a consequence he lost the most of his wealth, and +some folks who had bought mining stock from him came close to having him +arrested for fraud. It was that state of affairs that made Reff give up +his trip to the Adirondacks and go home. I got it from some close +friends that the Ritters were almost cleaned out, and that Mr. Ritter +wanted Reff to give up school and go to work. But Mrs. Ritter was too +proud and insisted that Reff be returned to Putnam Hall. So he is back."</p> + +<p>"Well, that certainly is hard luck," returned Fred. "I wonder if Coulter +and Paxton will stick to him, now he is poor? My notion of it was,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +Coulter stuck to him mainly for what he could get out of it, he not +having much spending money of his own."</p> + +<p>"Well, I shan't throw it up to Reff that he is poor," said Jack, +quickly. "All he has got to do is to behave himself and I'll treat him +as well as anybody." And then the young major left the dormitory, to +bathe his head in the bathroom, and wash up generally.</p> + +<p>In the meantime those in the carriage had driven along the country road +until they came upon the unconscious form of Andy. All leaped out and +gathered around while Captain Putnam made an examination.</p> + +<p>"He has had a bad fall," said the master of the school. "But I doubt if +any bones are broken."</p> + +<p>They raised the sufferer up, and presently Andy stirred and opened his +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Whoa!" he murmured. "Whoa!"</p> + +<p>"He must think he is still on horseback!" cried Pepper, and but for +Andy's pale face he would have laughed outright.</p> + +<p>"Snow, are you hurt much?" asked Captain Putnam, kindly. "The horse is +gone. You are safe."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" gasped poor Andy, and then he stared around in bewilderment. "I—I +was hung up in the—the tree, wasn't I?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you were, you must have dropped down," answered Bob Grenwood.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I remember now. I got caught by the throat and then I dropped—and +that's all I know. Where is the horse?"</p> + +<p>"Went on, I guess," answered Stuffer Singleton. "He was streaking it +like an Indian when you passed the Hall."</p> + +<p>"Shall we help you to get up?" asked Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"I—I suppose so," faltered Andy. "Oh, dear, but I'm weak!" he added, as +he tried to rise.</p> + +<p>"Let us carry him to the carriage," suggested Pepper, and this was done, +and he was made as comfortable on the cushions as possible.</p> + +<p>"I wonder did anybody catch the horse?" asked the acrobatic youth, as +the turnout was on its way to Putnam Hall.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I'll find out after you have been taken care of," +answered Captain Putnam. "You cadets are certainly arriving this term in +an unusual manner," he added grimly.</p> + +<p>"You can lay the whole trouble at the door of some Pornell students," +returned Pepper. "They pelted us with soft apples and other things and +that started the team to running away. If it hadn't been for them we +would have come to the school in the carryall all safe and sound."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall investigate," answered Captain Putnam, briefly.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" cried Pepper, a moment later. He was gazing at Andy's clothing. +"Weren't you wearing a watch and a stickpin?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied the sufferer. He put up his hands and felt around. +"Both gone, I declare!"</p> + +<p>"Did they jounce off when you were riding?" asked Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"They must have! Oh, this is the worst yet!"</p> + +<p>"Did you lose anything else?" questioned the young quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"I don't know." Andy felt in his pockets. "Yes, my money is gone—eight +dollars in bills!"</p> + +<p>"Where did you have the bills?" asked Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"In this vest-pocket. It must have jounced out during the hard riding. +Oh, what luck! Captain, I'll have to go back and look for my property."</p> + +<p>"You are in no condition, Snow, to do that."</p> + +<p>"I'll go back," said Pepper. "Stuffer and Bob, will you go along?"</p> + +<p>"Sure thing!" cried Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"And if we can't find your things where you fell we'll look along the +road all the way back to the Hall," added the young quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," answered Andy, and then, feeling <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>a curious fainting spell +coming over him, he laid back on the cushions and closed his eyes.</p> + +<p>The three cadets sprang from the carriage and made their way back to the +spot where Andy had been found. They made a thorough search, but, of +course, failed to find any of the acrobatic youth's belongings.</p> + +<p>"He must have lost them farther back," said Pepper. "Let us look with +care as we walk along."</p> + +<p>This they did, but arrived at the school without finding anything but a +coat-button and a yellow lead pencil. Then they walked past the school +in the direction of Cedarville.</p> + +<p>"Might as well give it up," said Bob. "It's getting too dark to see very +good, anyway."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I'm getting dead hungry," added Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"Was there ever a time when you weren't hungry?" asked Pepper, with a +grin.</p> + +<p>"Aw, now, quit it," cried the lad who had a reputation as an eater. +"Don't start so early in the term."</p> + +<p>"I must confess I'm a bit hungry myself," said the young quartermaster. +"I had an early dinner."</p> + +<p>When they got back to the school they learned that Andy had been put to +bed and that a doctor had been summoned. The acrobatic youth had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>been +much shaken up and it was thought best to make him keep quiet for a few +days.</p> + +<p>"Better not say anything about his loss for the present," advised +Captain Putnam. "I will have a man sent out to make another search."</p> + +<p>The accidents to Andy and to Major Jack put something of a damper on the +arrival for the term, and a jollification that had been scheduled for +that night was indefinitely postponed. Captain Putnam questioned the +cadets concerning the actions of Roy Bock and his cronies, and then sent +a stiff letter to the head of Pornell Academy.</p> + +<p>When Reff Ritter heard about the accidents he shrugged his shoulders and +tossed his head.</p> + +<p>"That's what they get for crowding us out of the carryall," he said to +Coulter and Paxton, who roomed with him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and it serves 'em right," grumbled Coulter.</p> + +<p>"That's what!" chimed in Paxton.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>THE FIGHT IN THE GYMNASIUM</h3> + + +<p>It was not until two days later that Andy Snow felt like himself again. +No bones had been broken, but the acrobatic youth had received a shaking +up that was severe.</p> + +<p>So far he had not been told of his loss, and when he asked for his +belongings he was much depressed by the news.</p> + +<p>"Couldn't find them anywhere?" he repeated, to Pepper. "Oh, are you sure +you made a good search?"</p> + +<p>"We certainly did, Andy," returned Pepper. "We went back the next day, +early in the morning."</p> + +<p>"And you didn't find a thing?"</p> + +<p>"Only this button and lead pencil, and this buckle."</p> + +<p>"The pencil is mine, but not the button and the buckle." Andy heaved a +sigh. "Then I am <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>out my watch and chain, the stickpin, and eight +dollars! Was there ever such luck!"</p> + +<p>"Andy, was anybody near you when you had the tumble?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Near me? Why, yes, there was a man on the road just ahead of me! I had +forgotten all about it until now."</p> + +<p>"Who was he?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. A tall fellow, with a thin, leathery face."</p> + +<p>"A farmer?"</p> + +<p>"No, he looked more like a city man. He had on a regular sack suit and a +derby hat."</p> + +<p>"I was thinking that possibly somebody robbed you while you were +unconscious."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps that is so, Pep. I'd like to see that man."</p> + +<p>"You never saw him before?"</p> + +<p>"Not that I can remember."</p> + +<p>"Would you know him if you saw him again?</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that. I didn't have much time to look at him. I was +busy trying to escape being hit by the tree branches."</p> + +<p>"You must have been lying on the road five or ten minutes before we +found you," pursued Pepper. "If that stranger was a rascal he would have +had plenty of time to go through your <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>pockets. I don't see how riding +could make you lose all those things at once."</p> + +<p>"If he robbed me, I'd like to get hold of him," cried Andy.</p> + +<p>"More than likely, if he did rob you, he'll take good care to keep out +of your reach."</p> + +<p>"What of the horse? Did they catch him?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet. Most likely he left the road after he got tired of running and +wandered into the woods. He was a valuable animal and Captain Putnam is +worried about him."</p> + +<p>"Will he hold me for that loss?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think so—you didn't run away with him—he ran away with you."</p> + +<p>The report of the loss of Andy's valuables was thoroughly circulated +around Putnam Hall and Cedarville, and a reward of ten dollars for the +return of the things was posted.</p> + +<p>The next day a farmer named John Lane, who lived not far from the +school, appeared there, riding on the back of the runaway Jim. The horse +looked much subdued and was covered with burrs.</p> + +<p>"I was out in the woods with my son Bill, when we ran across the horse," +explained John Lane. "I knew him right away as the animal that had +belonged to Jerry Toller. I asked Jerry about it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>and he said he had +sold the horse to you, so I brought him here."</p> + +<p>"You are very kind, Mr. Lane," replied Captain Putnam. "I'd like to pay +you for your trouble."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right, Captain Putnam," responded the farmer. "Glad to +do you a good turn."</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much. Any time I can do you a good turn, let me know."</p> + +<p>"Well, you might buy some of my extra hay, and extra potatoes. I've got +some prime hay, and the best potatoes ever grown in these parts, and +I'll sell 'em at regular market prices."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll take all I can use, Mr. Lane," answered the captain, and a +little later a bargain was struck, not alone for the hay and potatoes, +but also for some turnips, cabbages, and table celery.</p> + +<p>"What that horse needs is exercise," said John Lane, on departing. "Give +him a few miles every day and he'll be as mild as any of 'em. He's too +full-blooded to remain standing in the stable."</p> + +<p>"I'll see to it that he gets the exercise," answered Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>On the day that the horse was returned Jack, Pepper and Fred walked down +to the boathouse, to look over the boats. As my old readers know, Jack +owned a sloop called the <i>Alice</i>, while Fred pos<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>sessed a similar craft +named the <i>Ajax</i>. Besides these sloops, there were numerous boats +belonging to the Hall.</p> + +<p>"Well, our sloops look natural," said the young major.</p> + +<p>"I was wishing this summer I could go out in the <i>Ajax</i>," answered Fred. +"What do you say if we take a little sail now?"</p> + +<p>"In which boat, Fred?" asked Pepper. "We can't go out in both."</p> + +<p>"Make it the <i>Alice</i>!" cried Jack.</p> + +<p>"No, the <i>Ajax</i>!" came from Fred.</p> + +<p>"I'll toss up for it," went on Pepper and produced a cent. "Head you +win, tail you lose." And up into the air spun the coin.</p> + +<p>"Head!" cried Fred.</p> + +<p>"Head it is, and we go out in the <i>Ajax</i>."</p> + +<p>"All right, but you'll have to go out in the <i>Alice</i> next time," cried +the young major.</p> + +<p>"By the way, did you hear about Tom Rollinson?" asked Pepper, as he +walked into the boathouse to inspect his locker there.</p> + +<p>"What of him?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"The family were burnt out this summer and lost everything."</p> + +<p>"Lost everything?" queried Jack. "That's tough luck. I shouldn't want to +lose all I had."</p> + +<p>"Well, it will happen sometimes," said Fred.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, some lose by fire and some lose in other ways," went on the young +major. "You have heard about Ritter. His father——"</p> + +<p>"You shut your mouth about my father!" roared a voice from behind a +dressing-room door. "My father is just as honest as anybody, and I won't +have you or anybody else running him down!" And then Reff Ritter +appeared, minus his coat, vest and collar, and his face distorted with +rage.</p> + +<p>"I didn't say your father was dishonest, Reff," returned Jack, as calmly +as he could. "I was simply going to state——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you needn't try to smooth it over, Jack Ruddy," fumed the bully. +"Don't imagine that I don't know all about the mean stories you and +others are circulating about my family. You'd like to make out that my +father is the worst swindler that ever lived, and I won't stand for it."</p> + +<p>"Reff, that isn't true," interrupted Pepper. "Jack hasn't said a word +against your father."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you can't bluff me, Pep Ditmore. I know better."</p> + +<p>"What Pepper says is true—I haven't said a word, Reff, truly I haven't. +I heard that you had lost some of your money, and I said I was sorry to +hear it—and I am sorry. I know how I'd feel if my father lost money. +You——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't smooth it over, I tell you!" roared the bully. "I know you! You +and your cronies have been down on me ever since I came to this school, +and now you think you can crow over me, and maybe get me to leave Putnam +Hall. But I am not going to leave, and if you dare to open your mouth +against me I'll punch your head."</p> + +<p>"You'll not punch my head, Reff!" answered Jack, and now his tones grew +stern. "If you don't want to believe me, you needn't. But I'll not let +you threaten me."</p> + +<p>"Humph! You can't boss me, even if you are major of the battalion."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to 'boss' anybody. You behave yourself and leave me alone, +and I'll leave you alone."</p> + +<p>The loud talking had attracted the attention of a number of cadets, and +they commenced to crowd around Jack and Ritter. Among the number were +Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you fight him, Reff?" suggested Coulter.</p> + +<p>"That's the talk," added Paxton. "Show him that he can't talk about you +and your father as he pleases."</p> + +<p>"He won't fight; he is afraid," answered Reff Ritter, with a sneer in +his tones.</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid, Ritter, and you know it,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> answered Jack, trying to +keep his temper. "But you know the rules, and I, as major of the cadets, +am bound to uphold them."</p> + +<p>"Hit him one!" whispered Coulter, in his crony's ear. "I'll stand by +you."</p> + +<p>"So will I," added Paxton.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you won't fight, take that for your impudence!" cried Reff +Ritter, and with a quick step forward, he slapped Jack on the cheek.</p> + +<p>The blow was but a light one, yet it seemed to sink deep into Jack's +very heart, and on the instant all thoughts of prudence and rules were +cast aside. His face went white and his eyes flashed fire. Reff Ritter +stepped back to guard himself, but before he could do so, Jack's arm +shot out and a heavy blow landed on the bully's chin, sending him +staggering into Coulter's arms.</p> + +<p>"That's the way to do it, Jack!" came from Pepper.</p> + +<p>"He started it, now give him what he deserves!" added Fred.</p> + +<p>"That's for the slap in the face, Reff Ritter!" said Jack, in cold +tones. "Now mind and keep your distance."</p> + +<p>"Wait—I'm not done yet!" yelled the bully, and doubling up his fists he +hurled himself on the young major.</p> + +<p>Several body blows were struck and then the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>two clinched. As Ritter was +partly stripped for battle, while Jack had on his stiff uniform, the +bully had a little the better of it from the beginning. Around and +around the gymnasium floor they struggled.</p> + +<p>"Break away!" cried several cadets. "Break away!"</p> + +<p>"I'll break if he will," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>"All right," answered Ritter, and the hold of each youth was loosened. +But as they broke the bully tried to land his fist on Jack's ear.</p> + +<p>"Hi, that isn't fair, Ritter!" cried Fred.</p> + +<p>"You keep out of this, Century!" was Coulter's warning.</p> + +<p>"I'll not keep out, Coulter. Make Ritter fight fair."</p> + +<p>Again the two cadets faced each other. Now Ritter was on his guard, and +cleverly ducked a blow aimed at his face. Then he hit Jack on the chest +and in the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"That's the talk," came gleefully from Paxton. "Pummel him well while +you are at it."</p> + +<p>Again Jack struck out, and this time landed on the bully's arm. But then +Ritter swung a heavy left-hander that took the young major in the ear +and sent him staggering against Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Follow him up! Follow him up!" screamed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> Coulter. "You've got him +going, Reff! Finish him!"</p> + +<p>Thus encouraged, Ritter leaped in and another blow landed on Jack's ear. +He was a bit dazed, but shut his teeth hard and ducked under Ritter's +arm. Then both sparred for an opening, circling around the gymnasium +floor once more, the crowd of cadets around them growing larger and +larger.</p> + +<p>"It's a great fight, all right!"</p> + +<p>"Say, I hope none of the teachers come to cut it short."</p> + +<p>"They are about evenly matched aren't they?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; we'll soon find out."</p> + +<p>So the talk ran on, but to it neither Jack nor Ritter paid attention. +The bully was in a fierce rage, while Jack tried his best to keep cool. +Suddenly Ritter leaped forward and two quick blows were delivered.</p> + +<p>Jack knocked one blow aside and dodged the second. Then he let drive, +right and left, as quick as lightning and with all his strength. One +blow took the bully in the nose and the second in the mouth. Over he +went against one of the wooden horses. Then his eyes suddenly closed, +and in a limp mass he slid to the floor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>CAPTAIN PUTNAM INVESTIGATES</h3> + + +<p>"Reff Ritter has been knocked out!"</p> + +<p>"My, what blows they were!"</p> + +<p>"Well, he brought it on himself," said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"That's what," added Fred. "He struck Jack after Jack told him he didn't +believe in fighting."</p> + +<p>"He couldn't save himself because he was too close to the wooden horse," +came from Coulter, who felt bound to stick up for his crony. "It wasn't +fair to run him up against the horse."</p> + +<p>"Coulter, a poor excuse is worse than none," answered Dale.</p> + +<p>"Ritter was knocked out fair and square," came from Bart Connors.</p> + +<p>While the talking was going on, Paxton had rushed off for water. Now he +returned with a pailful and a sponge, and commenced to bathe the fallen +one's face. Ritter soon opened his eyes and gave a groan.</p> + +<p>"Le—let me al—alone," he muttered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Get up, Reff," said Paxton. "Go for him again."</p> + +<p>"I—I can't," mumbled the bully, and now it was seen that two of his +front teeth were loose. He stared around in a helpless fashion. Paxton +put some more water on his face.</p> + +<p>"Has he had enough?" demanded Jack, stepping up.</p> + +<p>"You go away," answered Coulter, surlily.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't hit him when he's down, would you?" snapped Paxton.</p> + +<p>"I asked you if he had enough. If he has, I'm going for a sail."</p> + +<p>"I'll—I'll finish this some other time," mumbled Ritter, as he glared +at the young major.</p> + +<p>"No, Ritter, you'll finish it now if you finish it at all," answered +Jack, coldly. "You started this fight, and now you must take the +consequences. Get up, if you want to go at it again."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to fight—now."</p> + +<p>"Then you acknowledge yourself beaten?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't."</p> + +<p>"Then get up. I don't want to wait here all afternoon for you."</p> + +<p>"He has all he wants," said Pepper. "He won't get up."</p> + +<p>"It's your fight, Ruddy," cried Joe Nelson.</p> + +<p>"So it is," put in half a dozen cadets.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ritter is beaten and he knows it," added Harry Blossom, the first +lieutenant of Company A.</p> + +<p>"I—er—I won't fight any more now," mumbled the bully. He got up slowly +and then, staggering to a bench, sank down heavily upon it. Evidently +his punishment at Jack's hands had been heavy.</p> + +<p>"Boys! Boys! what is the meaning of this?"</p> + +<p>It was a loud and harsh voice from the doorway of the gymnasium that +startled all of the assembled cadets. The next instant Josiah Crabtree, +the head teacher, strode in.</p> + +<p>"Skip, Jack, here is old Crabtree!"</p> + +<p>"Run for it, Reff!"</p> + +<p>"I demand to know what is going on here?" went on Josiah Crabtree, in +his high-pitched voice. "Who is fighting?"</p> + +<p>There was no reply. The assembled cadets looked at each other. No one +felt like saying a word.</p> + +<p>"Ritter, have you been fighting?" went on the head teacher, noticing the +bully's condition.</p> + +<p>"I was—er—that is, Ruddy attacked me, and I—er—I defended myself," +stammered the defeated one.</p> + +<p>"Ruddy? Do you mean Major Ruddy?" questioned Josiah Crabtree, in +astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, what Ritter says is untrue!" burst out Jack. "He hit me +first."</p> + +<p>"But you have been fighting? You, the major of the school battalion! +Disgraceful!"</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you fight if somebody slapped you in the face?" demanded Jack, +hotly.</p> + +<p>"You know the rules, Ruddy—and as major you ought to be the first to +obey them."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to do that, sir. But I won't allow anybody to slap me in +the face."</p> + +<p>"I didn't slap him," put in Ritter.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you did," came from Pepper.</p> + +<p>"It is true—I saw it," added Fred.</p> + +<p>"So did I," added a cadet named Brown.</p> + +<p>"If you were struck, Major Ruddy, it was your duty to report the +occurrence at the office," said Josiah Crabtree, loftily. "Such actions +as these will most likely cost you your command."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a shame!" burst out Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore, I want no words from you!" roared the head teacher, savagely.</p> + +<p>"But it wouldn't be fair to make Jack suffer for something like that," +went on Pepper, bound to stick up for his chum.</p> + +<p>"Ha! you dare to talk back to me, Ditmore! Go to your room at once, and +stay there until to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>"But, Mr. Crabtree——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not another word. Go to your room. And you, Ruddy and Ritter, report to +me and to Captain Putnam at the private office at once."</p> + +<p>There was no help for it, and with an angry look on his face, Pepper +left the gymnasium and walked over to the school building.</p> + +<p>"I'll report as soon as I have washed up, Mr. Crabtree," said Ritter, +sullenly.</p> + +<p>"So will I," added Jack.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you both ten minutes, no more!" snapped the teacher, and then +he strode from the gymnasium as swiftly as he had entered it.</p> + +<p>As soon as Josiah Crabtree had departed a lively discussion commenced +between the followers of the young major and of Reff Ritter. Only a few +had seen the start of the quarrel and knew that it had been provoked +entirely by the bully.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I am in for it," said Jack, dismally, to Fred. "Ritter will +do his best to make out that it was all my fault."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can testify that Ritter hit you first, and Pepper and Brown can +do so, too," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"Reff will get Coulter and Paxton to back him up."</p> + +<p>"But they weren't on hand when the quarrel started."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is true—but they'll stick up for Reff, see if they don't."</p> + +<p>"I sincerely trust that Captain Putnam doesn't take away your majorship, +Jack."</p> + +<p>"If he does that, I'll—well, never mind what I'll do."</p> + +<p>"If he did it to me, I'd feel like leaving."</p> + +<p>"I was going to say that. But I'll not do anything hastily," answered +the young major, and heaved a deep sigh.</p> + +<p>"Want me to go along?"</p> + +<p>"No, since Crabtree didn't ask any one. But I wish you'd hang around, so +I can call on you."</p> + +<p>"I'll go to the library."</p> + +<p>"All right—and take Brown, if he'll go."</p> + +<p>Jack washed up and brushed his uniform, and then made his way to Captain +Putnam's private office. He found that Reff Ritter had hurried and +gotten ahead of him, and was telling his story, both to the head of the +school and to the first assistant teacher. Ritter's mouth, nose and one +eye were swollen, and he looked anything but happy.</p> + +<p>"You may remain in the hallway until I call you, Major Ruddy," said +Captain Putnam, when Jack appeared, and the young major had to go +outside, closing the door after him.</p> + +<p>The telling of Reff Ritter's story took some time, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>and he was asked +several questions by Captain Putnam and Josiah Crabtree. He said that he +had just been getting ready to take some gymnastic exercise when Jack +and some of his chums had come in and begun to talk about his father, +saying that they had heard he was dishonest.</p> + +<p>"Ruddy said he knew my father was dishonest," went on Reff Ritter. "That +made me mad and I ran out of the dressing-room and told him he ought to +be ashamed of himself, that my father was as honest as anybody. Then he +got on his high-horse and told me to shut up or he would knock me down. +I told him it was a shame for him to speak so of my father. Then he got +mad and all of a sudden he jumped at me and hit me in the mouth and the +eye and then in the nose. Then I went for him, and we had it hot and +heavy, until we bumped into one of the wooden horses and I went down. He +tried to hit me after I was down, but Coulter and Paxton hauled him +back. Then Mr. Crabtree came in."</p> + +<p>"A most disgraceful proceeding!" cried Josiah Crabtree. "And evidently +Major Ruddy's fault entirely."</p> + +<p>"You are quite sure Ruddy started the quarrel?" questioned Captain +Putnam, gravely.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And he told the other cadets that your father was dishonest?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. That is what made me so mad. But I didn't hit him until he +attacked me," added Ritter, hastily.</p> + +<p>"Who was present at the time?"</p> + +<p>"Pepper Ditmore and Fred Century were with Ruddy, and Gus Coulter and +Nick Paxton were With me."</p> + +<p>"Anybody else?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't see anybody."</p> + +<p>"You got the worst of the fight."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. You see, he took me unawares. I guess I could whip him if we +were to meet on equal terms," added Ritter.</p> + +<p>"You may retire to the next room, Ritter, while I question Major Ruddy."</p> + +<p>"Don't you believe me?" cried the bully, in alarm.</p> + +<p>"One side of a story is only one side," answered Captain Putnam, +non-committally.</p> + +<p>"I believe Ritter tells the truth," put in Josiah Crabtree. "When I +appeared Ruddy was very insolent and so was Ditmore. I sent Ditmore to +his room as a punishment."</p> + +<p>"You may call Ruddy in," answered the head of the school, briefly. He +understood Josiah Crabtree's dictatorial manner perfectly, and he only +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>retained the man because of his unusual ability as a teacher.</p> + +<p>Jack came in and was told to sit down in the chair Ritter had just +vacated. Then Captain Putnam asked him to tell his story, and he related +everything just as it had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Are you quite sure that you have told the plain truth, Major Ruddy?" +asked Captain Putnam, after he had finished.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Jack, and looked the head of the school fairly and +squarely in the face.</p> + +<p>"Your story does not agree with that told by Ritter."</p> + +<p>"I believe Ritter," broke in Josiah Crabtree. "It was an outrage to drag +in the boy's father simply because he has made some—er—unfortunate +speculations. If I were you, Captain Putnam——"</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment, Mr. Crabtree," interrupted the owner of the Hall. "I am +conducting this investigation. Now that we have heard the stories of the +principals we'll hear what the witnesses have to say."</p> + +<p>"Fred Century was there, and he is in the library now," said Jack. +"Pepper Ditmore was there, too, but Mr. Crabtree sent him to his room."</p> + +<p>"I will question Century and Ditmore, and also Coulter and Paxton," +answered Captain Putnam.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> "You may retire to Classroom Three, Major +Ruddy, until called."</p> + +<p>Jack bowed and withdrew and walked to the classroom named. It was empty +and he threw himself down on a seat and gave himself up to his +reflections.</p> + +<p>Fred was next called, and he was followed by Pepper. Both told +practically the story related by Jack. In the meantime George Strong, +the second assistant teacher, was sent off to summon Coulter and Paxton. +He was gone the best part of a quarter of an hour, and when he came back +his face was a study.</p> + +<p>"Captain Putnam, I have just made a discovery," he said. "I would like +to speak to you alone."</p> + +<p>"Alone?" queried the head of the school, somewhat astonished.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, alone."</p> + +<p>"Very well, then, come into the next room," answered Captain Putnam.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>PEPPER MAKES A DISCOVERY</h3> + + +<p>"You do not—er—wish me present?" came rather awkwardly from Josiah +Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that won't matter, Mr. Crabtree," answered George Strong. "I did +not desire any of the cadets present, that was all."</p> + +<p>"I do not care to intrude——" commenced the dictatorial teacher.</p> + +<p>"As you please," answered Mr. Strong, with a shrug of his shoulders.</p> + +<p>At first Josiah Crabtree was inclined to stand on his dignity and walk +off, but his curiosity got the better of him and he followed Captain +Putnam and George Strong into another office.</p> + +<p>"I went after Coulter and Paxton, as you directed me," said the second +assistant teacher, when they were alone, and the door had been closed. +"At first I could not find them, but at last I located Paxton and then +Coulter. Where do you suppose they were?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have no idea," answered Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"Paxton was under the window of the office, listening to all that was +going on. He was partly hidden behind a bush, so that nobody might see +him."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! That is not to his credit. And Coulter?"</p> + +<p>"Coulter was at another window, talking to Ritter. Ritter was giving him +some instructions, and as I came up unnoticed I heard Ritter say, 'Now, +don't make a mess of it. Tell the story just as I told it, and be sure +to stick to it that Ruddy hit me first, and tell Nick to stick to that, +too.' Those were his very words."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible! And what did Coulter say?"</p> + +<p>"He promised to tell the story as Ritter wanted it, and said he would +tell Paxton also to say that Ruddy struck the first blow."</p> + +<p>"Then he virtually admitted that he struck the first blow himself."</p> + +<p>"I should judge so, from his talk."</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'say'">said</ins> he did."</p> + +<p>"But Ruddy insulted him by talking of Mr. Ritter's losses——" began +Josiah Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"We'll look into that, Mr. Crabtree. Is that all, Mr. Strong?"</p> + +<p>"No, I waited until Coulter joined Paxton. The two walked out on the +campus, so I didn't <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>catch what they said. I told them to follow me, and +they are now out in the hall."</p> + +<p>"I will listen to what each of them has to say—and then I will examine +Century and Ditmore again."</p> + +<p>Coulter was called into the main office and asked a great number of +questions. Captain Putnam was very stern, and soon had the cadet badly +twisted in his statements. Then Paxton was told to come in, and on being +questioned he became more confused even than Coulter. Then both were +confronted by George Strong, and at last they virtually admitted that +Ritter had struck the first blow, and that they knew nothing of the +quarrel previous to that time.</p> + +<p>"You may go," said Captain Putnam, at length. "Your efforts to shield +Ritter do you no credit." And Coulter and Paxton slunk out of the office +silently and much worried over the thought of what punishment they might +receive for trying to deceive the master of the Hall.</p> + +<p>After that Pepper and Fred were again interviewed and cross-questioned. +But they stuck to their original story, and as that was the story told +by Jack, Captain Putnam felt that it must be true.</p> + +<p>"You may go," said the captain, presently.</p> + +<p>"Have I got to go back to the dormitory?" queried Pepper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, you may join the other cadets," answered the head of the school.</p> + +<p>"But, sir——" commenced Josiah Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"I do not see as he merits punishment, Mr. Crabtree," said the captain, +coldly. "We will let it pass." And he spoke so firmly that the +dictatorial teacher said no more on the subject.</p> + +<p>When Jack was again called into the presence of the teachers it must be +admitted that he was a good deal worried. There was a strict rule at +Putnam Hall against fighting, and that rule had been violated by him. +Yet he felt he had been justified.</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy, I have examined several witnesses to this affair and I +find that your story of the occurrence is substantially correct," began +the head of the school. "Ritter struck the first blow."</p> + +<p>"He did. He slapped me in the face. That angered me so greatly that I +pitched into him without thinking twice. It was all done in a few +seconds. But I guess I'd do it again," added Jack. "I wouldn't let +anybody slap me without getting back at him. I guess if I did that I'd +make a mighty poor soldier."</p> + +<p>At these words Captain Putnam's face became a study. He had been on the +point of reading Jack a stern lecture on the disgrace of breaking the +school rules, but now he paused. When at West<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> Point a certain upper +classman had once pulled his nose and, regardless of consequences, he +had knocked the fellow down and dragged him by the heels through the +dirt of the road. He had considered himself justified in his actions, +and his whole class has stood by him. That being so, he did not have it +in his heart to punish Jack, or even to find fault with him. Yet the +discipline of the school must be maintained.</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy, do you know what the first duty of a soldier is?" he +asked, but his voice was soft and easy.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; to obey orders."</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"But there is no rule about what to do if a fellow slaps your face," +added Jack, quickly.</p> + +<p>"That is true." Captain Putnam had to turn away to conceal a sudden +smile. "And, in one way, let me say I do not blame you for what you did, +especially as you acted on the spur of the moment. But fighting must +stop. If I dismiss this case against you, will you promise to leave +Ritter alone in the future?"</p> + +<p>"I will if he leaves me alone. If he attacks me, I'll defend myself to +the best of my ability."</p> + +<p>"He won't attack you—I'll see to that," answered the captain, grimly. +"You may go. But remember, no more fighting."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," answered Jack, and lost no time in leaving the office.</p> + +<p>"Well, how did you make out?" questioned Pepper, eagerly, when Jack +joined him on the campus.</p> + +<p>"Case dismissed, Pep."</p> + +<p>"Really?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! That's the best news yet. I was in fear that you would at least +be cut off from your holidays."</p> + +<p>"What about Ritter?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what Captain Putnam is going to do with him."</p> + +<p>The fight and the doings in the office had put Jack out of the notion of +taking a sail, and the crowd of boys took a walk instead, that lasted +until it was time for the evening parade.</p> + +<p>"Wonder if Ritter will show up for drill?" came from Dale.</p> + +<p>"We'll know soon," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes the drums commenced to roll and out on the parade +ground poured the cadets and their officers. Jack had buckled on his +sword, and so had Henry Lee and Bart Conners. The cadets had their guns, +that is all but the band, who carried their drums and fifes, and the +color ser<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>geants, who carried Old Glory and the Putnam Hall banner.</p> + +<p>"Battalion, attention!" came firmly from Major Jack Ruddy, and all the +young soldiers stiffened up in their places.</p> + +<p>He ran his eyes over the two companies, to see that every cadet was +"toeing the mark." He did not see Reff Ritter.</p> + +<p>"Present arms! Carry arms! Shoulder arms!" came the various commands, +and the cadets made the movements with their guns. The drilling was so +well done that Captain Putnam, who always looked on, nodded in approval.</p> + +<p>"By column of fours, forward march!" came the next command, and then the +drums struck up once more, the fifes joined in, and four abreast the +cadets moved off, down the parade ground. They marched up and down +several times, and executed various movements, and then marched into the +mess-hall, or dining-room, put away their guns, and took their seats.</p> + +<p>"Ritter isn't here," whispered Pepper to Jack.</p> + +<p>"So I see," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet he caught it from Captain Putnam," put in Dale.</p> + +<p>"Silence at the table!" came harshly from Josiah Crabtree. "I want less +talking at meals!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My, but he's a cheerful beggar!" muttered Dale.</p> + +<p>"Imagine him at the head of the school," observed Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore, did you hear me?" snarled the teacher. "I want you to keep +quiet."</p> + +<p>"All right, Mr. Crabtree; sorry I spoke," answered The Imp, cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"Then remember to keep your mouth closed after this."</p> + +<p>"Ahem! how am I to eat if I keep my mouth closed?" asked Pepper, +innocently.</p> + +<p>"Ha! I want none of your jokes, Ditmore! Leave the table!" thundered +Josiah Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"I'm not through yet."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, leave the table at once!" And the teacher glared at Pepper +as if to eat him up.</p> + +<p>"Just my luck!" muttered The Imp, and got up.</p> + +<p>"Here's a sandwich for you," whispered Dale, who sat near, and he passed +over two slices of bread with some cold meat between.</p> + +<p>"And here's a piece of cake," added Jack, and slid it along, under the +edge of the table. Then Pepper got up and left the room. He did not know +where to go and so walked slowly in the direction of the boathouse.</p> + +<p>As he neared the building, he saw a boy come out of the structure and +hurry across the float to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>where the <i>Alice</i> and the <i>Ajax</i> were tied +up. The boy was Reff Ritter.</p> + +<p>The bully of the school was in a great rage. Captain Putnam had given +him a stern lecture and told him if he did not behave in the future he +would be dismissed from the school. The captain had also cut him off +from all holidays up to Christmas, and added that he must expect to take +no part in Putnam Hall athletics. The latter was the hardest blow of +all, for Ritter had hoped that Fall to make the football team.</p> + +<p>"Now, what is he up to?" Pepper asked himself, and stuffing the napkin +that held the cake and sandwich into his pocket, he moved forward on a +run.</p> + +<p>Reff Ritter had crossed the float and now he stood beside the sloop that +was Jack's property. As Pepper came closer he saw that the bully held an +ax in his hand, the handle shoved up the sleeve of his jacket.</p> + +<p>"He is up to no good," thought Pepper. "I'll watch him and see what he +does."</p> + +<p>Pepper stepped out of sight behind the boathouse. Looking through a +window and a door, he saw Ritter walk up and down the float. Evidently +the bully wanted to make certain that he was not being observed. Then, +with a swift move<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>ment, he leaped aboard the sloop and crouched down out +of sight.</p> + +<p>"Guess it's time I got busy!" muttered Pepper to himself, and ran around +the boathouse and out on the float. He was soon at the side of the +<i>Alice</i>. He heard a blow sound out. Ritter was using the ax, apparently +in an endeavor to chop a hole in the bottom of the sloop!</p> + +<p>"Of all the mean things!" muttered Pepper to himself. "I'll soon stop +that!" And he made a leap over the guard-rail of the craft. The ax was +raised for another blow, but before it could be delivered, Pepper caught +the bully by the shoulders and sent him sprawling on his back.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>THE FOOTBALL ELEVEN</h3> + + +<p>"Hi! Let go of me!" spluttered Reff Ritter, as he found himself flat on +his back, with the ax up-raised in his two hands.</p> + +<p>"Ritter, you leave this boat alone!" exclaimed Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Humph! so it's you, Ditmore," muttered the bully, and now he turned +over and arose.</p> + +<p>"Going to chop the boat to pieces, I suppose," went on Pepper, "Well, +not if I can prevent it."</p> + +<p>"I'll chop you to pieces!" roared the bully, and swung the ax so +suggestively that Pepper leaped back in alarm. "You've got no right to +interfere with me!"</p> + +<p>"This is Jack Ruddy's sloop; you have no right to touch her."</p> + +<p>"Aw, you shut up."</p> + +<p>"I'll not shut up, Reff Ritter. If you make another mark on this boat +I'll have you locked up!"</p> + +<p>"Humph! you think you've got the best of me, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>don't you?" sneered the +bully, but his manner showed that he was considerably disconcerted. He +had imagined that all the cadets were at supper and that no one would +see his foul actions.</p> + +<p>"I want you to get off of this boat."</p> + +<p>"Supposing I won't?"</p> + +<p>"Then I'll call help, and advise Jack to have you arrested."</p> + +<p>"Going to run the whole school, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to run this affair, Ritter. Now leave the boat."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll leave," muttered the bully, and walking to the side, he sprang +down to the float. Then he ran to the boathouse and placed the ax +inside. "Don't you dare to mention this to anybody!" he shouted as he +reappeared. "If you do, you'll get yourself in hot water. My word is as +good as yours." And then he turned and ran towards the school building.</p> + +<p>Pepper watched him out of sight.</p> + +<p>"No use of reporting this to Captain Putnam," he reasoned. "Ritter +would, of course, deny everything. Wonder if he did much damage?"</p> + +<p>Pepper made an examination. Luckily the bully had not had time to get in +his nefarious work to any extent, and the bottom of the sloop showed +only two slight ax cuts, not deep enough to do harm.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Caught him just in time," thought Pepper, and then he sat down on the +stern seat and munched away at the sandwich and cake, washing the stuff +down with a drink from the cooler in the boathouse.</p> + +<p>By the time he had finished, the other cadets were coming from their +supper, and soon he was joined by Jack, Dale and several others. In +private, he told the young major of what had occurred.</p> + +<p>"The rascal!" cried Jack. "If he hurts my boat he shall pay for it!"</p> + +<p>"Captain Putnam must have given him a good dressing down to make him so +ugly."</p> + +<p>"Well, he deserved it."</p> + +<p>"Say," put in Dale. "That was mean of old Crabtree to send you away from +the table."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, I'll pay him back," answered The Imp, grimly.</p> + +<p>Several days passed and during that time Reff Ritter kept his distance. +The bully was in a bitter mood, and even his cronies could get little +out of him.</p> + +<p>The reason for this was twofold. He was smarting over the treatment +received at the hands of Jack and Captain Putnam and he was also +disturbed because his father had written to him, stating he could allow +him hardly any spending <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>money for the term. He had already borrowed a +small amount from Paxton and he was wondering how he was going to pay it +back. Added to this, he had gambled with some racetrack men during the +summer, and one of those fellows now held his IOU for forty dollars.</p> + +<p>"Dad has got to let me have money, that is all there is to it," he told +himself. "If he won't, then I'll write to mother. She'll raise it for me +somehow; she always does." Which shows how foolish an indulgent mother +can sometimes be.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Andy had recovered from the accident and was now around +as usual. Another hunt had been instituted for his belongings, but +without success. A report came in that a strange man had been seen on +the road just previous to the accident, and the cadets and Captain +Putnam wondered if that individual had picked up Andy's things and made +off with them.</p> + +<p>"Maybe he was the fellow I saw," said Andy, and then he heaved a deep +sigh, thinking he would never hear of his property again.</p> + +<p>Jack and Pepper were glad to see Bert Field again, and also to see their +old friend, Joseph Hogan. Emerald came back wearing a smile that was +sunniness itself.</p> + +<p>"Sure, an' it does me heart good to be here once more, so it does," he +said, in his rich Irish brogue.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> "I traveled all over the ould sod this +summer, so I did. But Putnam Hall an' the States fer me every toime!"</p> + +<p>"Is this your last term here, Emerald?" asked Dale.</p> + +<p>"I think so—if I am lucky and get through. How about you?"</p> + +<p>"I hope to graduate next June."</p> + +<p>"And so do Jack and I," added Pepper. "But you can't always tell. I'll +be sorry to leave Putnam Hall."</p> + +<p>"That's so; such good times as we have had here," added Jack.</p> + +<p>As soon as the cadets were settled down at the Hall, and the excitement +over the runaway, the loss of Andy's things, and the fight between Jack +and Ritter, was at an end, the talk of the boys turned to football and +other Fall sports. As in the past, the cadets hoped to have a good +eleven and win some substantial victories.</p> + +<p>"Wonder if we'll be allowed to play Pornell," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Dale. "I rather think the captain is sore over +the reply he got from the head of that school, over the carryall affair, +and maybe he won't let us play them." And in this Dale was correct. +Pornell was cut out <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>that season, but it played Putnam Hall the year +following.</p> + +<p>Dale Blackmore was at the head of the football eleven, and, as before, +he organized a fine team. Jack, Andy, Hogan, and Bart Conners were in +their usual places.</p> + +<p>"And I want you, too, Pepper," said Dale.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I can go on the sub-bench," was the answer, for Pepper did not care +very much for football. "Give Fred Century and Bert Field a chance."</p> + +<p>"I know what Pepper wants," said Andy. "He wants us to play, while he +sits in the grandstand, having a good time with the girls."</p> + +<p>"Sure thing," answered The Imp, coolly. "Somebody has got to entertain +'em."</p> + +<p>"They ought to be entertained by the game," came from Dale.</p> + +<p>"Girls make me tired when they are at a football game," put in the cadet +named Brown. "I took one once, and she said she knew all about football. +After the game was half over she asked me how many runs and base hits +had been made, and what they had done with the bats!"</p> + +<p>Reff Ritter felt extra sore when the football eleven went out for +practice. He wanted to play, but Captain Putnam would not allow it, and +the bully went off by himself, up the lake-shore, where he sat down on a +rock to smoke cigarettes and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>brood over his troubles. While he sat +there he took from his pocket a letter and read it over several times.</p> + +<p>"Twenty dollars by Saturday! I don't see how I am going to raise it," he +muttered to himself. "I guess I'll have to send mother a telegram for a +remittance."</p> + +<p>The first football game of the season was arranged to take place between +Putnam Hall and an eleven from Cedarville called the Dauntless. The +Dauntless players were made up of former college boys and some +all-around athletes, and the cadets were told that they would have a +stiff time of it trying to beat the aggregation. The game was to take +place on the grounds at Cedarville. These were roped off and an +admission fee was charged, the entire proceeds to go to a local Old +Folks' Home.</p> + +<p>"I've got news!" cried Pepper, a few days before the game was to come +off. "Some of the Pornell students are coming to the game, and I +understand they are going to try to make trouble for our team."</p> + +<p>"Is it the Roy Bock crowd?" questioned Jack.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then it is up to you to keep an eye on them, Pepper. We can't do it +while we are playing."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll keep an eye on 'em, don't fear," was the answer.</p> + +<p>The eleven practiced every afternoon, under the direction of Mr. Strong, +who had once been a player on a college team. Josiah Crabtree took no +interest in the sport, declaring it was a waste of valuable time.</p> + +<p>"I've got a plan to outwit the Pornellites, if they try any funny work," +said Pepper, the day before the game. And then he took about a dozen +cadets aside and told them what his plan was. All agreed to help him, +and did what he asked of them without delay.</p> + +<p>The day for the game dawned clear and bright, and promptly on time the +eleven started for Cedarville in the carryall, which had just come from +the repair shop. Some of the cadets went on their bicycles, and Captain +Putnam and some of the teachers drove over in carriages.</p> + +<p>When the cadets arrived at the grounds they found quite a crowd +assembled. Horns and banners were in evidence, and from a flagpole +floated the Stars and Stripes. On one side was a grandstand and this was +about three-quarters filled.</p> + +<p>"I see some friends of mine," cried Pepper, and advanced to the stand.</p> + +<p>He had caught sight of Laura Ford, and her sister, Flossie, two young +ladies who lived on the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>lake-shore at a place called Point View Lodge. +In the past Pepper and his chums had done the Ford sisters several +valuable services, for which Laura and Flossie were profoundly grateful.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how do you do, Pepper?" called out Laura, on catching sight of him.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you playing?" questioned Flossie.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm merely an onlooker to-day," answered Pepper, and he raised his +cap and shook hands. "How have you been since I saw you last?"</p> + +<p>"Very well, thank you," answered Laura.</p> + +<p>"We hope Putnam Hall will win," came from her sister.</p> + +<p>"You can't hope it any more than I do," answered Pepper, and then he +introduced several cadets to the young ladies, and all sat down to enjoy +the game.</p> + +<p>Pepper has his eyes open for the appearance of the students from +Pornell. At first a few came in and took a stand in a corner, out of the +way. They did not belong to the Bock crowd and seemed to be content to +behave themselves.</p> + +<p>"Maybe Roy Bock got cold feet and stayed away," said a cadet named +Melmore.</p> + +<p>"No, here he comes!" cried Bob Grenwood. "And Sedley and four others are +with him."</p> + +<p>Pepper looked in the direction pointed out and saw Roy Bock and his +cronies approaching. All <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>had big tin horns and immense wooden rattles, +and their pockets bulged with apples and peanuts.</p> + +<p>"Whoop her up, Dauntless!" yelled Roy Bock, as soon as he reached the +grandstand. "Whoop her up, and wipe up the ground with Putnam Hall!" And +then he swung his big rattle, and his cronies did likewise. Then the +Pornellites crowded into the grandstand and took seats near Pepper and +his fellow cadets and the girls. They talked in loud voices and said a +number of things that caused the faces of the girls to burn, and made +the cadets thoroughly angry.</p> + +<p>"They ought to be put off the stand!" cried Bob, indignantly.</p> + +<p>"And they will be put off if they keep this up," answered Pepper. "They +can cheer all they please for the Dauntless eleven, but they have got to +act like gentlemen."</p> + +<p>As soon as the two elevens appeared, the practice commenced, and then +there was a toss-up for goals, which Dauntless won. They took the south +goal and Putnam Hall took the ball. Then came the kick-off, and the game +was on.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>THE FOOTBALL GAME</h3> + + +<p>At first the playing was rather tame, but inside of a few minutes both +elevens warmed up, and from that moment the work became fast and +furious.</p> + +<p>The Dauntless team had the advantage of weight, but the eleven had not +played together as much as had the majority of the Putnam Hall cadets, +consequently some of their combination efforts were decidedly ragged. +One move resulted in a bad fumble on the part of the left end. The ball +was captured by Jack, and he carried it forward fifteen yards before +downed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my, isn't it rough!" screamed Laura Ford, as the young major hit +the grass with great force, two of the Dauntless men being on top of +him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all in the game," was Pepper's comment. "But I shouldn't +want to see anybody get his ribs stove in," he added.</p> + +<p>Putnam Hall got the pigskin to within ten <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>yards of the Dauntless goal +line, and then came an unexpected turn of affairs. The leather was lost +by the Putnam Hall center, and carried around the right end and up the +field for thirty yards.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! that's the way to do it, Dauntless!"</p> + +<p>"Keep it up!"</p> + +<p>"Dauntless to the front!" yelled Roy Bock. "Everybody in the game!" and +then, in the midst of the excitement, he drew back with a soft apple in +his hand and threw the half-decayed fruit at Jack. It just grazed the +young major's shoulder.</p> + +<p>Pepper was on the watch, for he had expected just such a dirty trick. He +leaped up, and reaching over, caught the Pornell student by the ear.</p> + +<p>"Ouch!" yelled Bock. "Let go!"</p> + +<p>"You get out of the grandstand!" cried Pepper. "If you don't I'll get a +crowd to mob you."</p> + +<p>"See here, Ditmore——"</p> + +<p>"Don't talk—get!" interrupted Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Let Roy alone!" sang out Bat Sedley. "If you don't, I'll crack you +one!"</p> + +<p>"Hello, you rascals!" came unexpectedly from nearby, and a farmer named +Baker showed himself. "You here? Jest wait till I git my paws on you!" +And he started in the direction of Roy Bock, Bat Sedley and two of their +cronies.</p> + +<p>"Great Scott! It's that farmer!" ejaculated Roy Bock, and he started to +scramble out of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>grandstand in a hurry, and after him went the +others.</p> + +<p>But they were not quite quick enough for Darius Baker, and at the foot +of the stand the farmer caught Bock in one hand and Bat Sedley in the +other. Then he swung the two together until their heads cracked.</p> + +<p>"Will steal my apples and pears?" he shrilled. "Will talk sassy to my +darter, eh? I'll teach you!" And then, letting go suddenly, he cuffed +Roy Bock on the ear and thumped Bat Sedley in the jaw so hard that that +student howled outright.</p> + +<p>"Let up!"</p> + +<p>"Please don't hit me again!"</p> + +<p>"It was all a mistake!"</p> + +<p>"No mistake!" bawled Darius Baker. "Git out o' here before I call the +constable an' have ye locked up!" And then Roy Bock and his cronies lost +no time in hurrying away, without so much as looking behind them.</p> + +<p>"Guess you know 'em?" remarked Pepper, when the farmer came back into +the stand and resumed his seat.</p> + +<p>"Guess I do!" was the snorted-out reply. "They came around to my place +yesterday, and stole my apples and pears, and talked sassy to my darter +an' the hired man. I saw 'em, but they ran, away before I could git my +hands on 'em. I vowed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> I take 'em down a peg when I met 'em, an' I guess +I done it," added the old farmer, with evident satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"You did, Mr. Baker," answered Pepper. "And you've done us a service in +the bargain."</p> + +<p>"How's thet?"</p> + +<p>"Those fellows came here to make trouble for our eleven, the Putnam Hall +team."</p> + +<p>"That so? Well, then, I'm mighty glad I cleared 'em out. I like to see a +game now an' then, but I want it clean—no rowdy work."</p> + +<p>There was no time to say more, for everybody was interested in the game. +The Dauntless eleven had worked the pigskin up to within a few yards of +the Putnam Hall goal line, and now over it came.</p> + +<p>"A touchdown for Dauntless!"</p> + +<p>"Great work! Now make it a goal!"</p> + +<p>The ball was brought out, and the Dauntless quarterback kicked a +beautiful goal, amid a great cheering and tooting of horns.</p> + +<p>"Eight minutes more to play," said Dale. "Boys, let us tie the score if +nothing else."</p> + +<p>Again the battle was on, and now Dale made a beautiful run, being aided +by some fine interference by Jack and Andy. Then Hogan got the pigskin +and worked it up to within five yards of the Dauntless goal line—and +then the whistle <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>blew and the first half of the great game had to come +to a close.</p> + +<p>The Putnam Hall eleven were a sober lot when they filed into their +dressing-room to be rubbed down and to talk it over.</p> + +<p>"Well, they've only got a touchdown and goal to their credit," said +Jack, cheerfully. "That's not such a terrible lead to overcome."</p> + +<p>"We must have more snap and ginger!" cried Dale. "Now, I want everybody +on the job from the word go."</p> + +<p>"Try that left-end play," suggested George Strong. "It may surprise +them—and, anyway, it can do no harm."</p> + +<p>The play he mentioned was something of a trick they had been practicing +for a week. It was rather intricate, but Dale promised to take his +advice and use it at the first opportunity.</p> + +<p>The Dauntless eleven scented a victory, and went into the second half of +the game with renewed vigor. But Putnam Hall stood up manfully, and Andy +got the pigskin in a manner that elicited much applause. He carried it +down the gridiron for eight yards and passed it over to Jack. Then, on +the next down, Dale signaled for the trick play. Across the field came +the ball and then back to center. Here a quick turn was made that +bewildered the Dauntless eleven. On came the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>pigskin, and almost before +anybody knew it, Jack kicked a goal from the field.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! a field goal for Putnam Hall!"</p> + +<p>"Talk about clever work, wasn't that great?"</p> + +<p>"It sure was!"</p> + +<p>"Never mind," came from a Dauntless supporter. "That doesn't count as +much as the goal from a touchdown."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's blood for Putnam Hall, anyway."</p> + +<p>Again the leather went into play, and once more each eleven did its +level best to force the pigskin over the opponents' line. The Dauntless +aggregation were now wary of more tricks, and they tried a trick of +their own, massing at the left and then running the ball up center. But +this did not work. The ball was lost to Andy, who passed it over to +Dale.</p> + +<p>"Go it, Blackmore!" was the cry.</p> + +<p>"Down him, Cressy!"</p> + +<p>On and on sped Dale with the rival left end at his heels. Hogan and Jack +were pounding on behind, and they stopped Cressy from blocking the +Putnam Hall captain. Over the line came Dale, to drop flat an instant +later, out of breath.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! a touchdown for Putnam Hall."</p> + +<p>"Now for a goal!"</p> + +<p>The wind was blowing strongly, yet Andy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>measured the distance well and +kicked the goal, amid a cheering that could be heard half a mile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, wasn't that grand!" murmured Flossie Ford.</p> + +<p>"Perfectly lovely!" added Laura.</p> + +<p>"It's what we wanted," answered Pepper. "Keep it up!" he yelled, and +blew his horn with all his might.</p> + +<p>With nine minutes more to play, both elevens went at the game with great +vigor. The Dauntless team wanted at least to make a field goal—to tie +the score. But Putnam Hall held them back, and two minutes before the +whistle blew made another touchdown and kicked the goal. When the game +was ended the pigskin was on the Dauntless forty-five-yard line.</p> + +<p>Putnam Hall had won!</p> + +<p>What a cheering followed, and what a tooting of horns and sounding of +rattles! The cadets cheered for their opponents and were cheered in +return, and then all filed off the field.</p> + +<p>"A dandy game!" cried Pepper to his chums. "Simply great!" And he fairly +hugged Jack and Andy.</p> + +<p>"A splendid game," was Mr. Strong's comment.</p> + +<p>"I am proud of our cadets," added Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"They are an honor to the school, sir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Strong, they are."</p> + +<p>Some of the boys remained in Cedarville for the rest of the afternoon. +As soon as Jack and Andy had put aside their football outfits, they +joined Pepper and the Ford girls, and all went to meet Mr. Rossmore +Ford, who had just arrived in his carriage.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry I missed the game," said the rich gentleman. "It must have +been fine."</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, it was lovely!" cried Laura.</p> + +<p>"I was so pleased to see Putnam Hall win!" added Flossie.</p> + +<p>"Were you?" said Mr. Ford, and laughed good-naturedly. "Now, I imagined +you came to encourage the Dauntless boys."</p> + +<p>"Papa, you know better!" cried both girls.</p> + +<p>"How would you young gentlemen like to drive home with us and dine at +the Lodge?" asked the gentleman.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, come!" cried Flossie.</p> + +<p>"Do!" urged Laura.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know," answered Jack, slowly. "The eleven is going to +celebrate to-night, and they want us. Otherwise, I'd like it very much."</p> + +<p>"Then come some other time," answered Rossmore Ford.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, we will," answered Andy; and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>after a few words more the +Fords drove off and the cadets walked away to join their fellows.</p> + +<p>It was a jolly crowd that returned to Putnam Hall late that afternoon, +and Captain Putnam was willing that they should have all the sport the +rules of the institution permitted.</p> + +<p>"Bonfires to-night!" cried Andy.</p> + +<p>"Biggest ever!" returned Pepper. "I've got a surprise."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Pep?" asked several in a chorus.</p> + +<p>"If I tell you, will you keep it to yourselves?"</p> + +<p>"Sure!" was the ready answer.</p> + +<p>"Well, you saw those tar-roofers at work on the new top of the dock at +Cedarville?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I bought three empty tar-barrels from the foreman. He is going to leave +them in the woods yonder for me at seven o'clock. They'll make the +finest bonfires you ever saw."</p> + +<p>"That's the cheese!" cried Dale, slangily. "Do you know what we can do? +Place one barrel on top of another and touch them off. They'll make the +greatest blaze you ever heard of."</p> + +<p>"But mum's the word until the right time comes," warned Pepper. And then +the crowd dispersed for the evening drill.</p> + +<p>Two boys had been listening to the talk from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>behind a nearby clump of +bushes. They were Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter.</p> + +<p>Neither of the cronies had gone to the football game, having preferred +to walk to a cabin in the woods, where they could smoke and play cards. +The victory of Jack and his friends had put them in a particularly bad +humor.</p> + +<p>"I suppose they expect a great celebration with those tar-barrels," +muttered Coulter. "Say, I tell you what let's do!" he cried. "Let us +sneak to the woods before they arrive and roll the barrels down to the +lake!"</p> + +<p>"I'll do it," answered Reff Ritter. "Anything to put a damper on that +celebration."</p> + +<p>"Well, water will dampen the tar-barrels," added Coulter, grimly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>PUTTING OUT A LIVELY BLAZE</h3> + + +<p>Pepper was so full of high spirits that at the supper table he could not +resist the temptation to play a joke. He saw Joe Nelson using his +handkerchief and, on the sly, took up the pepper-shaker and dosed the +cloth liberally with pepper.</p> + +<p>Poor Joe caught the full benefit of the pepper, and in the midst of the +meal commenced to sneeze loudly.</p> + +<p>"Why, Nelson, what is the matter?" asked Mr. Strong, who was at the +table that evening.</p> + +<p>"I don't—ker-choo!—know!" stammered Joe. "I believe—ker-choo! +ker-choo!"</p> + +<p>"Exactly," whispered Pepper. "Very simple explanation, very."</p> + +<p>"I—ker-choo!—I guess I had better—ker-choo!" went on Joe.</p> + +<p>"He's 'ker-chooing' all he needs to," was Jack's comment, and this +caused a general titter.</p> + +<p>"I guess I'll ask to—ker-choo!—to be excused—<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>ker-choo!" went on Joe, +and jumping up he left the table and the room. He ran out on the campus +and there sneezed himself free of the pepper, much to his relief.</p> + +<p>Joe was about to return to the mess-hall when he chanced to see two +figures sneaking along in the semi-darkness, in the direction of the +woods. He was just able to make out that the pair were Reff Ritter and +Gus Coulter when they disappeared behind the trees.</p> + +<p>"Now, what are those fellows up to?" mused Joe, as he walked slowly to +the mess-hall. "No good, I'll venture."</p> + +<p>He sat down and commenced to eat. Then, of a sudden, he uttered an +exclamation.</p> + +<p>"I've got it! That's it!"</p> + +<p>"What is it, Nelson?" asked George Strong.</p> + +<p>"Oh—er—nothing," stammered the cadet. But when the teacher was not +looking, he leaned over towards Jack.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Joe?" whispered the young major.</p> + +<p>"Tell Pepper I just saw Ritter and Coulter sneaking into the woods."</p> + +<p>"You did!" Jack closed one eye. "And you think——"</p> + +<p>"They may have learned about the barrels."</p> + +<p>"If that is so, we'll have to watch 'em," mur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>mured Jack, and +immediately passed word to Pepper, Dale and Andy.</p> + +<p>The cadets could scarcely wait to finish their meal, and cut themselves +short on cake and pears. Pepper was the first out, but he was quickly +followed by Andy and Jack.</p> + +<p>"Let us try to surprise them—if they are after the barrels," said The +Imp.</p> + +<p>"Maybe they'll set fire to 'em before we get there," suggested the +acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>"If they do that, I'll make 'em pay for the barrels," cried Pepper. "I +am not going to put up three dollars for another fellow's fun."</p> + +<p>"Did you pay the roofer that much for the barrels?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>The three boys hurried across the campus and dove into the woods beyond. +Then Pepper put up his hand for silence.</p> + +<p>"Let us surprise 'em if we can," he whispered.</p> + +<p>"That's the talk," answered the young major.</p> + +<p>It did not take the three long to reach the vicinity where the +tar-barrels had been left. As they approached they saw a light flare up.</p> + +<p>"They are setting 'em on fire!" cried Andy.</p> + +<p>"Stop, Ritter! Stop, Coulter!" yelled Pepper. "Don't you light those +barrels!"</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha!" came from the bully of the Hall.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> "What's an old tar-barrel, +anyway? Guess we can fire them if we want to!"</p> + +<p>"Those are my barrels," answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>He rushed forward, followed by Jack and Andy. But they were too late, +for on the instant a big flame shot up and all three of the tar-barrels, +standing in a close triangle, and filled with dried leaves, commenced to +burn furiously. As the flames shot up among the trees, Ritter and +Coulter backed away.</p> + +<p>"Good-by to those barrels!" came sorrowfully from Andy. "We'll not be +able to use them for the celebration to-night."</p> + +<p>"I'll fix you for this, Ritter; and you, too, Coulter!" called out +Pepper, bitterly. "Oh, what luck!" he groaned, as he saw the flames from +the tar-barrels climb higher and higher. "What a grand bonfire they +would have made on the lake-front!"</p> + +<p>"Boys, this fire is dangerous!" ejaculated Jack.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" came from the others.</p> + +<p>"It is going to set fire to the woods! See, the dried leaves are +catching already! If it reaches yonder cedars there will be a terrible +conflagration here!"</p> + +<p>"Phew! that's true!" came from Pepper. His merry face grew sober for the +moment. "What shall we do?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We are not responsible," said Andy. "It is Ritter and Coulter's fault."</p> + +<p>"But we don't want these grand woods to burn down," went on the young +major. "Besides, the wind is rising and it is blowing towards the gym +and the stables! The burning embers might set fire to those buildings!"</p> + +<p>"Come on and put the blaze out!" said Andy.</p> + +<p>"How are you going to do it? We haven't any water—and water isn't of +much account against tar, anyway. Gracious, see those flames shoot up!" +Jack added, as a column of fire shot skyward.</p> + +<p>"One of the trees is catching already!" gasped Pepper. "We had better +sound an alarm!"</p> + +<p>"Andy, go back to the school and tell the others, teachers and all," +ordered the young major. "Captain Putnam will know what to do. Pepper, +you and I had better try to throw dirt and stones on the barrels. That +will keep down the flames a little."</p> + +<p>The acrobatic youth set off on a sprint in the direction of Putnam Hall. +While he was gone the others did their best to subdue the +rapidly-increasing conflagration. It was hot work, and soon the +perspiration was pouring down their faces.</p> + +<p>"It's no use!" panted Pepper, when the wind sent a sudden eddy of black +smoke in his face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It would take a regular fire department to put out that blaze!"</p> + +<p>"Maybe Captain Putnam will send out the bucket brigade," answered his +chum.</p> + +<p>The wind was steadily increasing, and as it whirled around it sent the +sparks flying in all directions. Jack had one ember settle on his hand +and Pepper was burnt on the ear. They got a good deal of smoke in their +eyes and soon commenced to cough. But they kept on throwing all the +loose dirt and stones possible on the fire.</p> + +<p>"I wish the barrels didn't have quite so much tar on 'em," panted +Pepper. "It's a wonder the roofer left so much inside."</p> + +<p>"He wanted to give you the worth of your money," answered the young +major, grimly.</p> + +<p>After what seemed a long time a shout was heard, and then Andy burst +into view.</p> + +<p>"The bucket brigade is coming with pails of water," he said. "And some +other cadets are to get rakes and wet swabs and shovels."</p> + +<p>"They can't come any too quick!" answered Pepper. "See, two of the trees +are burning already."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and two others are catching!" announced Jack. Then an extra puff +of wind sent all of the cadets from the vicinity of the blazing barrels.</p> + +<p>"I suppose Ritter and Coulter didn't dream of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>such a fire when they +started it," was Andy's comment.</p> + +<p>"Just the same, they are responsible," answered Jack, gravely.</p> + +<p>A yell came from afar, and soon some cadets ran into view, each carrying +a bucket of water. Leading them was George Strong, who had a +long-handled rake and a shovel.</p> + +<p>"Boys! boys! didn't you know better than to light a fire here!" cried +the teacher.</p> + +<p>"We didn't do it," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>The water was thrown on the blazing barrels, and then the teacher tried +to knock them flat with his rake. But that caused a heavy shower of +sparks to ascend, setting fire to some nearby bushes.</p> + +<p>"It will be better to use the shovel," said Jack. "Dirt will put out +such a fire quicker than anything."</p> + +<p>"I believe you, Major Ruddy," answered Mr. Strong, and then he sent some +cadets back for more shovels and a few pickaxes, with which to loosen up +the dirt.</p> + +<p>Soon many more cadets arrived, and with them Captain Putnam. Among the +number were Coulter and Ritter, and the pair looked much dismayed.</p> + +<p>"Say, I didn't think the fire would spread to the woods," whispered Gus +Coulter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hush!" warned his crony. "Don't you admit that we did it. If it comes +to the worst, say it was an accident, that we were trying to light a +torch, to sneak the barrels away, when they took fire."</p> + +<p>"All right."</p> + +<p>More water was thrown on the barrels, and then a small army of cadets +commenced to dig up dirt and stones, with which to cover the burning +objects. This worked very well on the barrels. But to reach the trees +was different. One thick cedar was blazing away like a torch—the flames +far above their heads.</p> + +<p>"Let us cut that tree down," ordered Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>Two axes had been brought along, and Dale used one while Peleg Snuggers +wielded the other. Soon the cedar commenced to totter.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" cried Captain Putnam, and then crash! the tree came down, +directly on top of the tar-barrels. Up went a thick cloud of smoke and +sparks. But the cadets were ready with dirt and stones, and the danger +of a new blaze was quickly averted.</p> + +<p>While the tree was being cut down, the cadets and teachers had been busy +with pickaxes and shovels, and also with their rakes and wet swabs, and +had put out much of the fire elsewhere. One more tree had to be leveled, +and this work was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>done by Joe and Bart. Then, after five minutes more +of hard work, the last of the fire was extinguished, and the crowd in +the woods was left in darkness.</p> + +<p>"Hello, it's dark enough now," cried Pepper. "We'll need a lantern to +get out with."</p> + +<p>"Here's a torch," answered one cadet, and took up a cedar bough, and +commenced to wave it into a flame.</p> + +<p>"No more of that, Bates!" cried Captain Putnam. "We have had enough of +fire. We'll go back in the dark. Snuggers, you stay here and see to it +that the fire doesn't break out again."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered the general utility man.</p> + +<p>"Here is a pistol. If it does break out, fire two shots for an alarm."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I'll send Alexander Pop here with more water and with some lunch, for +you'll have to stay all night," went on the owner of the school. +Alexander Pop was a colored man who had come to the school to wait on +the table.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Snuggers. He did not much relish remaining in the +woods all night, but he felt that he had to obey orders.</p> + +<p>One by one the cadets and the teachers returned to Putnam Hall. The +conflagration in the woods <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>had rather broken up the anticipated +celebration in honor of the football victory.</p> + +<p>"Now, I want to know who placed those tar-barrels in the woods," said +Captain Putnam, when he had assembled the cadets in the school building.</p> + +<p>"It was Jerry Cole, the roofer from Cedarville," answered John Fenwick, +a small youth usually called Mumps. He was known as a toady and a sneak, +and was very chummy with Dan Baxter.</p> + +<p>"How do you know, Fenwick?"</p> + +<p>"I saw him with the barrels on his wagon."</p> + +<p>"Why should he put the barrels there?"</p> + +<p>"I will tell you," answered Pepper, stepping forward. "I bought them to +celebrate with to-night. I thought they'd make a dandy bonfire."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Then you set them ablaze, Ditmore?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. My idea was to roll them to the lake-shore and pile them one +on top of the other."</p> + +<p>"Then who did set them on fire in the woods?"</p> + +<p>For the moment nobody spoke, but Pepper, Jack and Andy, as well as Joe, +looked at Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter.</p> + +<p>"I want an answer!" cried Captain Putnam, sternly. "Who started that +fire?"</p> + +<p>He looked around from one cadet to another. But nobody spoke.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>A MYSTERIOUS HAPPENING</h3> + + +<p>It was a rule of honor among the cadets of Putnam Hall that no student +should tell on another. To do that would have been to put one's self +down as a sneak, and none of our friends wanted such a reputation.</p> + +<p>"I ask again, who started that fire?" went on Captain Putnam, with +increased sternness.</p> + +<p>"I rather think I know the guilty parties," said George Strong, who had +walked away on an errand and had just returned, "Ritter and Coulter, +what have you to say?"</p> + +<p>The two culprits started, and Coulter turned pale.</p> + +<p>"Why, I—er——" stammered Gus. "I—that is——" He did not know how to +proceed. He did not dare deny his guilt, not knowing but what the +assistant teacher might have seen him and his crony light the +tar-barrels.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you—er—want to know the truth,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> Captain Putnam, +we—er—started the fire," stammered Reff Ritter. "But it was an +accident."</p> + +<p>"An accident?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. We were—er—going to roll the barrels down to the +lake—going to hide 'em so that Ditmore and his friends couldn't find +'em, you know. Well, we didn't want to get the tar on our hands, so +we—er—started a little fire to see by—it was dark under the trees. +All of a sudden the barrels blazed up. We—er—didn't expect such a big +blaze."</p> + +<p>"That's it," cried Coulter, eagerly. "We just made the fire at first to +see by."</p> + +<p>"Then you didn't really want to fire the barrels under the trees?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir," came from both of the guilty ones.</p> + +<p>"It was a rash thing to do, to start such a blaze. In this wind you +might have burnt down the whole woods and endangered the school +buildings."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe Ritter and Coulter," whispered Andy to Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore, you said the barrels belonged to you?" went on the owner of +the school.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. I bought them from the tar-roofer in Cedarville and he +delivered them. We were going to have a great bonfire—and we did!" And +The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> Imp said this so dryly that even Captain Putnam had to smile.</p> + +<p>"Well, I presume I shall have to drop the matter," said the captain, +after a few more questions. "But let me warn you all about fires in +those woods in the future. If a fire gained headway here we might burn +everything down to the ground."</p> + +<p>So, from an official standpoint, the matter was dropped. Ritter beckoned +to Coulter, and they hurried away, followed by Nick Paxton and one or +two others.</p> + +<p>"Well, that ends the tar-barrel celebration," said Pepper, rather +mournfully. "I really ought to make Ritter and Coulter pay for the +barrels."</p> + +<p>"You won't get any money out of Ritter," remarked Bart Conners.</p> + +<p>"How do you know, Bart?"</p> + +<p>"Because he hasn't any. He asked for credit at the store yesterday—to +buy some cigarettes—and the shopkeeper refused, saying Ritter owed him +eighty cents already."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" mused Pepper, and said no more.</p> + +<p>"Come on—forget it!" cried Jack. "We'll celebrate anyway."</p> + +<p>"We've got other barrels," came from Dale.</p> + +<p>The cadets rushed out and to the lake-shore, and soon several bonfires +were blazing merrily. Around <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>these the students congregated, and sang +songs and "cut up" generally. Dale had to make a speech, and the boys +caught him up on their shoulders and carried him around the campus.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it grand!" murmured Bert Field. "I am mighty glad I came to +Putnam Hall."</p> + +<p>"So am I," answered Fred Century. "It's much different from what it was +at Pornell Academy."</p> + +<p>"It was a great victory, Fred, wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly was, Bert. I am only sorry for one thing."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>"That it wasn't Pornell we beat instead of that other club."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, we'll get a chance at Pornell some day," answered Bert Field.</p> + +<p>The celebration along the lake-shore lasted until half-past eleven. Then +the bell was rung, and laughing and singing, the cadets trooped off to +their various dormitories.</p> + +<p>"All quiet by midnight!" came the order.</p> + +<p>"Fifteen minutes yet," cried Andy, consulting his watch. "Whoop-la! Here +goes!" And in the joyousness of high spirits he turned a handspring over +one of the beds. Then he turned another spring over a table and stood on +his head on one of the chairs.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for Snow's Imperial Consolidated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> Circus!" cried Pepper. "The +one and only aggregation of stupendous wonders on the face of the globe! +The marvelous twisting and death-defying acrobat! Walk up and see the +blood-curdling exhibition! It will cost you but the small sum of a dime, +ten cents; children double price, and no grandfathers unaccompanied by +their parents admitted. Line will form on the left and everybody will +please have his cash ready. Transfers not accepted on this line."</p> + +<p>"Good for Pepper!" came from Jack. "When he fails as a student he can +turn dime-museum shouter."</p> + +<p>"On the right you will see our most mysterious wonder, Major Jacobus +Ruddonowsky, the royal Russian sword swallower," went on The Imp, +pointing to his chum. "He swallows two swords for breakfast, three for +lunch and six to eight for dinner, with daggers for dessert. He is +wonderfully strong, and can carry on his arms an amount of gold lace +that would break a camel's back. As soon as the tent is full he will +sing for you that famous ditty, entitled, 'How I Love to Line You Up +When I'm Major of the Gang.'"</p> + +<p>"Wow! that is where you caught it, Jack!" cried Dale, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"And here we have a third wonder," went on Pepper, pointing to the +football captain. "Com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>modore Daleo, the leather-ball juggler. The most +renowned juggler of the spheroid in the world! You think it is here, but +it is not, for lo! he has juggled it over the line and kicked it as high +as an airship. He will show you——"</p> + +<p>"Silence in here!" came a voice from the doorway, and Josiah Crabtree +appeared. "I will have silence!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" murmured Pepper. "Anybody got any silence to spare? Mr. +Crabtree wants some."</p> + +<p>"You must all be in bed by midnight, and the light must be out," went on +the teacher. "This unseemly revel must cease!" And then he walked on, to +stop the noise coming from the other dormitories.</p> + +<p>"Say, Pepper, how do you like that?" murmured Fred.</p> + +<p>"I knew there would be frost," sighed The Imp. "Every time old Crabtree +appears we get a cold wave."</p> + +<p>"Be thankful he didn't mark you down for extra lessons," said Andy.</p> + +<p>"If he did that I'd rebel," returned Pepper.</p> + +<p>After that the talk was carried on in whispers, and each cadet lost no +time in disrobing. A few minutes after midnight all were in bed, and one +after another lost himself in the land of dreams.</p> + +<p>The day had been a particularly strenuous one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>for Jack and the young +major slept soundly until the rising-bell rang loudly. Then he rubbed +his eyes sleepily and stretched himself.</p> + +<p>"Wish I didn't have to get up just yet," he murmured. "I could sleep +another hour without half trying."</p> + +<p>"Same here," responded Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I never feel awake until after I've had a wash," came from Andy, who +had just leaped up.</p> + +<p>Soon all of the cadets in the dormitory were dressing, and one by one +they washed up and went below. Andy and Jack were the last to leave.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked the acrobatic youth, as he saw the young +major searching around for something.</p> + +<p>"I'm looking for my watch and chain, Andy."</p> + +<p>"Where did you put it?"</p> + +<p>"Where I always do—on the stand at the head of my bed."</p> + +<p>"Maybe it fell on the floor."</p> + +<p>"If it did, it isn't there now." Jack got down on his knees to look +around, and then turned over the bedclothes and some other things.</p> + +<p>"Maybe Pepper played a joke on you, Jack."</p> + +<p>"That may be so. I'll go down and ask him about it."</p> + +<p>The young major looked through his clothing and all over the dormitory, +and then hurried below.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> As it was Sunday morning, there was no drill, +and the cadets were gathering in the mess-hall for breakfast.</p> + +<p>"Pepper, did you see my watch?" asked Jack, coming up to his chum.</p> + +<p>"Your watch? No," was the ready reply.</p> + +<p>"You didn't?" cried the young major, and now he was more concerned than +ever.</p> + +<p>"Saw it last night, when you put it on the stand as usual."</p> + +<p>"You didn't hide it? Come, now, tell the truth."</p> + +<p>"Honor bright; the last I saw of it was when you placed it on the stand +when you went to bed."</p> + +<p>"It's gone; and the chain with it."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean it, Jack! Did you look all around?"</p> + +<p>"Everywhere."</p> + +<p>"Did you ask the other fellows about it?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I will, right away."</p> + +<p>The young major walked to one roommate after another and asked about his +watch and chain. All denied knowing anything about the timepiece. +Several had seen him place the watch on the stand at the head of the +bed, but that was all.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's a mystery what has become of it, that's sure," was Jack's +comment. "It certainly couldn't walk off by itself."</p> + +<p>"Well, a good watch knows how to run," re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>marked Pepper, dryly, for he +couldn't help having his joke. "But, seriously, Jack, do you think +somebody stole the watch and chain?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think."</p> + +<p>"I don't imagine anybody in our dormitory would do such a thing."</p> + +<p>"Neither do I. But the watch and chain are gone. The question is, +Where?"</p> + +<p>"Hadn't you better report the matter to Captain Putnam?"</p> + +<p>"I will, after I have taken another look around," answered the young +major, and left the mess-room just as the bell rang for breakfast.</p> + +<p>"Why did Major Ruddy leave?" asked Josiah Crabtree, harshly, as he saw +that the young officer was missing.</p> + +<p>"He had something of importance to attend to," answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Humph! It is his duty to be at the table on time, if he wants his +breakfast," muttered the dictatorial teacher.</p> + +<p>Jack did not come back for the best part of half an hour. By that time +the breakfast was nearly over.</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy, what does this mean?" demanded Josiah Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"A matter of importance, Mr. Crabtree," answered the young officer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I cannot permit cadets to come in late to breakfast."</p> + +<p>"This couldn't be helped, sir. I will explain to you and to Captain +Putnam directly after I have finished."</p> + +<p>"Very well. If it is of real importance I will let it pass. But +otherwise I shall mark you for being tardy," returned Josiah Crabtree, +harshly.</p> + +<p>Jack merely bowed and then he sat down and ate his breakfast. While he +was doing so, Pepper leaned over to him.</p> + +<p>"Find the watch?" he whispered.</p> + +<p>"No—not the least trace of it," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>The young major did not feel much like eating. The watch was a gold one +and the chain was also of gold, and both were valuable. They had been a +birthday gift from his parents.</p> + +<p>"Say, Jack, this is as bad as my loss," came from Andy, in a low tone. +"What are you going to do about it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I want to talk the matter over with Captain Putnam +first," answered the young officer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>AN INVITATION ACCEPTED</h3> + + +<p>Captain Putnam looked very grave when Jack reported the loss of the gold +watch and chain.</p> + +<p>"You are certain you left them on the stand when you went to sleep?" he +questioned.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Pepper Ditmore saw me put them there, and Dale Blackmore saw +it, too."</p> + +<p>"And you have looked everywhere for them?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I will go up and look around with you."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir. But it will do no good," answered the young major.</p> + +<p>"You say that all your roommates deny taking the watch and chain."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. They say they didn't see the watch at all after we went to +bed."</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy, do you suspect anybody of this crime?" demanded the owner +of the school, looking Jack full in the face.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," was the prompt answer. "It's a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>complete mystery to me. All I +know about it is, that I left the watch and chain on the stand at the +head of my bed when I went to sleep and this morning they were gone."</p> + +<p>"Did any of the other cadets enter your dormitory during the night?"</p> + +<p>"Not that I know of."</p> + +<p>"They may have been skylarking and may have carried the watch and chain +off by—accident, let us say," finished the captain, significantly.</p> + +<p>"If anybody came in, nobody who sleeps in our room seems to be aware of +it."</p> + +<p>Captain Putnam and Jack passed up to the dormitory, followed by Josiah +Crabtree. They were soon joined by Pepper and the other occupants of the +apartment. Another search was made, but the gold watch and chain were +not found, nor were any clues concerning the timepiece unearthed.</p> + +<p>"What were the watch and chain worth?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"I don't know; maybe fifty or sixty dollars," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>"Then if they were stolen, the thief made quite a haul."</p> + +<p>"Do you think they were stolen, Century?" demanded the owner of the +school.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't it look like it, sir?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But if they were stolen, who is guilty?" asked Josiah Crabtree, glaring +around from one cadet to another.</p> + +<p>For the moment nobody spoke.</p> + +<p>"I don't suspect any of my roommates," said Jack, quickly. "I think it +was done by some outsider."</p> + +<p>"Some other cadet?" asked Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"Possibly; or else by some of the help."</p> + +<p>"Gracious, Ruddy, I—er—I hope you don't suspect me!" stammered the +teacher.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I meant some of the servants."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I see!" Josiah Crabtree looked relieved. "You may be right. Perhaps +some of the new colored help took the watch," he went on, to Captain +Putnam.</p> + +<p>"I will start an investigation," returned the owner of the school.</p> + +<p>Captain Putnam was as good as his word, and over an hour was spent in +questioning the help, and the other cadets, but without results. The +investigation was continued Monday morning. But not the first trace of +the missing watch and chain was discovered anywhere.</p> + +<p>"It assuredly is a mystery," said Captain Putnam at last. "What do you +make of it, Mr. Strong?" he asked of his second assistant.</p> + +<p>"It is a very unfortunate occurrence," answered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> George Strong. "If +there is a thief in Putnam Hall we ought to locate him. As long as he +remains undetected none of us will be safe."</p> + +<p>"How are you going to catch him?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. We might try to trace up the watch and chain through the +authorities."</p> + +<p>"I hate to let the authorities know anything has been stolen in the +school. It gives us a bad name in public." The two men were alone, so +they could speak freely.</p> + +<p>"It will give the school a worse name if we don't get the watch and +chain back. I am afraid Major Ruddy can hold you for the worth of them."</p> + +<p>"He can, and I expect to pay for them if we don't get them back. I will +think it over, and perhaps I'll report the loss."</p> + +<p>Later on, the authorities were notified that a watch and chain were +missing. No details were given, but the police were asked to look out +for the watch and chain in pawnbroking establishments and elsewhere.</p> + +<p>"I shall also offer a reward," said the owner of the school, and the +next day a bulletin was posted, offering a reward of ten dollars for +information leading to the recovery of the timepiece and conviction of +the thief.</p> + +<p>"It's tough to go without your watch, Jack," said Pepper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Captain Putnam is going to loan me one for the present," was the young +major's reply. "It's only a silver affair, but he says it keeps good +time, and that's the main thing."</p> + +<p>A day or two after the reward was offered, Jack, Pepper and Andy +received an invitation to take dinner at Point View Lodge with the Fords +and spend the evening there. The weather was now growing colder and the +Fords expected before long to close up their summer home and move to the +city for the winter.</p> + +<p>"Say, this is all to the merry!" cried Pepper, as he read the +invitation. "Of course we'll go."</p> + +<p>"If Captain Putnam will let us," added Andy, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I think he will," returned Jack. "He is so cut up over this watch +affair I think he will do almost anything for me."</p> + +<p>The three went to the captain and showed the invitation, and were told +that they could go to Point View Lodge, but that they must be back at +Putnam Hall by ten o'clock.</p> + +<p>"It's lucky we can go in our uniforms," said Pepper. "Otherwise I +suppose we'd have to go in full dress, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Sure thing."</p> + +<p>"How are we going to get to the Lodge? We can't walk."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Might hire a carriage for once."</p> + +<p>"Too slow. The Lodge is so far off. We could make better time on our +bicycles."</p> + +<p>"But if it rains—or snows?"</p> + +<p>"Then we'll have to take a carriage."</p> + +<p>The three cadets watched the weather anxiously. It remained clear and +cool up to the afternoon of the day they were going and then grew +cloudy.</p> + +<p>"Looks like rain or snow to me," announced Jack.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't croak!" cried Andy. "It's a bit cloudy, but that's all. I +guess it will hold off until morning."</p> + +<p>"Got your bicycle ready for the trip, Andy?" questioned Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Sure, I oiled up this morning. How about you?"</p> + +<p>"Ready since yesterday, and Jack's wheel is ready, too," was the answer. +"Oh, say, don't you anticipate a dandy time at Point View Lodge?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed! The Ford girls are just all right."</p> + +<p>"Best ever!" chimed in Jack.</p> + +<p>"Don't forget to fill your lamps!" cried Andy, as he turned away.</p> + +<p>"Mine is full," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>"I'll see to mine," came from Pepper. "Glad you mentioned it. It will be +quite dark on the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>road to-night, and I don't want to run in a hole and +take a header."</p> + +<p>"None of us want to do that. We'd look fine going into the Lodge with +our faces and hands all dirt and our uniforms torn."</p> + +<p>The cadets hurried away in various directions. They had been talking in +the gymnasium, near one of the dressing-rooms, and they did not know +that anybody else was near. But Mumps, the sneak, had overheard every +word. As soon as they had gone, the younger cadet hurried off toward the +boathouse. Here he found half a dozen students assembled, including +Ritter and Coulter.</p> + +<p>"Say, do you fellows know that Ruddy, Ditmore and Snow are going out +to-night?" he said. He always loved to tell the news, and thought +himself quite important in so doing.</p> + +<p>"Where to?" asked one of the cadets.</p> + +<p>"To Point View Lodge—the place where the Ford family live. They've got +an invitation to dinner."</p> + +<p>"Lucky dogs!" came from another cadet. As he spoke he looked at Reff +Ritter, but that individual merely scowled, and took surreptitious +whiffs at a cigarette he was smoking.</p> + +<p>"How are they going to Point View?" asked another who was present.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Going on their bicycles," answered Mumps. "It's quite a ride, isn't +it?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, not for them. They can make it in half an hour if they try. But +they'll find it pretty dark to-night, I'm thinking," added the cadet, +with a glance out of the boathouse window at the leaden sky.</p> + +<p>The talk continued and Ritter listened closely to every word. Then he +arose and motioned to Coulter, and the two walked outside.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear what Mumps said?" he asked of his crony.</p> + +<p>"About those chaps going to the Fords' home?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What of it?"</p> + +<p>"I was thinking we might spoil their fun."</p> + +<p>"And get caught, as we did with the tar-barrels," grumbled Gus Coulter.</p> + +<p>"We'll take good care that nobody sees us this time."</p> + +<p>"What are you thinking of doing?" asked Coulter, curiously.</p> + +<p>"Come with me and I'll tell you," answered Reff Ritter, and took his +crony by the arm. Slowly they walked across the campus, and as they did +so Ritter unfolded a plot that had just then come into his head.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What do you think of it?" he asked, after he had finished.</p> + +<p>"Very good; if it will work, and we are not caught."</p> + +<p>"We'll not get caught if you'll do as I say. Listen, Gus, all you need +to do is to stand on guard, to give me warning if anybody comes. I'll do +the rest."</p> + +<p>"When do you want to get to work?"</p> + +<p>Reff Ritter looked around anxiously. It was cold on the campus and +growing darker rapidly. Only a few cadets were in sight.</p> + +<p>"Come on now," he answered. "We'll see if the coast is clear."</p> + +<p>They walked to the end of the gymnasium building, where, in a long room, +the bicycles of the students were kept. It was pitch dark inside and not +a soul was in sight.</p> + +<p>"Now, you remain outside," said Ritter. "If you see anybody coming begin +to whistle 'Yankee Doodle,' as loud as you can. Don't wait for me, for +I'll go out the back way."</p> + +<p>"All right. But let me know when you are through," answered Coulter, +somewhat nervously.</p> + +<p>"Sure."</p> + +<p>Coulter took his stand outside of the building and peered forth eagerly +in the darkness. Only three cadets were in view and they presently +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>entered the school building. Then ten minutes went by—a long wait for +the youth who was aiding Ritter in his plot. Then Reff came quickly from +the gymnasium.</p> + +<p>"Anybody around?" he asked hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Good enough."</p> + +<p>"Have you finished, Reff?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Did you get at all three of the wheels?"</p> + +<p>"I sure did. Say, they will have their own troubles, see if they don't!" +chuckled the bully. "But come on before anybody sees us," he added, and +stalked away in the darkness, with his crony beside him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>THE WORK OF THE ENEMY</h3> + + +<p>It was not until a few minutes after five o'clock that Jack, Andy and +Pepper hurried down to the gymnasium, to get their wheels. At the last +moment Andy discovered that one of his buttons was loose and had to be +sewed on, and Jack had trouble with the new cap he was going to wear. It +was a trifle too large and he had to place a strip of paper under the +band to make it stay on his head properly.</p> + +<p>"It certainly feels like snow," said Pepper, as the three got out their +bicycles. "I am sure we'll get a snowstorm before long."</p> + +<p>"I don't care, if only it holds off till we get back," returned Andy.</p> + +<p>They lit the acetylene gas lamps, with which their wheels were provided, +and then ran the bicycles down to the roadway.</p> + +<p>"Have a good time," cried Stuffer, who had come out to see them off.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't worry about that," replied Pepper, gaily.</p> + +<p>"I'll wager you'll have a dandy spread," went on the lad who loved to +eat.</p> + +<p>"Wish you were along, Stuffer?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Do I? Well, now, don't mention it!" and Stuffer's eyes fairly watered +in anticipation.</p> + +<p>"I'll bring you something if I get the chance," sang out Pepper, as he +gave his bicycle a shove and leaped into the saddle. "So-long!"</p> + +<p>Jack and Andy followed their chum, and with a parting cry to Stuffer, +all three pedaled along the highway leading to Point View Lodge. It was +now night, but the three gas-lamps lit up the road so well that they had +little difficulty in finding their way.</p> + +<p>"We are not due until six o'clock," said Jack. "So we can take it easy. +No use of getting into a perspiration over it."</p> + +<p>"We'll not sweat much to-night," answered Pepper. "Too cold. I move we +keep at it until we reach that old barn near the Lodge. Then we can rest +a bit, so that we won't appear at the place all out of breath."</p> + +<p>Two miles were covered, and then they came to a place where the highway +was unusually rough.</p> + +<p>"Let me go ahead and pick the way," sang out Andy, and forged to the +front.</p> + +<p>"Better slack up a little!" returned the young <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>major. "No use of taking +chances when we have plenty of time."</p> + +<p>Scarcely had he uttered the words when there came a cry from the +acrobatic youth. His wheel commenced to wobble and twist. Over into some +bushes he shot, to fall with a crash in their midst.</p> + +<p>"Hello, what's the matter with you?" sang out Pepper, and leaped quickly +to the road, an example followed by Jack.</p> + +<p>"Bicycle has gone to pieces, I guess," spluttered Andy, as he essayed to +scramble out of the bushes.</p> + +<p>"Are you hurt?" demanded Jack, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Only a few scratches, Jack. Say, that was a narrow escape, wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Thought you said your wheel was in good condition," came from Pepper.</p> + +<p>"So it was when I looked at it this morning."</p> + +<p>"What's wrong now?"</p> + +<p>"The handle-bars are loose for one thing. I don't know what else is +wrong until I look it over."</p> + +<p>The machine was brought forth from the bushes. The lamp-glass had been +smashed and the light had gone out. Andy stopped the flow of acetylene +gas, and then his chums turned the rays of the other lamps on the +disabled bicycle.</p> + +<p>"Handle-bars loose and also nuts on the front wheel!" cried Andy, after +an examination. "Say, I believe some enemy did this!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who?" questioned the young major.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Maybe Ritter, or Coulter."</p> + +<p>"Hurry up and tighten things," cried Pepper. "We don't want to be late."</p> + +<p>"Better be late than have a nasty tumble," returned Jack. "While you are +at it, Andy, better look the whole machine over carefully."</p> + +<p>"I will, Jack. And maybe you had better look your machines over, too."</p> + +<p>"Good advice."</p> + +<p>While Andy was fixing his bicycle Pepper and the young major inspected +their own bicycles.</p> + +<p>"Well, I never!" gasped The Imp, as the light fell on his rear wheel. +"Another quarter of a mile and I would have had a spill and no mistake!"</p> + +<p>"Same here!" came from Jack. "Oh, isn't this the worst yet!"</p> + +<p>"What's wrong?" queried the acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>"The back wheel is loose, and two of the sprockets of the sprocket-wheel +have been filed down, to let the chain slip," answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>"And my handle-bars are loose and the chain all but filed in two," cried +Jack. "Boys, this was done on purpose!"</p> + +<p>"Of course!" came from both of the others.</p> + +<p>"Done by our enemies!"</p> + +<p>"Sure."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ritter and his cronies."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'd have to prove that," answered Andy, slowly.</p> + +<p>"Don't you believe it, Andy?"</p> + +<p>"I do; but that isn't proof."</p> + +<p>"And that isn't getting us to Point View Lodge," came from Pepper. "I +guess we'll have to walk!" he added, with something like a groan.</p> + +<p>"Walk! We can't walk that distance," replied the young major.</p> + +<p>"Well, we can't trust ourselves on these machines. We might if we had +lots of time, but that we haven't got."</p> + +<p>The three cadets stared blankly at each other. Here they were on a +lonely road, and what to do none of them knew.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I only had Ritter here wouldn't I punch his head good!" muttered +Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Ritter will keep. Let us look over the machines and make up our minds +what is to be done," said Jack.</p> + +<p>The more they inspected the wheels the more hopeless appeared the task +of fixing them up so they could be used.</p> + +<p>"We simply haven't got time to bother with them," announced Jack. "We've +got to get to the Lodge some other way."</p> + +<p>"Well, what way?" asked Andy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wonder if we could hire a rig at the next farmhouse."</p> + +<p>"Well, we can try that," answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>Trundling their bicycles, they hurried along the country road until they +reached a farmhouse.</p> + +<p>"Looks as if they were all out or gone to bed," was Jack's comment, for +not a light showed about the place.</p> + +<p>"We'll soon know," returned Pepper, and he pounded lustily on the front +door.</p> + +<p>There was no answer to this summons, and he pounded again. But nobody +appeared.</p> + +<p>"Gone away for the day, I guess," he said. "Now what?"</p> + +<p>"Let us leave our wheels in the barn," said Jack. "We can come back for +them any time."</p> + +<p>This they did, and after a look around the place, to make certain nobody +was there, they passed out on the road once more. Pepper looked at his +watch.</p> + +<p>"Fifteen minutes to six," he announced.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we'll never get there on time," groaned Andy.</p> + +<p>"We'll be lucky if we get there at all to-night," answered the young +major.</p> + +<p>"They are looking for us by now," came from Pepper. "Wonder what they +will think when we don't show up?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They'll think we are pretty mean, I guess," answered the acrobatic +youth.</p> + +<p>"Here comes some kind of a turnout now!" cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>He pointed down the highway. They could see a lantern swinging idly to +and fro. It was hung under a farm-wagon, and presently they saw the +turnout, drawn by a pair of good-looking horses. The wagon was filled +with barrels of potatoes, and on the seat sat a raw-boned old farmer, +half asleep.</p> + +<p>"Hello, there!" challenged Jack out of the darkness. "Hold up a minute, +please!"</p> + +<p>"Hi, what's this, a hold-up?" exclaimed the old farmer, and then of a +sudden he reached between the barrels of potatoes and brought forth a +long horse-pistol and pointed it at them.</p> + +<p>"Don't shoot!" cried Pepper, thinking the old fellow might be just +scared enough to pull the trigger of his ancient weapon. "This isn't any +hold-up."</p> + +<p>"Who be you?" and the farmer peered forth anxiously in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"We are cadets from Putnam Hall."</p> + +<p>"Oh! I see! Waal, don't ye try to play no trick on Ezra Cole, or I'll +let fly with this hoss-pistol, sure ez you're born!"</p> + +<p>"We don't want to play any tricks, Mr. Cole,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> answered Jack. "We are in +trouble, and I was wondering if you could help us out."</p> + +<p>"Wot's the trouble?"</p> + +<p>In as few words as possible the young major and his chums explained the +difficulty. The old farmer listened with interest.</p> + +<p>"I know Mr. Ford; he buys garden sass from me," he said.</p> + +<p>"We don't know how we are going to get to the Lodge, unless we can find +somebody to drive us over," said Pepper. "Could you do it, if we paid +you?"</p> + +<p>"Wot, with this load o' potatoes? Not much!"</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you leave your potatoes here?" asked Andy. "I'll give you +fifty cents to drive me over."</p> + +<p>"And so will I," added Pepper.</p> + +<p>"That will be a dollar and a half for the three of us, Mr. Cole," put in +Jack.</p> + +<p>"Hum!" The old farmer began to look interested. "It's a putty stiff +drive to Point View, an' I'd have to come back fer the potatoes."</p> + +<p>"Make it two dollars!" cried Jack. "And do it as quickly as you can."</p> + +<p>"Hum! Got the cash with you, young man?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, here it is!" And the young major held up two one-dollar bills.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm your man!" cried Ezra Cole. "I ain't in no hurry to git +to hum, an' two dollars <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>ain't picked up every day. Jest wait till I +drive in an' leave my potatoes where they will be safe."</p> + +<p>"Might leave 'em with our bicycles," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"So I will."</p> + +<p>It did not take the old farmer long to unload his barrels of potatoes. +Then he swept out his farm-wagon and spread some horse-blankets for the +boys to sit upon. They leaped in and he took up the lines once more.</p> + +<p>"G'lang!" he shouted to his team and cracked his whip, and off they went +along the road at a good gait.</p> + +<p>"Great Julius Cæsar!" cried Andy, after a quarter of a mile had been +passed. "Talk about bumping the bumps! This road has 'em beaten to a +frazzle!"</p> + +<p>"Getting your money's worth, Andy?" asked The Imp, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"Ain't no springs on this wagon!" said Ezra Cole, with a grin. "But +don't you mind; it will give you a fine appetite fer that dinner when +you git there!"</p> + +<p>"It will, if it doesn't knock out our teeth so we can't chew!" murmured +Jack.</p> + +<p>On and on they rattled at a good pace until the lights of Point View +Lodge shone in the distance.</p> + +<p>"Just drop us off at the gate!" cried Jack. "We <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>don't want to ride up +to the piazza in such a rig as this."</p> + +<p>"Why, hello, have you arrived at last?" cried a voice from out of the +darkness, and then Laura and Flossie appeared, standing by the gate. The +three cadets looked glumly at each other, and then Pepper commenced to +snicker and all burst into a hearty spell of laughter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>AT THE FORD MANSION</h3> + + +<p>"Don't you admire our very fashionable turnout?" questioned Pepper, as +he came forward and shook hands with the girls.</p> + +<p>"It's the latest in carriages," came from Andy.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" murmured Laura. "Did you really come all the way from Putnam Hall +in that?"</p> + +<p>"It must have been hard riding," was Flossie's comment.</p> + +<p>"No, we didn't come all the way," answered Pepper. "We'll tell you about +it later," he added. Then Ezra Cole was paid. The old farmer lost no +time in driving away.</p> + +<p>As the girls and boys walked slowly toward the mansion the cadets told +the particulars of the breakdown on the road.</p> + +<p>"And you really think some of your rivals did it?" questioned Laura. +"How mean!"</p> + +<p>"I'd never speak to them again," added Flossie, with a flash of her +eyes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, we'll talk a whole lot to 'em," answered Pepper, grimly.</p> + +<p>"But you have got to prove them guilty first," said Laura.</p> + +<p>Once at the mansion the situation was explained to Mr. and Mrs. Ford, +and the boys were conducted by a servant to a bathroom, where they might +wash and brush up and make themselves otherwise presentable. They did +not linger long, and when they came below, the folding-doors to the +dining-room were opened and the butler announced dinner.</p> + +<p>It was a jolly meal, and the cadets were made to feel perfectly at home. +Mr. Ford asked them how they were getting along in school, and was +surprised when told that they hoped to graduate from the Hall the +following June.</p> + +<p>"We shall miss your visits to the Lodge," said Mrs. Ford.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to visit us anyway—if you get a chance," said Laura, and +all of the cadets said they would remember her kind words. Then they +talked about old times, and especially about the time when the boys had +visited the Lodge and killed the tiger that had escaped from the circus, +as related in "The Putnam Hall Cadets," and of how the girls had visited +the cadets in the woods, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>when the boys had run away from the Hall, as +told of in "The Putnam Hall Rebellion."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to go to a boarding-school," said Flossie. "It must be lots of +fun!"</p> + +<p>"Fun and work, mixed," answered Andy.</p> + +<p>After the dinner, over which they took their time, the young folks +gathered around the piano and sang and played, and they also had several +dances, with the old folks looking on. All too soon it came time for the +boys to go back to the Hall.</p> + +<p>"I have ordered the auto around," said Rossmore Ford. "John can take you +back, and he can also stop for your bicycles, if you wish."</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much," answered Jack. "We'll ride home in the auto with +pleasure. But I guess we had better let the bicycles rest to-night where +they are; eh, fellows?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Pepper and Andy.</p> + +<p>A little later the cadets said good-night. The big touring car was +brought around and they got in the tonneau. Then the chauffeur turned on +the power, and away they shot into the darkness, the girls crying a +good-by after them.</p> + +<p>"Well, we had a dandy time, in spite of the breakdown," remarked the +young major.</p> + +<p>"But we have got to find out who played this trick on us," came from +Pepper.</p> + +<p>"That may be easier said than done," said Andy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> "Whoever was mean +enough to play such a trick will do his best to lay low."</p> + +<p>When the boys got back to the Hall they found that the majority of their +friends had gone to bed. Only Stuffer Singleton was up, reading a novel +by the light of a wax-candle he had smuggled up to the room.</p> + +<p>"Hello! have a good time?" queried the boy who loved to eat, as he cast +aside the volume.</p> + +<p>"Bang up," answered Jack, and then he went on quickly. "Stuffer, were +you near the gym this afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"No. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Somebody was mean enough to tamper with our bicycles," answered the +young major, and gave a few particulars.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you can bet it was the Ritter crowd, or Ritter alone," said +Stuffer, quickly. "It would be just like them to do their best to spoil +your fun."</p> + +<p>It was not until two days later that Jack and his chums had a chance to +go for their broken-down wheels. They found them exactly as they had +been left, and explained to the owner of the barn how they happened to +be there.</p> + +<p>"It's all right," said the farmer. "You can leave them here a month if +you want to." He knew Captain Putnam well, having sold him some straw +for the school stables.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + +<p>The cadets had to trundle the bicycles back to Putnam Hall and then had +many hours' work in fixing the wheels so they could be used again.</p> + +<p>During those two days the youths made many inquiries, but were unable to +get a clue as to who had played the trick. Ritter and Coulter "laid low" +and kept out of their way.</p> + +<p>Following the game with the Dauntless Club came several other football +contests, and Putnam Hall won two games and lost one. Then the weather +turned off cold, with a promise of snow in the air.</p> + +<p>During those days it must not be supposed that the search for Jack's +gold watch and chain was abandoned. It was continued with spirit, but no +clue was brought to light.</p> + +<p>"It's as much of a mystery as the disappearance of my things when the +horse ran away with me," said Andy. "I don't suppose I'll ever hear of +those things either."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but that was different, Andy," said the young major. "You were on +a public highway, where anybody might pick up the things, supposing you +merely dropped them. But I was right here, where everybody is supposed +to be honest."</p> + +<p>"It gives the school a black eye, doesn't it?"</p> + +<p>"That's it. I know Captain Putnam feels terrible about it, too."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you suspect any of the hired help?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think."</p> + +<p>The weather grew colder rapidly, and one morning the cadets arose to +find the ground covered with snow to a depth of several inches.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" shouted Fred. "See the snow! Doesn't it look inviting?"</p> + +<p>"Want a roll in it, Fred?" questioned Bart Field.</p> + +<p>"Not exactly. I was thinking of a snowball fight."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk! Let us get up a fight after school hours!" cried Bart +Conners.</p> + +<p>Pepper was at the window. Slyly he raised the sash and scooped up a big +handful of snow from the broad ledge outside. Andy was nearby, bending +over, lacing up his shoe.</p> + +<p>"Welcome to the snow!" cried The Imp, gaily, and let a portion of the +frozen mass slip down the acrobatic youth's collar.</p> + +<p>"Wow!" snorted Andy, straightening up with a jerk. "Hi, you, what do you +take me for, an ice-box?" And he commenced to squirm as the cold snow +ran down his backbone. Then he made a dive for Pepper and chased The Imp +around the dormitory. Over two of the beds they flew, and then brought +up in a corner with a crash.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have mercy on the furniture!" cried Joe Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Don't knock over the table!" added Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"Give me that snow!" cried Andy, and managed to get a small portion from +Pepper. "How do you like that?" And he plastered the snow in The Imp's +left ear.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! Snow from Snow!" cried Jack.</p> + +<p>"'Twill warm Pepper's blood, so it will!" was Emerald Hogan's comment.</p> + +<p>More snow had been scooped from the window-sill by Fred and Joe, and +soon a battle-royal was in progress in the dormitory. But it came to an +abrupt end when Dave Kearney appeared.</p> + +<p>"Stop it!" cried the young sergeant. "Crabtree is coming!"</p> + +<p>"All over!" whispered Jack. "All as orderly as lambs!" And at once every +cadet settled down and started in an orderly fashion to finish his +morning toilet.</p> + +<p>"What was the noise in here?" demanded Josiah Crabtree, as he threw open +the door and strode into the dormitory.</p> + +<p>He glared around savagely, but nobody answered him.</p> + +<p>"I demand to know what was going on here!" he continued.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, did you speak to me?" asked Pepper, meekly.</p> + +<p>"I spoke to you all!" thundered the teacher. "What were you doing in +here?"</p> + +<p>"I am dressing, Mr. Crabtree," answered Andy.</p> + +<p>"I am dressing, Mr. Crabtree," came from Jack.</p> + +<p>"I am dressing, too," put in Fred.</p> + +<p>"And so was I dressing," said Stuffer, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"And I was dressing," supplemented Pepper. "Come to think of it, I +rather fancy we were all dressing. You see, we always do dress when we +get up in the morning, Mr. Crabtree," he added with a simple smile.</p> + +<p>"I want none of your impudence, Ditmore."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear, was I impudent?" murmured The Imp. "I didn't know it. I beg +ten thousand pardons—yes, a million, if you'd rather, sir."</p> + +<p>"Be quiet, you—you forward boy! Something was going on in here! If I +find out what it was, I shall punish all of you!" And having thus +delivered himself, Josiah Crabtree strode out of the dormitory, banging +the door after him.</p> + +<p>"Isn't he an angel!" murmured Andy.</p> + +<p>"The sweetest teacher that ever grew!" returned Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to know how long Captain Putnam will put up with him," was +Jack's comment.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't believe it will be very long," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>The cadets finished their dressing and hurried below. On account of the +storm the morning drill was held in the gymnasium, and then the young +soldiers marched to the mess-room. On the way several could not resist +the temptation to pick up some snow and throw it at each other.</p> + +<p>"Hi, you stop that!" roared Reff Ritter, as a snowball took him in the +neck. "Who threw that?" he demanded; but nobody answered him. "I believe +it was you, Ditmore!" he went on, turning an ugly look on Pepper.</p> + +<p>"That's one for tampering with our bicycles, Ritter," retorted Pepper.</p> + +<p>It was a chance shot, taken on the spur of the moment, but it told. Reff +Ritter started and turned pale.</p> + +<p>"Who—er—told you I—er—tampered with your bicycles?" he stammered.</p> + +<p>"Never mind who told me, Ritter. We are going to get square with you, +and don't you forget it."</p> + +<p>"Who said I touched 'em?" grumbled the bully.</p> + +<p>"Never mind about that."</p> + +<p>"You are trying to corner me, that what's you are up to!" grumbled +Ritter. "But you shan't do it! I never touched your wheels, and you +can't prove that I did. Now don't you throw any more <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>snowballs at me, +or I'll report you." And then Ritter hurried into the mess-room as fast +as he could.</p> + +<p>Pepper, Jack and Andy looked at each other.</p> + +<p>"He is guilty, I know it!" said Pepper firmly.</p> + +<p>"I believe you," answered the young major; and Andy nodded his head to +show that he agreed with his chums.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>THE SNOWBALL BATTLE</h3> + + +<p>"Now then, fellows, for the greatest snowball battle of the age!"</p> + +<p>"Here is where Company A smothers Company B!"</p> + +<p>"Rats! You mean that Company B will bury Company A out of sight!"</p> + +<p>"Hi, Major Ruddy! What side are you going on?" queried Bart Conners, who +still commanded Company B.</p> + +<p>"He is coming on our side!" answered Henry Lee, the captain of the other +company.</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't fight on both sides," answered the young major with a +laugh.</p> + +<p>"Go with the company that wins!" suggested Pepper, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"Toss up a cent for it," suggested Andy.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll toss up," answered Jack, and did so, and it was decided +that he should fight with Company B.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good enough!" cried Pepper, who was in that command. "Now Company A is +licked, sure!"</p> + +<p>"Not much!" was the answer from Stuffer Singleton. "We'll win, sure!"</p> + +<p>"We will, unless you stop to eat a doughnut!" put in Joe Nelson, and at +this remark a general laugh went up, for Stuffer had once lost a +long-distance running race because he stopped on the way to devour some +cookies he had in his pocket.</p> + +<p>It was after school hours, and the cadets had gathered on the field +where, during the summer, corn had been raised. It was to be a battle +between the two companies of the school battalion, with the company +captain as leader on each side.</p> + +<p>The preliminary rules were speedily arranged. Lines were drawn at either +end of the field, about five hundred feet apart. In the center, about a +hundred feet apart, two other lines were drawn. Along the latter lines +the cadets arranged themselves.</p> + +<p>"Now then, fighting will begin when the school-bell rings out four!" +cried the cadet who had been made referee. "The company that chases the +other company over its back line wins the contest. No fighting with +anything but snow allowed. Anybody using his fists, or a stone, or a +lump of ice, will be ruled out of the contest."</p> + +<p>With all possible speed the young soldiers <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>started to supply themselves +with snowballs, and soon each had ten to twenty in his hands and pockets +and under his arms or at his feet.</p> + +<p>"Get ready!" shouted Bart, as he glanced hastily at his watch.</p> + +<p>"Give it to 'em hot when the bell rings!" came from Henry Lee.</p> + +<p>Half a minute more and the Hall bell commenced to toll out the hour. The +bell had not yet ceased to ring when there came a grand shower of +snowballs from each company. The shower was so thick that a few of the +snowballs hit each other.</p> + +<p>"Forward!" shouted Captain Bart.</p> + +<p>"Forward!" echoed Captain Henry.</p> + +<p>And then the two long lines of cadets rushed forward over the +snow-covered field until they were within thirty or forty feet of each +other. Then came another shower of snowballs.</p> + +<p>"Wow!" yelled one cadet. "Oh, my nose!"</p> + +<p>"Cæsar's helmet! That hit me in the eye!" came from another.</p> + +<p>"Say, don't try to knock out all my teeth!" added a third.</p> + +<p>"Charge!" yelled the captain of Company A. "Charge! Get 'em on the run +right now!"</p> + +<p>"Stand firm!" came from the commander of Company B. "Now then, fire!"</p> + +<p>The rush of Company A was met with an extra <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>heavy volley of snowballs. +The cadets staggered under the onslaught and then came to a halt.</p> + +<p>"Now then, up and at 'em!" yelled Captain Bart. And yelling like wild +Indians, his command charged on Company A. The snowballs flew thick and +fast, and slowly but surely Company A was forced to give ground until it +stood on the line from which it had started. But by that time Company B +was out of ammunition and had to pause to manufacture more snowballs.</p> + +<p>In the ranks of Company A were Ritter, Coulter and Paxton. Paxton had of +late somewhat dropped the others, but Reff and Gus were as thick as +ever. They were now standing side by side.</p> + +<p>"Say, I'd like to give it to Ruddy and those others," muttered Coulter.</p> + +<p>"So would I," whispered Ritter in return. "Confound 'em, I'd like to +know if they really know the truth about the bicycles."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how they found out; nobody was around when you fixed 'em +up."</p> + +<p>"Maybe somebody was spying; that sneak of a Mumps, for instance."</p> + +<p>"If he was, and told on us, I'll fix him for it."</p> + +<p>Both cadets were making snowballs near a hollow. As Ritter scraped the +snow up he uncovered several jagged stones.</p> + +<p>"Say, look here!" he whispered, and pointed at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>the stones. "Let's fix +up some special snowballs for Ruddy & Company!" he added with a knowing +look at his crony.</p> + +<p>"All right; but be careful you are not caught," answered Gus Coulter.</p> + +<p>Both cadets got down close to the jagged stones and adroitly slipped +several of them into the snowballs they were making.</p> + +<p>"Wait till we are pretty close," directed Ritter. "Then let drive for +all you are worth."</p> + +<p>"Who will you aim at?"</p> + +<p>"Ruddy and Ditmore."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll aim at Snow; and I'll let Ruddy have one, too."</p> + +<p>Again came a ringing war-cry, and in a moment more the battle was +continued. Back and forth swayed the lines of cadets, first towards one +end of the field and then towards the other. It was plainly to be seen +that the commands were about evenly matched.</p> + +<p>"How long is this battle to last?" questioned Joe Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Half an hour," answered Fred Century, who was beside him.</p> + +<p>"Time is almost up, then," came from Bert Field, who had been fighting +so hard he was almost out of breath.</p> + +<p>"Five minutes more!" came from the referee.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> "Now then, if either side +is going to do something, pitch in!"</p> + +<p>"Forward!" came simultaneously from both captains, and forward plunged +Company A and Company B, and the snowballs commenced to fly as thickly +as before. Neither side would give ground, and at last the two lines +were within fifteen to twenty feet of each other, right in the center of +the field.</p> + +<p>The time was almost up, and each command was getting rid of the last of +the snowballs, when Jack saw a snowball leave Coulter's hand and sail +swiftly towards Pepper. The Imp did not see it until it was quite close +to him and failed in his attempt to dodge. The snowball hit him full in +the temple and over he went as if struck with a club.</p> + +<p>"Pepper!" cried the young major in horror, and started to rush to his +chum's assistance, when another snowball came flying through the air. It +struck Jack over the ear, and he, too, went down, all but knocked +unconscious.</p> + +<p>A bugle blew, and the great snowballing contest came to an end.</p> + +<p>"A tie! A tie!" was the cry. "Neither side wins!"</p> + +<p>"Let the two captains shake hands and call it off!" said one cadet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm willing!" cried Bart, readily.</p> + +<p>"So am I," added Henry, and then the pair shook hands, while a great +cheer rolled up from both sides. But the cheer came to an abrupt end +when Fred Century cried out:</p> + +<p>"Pepper Ditmore is hurt!"</p> + +<p>"And so is Major Ruddy!" came from Emerald Hogan.</p> + +<p>A crowd quickly gathered around each wounded cadet. Pepper had a nasty +cut over the left eye and Jack had a lump behind his right ear.</p> + +<p>"They must have been hit with soakers," was Dale's comment, as he bent +over Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Looks as if Pepper was hit with a stone," came from Andy.</p> + +<p>"A stone!" cried Bart Field.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a stone! That cut was never made by a snowball, or a piece of ice, +either!"</p> + +<p>"Shall I get a doctor?" asked Stuffer, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, are they as bad as that?" asked Bob Grenwood.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Bert, soberly. "Wait a minute and we'll see if +they come around."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a crack!" murmured Jack, and then he sat up and stared around +him. Pepper was also stirring and he slowly put one hand to the cut on +his temple.</p> + +<p>"Let us carry 'em to the Hall," suggested Bert.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> "It's getting too cold +out here and besides, they are all in a sweat from the snowballing."</p> + +<p>When Pepper was picked up, Andy saw something lying beneath him in the +snow. He picked it up.</p> + +<p>"Hello! look here!" he called out, and held the object up.</p> + +<p>"A stone!"</p> + +<p>"Where did it come from, Andy?"</p> + +<p>"It was under Pepper's body. I believe it was in the snowball that hit +him!"</p> + +<p>"Who would be so mean?"</p> + +<p>"I rather guess I know," answered Pepper, and looked around for Ritter +and Coulter, but the bully and his crony had disappeared.</p> + +<p>Pepper and Jack were carried tenderly into the Hall and placed in easy +chairs in the reception room. Presently both had recovered consciousness +fully, and each had his head bound up in bandages.</p> + +<p>"Phew, but that was a crack I got!" sighed The Imp. "I thought a rock +had hit me!"</p> + +<p>"It was Coulter who threw that snowball," said the young major. "I saw +him do it, and I was running to help you up when I got struck myself, +and went down."</p> + +<p>"And I am pretty sure Ritter hit you, Jack,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> came from Andy. "Anyway, I +saw him aiming for you just before you staggered and fell."</p> + +<p>"Andy, those fellows must have hit us with stones!" muttered The Imp.</p> + +<p>"I feel sure they did. Ritter struck me with a snowball, on the hand, +and it left a deep scratch. Now, no ordinary snowball would do that. +Besides that, I picked up a sharp stone from where Pepper was lying."</p> + +<p>"It was against the rules of the contest to use stones," put in Dale, +who was near.</p> + +<p>"Sure it was!" cried Stuffer. "If those chaps really used stones they +ought to be punished for it."</p> + +<p>The news quickly went the rounds, as was to be expected. When Henry Lee +heard it he quickly sought out Captain Bart.</p> + +<p>"I hope you don't think I allowed any such underhand work," he said +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Not for a minute, Henry!" cried the captain of Company B. "If Ritter +and Coulter did it, they did it on their own responsibility. I think +them just mean enough, too, for they are down on Major Ruddy and Pepper +Ditmore."</p> + +<p>"If they are guilty, I'd like to have them court-martialed!" muttered +the commander of Company A. "Such underhand work is a disgrace to Putnam +Hall!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wait and see if it can be proven," answered Bart Conners. "Then, if it +is proven, we'll read Ritter and Coulter a lecture they won't forget in +a hurry!" he added significantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>IN WHICH MORE VALUABLES VANISH</h3> + + +<p>That night it snowed again, and in the morning the storm raged furiously +around Putnam Hall, so that the landscape on all sides was completely +blotted out. The cadets had to remain indoors, and it was hard work to +keep a path clear to the gymnasium and the stables.</p> + +<p>"We'll be snowbound and no mistake," observed Andy. "Well, I don't care +much; it will give me a chance to catch up in my lessons."</p> + +<p>"Very far behind, Andy?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"More than I like to think about, Jack. I want to graduate with honor, +you know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we all want to do that."</p> + +<p>"How's the head?"</p> + +<p>"Still sore. But I guess I'll be all right again in a few days."</p> + +<p>"How about you, Pepper?"</p> + +<p>"I'll be all right, too, Andy. But it was a fierce <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>crack!" added +Pepper, as his hand went up gingerly to his plastered-up cut.</p> + +<p>"Going to lodge a complaint against Ritter and Coulter?"</p> + +<p>"What good would it do? We can't actually prove that they used stones?"</p> + +<p>"Let it pass. If we make a complaint it will only stir up more bad +blood," said the young major. "But in the future I am going to watch +Ritter and Coulter pretty closely."</p> + +<p>The boys were kept at the Hall for all of that week, getting no further +than the gymnasium for recreation. The wind blew furiously at times, so +that the snow was piled up into numerous drifts, one reaching almost to +the top of the carriage-shed, and another completely hiding the posts of +the gate entrance.</p> + +<p>"This must be tough on some of the farmers," observed Dale. "Think of +trying to get the milk to the station in such weather."</p> + +<p>"Well, a farmer usually has enough to eat," answered Stuffer. "That +counts for a good deal. Now if a fellow was snowbound and didn't have +any grub——" He did not finish but shook his head dolefully. To Stuffer +such a fate was beyond words.</p> + +<p>As was to be expected, Ritter and Coulter kept out of the way of Jack +and Pepper. Once the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>young major met the pair on the stairs, but they +simply glared at him and passed on before he could say a word.</p> + +<p>During all this time Captain Putnam had been doing his best to solve the +mystery concerning the disappearance of Jack's gold watch and chain. +But, though all the hired help and the cadets and teachers were watched +and questioned, nothing of importance came to light. Peleg Snuggers said +he had once seen a strange man near the stables, and Captain Putnam +wondered if that individual could have sneaked into the school and +committed the robbery.</p> + +<p>"But if he did that, why didn't he take more?" he said, in speaking of +the matter to George Strong.</p> + +<p>"I am sure I don't know, sir," answered the teacher. "For the matter of +that, why wouldn't any thief take more, if he had the chance?"</p> + +<p>"I give it up, Strong. This thing makes me feel sick."</p> + +<p>"Well, we must keep our eyes open," answered George Strong; and then the +conversation changed to the lessons for the next day.</p> + +<p>On Tuesday morning, Pepper chanced to go to a bureau-drawer in which he +kept his collars, cuffs, neckties and jewelry. He commenced to look for +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>something and ended by turning out everything in the compartment.</p> + +<p>"What's wrong, Pepper?" asked Jack. "Lost some diamonds?"</p> + +<p>"It's my ruby scarfpin, Jack. Did you see it?"</p> + +<p>"No, not for some time. Did you have it in that drawer?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"When did you wear it last?"</p> + +<p>"The night we took dinner with the Fords."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure you put it back when you came home?"</p> + +<p>"Positive. I keep it in this case," and Pepper held up an empty jewelry +case.</p> + +<p>"Gracious! This is becoming interesting!" murmured the young major. +"First my watch and chain and now your scarfpin!" He looked pointedly at +his chum. "Pepper, do you think——" He stopped short.</p> + +<p>"Think what, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'd hate to say it, Pepper," and the young major shrugged his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Were you going to mention Ritter and Coulter?"</p> + +<p>"I was. But maybe it wouldn't be fair. It's a terrible thing to think +anybody a thief."</p> + +<p>"That is true. But maybe they took them as a joke and hid them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is past a joke."</p> + +<p>Pepper continued to hunt around until it was time to go below. Then he +marched straight to Captain Putnam's private office.</p> + +<p>The captain listened with a sinking heart to what the cadet had to say. +It was terrible to think that a thief was at large in the school and +could not be caught.</p> + +<p>"You are positive that you had the scarfpin when you came home, +Ditmore?" he questioned.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"And you put it in the case in the drawer?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"Was the drawer locked?"</p> + +<p>"Part of the time. Sometimes I forgot and left the key in the lock."</p> + +<p>"What sort of a scarfpin was it?"</p> + +<p>"It was a sort of a clover effect, of gold, with a ruby and three small +diamonds."</p> + +<p>"And how much was it worth?"</p> + +<p>"I believe my mother paid thirty-five dollars for it. It was a Christmas +gift, so I am not sure about the value."</p> + +<p>"Well, take another look for it and report to me again to-morrow," +answered Captain Putnam, with a heavy sigh. Then, of a sudden, he added: +"Do you suspect anybody of taking the scarfpin?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have no clue whatever to the theft," answered Pepper, slowly.</p> + +<p>"But have you any suspicions, Ditmore?" And the master's voice grew a +trifle stern.</p> + +<p>"Only in a general way."</p> + +<p>"Please explain yourself."</p> + +<p>"I—er—I hardly know what to say, sir," stammered <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Pegged'">Pepper</ins>. "There may be +nothing in it at all."</p> + +<p>"In what? Come, out with it."</p> + +<p>"Why, you see, sir, some of the cadets in this school are not good +friends with me and Major Ruddy, and maybe they thought they would play +a trick on us by taking his watch and chain and my scarfpin."</p> + +<p>"Humph! a mighty poor trick! Who are those cadets?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to accuse them, Captain Putnam."</p> + +<p>"I understand. But who are the cadets?"</p> + +<p>"Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I remember now. You and Major Ruddy have had quite some +trouble with them in the past."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. But I'd hate to think they did such a mean thing as this," +added Pepper, hastily.</p> + +<p>"Well, take a look around and report again to-morrow," returned Captain +Putnam; and then closed his desk slowly and thoughtfully.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p>Pepper did take a look around, but it was of no use. Not a trace of the +missing scarfpin could be found.</p> + +<p>"This certainly beats the nation!" remarked Dale, when the cadets were +talking the affair over. "First Andy loses his jewelry, then Jack, and +now Pepper. Wonder if I hadn't better put my cuff-links in the captain's +safe?" And he cut a wry face. "They cost me a dollar and a quarter."</p> + +<p>"I'll wager Captain Putnam would give a good deal to catch the thief," +remarked Stuffer. "Say, Pep, I hope you don't suspect anybody in this +dormitory?" he added anxiously.</p> + +<p>"No, Stuffer," was the quick answer. Then Pepper broke into a grin. "Of +course, if it was a doughnut, or a pie, I'd suspect you right off!"</p> + +<p>"Huh! It's no crime to take something to eat!" grunted Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"I'd hate to think any cadet was guilty," came from Emerald. "'Twould +blacken the character of the whole school, so it would!"</p> + +<p>"Well, Jack and Pepper have some bitter enemies," said Dale, +significantly. And all present knew to whom he referred.</p> + +<p>"Well, you can't always tell," said Dale, and shrugged his broad +shoulders.</p> + +<p>At that moment Fred Century came hurrying into the dormitory.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have you heard the latest news?" he cried.</p> + +<p>"No, what is it?" questioned Andy.</p> + +<p>"Maybe we are going to have an extra holiday," suggested Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Better yet, maybe old Crabtree has resigned," added Jack.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Fred is going to give us a spread," came from Stuffer. "I'd +like that first-rate."</p> + +<p>"No, the news is more important than all that," came from Fred.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it, Fred?"</p> + +<p>"Don't keep us on pins and needles any longer!"</p> + +<p>"Well, the news is, that there have been more robberies committed here," +answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"More robberies!" came from half a dozen throats.</p> + +<p>"Yes. The teachers were going to keep the thing quiet, but it leaked out +through Mumps and Nick Paxton.</p> + +<p>"What has been taken now?" asked Jack, curiously.</p> + +<p>"A watch, a scarfpin, and a five-dollar gold piece."</p> + +<p>"And who was robbed?" burst out Andy.</p> + +<p>"The watch was taken from Paxton, the scarfpin from Ritter, and Coulter +lost the five-dollar gold piece."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible!" murmured the young major, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>and then he looked +meaningly at his chums. Here was news indeed!</p> + +<p>"When did you learn of this, Fred?" asked Dale.</p> + +<p>"Just a few minutes ago. Mumps told me, and Paxton told Frank Barringer. +Ritter, Coulter and Paxton went to the office to report. Mumps said +Ritter was as mad as hops. Ritter's watch was only a silver affair, but +he says it came down to him from his grandfather and was valuable as an +heirloom."</p> + +<p>"Well, this is certainly getting interesting," was Pepper's comment. "If +that thief isn't caught he'll end up by cleaning out the whole school."</p> + +<p>"After this, I am going to hide my valuables," said Dale.</p> + +<p>"Ditto here," cried Stuffer. "I haven't got much, but what I own I want +to keep."</p> + +<p>A little later the cadets filed out of the dormitory, leaving Jack, +Pepper and Andy together.</p> + +<p>"Well, I am mighty glad I didn't accuse Ritter and Coulter," said the +young major. "This puts something of a different light on the subject."</p> + +<p>"But who is guilty, do you think?" asked Andy.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think," answered the young major.</p> + +<p>"This will drive Captain Putnam wild," came from Pepper. And he was +right; the master of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>the Hall was worried as he had never been worried +before. He made a rigid investigation, but it brought nothing new to +light. According to the stories told by Ritter, Coulter and Paxton the +articles stolen had been taken from their bureau-drawers, and that was +all those cadets could tell about the mysterious affair.</p> + +<p>"We must set a strict watch, Captain Putnam," said George Strong.</p> + +<p>"And we must catch that thief," added Josiah. Crabtree, sourly. "I—I +shall be almost afraid to go to sleep after this!" he added nervously.</p> + +<p>"If these thefts keep on I don't know what I am going to do," said +Captain Putnam, and his voice had a sound of despair in it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>THE TUG-OF-WAR</h3> + + +<p>For several days nothing was talked of at Putnam Hall but the mysterious +disappearance of the students' watches and jewelry. The cadets could not +get the matter off their minds, and as a consequence recitations became +very poor.</p> + +<p>"I shall offer a substantial reward," said Captain Putnam, and one +afternoon a notice was posted in the school proper and in the gymnasium, +offering one hundred dollars for information leading to the capture of +the thief.</p> + +<p>"Say, I shouldn't mind earning that reward!" murmured Dale.</p> + +<p>"A fellow could have no end of a good time on a hundred dollars!" +murmured Stuffer. "Think what a spread he could give!" And his eyes +sparkled in anticipation.</p> + +<p>"It would be a bad thing for Stuffer to get the reward," came from Andy.</p> + +<p>"Why, I'd like to know?" demanded that cadet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Because you'd eat yourself into a state of acute indigestion."</p> + +<p>"Rats! I don't eat any more than you do," grumbled Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't see any chance of your getting the reward," was Jack's +comment. "That thief had hidden his tracks well."</p> + +<p>With the deep snow on the ground, drills had to be held in the +gymnasium, and several contests were also arranged. The cadets got up a +tug-of-war between one team headed by Pepper and another headed by Dale, +and the excitement over this contest waged so high, that the thefts +were, for the time being, forgotten.</p> + +<p>The tug-of-war was held late one afternoon in the gymnasium. A line was +drawn on the floor and the long rope laid across this. On either side +wooden cleats were nailed down, so that the contestants might brace +their feet.</p> + +<p>The two teams consisted of eight cadets each. With Pepper were Andy, +Jack, and Fred Century, while on Dale's side were Bart Field, Bart +Conners and some other cadets already introduced.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, Pepper!" cried one of his friends. "See what you can do!"</p> + +<p>"Don't give him a chance, Dale! Yank him right over the line!" cried one +of Dale's friends.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet Pepper Ditmore loses," said Nick<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> Paxton, who was present. +Ritter and Coulter had said they did not consider a tug-of-war between +such teams worth witnessing.</p> + +<p>Frank Barringer was timekeeper and referee, and at the appointed hour he +made both teams line up <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'and and'">and</ins> catch hold of the rope.</p> + +<p>"All ready?" he asked.</p> + +<p>There was a moment of silence.</p> + +<p>"Drop!" was the cry, and on the instant both teams tightened their holds +on the rope and dropped down on the wooden cleats.</p> + +<p>"Hold them, Pepper!"</p> + +<p>"Don't let 'em haul you up, Dale!"</p> + +<p>"Glue yourself down, Jack!"</p> + +<p>"Stone foundation, Fred! Stone foundation!"</p> + +<p>So the cries ran on, as the two tug-of-war teams held on to the long +rope like grim death, each team determined not to give in an inch.</p> + +<p>For fully five minutes the rope remained as when the teams had first +dropped. Then, of a sudden, Dale gave a hiss and up came his men, to +haul in on the rope several inches and then drop as before.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! that's the way to do it!"</p> + +<p>"Every inch counts, boys!"</p> + +<p>"Watch your chance for another!"</p> + +<p>"Get it back, Pepper! Get it back!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>There followed another tense strain. Then Dale's team came up once more +and brought rope in another six inches.</p> + +<p>"That's the way to do it! Now then, a good, stiff pull and you'll have +'em over!"</p> + +<p>"Wake up, Pepper! It's time you and your men got on the job!" cried +Henry Lee.</p> + +<p>"I knew Dale's team would win," said Paxton.</p> + +<p>Hardly had Paxton spoken when Dale's team came up for another haul. But +this time Pepper and his men were on the alert, and in a twinkling they +commenced to haul in—six inches, a foot, a foot and a half and then two +feet—and then they dropped, the strain being as much as they could +stand.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! Look at that!"</p> + +<p>"They got back all they lost and more!"</p> + +<p>"Hold 'em, Dale! Stone foundation!"</p> + +<p>A great many cries arose. Dale and his supporters braced back as well as +they could. Then Dale gave the word to come up for another haul.</p> + +<p>Back and forth went the rope, the center knot first on one side of the +line and then on the other. For several minutes it looked as if Dale's +team might win. But then the tide turned again, and with a strength that +was surprising, Pepper's team gave "a long pull, a strong pull, and a +pull all together," and brought the center knot over the winning line.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hurrah! Pepper Ditmore's team wins!"</p> + +<p>"Say, that was a great tug, wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"My foot slipped!" said one of Dale's supporters.</p> + +<p>"So did mine," same from a cadet on the other side.</p> + +<p>"It was a fair contest," said Frank Barringer. "Pepper Ditmore's team +wins. My private opinion is, both sides did well," he added.</p> + +<p>"They certainly did," was Mr. Strong's comment. He had watched the +contest with interest.</p> + +<p>After the tug-of-war came a contest on the flying rings. Here Andy was +in his element, and the acrobatic youth easily outdistanced all of his +competitors.</p> + +<p>"Very good, indeed, Snow," said the gymnastic instructor. "Really, you +go at it as if you were a professional."</p> + +<p>"Say, Andy, some day you can join the circus," suggested the young +major.</p> + +<p>"Maybe his folks came from a circus," sneered Nick Paxton. "It isn't +fair to <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'ring'">bring</ins> in a professional."</p> + +<p>"Sour grapes, Paxton!" cried Stuffer. "You know that Andy Snow's father +is a business man in the city. Andy just takes to gymnastic exercises, +that's all."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Humph! I don't think such an exhibition much!"</p> + +<p>"Just the same, Paxton, you'd give a good deal to do as well," retorted +the youth who loved to eat, and turned his back on the other cadet.</p> + +<p>Thanksgiving came and went in another storm. The snow was so deep that +getting away from the Hall was out of the question, so those who had +planned to go home for the holiday were somewhat disappointed. But +Captain Putnam provided good cheer in abundance, with plenty of turkey +and cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and nuts. For the evening the boys got +up an entertainment in the assembly room, with monologues and dialogues, +and also some singing by the school Glee Club, and some very good violin +and mandolin playing. Pepper, Jack and Andy took part in the +entertainment, and everybody but Josiah Crabtree enjoyed the exhibition. +Crabtree did not believe in such "tomfoolery," as he expressed it, and +told Captain Putnam the cadets should have given a Shakespearian +recital, or something like that, instead.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so, Mr. Crabtree," answered the master of the Hall. "But as the +boys are virtually snowed in, I thought I'd let them have a little fun."</p> + +<p>After Thanksgiving the cadets settled down to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>the grind once more, +counting the days to Christmas, when they could go home for two weeks.</p> + +<p>"I've got to go to Cedarville," said Jack, one afternoon, after the +snowstorm had cleared away. "Who will go along? I am going to walk it, +just for the exercise."</p> + +<p>"I'll go!" cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>"So will I!" added Andy. "Where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"To the shoe shop and the postoffice."</p> + +<p>The three cadets were soon on the way, Fred Century and Bert Field +pelting them with snowballs as they left. It was cold but clear, and all +were in the best of spirits.</p> + +<p>"I see they've got a new man of all work around the school," observed +Pepper, as the three trudged on. "I hope Captain Putnam doesn't think of +discharging Peleg Snuggers."</p> + +<p>"That new man is a sly kind of a fellow," came from Andy. "I was walking +through the hallway last evening and he came up behind me as silently as +a cat after a mouse."</p> + +<p>"I've got my own idea about that man of all work," said the young major, +with a faint smile.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"If I tell you, will you keep it to yourself, both of you?"</p> + +<p>"Sure!" was the prompt answer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I don't think John Smith is a man of all work at all."</p> + +<p>"He isn't?" cried Andy. "Then what is he?"</p> + +<p>"I think he is a private detective."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack! can that be possible!" ejaculated Pepper. "But it must be so, +for I watched the fellow last evening, and he didn't do much work, and +he didn't seem to like it that I had an eye on him."</p> + +<p>"Of course, if he is a detective, Captain Putnam has engaged him to +clear up this mystery of the robberies," said Andy. "Well, I don't blame +the captain, for this is surely going to give the school a bad name."</p> + +<p>"Don't breathe a word of this to any one," went on Jack. "Of course, if +the thief knew a detective was so near he'd be more on guard than ever."</p> + +<p>"I only hope he gets the rascal, whoever he is."</p> + +<p>"Wonder if it can be one of the cadets?" mused Andy.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. It is either some cadet or else one of the hired help. +But it is an awful state of affairs," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>"By the way, Jack, how about the new election of officers?" said Pepper, +a little later. "Going to try for the majorship again?"</p> + +<p>"No. Why should I? I've been major long <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>enough. I believe in giving the +other fellows a show."</p> + +<p>"Who, for instance?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'd like to see Bart Conners made major. He's one of the best +soldiers we have, and he keeps Company B up to the scratch."</p> + +<p>"Bart is all right. But what about the other fellows?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I am not so anxious about the captaincies. Let the best fellows +win."</p> + +<p>"I think Reff Ritter would like to be a captain or major."</p> + +<p>"He never will be—he can't get the support. Why, hardly any of the +cadets go with Reff any more. Even Paxton seems to have dropped him. +About the only close friend he has is Gus Coulter."</p> + +<p>"Maybe the boys have dropped him because his father is no longer rich."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't think that, for quite a number of the cadets are far from +rich and yet they are considered good fellows. It's Ritter's ways. He is +too domineering. The fellows won't stand for his bullying manner."</p> + +<p>"When does the election take place?"</p> + +<p>"The tenth day of December—a week from next Wednesday."</p> + +<p>"And you are sure you don't want to run again, Jack?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, quite sure, Pepper. You can run if you want to." And the young +major smiled broadly.</p> + +<p>"Not for me!" cried The Imp. "I'd rather have my fun. And, by the way, +I've got an idea for some fun with old Crabtree," he added suddenly.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" questioned Andy, eagerly.</p> + +<p>Pepper closed one eye suggestively.</p> + +<p>"Just you wait and see," he answered. "Crabtree is going to wake up to a +big surprise some morning—and when he does, well, maybe he'll stop +chewing his victuals for awhile!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>A CURIOUS MEETING</h3> + + +<p>As the cadets were good walkers it did not take them long to cover the +distance to Cedarville. They stopped at a shoe store, and at a candy +store for some chocolates, and then started for the postoffice.</p> + +<p>"I guess Jack is looking for a letter from his best girl," remarked +Pepper, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"Maybe you're looking for a letter yourself," returned the young major.</p> + +<p>"No such luck," and The Imp heaved a deep sigh. "None of the girls ever +write to me."</p> + +<p>"Rats!" came from Andy. "I saw you get a letter from Flossie Ford only a +few days ago."</p> + +<p>"I am looking for a check from dad," said Jack. "I want it to buy +Christmas presents with."</p> + +<p>"So early?"</p> + +<p>"Better early than too late."</p> + +<p>"That's true."</p> + +<p>The three cadets entered the local postoffice. As <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>they did so they came +face to face with a big cadet, who was carrying a dress-suit case.</p> + +<p>"Why, see, it's Dan Baxter!" cried Andy.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Baxter, coming back to Putnam Hall?" queried the young major.</p> + +<p>"I am," was the short answer of the bully.</p> + +<p>"Been away quite awhile," put in Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Baxter, shortly, and without another word he hurried out +of the postoffice.</p> + +<p>"Not very sociable," remarked Jack, dryly.</p> + +<p>"He acts as if he had something on his mind," said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if he will be as bullying as he used to be," mused Andy.</p> + +<p>"If he is, he'll get punched," answered Pepper. He had not forgotten his +former encounters with Dan Baxter.</p> + +<p>"It's queer that Baxter and Ritter don't hit it off better," said +Pepper, while Jack was asking about letters. "They seem to be two of a +kind."</p> + +<p>"They are in some ways," answered Andy. "But, somehow, I think Ritter is +the worse of the two."</p> + +<p>In a moment the young major came up. He was smiling broadly.</p> + +<p>"Here's the letter from dad, and what do you think? He sent me a check +for ten dollars more than I asked for! Isn't that fine?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Best ever," answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I'd like the same kind of a check," returned Andy.</p> + +<p>"While you are wishing, make it double the amount—it doesn't cost any +more," chattered The Imp.</p> + +<p>From the postoffice the cadets strolled down the main street of the +village, and then turned a corner near which were some new buildings.</p> + +<p>"There is another cadet!" cried Jack, pointing ahead. "Hello, where is +he going?"</p> + +<p>He and his chums looked and saw the boy in the uniform of a Putnam Hall +student enter an unfinished building. He was accompanied by a heavy-set +man wearing a long overcoat and a soft hat. The two were in earnest +conversation.</p> + +<p>"That looked like Reff Ritter to me," cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>"It was Ritter," answered Andy.</p> + +<p>"Who was the man?" asked the young major.</p> + +<p>"That is what I want to know!" cried Andy. "Say, I'm going to follow +them!"</p> + +<p>The acrobatic youth was plainly excited, and his chums could not help +but notice it.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to follow them for, Andy?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"I want to see that man."</p> + +<p>"Do you know him?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know—yet. I want to find out."</p> + +<p>"If we follow them Ritter will think it mighty queer," was Pepper's +comment.</p> + +<p>"I don't care—I want to get a good look at that man," answered Andy, +doggedly.</p> + +<p>The acrobatic youth led the way and his chums felt compelled to follow. +Ritter and the stranger had passed between two buildings. They found a +side doorway of one structure wide open, and stepped into a lathed but +unplastered hallway. Andy bounded up on an unfinished front piazza and +stepped through an open casement into a lathed but unplastered parlor.</p> + +<p>"Shall we follow?" asked Pepper of Jack.</p> + +<p>"Might as well," returned the young major. "Andy may get into trouble +with Ritter, and if so we want to be on hand to help him."</p> + +<p>Ritter and the man were talking in a low tone, so that what was said +could not be overheard. They had stepped into the house to get out of +the keen wind that had sprung up. Andy tiptoed his way across the +unfinished parlor and applied his eye to a crack where a lath was +missing. He watched until the man shoved back his soft hat and turned +his face around. Then he uttered a low cry.</p> + +<p>"See anything, Andy?" whispered Pepper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That man—he's the same fellow—I feel sure of it!" gasped the +acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>"What are you talking about?"</p> + +<p>"That man! Don't you remember how the horse ran away with me and I got +caught in the tree and was knocked unconscious? Don't you remember my +telling how I had seen a man ahead of me just before the accident? Well, +that is the man!"</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?"</p> + +<p>"I think so. Of course, I didn't get a very good look at him—I had my +hands full with the horse. But I think that is the man."</p> + +<p>"Then maybe he robbed you, Andy!"</p> + +<p>"Maybe he did."</p> + +<p>"Don't say that unless you are sure of it," warned Jack. "It's a serious +accusation and may get you into trouble."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know enough to go slow," answered the acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>Ritter and the stranger had turned to the rear of the house and the +watchers saw something passed between them. Then, a minute later, Ritter +turned and hurried off by a back way, while the stranger turned to leave +by the way he had come.</p> + +<p>Andy was undecided what to do, and while he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>still hesitated the man +came through to the front of the house.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" he cried, as he caught sight of the three cadets. "What are you +doing here?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we might ask the same question," returned Jack, as he saw that +Andy did not know what to say.</p> + +<p>"Have you been following me?" demanded the man, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"Why should we follow you?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"No reason at all, so far as I know. I only asked the question," and now +the man tried to speak as carelessly as possible.</p> + +<p>"I saw you come in here a few minutes ago and I followed, because I want +to speak to you," said Andy, shoving to the front and eyeing the fellow +closely.</p> + +<p>"What do you wish to speak about?"</p> + +<p>"Haven't I met you before?"</p> + +<p>At these words the man started, but quickly recovered.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," he answered slowly, looking Andy straight in the +eyes. "You see, I am a stranger in Cedarville."</p> + +<p>"Didn't I meet you in September, on the road back of Putnam Hall +school?" asked the acrobatic youth, sharply.</p> + +<p>"In September?" The man shook his head <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>slowly. "No, I wasn't here in +September—I was in Boston."</p> + +<p>"You are sure about that?" demanded Andy.</p> + +<p>"Certainly I am sure," growled the man. "Do you doubt my word?"</p> + +<p>"If it wasn't you it was a man who looks very much like you," said Andy, +pointedly. "Will you tell me your name?"</p> + +<p>"It's none of your business, boy! I never met you, and that settles it. +I'm in a hurry now, I've got to get to Ithaca, so I'll thank you to let +me pass." And so speaking the stranger brushed forward. Andy put out his +hand, as if to detain him, but then changed his mind. In a moment more +the man was hurrying down the street. He turned the nearest corner +without looking back.</p> + +<p>"I believe he is the same fellow, and I believe he robbed me!" cried +Andy.</p> + +<p>"Possibly he is, but you are not sure of it," answered the young major. +"And it would be foolhardy to have him arrested when you have no +evidence against him."</p> + +<p>"He acted as if he was scared," came from Pepper. "That growl of his was +all put on."</p> + +<p>"I wish I had forced him to give me his name and address."</p> + +<p>"That's true."</p> + +<p>"You can get that from Reff Ritter."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Providing Ritter will give it," added Jack. "He may be as backward +about it as the man was himself."</p> + +<p>"Why should he be, if the man is honest?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he won't want it known that he met the man," said Pepper. "He +came in here rather sneakingly."</p> + +<p>"Where did Ritter go?"</p> + +<p>"To the Hall, most likely. It's time we got back, too."</p> + +<p>The three cadets left the vicinity of the unfinished buildings and were +soon on the way to the school. As they trudged along they talked over +what had happened, and also discussed the arrival of Dan Baxter.</p> + +<p>"Baxter will try to stir things up," said Jack. And he was right, the +bully did stir up the whole school, but it was not until the next term, +after the young major had left.</p> + +<p>About half the distance to Putnam Hall had been covered when the three +cadets discovered a crowd ahead of them.</p> + +<p>"Who are those fellows?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Pornell Academy lads," announced Andy. "And see, they have spotted us!"</p> + +<p>He was right, the other crowd, nine strong, were students from Pornell. +They were led by Roy Bock and a fellow named Grimes. They had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>been +good-naturedly snowballing each other, but now they stopped.</p> + +<p>"Three Putnam Hall cadets!" cried Bock. "Come on, fellows, here's a +chance for sport."</p> + +<p>"Let's snowball 'em good and proper!" exclaimed Grimes.</p> + +<p>"Everybody on the jump!" yelled another Pornell youth.</p> + +<p>"Let's surround 'em," was the suggestion offered.</p> + +<p>"We'll hammer the daylights out of 'em," came from one lad, who could +only be brave when backed up by a crowd.</p> + +<p>"Yes, surround 'em, don't let 'em get away!" cried Bock. "Come on!" And +he led the way on the run, making snowballs as he moved.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>ABOUT A SET OF TEETH</h3> + + +<p>"I am afraid we are in for it!" whispered the young major, as he saw the +rush of the Pornell students, each armed with all the snowballs he could +carry.</p> + +<p>"Shall we run away?" asked Andy. "I guess we can run as fast as they +can."</p> + +<p>"Never!" replied Pepper. "I am going to the Hall and on this road."</p> + +<p>"So am I!" added Jack.</p> + +<p>"Then let us rush 'em?" suggested Andy. "We can't stand and fight nine +of 'em—we'll be snowed under."</p> + +<p>"Rush it is," returned the young major. "Wait till I give the signal."</p> + +<p>On came the enemy, and soon the snowballs were flying at a lively rate. +It was growing dark, but the aim of the Pornell students was good and +the chums were hit several times. They threw <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>snowballs in return, +hitting Bock in the breast and Grimes in the chin.</p> + +<p>"Come on, throw 'em over!" roared Bock. "Roll 'em in the snow!"</p> + +<p>"And stuff some snow down their backs!" added Grimes.</p> + +<p>"Now then, all together!" cried Jack. "Keep as close as possible! One, +two, three!"</p> + +<p>Side by side the three chums bounded forward, straight for the line of +Pornellites. They came on swiftly and took the enemy by surprise. Jack +bumped into Bock, hurling him flat, and Pepper bowled over Grimes. Andy +bent low and caught another student by the legs, sending him over into a +fourth, and both went flat. Then the three cadets caught a fifth and ran +him along the road and into a hollow, where he went into snow up to his +waist.</p> + +<p>"Stop 'em! Stop 'em!" was the cry, but the Putnam Hall boys could not be +stopped. Turning, they delivered a parting shower of snowballs, and then +ran on, in the direction of the school.</p> + +<p>"I guess the Pornell fellows will remember that for awhile," panted +Pepper, when they felt safe.</p> + +<p>"And just think of it—three to nine!" chuckled Andy.</p> + +<p>"They thought they had us dead to rights,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> came from Jack. "Well, I +guess we showed them a trick or two they won't forget right away."</p> + +<p>"Are they following us?" asked the acrobatic youth, looking back.</p> + +<p>"I reckon not," replied Pepper, "Must have had enough," and he smiled +broadly.</p> + +<p>The three cadets were tired out from their long walk and the contest on +the road, and when the school was reached all were glad enough to sit +down and rest previous to having supper. Andy looked around for Reff +Ritter, but that cadet kept himself out of sight.</p> + +<p>"I'll see him after supper," said the acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>It was not until nearly bedtime that he got a chance to question the +bully. He followed Ritter up to his dormitory, which chanced just then +to be unoccupied.</p> + +<p>"Reff, I want to talk to you," he said, when the bully was on the point +of closing the door in his face.</p> + +<p>"What do you want, Andy Snow? I'm not feeling well to-night, and I am +tired out from a walk I took to Cedarville."</p> + +<p>"I won't keep you long, Reff. I want to ask you about the man you met in +Cedarville? What's his name?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> + +<p>Reff Ritter stopped short and showed that the question took him by +surprise.</p> + +<p>"Man I met?" he stammered.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the man you met at the new buildings in Cedarville."</p> + +<p>"Who said I met any one?"</p> + +<p>"We saw you, I and Major Ruddy and Pep Ditmore."</p> + +<p>"Huh! Been spying on me, eh?" And Reff Ritter's face took on its old +look of sourness.</p> + +<p>"It was an accident. But I want to know who that man was."</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"I have my reasons."</p> + +<p>"I don't see that I am called on to answer your questions, Andy Snow. If +I want to meet anybody I'll do it."</p> + +<p>"Then you refuse to tell me who the man was?"</p> + +<p>"Tell me why you want to know and maybe I'll tell you who he is," +answered the bully, after studying the acrobatic youth's face for a +moment.</p> + +<p>"Very well. Do you remember the time the horse ran away with me and left +me unconscious on the road?"</p> + +<p>"I heard about it."</p> + +<p>"Well, just before I was knocked unconscious I saw a man on the road +ahead of me."</p> + +<p>"Well?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think it was the man you met this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"That man?" cried the bully, and now he showed a sudden interest.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and that is why I want to know his name, and where he comes from."</p> + +<p>"You must be mistaken, Snow. That man doesn't belong around here."</p> + +<p>"Where is he from?"</p> + +<p>"I think he comes from Boston, but I am not sure."</p> + +<p>"And his name?"</p> + +<p>"Why do you ask these questions? Do you think he had something to do +with your being thrown from the horse?"</p> + +<p>"No, not with being thrown from the horse, Reff. But, if you'll +remember, when I came to my senses my watch was gone, also my stickpin +and eight dollars in bills."</p> + +<p>"And you think that man took them?" questioned Reff Ritter, in a voice +that sounded strained.</p> + +<p>"I won't say that until I know more about the man. If you say he is a +good, honest man, why then I'll be bound to believe I am mistaken."</p> + +<p>"I don't know much about him, but I don't think he is a thief," answered +the bully, slowly. "His name is Smith, Cameron Smith, and he is a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>commercial traveler. I only met him twice, once about two weeks ago and +to-day. He knows my—er—my uncle, and is doing some business for him, +and he wanted to see me about it, that's all. But I am sure you are +mistaken about his robbing you."</p> + +<p>"I didn't say he robbed me,—in fact, I am not positive he was the man I +saw on the road."</p> + +<p>"I don't think he was near Cedarville at the time. He spends most of his +time around Boston. Is that all you want to know? If it is, I'm going to +lie down and try to get some sleep," went on Reff Ritter, passing his +hand over his forehead.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's all," answered Andy, shortly. "Much obliged." And he left +the dormitory.</p> + +<p>He was not at all satisfied with the way Reff Ritter had acted. +Evidently the bully was much put out over the fact that his meeting with +Cameron Smith was known.</p> + +<p>"He didn't say much about what business he had with the man," mused +Andy. "It all sounds rather fishy to me. Wish I had some way of finding +out more about this Cameron Smith. Guess I'll write to some of my +friends in Boston and see if they can find out anything about him." And +Andy sent a letter the very next morning.</p> + +<p>On this same day Pepper had a sharp wrangle <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>with Josiah Crabtree. The +dictatorial teacher accused Pepper of copying an example in algebra from +another cadet, and a bitter altercation followed.</p> + +<p>"I didn't do it, and I don't want you to say so!" flared up Pepper, his +cheeks aflame.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore, be silent!" roared Josiah Crabtree. "Not another word, or I'll +send you to Captain Putnam!"</p> + +<p>"I don't care—I didn't copy!" muttered Pepper. "It's a shame to say I +did!"</p> + +<p>"You'll stay in after school," commanded Crabtree, majestically.</p> + +<p>The accusation, and the fact that he had to stay in when the others were +allowed to go out and have their fun, did not suit The Imp at all. While +he sat in the classroom all alone, he thought again of something that +had come into his mind before.</p> + +<p>"I'll do it!" he said firmly. "I'll do it to-night! I'll show him that +he can't accuse me for nothing."</p> + +<p>Since the fall term at Putnam Hall had opened Josiah Crabtree had been +making frequent trips to Ithaca, to a well-known dentist located in that +city. Although many of the cadets did not know it, a few, and among them +Pepper, were aware that the teacher was having a new set of false teeth +made. Now the teeth were finished, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> Josiah Crabtree was wearing them +with great satisfaction and not a little pride. He fancied that the new +teeth added not a little to his personal appearance.</p> + +<p>It was Pepper's plan to get hold of these teeth and hide them. How the +trick was to be accomplished he did not yet know, but he resolved to +watch his chances.</p> + +<p>That evening, as luck would have it, Josiah Crabtree retired early. As +was his custom, he placed his false teeth in a glass of water on a stand +in his room. Watching through a keyhole, Pepper saw him do this, and +then calmly waited for the teacher to go bed and fall asleep.</p> + +<p>The door was locked, but The Imp was equal to the emergency. The room +next to that occupied by Crabtree was vacant, and he entered this and +threw open the window. The window of the teacher's apartment was less +than three feet away, and the sash was pulled down a few inches to let +in fresh air.</p> + +<p>Pepper was not such an acrobat as Andy, but he quickly raised the next +window and moved into the teacher's apartment. In a trice he had secured +the new set of teeth, and then he retired as quickly as he had come, +leaving both windows as he had found them.</p> + +<p>"Now what shall I do with the teeth?" the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>cadet asked himself. He was +strongly tempted to tell Jack and Andy of the trick, but decided to keep +the matter to himself.</p> + +<p>At last another idea came into The Imp's head and after everybody had +apparently gone to bed he stole downstairs and entered the assembly room +of the school. He had previously tied the set of teeth to a bit of +fishing line having a sinker at the other end. He now took aim at the +central chandelier and by good luck sent the sinker and line whirling +around one of the pendants, leaving the set of teeth dangling below a +foot or more.</p> + +<p>"Won't there be a surprise when they see 'em up there!" he muttered. +"And won't Crabtree have a job getting them down!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, my, what a thing to do!" came a voice from out of the darkness. +Pepper whirled around quickly, but the speaker had vanished, banging a +door after him.</p> + +<p>"Who was that?" was the question Pepper asked himself. He could not +place the voice, and was much disturbed. Would the intruder, who had +seen his actions, expose him?</p> + +<p>"I'll have to chance it," he told himself rather dubiously. "I can't get +the teeth down anyway. Too bad! I thought I was alone!" And then he +hurried off to bed in anything but a comfortable frame of mind.</p> + + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>PEPPER A PRISONER</h3> + + +<p>At the usual hour the next morning Josiah Crabtree arose and dressed +himself. He was in a far from happy frame of mind, for a tailor's bill +he had to pay was higher than he thought it ought to be.</p> + +<p>Having donned his garments, and washed himself and combed his hair, he +turned to the stand to get his new set of teeth.</p> + +<p>He took up the glass and peered into it.</p> + +<p>"Hum!" he mused. "I thought I put them in there—in fact, I was sure of +it!" he murmured.</p> + +<p>He set the glass down and commenced to look around, on the bureau, on +his bookcase, on the shelf, and even on the chairs. But, of course, +nothing in the shape of the set of teeth came to light.</p> + +<p>"This is queer, mighty queer," said the teacher to himself. "Now, let me +think what I did with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>them. Yes, I put them in the glass, I am positive +of it!"</p> + +<p>He examined the glass once more, turning it around and around. Then he +commenced a systematic search of the room. At the conclusion something +like a groan escaped his lips.</p> + +<p>"They are gone! gone!" he murmured hollowly. "And I left the old set at +the dentist's to be made over! Oh, what shall I do? I cannot go to the +classroom without my teeth, the cadets would roar at me! It must be a +trick, a wicked trick! Oh, if only I could find out who did this awful +thing!"</p> + +<p>He made another hunt, and then, not knowing what else to do, opened his +door and hailed a passing cadet.</p> + +<p>"Kindly ask Captain Putnam to step here as soon as he can," he mumbled.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered the cadet, and looked curiously at the teacher. +"Got a toothache, Mr. Crabtree?"</p> + +<p>"No, I have no toothache," mumbled the teacher. "Send Captain Putnam as +soon as you can," and then he dove back into his bedroom.</p> + +<p>Several minutes passed and George Strong put in an appearance.</p> + +<p>"Dalling said you wanted to see Captain Put<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>nam," he said. "The captain +has left for Buffalo on business. Can I do anything for you?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Strong, a wicked trick has been played on me!" burst out Josiah +Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"A trick?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. My teeth are gone, the new set I had made! Some cadet has taken +them!"</p> + +<p>"Can it be possible!" murmured George Strong. "Where did you leave +them?"</p> + +<p>"In that glass on the stand. Oh, what shall I do? My other set is at the +dentist's, getting fixed."</p> + +<p>"Maybe I can send for them."</p> + +<p>"Hardly, since the dentist is at Ithaca. Oh, what a wretch, to take my +teeth! I cannot go to the classroom without my teeth. I would be the +laughing-stock of the entire school! It is a dreadful state of affairs!"</p> + +<p>"I don't see how I can help you out, sir," answered George Strong, +sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"I shall have to stay here until something is done. See if you can't +find the cadet who took the teeth."</p> + +<p>"I will do what I can," answered George Strong, and left the room.</p> + +<p>Josiah Crabtree was walking up and down nervously, when there came a +timid knock on the door. He opened it to confront Mumps.</p> + +<p>"Well, Fenwick, what do you want?" demanded <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>the teacher, harshly. The +sneak of the school generally had some tale of woe to tell, and he was +just now in no humor to listen to any such recital.</p> + +<p>"Please, Mr. Crabtree, did you lose anything?" asked Mumps, nervously.</p> + +<p>"Ha! what is that? Come in! What do you know?" cried Josiah Crabtree, +and caught Mumps by the arm.</p> + +<p>"I didn't do it—really and truly I didn't!" cried the sneak, in sudden +terror. "I—I only found it out by accident."</p> + +<p>"About my—er—my teeth?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"What do you know about them, Fenwick? Quick; out with it!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, sir, please don't hurt my arm so!"</p> + +<p>"Tell me what you know."</p> + +<p>"I—I know where your teeth are, sir, I—I saw them put there last +night."</p> + +<p>"Where are they?"</p> + +<p>"Hanging on the chandelier in Classroom Eight."</p> + +<p>"And who put them there?" roared the teacher, in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Pepper Ditmore, sir. But, oh, sir, please don't say I told on him or +he'll hammer the life out of me!" cried Mumps, in alarm.</p> + +<p>"How did he get them?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know that, sir. I—I went downstairs to—er—to put away a book +for another cadet and I saw Pepper Ditmore sneak into Room Eight. I +watched him, and he threw a string with the teeth on 'em up over the +chandelier. I thought they might be yours, so I came here to find out."</p> + +<p>"Did you get the—er—the teeth?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, sir. They are too high up. You'll have to get a ladder to get +them down."</p> + +<p>"The rascal!" howled Josiah Crabtree. "Oh, wait till I get my hands on +him! But I must get the teeth first." He thought for a moment. "Fenwick, +find Snuggers and send him to me at once."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"And don't say a word of this to any one," added the teacher, as the +sneak hurried off.</p> + +<p>It took Mumps fully five minutes to locate Peleg Snuggers. Wondering +what was wanted, the general utility man hurried to the teacher's +apartment.</p> + +<p>"I want you to get my set of teeth," said Josiah Crabtree. "I am told +they are fastened to the chandelier in Room Eight. Get a ladder and get +them down immediately. And do it as quietly as you can."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Snuggers, and left to do the errand. "Teeth on the +chandelier!" he murmured, "Wot an idee! Bet some o' the cadets <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>did thet +trick! How funny he did look without his grinders in!"</p> + +<p>Pepper had not told any one about his trick, but on a blackboard in the +hall he had chalked the words:</p> + +<div class='center'> +<i>Set of Teeth For Sale!<br /> +See Chandelier in Room No. 8.<br /> +Crabtree, A.M., O.I.C.</i><br /> +</div> + +<p>This scrawl had attracted the attention of fully a score of cadets, and +one after another they entered the classroom designated to find out what +it meant. When they saw the teeth dangling in the air they set up a +roar.</p> + +<p>"Hello, look at the set of teeth!"</p> + +<p>"They must belong to old Crabtree!"</p> + +<p>"Wonder what he wants for them?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon teeth come high, by the look of things!"</p> + +<p>The crowd of cadets kept growing larger, until the room was crowded. +Then one cadet took a blackboard eraser and threw it at the teeth. This +was a signal for a general discharge of all sorts of things at the +dangling object.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 251px;"> +<img src="images/298.jpg" width="251" height="400" alt="THIS WAS A SIGNAL FOR THE DISCHARGE OF ALL SORTS OF THINGS AT THE DANGLING OBJECT." title="THIS WAS A SIGNAL FOR THE DISCHARGE OF ALL SORTS OF THINGS AT THE DANGLING OBJECT." /> +<span class="caption">THIS WAS A SIGNAL FOR THE DISCHARGE OF ALL SORTS OF THINGS AT THE DANGLING OBJECT.</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Mystery of Putnam Hall.</i> (<a href='#Page_192'>Page 192</a>)</div> + + +<p>In the midst of the excitement George Strong came in.</p> + +<p>"Boys! boys! Be quiet!" cried the teacher.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> "What is the meaning of so +much noise?" And then he, too, caught sight of the dangling teeth. "Who +placed those there?" he asked.</p> + +<p>There was no reply, and he was on the point of sending a cadet for a +step-ladder when the door opened and in came Peleg Snuggers with the +very thing wanted.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree sent me to git 'em," explained the general utility man.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! Peleg to the rescue!" cried Andy.</p> + +<p>"Now, Peleg, do the great balancing act," said Fred Century.</p> + +<p>"I will hold the ladder for you, Snuggers," said Mr. Strong. "Boys, +stand back," he added, afraid that some of the lads might attempt some +joke while the general utility man was in the air.</p> + +<p>The step-ladder was placed in position and Snuggers mounted cautiously +to the top. He could just reach the chandelier and the teeth, and it +took him some time to cut the teeth loose.</p> + +<p>"I'll take 'em right to Mr. Crabtree," he said on coming down. "He's in +a mighty big hurry for 'em."</p> + +<p>"Very well," returned George Strong.</p> + +<p>Pepper was watching matters closely and he at once guessed that somebody +had told Josiah Crabtree where the teeth were.</p> + +<p>"It must have been the fellow who spotted me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>last night," reasoned The +Imp. "Wonder if he told my name? If he did——" Pepper ended the +question with a big sigh.</p> + +<p>With great eagerness Josiah Crabtree received the set of teeth and +examined them to see if they were all right. Then, having placed them +where they belonged, he strode forth from his room in quest of the cadet +who had played the trick.</p> + +<p>Pepper was just sitting down at the breakfast table when there was a +sudden step behind him and the next moment he found himself jerked out +of his place.</p> + +<p>"You come with me, young man!" stormed Josiah Crabtree. "I have an +account to settle with you!"</p> + +<p>"What do you want, Mr. Crabtree?" asked The Imp, as meekly as he could.</p> + +<p>"You know well enough!" cried the teacher. "Come!" And he led Pepper out +of the mess-hall. His grip on the youth's arm was so firm that it hurt +not a little.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, you are hurting my arm."</p> + +<p>"I don't care if I am!" snapped the teacher. "You come along!" And he +fairly dragged Pepper along the hall.</p> + +<p>"Where to?"</p> + +<p>"You'll soon see."</p> + +<p>"What is wrong?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You know well enough, Ditmore. You took my—er—my set of teeth! You +have made me the laughing-stock of the whole school! You shall suffer +for it!"</p> + +<p>"Who says I took the teeth?"</p> + +<p>"John Fenwick saw you place them on the chandelier! Oh, you need not +deny it."</p> + +<p>"Mumps! Well, he always was a sneak!" answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>"He is a nice, manly youth."</p> + +<p>With a firm grip still on Pepper's arm, the irate teacher led the way to +a room looking out on the rear. It was an apartment less than ten feet +square, and plainly furnished with two chairs and a couch. In one corner +was a stand with a washbowl and pitcher of water. The single window was +stoutly barred.</p> + +<p>"Going to make a prisoner of me?" asked Pepper, as the door was opened +and he was thrust into the room.</p> + +<p>"You shall stay here for the present," snapped Josiah Crabtree. "When I +let you out I think you'll be a sadder and perhaps a wiser boy."</p> + +<p>"Am I to have my breakfast?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered the teacher.</p> + +<p>Then he banged the door shut, locked it, and walked swiftly away.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>A GRAVE ACCUSATION</h3> + + +<p>"Well, I suppose I ought not to complain," mused Pepper, as he sat down +on one of the chairs. "A fellow can't have his fun without paying for +it. But just wait till I catch Mumps! I'll give him a piece of my mind, +and maybe more!"</p> + +<p>He got up presently and looked out of the window. He could see but +little excepting a stretch of snow. The cell-like room was almost +without heat, and he had to clap his hands together, and stamp his feet, +to keep warm.</p> + +<p>"I think I'd give a dollar for some breakfast," he muttered. "Wonder if +I could attract the attention of one of the servants and bribe him to +get me something?"</p> + +<p>As he walked around the little room his eyes caught some writing on the +wall. There were several bits of doggerel, one running as follows:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="I am a prisoner"> +<tr><td align='left'>"I am a prisoner of old Josiah,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: .5em;">I'd feel much better if I had a fire!"</span></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p>"I can sympathize with that fellow," murmured Pepper, as he slapped his +hands across his chest, trying to get up more circulation. Then he +walked around the room, reading another doggerel or two. Finally he drew +out a lead pencil.</p> + +<p>"Guess I'll play Shakespeare myself," he murmured, and after some +thought, <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'scribbed'">scribbled</ins> down the following:</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="And I am jugged"> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 7em;">"And I am jugged</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Alone in solitude, and by myself</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Alone. I sit and think, and think,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And think again. Old Crabtree,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Base villain that he is, hath put me here!</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And why? Ah, thereby hangs a tale, Horatio!</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>His teeth, the teeth that chew the best of steak</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Set on our table—those I found and hid;</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>And Mumps, the sneak, hath told on me! Alas!</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>When will my martyrdom end?"</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Having finished his attempt at blank verse, Pepper continued to walk +around the room. He was hungry and cold, and inside of an hour grew +somewhat desperate.</p> + +<p>"Crabtree has no right to starve me and allow me to catch cold," he told +himself. "I don't believe Captain Putnam will stand for it. I'm going to +attract some attention."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> + +<p>He took up one of the chairs and with it commenced to pound on the door. +He had been pounding for several minutes when he heard some one on the +outside.</p> + +<p>"Pepper!" came in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack, is that you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Stop that noise, or I'll get caught."</p> + +<p>"I want to get out. I haven't had any breakfast, and it is as cold as +Greenland in here."</p> + +<p>"If I had a key I'd let you out, but it isn't in the lock," went on the +young major.</p> + +<p>"Try some of the other keys, Jack."</p> + +<p>"I will," was the reply, and the young major hurried off, to return with +several keys from other doors. But not one of them fitted the lock +before him.</p> + +<p>"Too bad!" he murmured.</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy!" came in the harsh voice of Josiah Crabtree behind him. +"What are you doing here?"</p> + +<p>"I came to talk to Ditmore," answered Jack, boldly.</p> + +<p>"Who gave you permission?"</p> + +<p>"Nobody, I came as major of the battalion. When a cadet is placed in the +guardhouse the major has a right to go and see him."</p> + +<p>"Hum!" growled Josiah Crabtree. He took but little interest in the +military side of the school and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>consequently did not know all the +rules. "Well, I can do the talking here. You are excused."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, Ditmore tells me that he is very cold, and he has had no +breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Ha! So he is complaining, eh? Well, I'll attend to him. You may go."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to give him his breakfast?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—when he deserves it—not before."</p> + +<p>"How about keeping him in such a cold room?"</p> + +<p>"That is my affair."</p> + +<p>"If he gets sick will you take the blame?"</p> + +<p>"Major Ruddy, I am not here to be questioned by you!" snapped the +dictatorial teacher.</p> + +<p>"Pepper belongs to my command and he is my personal friend. I don't +think you have any right to starve him and keep him in a cold room in +such weather as this. I shall complain to Captain Putnam as soon as he +gets back, and, in the meantime, complain to Mr. Strong."</p> + +<p>"I am in charge while Captain Putnam is away."</p> + +<p>"Then, if Pepper takes cold from this, you'll be to blame, and you'll +foot the doctor's bill," answered Jack, and walked away.</p> + +<p>He spoke so sharply that Josiah Crabtree became worried, and, a little +later, Pepper was served with a cup of black coffee and several slices +of bread without butter. It was a meager meal, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>it was better than +nothing, and The Imp disposed of all there was of it. Then a servant +appeared with a couple of blankets used by the cadets when in camp.</p> + +<p>"You can wrap yourself in these if you are cold, so Mr. Crabtree says," +said the servant. And he went out again, locking the door as before.</p> + +<p>"Humph! Must take me for an Indian!" muttered Pepper. Nevertheless, he +wrapped the blankets around him and then felt considerably warmer.</p> + +<p>The morning passed slowly, and at noon Pepper was given a bowl of soup +and several additional slices of unbuttered bread. The soup was hot and +good, and he wished there was more of it.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree says that is all you can have," said the waiter who served +him.</p> + +<p>"Crabbed Crabtree!" muttered Pepper, and said no more.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the afternoon, directly after school was over, Josiah +Crabtree appeared. This time he was accompanied by George Strong.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore, we have come to have a talk with you!" cried Crabtree. "And +let me say at the start that I want the truth, the whole truth, and +nothing but the truth, as they say in court."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to try me for my life?" demanded The Imp.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am going to try you on a very serious charge," snapped Josiah +Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"Do not be too hasty, Mr. Crabtree," put in George Strong, mildly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, if you want to know about the teeth, let me confess that +I took them and hung them up where they were found," said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Ha! so you are willing to confess, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I am. I did it for fun—but I suppose you don't see the fun," added +Pepper, dryly, so dryly in fact that George Strong had to turn away to +hide a sudden smile.</p> + +<p>"It was a low, contemptible trick!" returned Josiah Crabtree. "But I +must say I do not think it quite as bad as your other doings."</p> + +<p>"My other doings?" asked The Imp, somewhat mystified.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, do not be hasty, I beg of you," put in the under teacher.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore, how did you get the teeth?" demanded Josiah Crabtree.</p> + +<p>"It was very easy, sir, if you must know. I went into the vacant bedroom +next to your room, climbed from one window to the other, and the trick +was done."</p> + +<p>"Were you alone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, absolutely alone."</p> + +<p>"Have you been alone when visiting the other <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>rooms in this building?" +demanded Josiah Crabtree, sharply.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree——" began George Strong, but the head teacher motioned +for the assistant to be silent.</p> + +<p>"I—I don't understand," stammered Pepper.</p> + +<p>"You have shown your expertness in visiting rooms during the night, and +without awakening anybody," went on Josiah Crabtree, coldly. "Some time +ago other rooms were visited in this building, and various things were +taken—some things of great value—things which have not been returned. +Now, Ditmore——"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, stop!" cried Pepper, and his eyes flashed with sudden +fire. "I know what is in your mind now! But don't you dare to accuse me! +Don't you dare!"</p> + +<p>"I want you to tell me the truth."</p> + +<p>"I have told you all I know. I took the teeth as a joke, and I put them +where they could easily be found."</p> + +<p>"And about the other things——" The head teacher paused suggestively.</p> + +<p>"I know no more about the other things that have disappeared than you +do. Do you think I'd rob myself and my best friends?"</p> + +<p>"In a case of this kind a person might rob himself just to throw the +public off the scent."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you dare to accuse me of these mysterious thefts?" cried Pepper, +hotly.</p> + +<p>"I think——"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, I beg of you to be careful," cried George Strong. "Why +not drop this whole matter until Captain Putnam returns? Because Ditmore +played a joke on you does not say that he is a—a criminal."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for that, Mr. Strong," said the cadet, warmly. "I know I had +no right to play that joke—I have no right to play any of my jokes—but +I only did it for fun. I think it is—is horrible for Mr. Crabtree to +even think that I—that—that——" Pepper could not go on for his +emotion choked him.</p> + +<p>"Oh? you can't deceive me!" sneered Josiah Crabtree. "I am sure +that——"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Crabtree, I insist that you drop this matter until Captain Putnam +returns," interrupted George Strong.</p> + +<p>"You insist?" roared the irate instructor.</p> + +<p>"I do, sir."</p> + +<p>"Who is in authority here, you or I?"</p> + +<p>"You are the head teacher, but I feel bound to protect Captain Putnam's +interests during his absence. You have no right to accuse any cadet of a +crime unless you have proof against him. Have you any proof against +Ditmore?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You heard how he acknowledged taking the teeth."</p> + +<p>"And he said it was a joke—and I believe it was that and nothing more. +There is a wide difference between an innocent joke and a premeditated +crime. Take my advice and say no more until you have consulted with +Captain Putnam."</p> + +<p>"Ha! you are against me—just as the cadets are against me!" stormed +Josiah Crabtree. "I know I am right. But we can wait, since you insist." +He turned towards Pepper. "I'll corner you yet, you young rascal!" he +cried bitterly.</p> + +<p>And <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'the the'">the</ins> two teachers passed out of the cell-like room, the door was +again locked, and Pepper was left a prisoner as before.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>THE MYSTERY GOES ON</h3> + + +<p>When nightfall came and Pepper still remained a prisoner, both Jack and +Andy commenced to worry about their chum.</p> + +<p>"It's a shame to keep him in that cold room," said the young major.</p> + +<p>"Wonder if we can get him out on the sly?" returned the acrobatic youth. +"I'd be willing to run quite a risk to set him free, so he could sleep +in his own bed to-night."</p> + +<p>"Let us sneak down after dark and see what we can do," suggested Jack.</p> + +<p>Of course the fact that Pepper was a prisoner was known throughout the +whole school. Many who had laughed over the teeth affair thought it too +bad that The Imp should be locked up in a cold room. But others, +including Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter, said it served him right.</p> + +<p>"He was too fresh," growled Coulter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let him stay there a week; it will do him good," added Ritter.</p> + +<p>"You leave things to old Crabtree," said Dan Baxter. "He knows how to +put the screws on a cadet."</p> + +<p>"Right you are," came from Ritter.</p> + +<p>The one boy who had little to say was Mumps. The sneak was scared almost +to death, feeling certain that Pepper would square up with him as soon +as liberated. The others did not know how Mumps had acted, or Jack and +Andy might have given the sneak a sound thrashing.</p> + +<p>The young major and the acrobatic youth talked the affair over, and were +joined in the discussion by Bert Field, Dave Kearney, and one or two +others. They were on the point of going below, when Fred Century came +in.</p> + +<p>"Crabtree is certainly going to make sure of keeping Pepper a prisoner," +said he.</p> + +<p>"How do you know that?" asked Jack, quickly.</p> + +<p>"He has placed a guard in front of the door, so nobody can open it."</p> + +<p>"A guard?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"Two cadets—Crane and Barlow. They are to remain on guard three hours +and then some others are to relieve them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then we can't do a thing!" groaned Andy. "We might bribe Crane, but +nobody could bribe Barlow. He's a sticker on everything he does."</p> + +<p>Jack went below and found that the report about the guard was true. The +cadets were on duty, and he was not allowed to even speak to Pepper.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad," he said, on returning to the dormitory. "I guess poor +Pepper will have to remain where he is."</p> + +<p>"We might protest to Mr. Strong?" suggested Bart Conners.</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't do any good. Crabtree is in charge during Captain Putnam's +absence."</p> + +<p>One after another the cadets went to bed. Jack was the last to retire, +and it was a long while before he dropped off to sleep. Then he dreamed +about Pepper up in the far North, sitting on a cake of ice in a +bathing-suit, which showed how much he had the welfare of his chum at +heart.</p> + +<p>In the morning Josiah Crabtree went below early. He expected Captain +Putnam back by noon and wished to be prepared to make a proper report to +the head of the school on his arrival.</p> + +<p>He had just seated himself at the desk in the office when there came a +knock on the door.</p> + +<p>"Come in!" he said shortly, thinking it might be a servant. The newcomer +was Bart Conners.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, Conners, what is it?" demanded the head teacher.</p> + +<p>"I want to report that I was robbed last night," answered the captain of +Company B.</p> + +<p>"Robbed!" ejaculated Josiah Crabtree. "Did you say robbed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"What of? Where? When?" Josiah Crabtree's manner showed his tremendous +excitement.</p> + +<p>"Of a diamond stickpin. I left it in one of my scarfs last night and +this morning it was gone. I've looked all over, but I can't find it."</p> + +<p>"How late was it when you retired?"</p> + +<p>"About ten o'clock."</p> + +<p>"And when did you get up?"</p> + +<p>"At the first bell."</p> + +<p>"And you noticed it was gone at once?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, for I wanted to lock it away in my bureau, as Captain Putnam +warned us to do when the others' things were stolen."</p> + +<p>"This is strange. Do you suspect anybody?"</p> + +<p>At this question Bart Conners shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Very well, I will look into the matter immediately after breakfast."</p> + +<p>Scarcely had Josiah Crabtree spoken when Dan Baxter appeared at the +door.</p> + +<p>"I want to tell you something!" he said sourly. "I want somebody locked +up."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Locked up?" queried the startled teacher. "What is wrong?" And as he +asked the question Bart Conners looked on with interest.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you!" burst out Dan Baxter. "Last night I went to bed with +eleven dollars in my vest-pocket. This morning every cent of the money +is gone! I want it back! If I don't get it back Captain Putnam has got +to stand the loss, for I won't." And the bully looked more sour than +ever.</p> + +<p>"You robbed, too!" cried Josiah Crabtree, faintly. "Will it ever stop? +What is the school coming to?"</p> + +<p>"Have you any idea who took the money, Dan?" asked Bart Conners.</p> + +<p>"No. I was dead tired and slept like a dog. But I know I had the eleven +dollars when I went to bed, and now it's gone."</p> + +<p>"So is my diamond stickpin," and the captain of Company B gave the +particulars.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" muttered the bully. "I heard of those other robberies, but I +didn't think I'd get touched as quick as this. If it keeps on the whole +school will be cleaned out."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and Captain Putnam will be ruined," added Bart, gravely.</p> + +<p>"I will see you two cadets later," said Josiah Crabtree, and shut the +office desk with a bang.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> He hurried away, leaving Bart and Dan Baxter +to console themselves as best they could.</p> + +<p>Josiah Crabtree was thinking of Pepper. He had accused The Imp only the +day before of these crimes, and here the thefts were continuing while +Pepper was a close prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he got out during the night," he muttered. "I must make sure of +it." For, to be fair to the dictatorial teacher, he really thought +Pepper might be the guilty party.</p> + +<p>He questioned the cadets who had been on guard during the night. One and +all declared that Pepper had remained a prisoner all night and was still +in the cell-like room. Then he spoke to The Imp himself.</p> + +<p>"Did you go out last night?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"How could I?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Answer my question, Ditmore."</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't go out. I have been here ever since you brought me in +yesterday."</p> + +<p>Teacher and cadet looked sharply at each other, and there was a silence +that could be felt. From one of the guards Pepper had learned how Bart +and Dan Baxter had been robbed.</p> + +<p>"You know I didn't go out," went on Pepper. "You know that I am not +guilty of the crimes that have been committed in this school. As soon +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>as Captain Putnam returns I want to see him, so he can hear my side of +the story."</p> + +<p>At these words Josiah Crabtree winced. He felt that Captain Putnam might +not agree with him concerning the treatment given to Pepper, and that +Pepper might get him into "hot water." Even George Strong had intimated +this.</p> + +<p>"Ditmore," he said, slowly and mildly, "I—er—I feel that perhaps I +have been a bit harsh with you. Your trick upset me very much; such a +trick would upset anybody. If I—er—accused you falsely I am sorry for +it. Supposing I let you go, and supposing we drop the whole matter?"</p> + +<p>"I am willing to drop the matter, providing you will retract what you +said about my being connected with these—er—these other things," +answered Pepper, slowly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I—I must have been mistaken. I didn't say you were guilty. I +only said it looked suspicious—the way you prowled around, and the way +you got into my room. But if you are willing we'll drop the entire +matter, and you can go to your room and get ready for breakfast."</p> + +<p>Pepper thought rapidly. He was angry over being accused of the crimes, +yet he knew he had gone too far in his joke at Josiah Crabtree's +expense.</p> + +<p>"All right, sir; we'll drop the matter, Mr. Crab<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>tree," he said. +"Good-morning," and a moment later he quitted his prison and was on his +way to his dormitory.</p> + +<p>The cadets had much to talk about that day—the sudden liberation of +Pepper, and the losses Bart Conners and Dan Baxter had suffered. At noon +Captain Putnam came back, and he had the captain of Company B and Dan +Baxter in his office for the best part of an hour. But nothing came of +the conference, excepting that the owner of the Hall said he would pay +all losses and gave Baxter his eleven dollars on the spot. Then he had a +long conference with the new man of all work, who was really a detective +in disguise. But that individual was as much in the dark as anybody. He +had seen nobody prowling around during the night.</p> + +<p>"We must get at the bottom of this affair," said Captain Putnam to +George Strong. "If we do not, the school will surely be ruined." He was +told about the affair of the teeth, but paid little attention, knowing +that Josiah Crabtree could be left to manage his own differences with +the students.</p> + +<p>Pepper had dropped the matter so far as it concerned Josiah Crabtree, +but he did not drop it so far as it concerned Mumps. He watched the +sneak that day and the next, and managed at last to catch Mumps at the +boathouse.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, I am going to give you the thrashing you deserve!" cried The Imp, +and caught the sneak by the collar.</p> + +<p>"Lemme go!" shrieked Mumps. "Lemme go, or I'll tell Captain Putnam on +you!"</p> + +<p>"No, you won't!" answered Pepper. "If you do, I'll promise you another +licking at the first chance I get!"</p> + +<p>And then and there he boxed the sneak's ears and then threw him down in +the snow, washing his face and shoving a lot of the snow down inside the +lad's shirt. Mumps yelled like a wild Indian, but Pepper did not let up +until he felt that he had given the sneak all he deserved.</p> + +<p>"You say a word and I'll give you a double dose the next time!" warned +Pepper. And this so scared Mumps he never once opened his mouth about +the affair.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>AN ELECTION OF OFFICERS</h3> + + +<p>"Election of officers to-morrow!"</p> + +<p>"As if every cadet at the school didn't know it, Pepper."</p> + +<p>"Well, Andy, have you made up your mind how you are going to vote?"</p> + +<p>"Sure I have," replied the acrobatic youth. "I am going to vote for Bart +Conners for major, since Jack don't want to run again."</p> + +<p>"That's the way I am going to vote, too."</p> + +<p>"How about the two captains?" asked Joe Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think I'll vote for Dave Kearney for one," answered Pepper. "I +am not so sure about the other."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with Harry Blossom?" asked Bert Field. "He seems to +be a nice sort."</p> + +<p>"He is."</p> + +<p>"I understand Reff Ritter wants to be a captain," put in Stuffer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Sure, an' he'd be afther wantin' to be major, only he ain't popular +enough," came from Emerald.</p> + +<p>"Coulter is out for a captaincy, too," said Jack, who had come up during +the talk.</p> + +<p>"Do you think either of them will be elected?" asked Andy.</p> + +<p>"Not if I can prevent it," replied the young major. "Neither of them +deserves any office."</p> + +<p>"I understand Dan Baxter wants to be major," said Stuffer. "Talk about +gall! What has he ever done for the school? Nothing."</p> + +<p>"He won't get the office," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"Is Bart going to have a walkover?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Hardly. Both Dave Kearney and Harry Blossom will run against him, and +so will Bob Grenwood, and they all have their friends."</p> + +<p>"Well, let the best fellows win, say I!" cried Andy, and then he ran +off, to do some fancy "stunts" in the gymnasium.</p> + +<p>The excitement attending the disappearance of Bart Conners's stickpin +and Dan Baxter's money had somewhat subsided, and now the cadets could +think of nothing but the coming election.</p> + +<p>"How many cadets are there to vote?" asked Pepper, as he and Jack walked +away to the river to skate.</p> + +<p>"Eighty-three."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then it will take forty-two votes to elect anybody."</p> + +<p>"That's it."</p> + +<p>"Well, I hope Bart gets the forty-two votes."</p> + +<p>"I have been doing a little figuring, and I think he can count on at +least thirty-one votes. But I am not so sure of the other eleven."</p> + +<p>The election of officers was made the occasion of a holiday at Putnam +Hall. Immediately after breakfast, the battalion was formed and marched +around the campus and then to the gymnasium. Here Captain Putnam made a +little speech, in which he announced that the balloting for a major +would be immediately followed by the balloting for one captain and then +the other, and then for the lieutenants.</p> + +<p>"It is now nine-thirty," concluded Captain Putnam. "Balloting for a new +major will take place promptly at ten o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Captain Putnam, may I say a word?" asked Major Jack, saluting with his +sword.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Major Ruddy."</p> + +<p>"Fellow cadets," began Jack, in a clear, steady voice. "All I wish to +say is this: As major of the Putnam Hall Battalion I have enjoyed myself +very much, and I trust my successor, whoever he may be, will have as +good a time. I understand that some of you want to vote for me again. +Let <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>me say that I am not a candidate, and will not accept the office +even if elected. I expect to leave this institution next June, and in +the meantime hope to devote my time mostly to my studies. I thank you +for your attention."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" shouted a number of the cadets.</p> + +<p>"Three cheers for Major Ruddy!" shouted Pepper, and they were given with +a will.</p> + +<p>"We'll never get a better major!" called out one enthusiastic cadet.</p> + +<p>After that there was a great canvassing for votes. Dan Baxter was +unusually active, and Jack and Pepper felt certain that he was trying +one of his old tricks, namely, that of buying votes. Some of the poorer +cadets had very little spending money, and it was a great temptation to +them to have money offered for their ballots. Of course, buying votes +was dishonorable, and Baxter had to work on the sly. Ritter also tried +to buy votes, but soon found out that very few of the cadets would even +listen to him, because of the way he had misled them in the past.</p> + +<p>At last came the time to vote, and the ballot-box was placed on a table +in charge of two cadets and George Strong, who had consented to act as +judge of the election.</p> + +<p>"This is for a new major only," announced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> George Strong. "You will step +up and vote as your names are called."</p> + +<p>It took but a few minutes to cast the eighty-three ballots. Then the +vote was tabulated, while the boys stood around on the tiptoe of +expectation.</p> + +<p>"I will read the result," announced Captain Putnam, after receiving a +paper from Mr. Strong, and he read as follows:</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Votes"> +<tr><td align='left'>"Whole number of votes cast, 83.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Necessary to a choice, 42.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Paul Singleton has 4.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Henry Lee has 5.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Harry Blossom has 7.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">David Kearney has 9.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Reffton Ritter has 12.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Daniel Baxter has 18.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Bart Conners has 28."</span></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>"Nobody is elected," said Pepper, in a disappointed voice.</p> + +<p>"Boys, you will have to try it again," said Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"I beg to withdraw my name from the list of candidates," cried Paul +Singleton. "All who voted for me will kindly vote for Bart Conners, who +is my choice."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We must beat Ritter and Baxter!" said Andy, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"That's right!" cried another of the cadets. "But how?"</p> + +<p>"Let us try to make up a slate," proposed Jack, who was something of a +politician. "Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney might withdraw in favor of +Bart Conners if the fellows promised to support them for the two +captaincies."</p> + +<p>"Let us see if it can be done," returned Pepper, quickly. "Hustle now, +for we've got to vote again in fifteen minutes."</p> + +<p>They hurried around and interviewed Blossom and Kearney, and about +twenty other cadets. As a consequence, the pair named said they would +withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if supported for the captaincies +later. In the meantime Henry Lee said he would drop out also, since he +expected to leave school in June.</p> + +<p>Once again the ballots were cast, and now it was easy to see that Bart, +Ritter and Baxter were exceedingly anxious. Both Ritter and Baxter did +their best to gain the votes dropped by Henry Lee and Paul Singleton.</p> + +<p>"I will read the result," said Captain Putnam, a few minutes later. And +amid a breathless silence, he read the following:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Votes again"> +<tr><td align='left'>"Whole number of votes cast, 83.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Necessary to a choice, 42.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Robert Grenwood has 5.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Reffton Ritter has 10.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Daniel Baxter has 12.</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Bart Conners has 56."</span></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>"Hurrah for Bart Conners!" shouted half a dozen cadets in chorus.</p> + +<p>"Bart Conners is declared elected major for the ensuing term," went on +Captain Putnam. "Major Conners, allow me to congratulate you," and he +came forward and held out his hand.</p> + +<p>"And let me congratulate you, too," added Major Jack, and he shook hands +also.</p> + +<p>A great number of cadets, and some teachers, come up to shake Bart by +the hand. Ritter and Baxter were conspicuous by their absence. Each of +the bullies was chagrined at the poor showing he had made. Instead of +gaining on the second ballot they had lost.</p> + +<p>"That shows how much one can depend on his friends," growled Baxter to +Mumps.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Dan, maybe you'll be elected a captain," answered the toady +and sneak.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be a captain; I want to be a major or nothing," +grumbled the bully.</p> + +<p>A little later the balloting for a captain for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> Company A was started. +There were half a dozen candidates, including both Ritter and Coulter, +and Ritter did all he could to get the boys who had voted for Baxter to +support him, and then bribed Coulter to step out in his favor. But Jack, +Pepper and Bart Conners worked hard for Harry Blossom, as agreed, and as +a consequence Harry was elected on the third ballot by fifty-two votes.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for Harry Blossom!" was the cry, and the newly-elected captain +of Company A was congratulated on all sides.</p> + +<p>This election was followed by that for a captain for Company B. Here the +struggle was as fierce as before, but Dave Kearney won out on the sixth +ballot. Then came ballots for the lieutenants, and Bob Grenwood came out +strong with fifty-five votes. Dale Blackmore was made the new +quartermaster, much to his delight, although Dale cared more for +athletics than he did for military matters.</p> + +<p>Not one of the Ritter or the Baxter crowd got an office, much to their +disgust. Baxter went off by himself to sulk, but Ritter and Coulter +denounced their rivals openly.</p> + +<p>"I reckon votes were bought," said Ritter.</p> + +<p>"Sure they were bought," responded Coulter.</p> + +<p>"So they were, by Ritter & Company," retorted Andy, who overheard the +talk.</p> + +<p>"Oh, give us a rest, Snow!" muttered Ritter. "I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>don't want the old +office anyway, and all my real friends know it."</p> + +<p>"Sour grapes," answered the acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>"Don't you get fresh, or I'll punch your head!" cried the bully, +savagely.</p> + +<p>"Will you?" answered Andy. "Just you try it, if you dare!"</p> + +<p>"I will!" came hotly from Ritter, and leaping forward he hit Andy a +sharp blow on the chin.</p> + +<p>The assault came so suddenly that the acrobatic youth had no time to +defend himself. He staggered and fell, and as he went down the bully +gave him a sharp kick in the side.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>ANDY SHOWS HIS COURAGE</h3> + + +<p>"Stop that, Ritter! What do you mean by kicking Andy when he is down?"</p> + +<p>It was Pepper who uttered these words, as he rushed up from the other +side of the campus.</p> + +<p>"I didn't kick him," retorted Ritter. He was startled, for he had not +anticipated being seen.</p> + +<p>"You did!"</p> + +<p>"A fight! A fight!" was the cry, and soon a crowd of cadets began to +collect.</p> + +<p>Slowly Andy arose to his feet. His face was pale, for both the blow on +the chin and the kick in the side had been severe.</p> + +<p>"You—you brute!" he gasped. "You dirty brute!"</p> + +<p>"Hi, don't you call me a brute!" roared Ritter.</p> + +<p>"You are a brute!" put in Pepper. "No fair-minded chap would kick a +fellow when he was down."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ditmore, you keep out of this," grumbled the bully.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to see that Andy has fair play," returned Pepper.</p> + +<p>The encounter had occurred after Captain Putnam and the teachers had +disappeared, so there was little chance of an interruption by the Hall +authorities.</p> + +<p>Andy stood up and tried to collect himself. He was "boiling mad," for +the attack had been a dastardly one.</p> + +<p>"Had enough?" demanded the bully, coming closer, and with his fists +clenched.</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't!" answered the acrobatic youth, and then, of a sudden, he +sprang high in the air, to come down on Ritter's shoulder. Then he +caught the bully around the neck with one arm.</p> + +<p>"Hi! hi! let up——" began Ritter. "I—I——"</p> + +<p>"I'll not let up!" retorted Andy. "You brought this on yourself, Reff +Ritter, and now you can take the consequences. How do you like that, and +that, and that?"</p> + +<p>Each "that" was accompanied by a stinging blow, one on the ear, one on +the eye and one on the nose. The second made the bully's left optic +black, and the third caused the blood to spurt freely. Then Andy landed +another blow on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> Ritter's mouth, leaped to the ground, and shoved the +fellow from him.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you those for an opener," he said, breathing heavily. "You +can have some more in another minute."</p> + +<p>"You—you rat!" hissed the bully and came at Andy with a rush. But the +acrobatic youth dodged, and Ritter ran full tilt into Dan Baxter.</p> + +<p>"Hi, keep your distance, Ritter!" growled Baxter.</p> + +<p>"I'll fix him!" yelled Ritter, and made another lunge for Andy. This +time he hit Andy on the shoulder. But the acrobatic youth came back at +him in double-quick order, and Ritter received a blow in the chin that +bowled him over into the arms of Nick Paxton. As he went over his eyes +closed, and then he slid in a heap to the ground.</p> + +<p>"A knockout for Snow!"</p> + +<p>"Say, that was a smashing blow!"</p> + +<p>"It served Ritter right; he kicked Andy when he was down."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he hit him before he was ready."</p> + +<p>Paxton, Coulter and several others gathered around the fallen bully and +rubbed his face with some snow. In a few minutes he opened his eyes and +stared around.</p> + +<p>"Don't—don't hit me again!" he mumbled, between his bleeding teeth.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have you had enough?" demanded Andy. "If you haven't, stand up and get +some more."</p> + +<p>"Don't—don't hit me again!"</p> + +<p>"Then you have had enough?"</p> + +<p>"I'll—I'll meet you another time."</p> + +<p>"No, you won't, Ritter, you'll meet me now."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk!" cried several. "Finish the fight."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to fight any more," answered the bully, and his words came +in almost a whine.</p> + +<p>"Then you have had enough? Yes or no?"</p> + +<p>"I've—I've had enough," said Ritter, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"Very well; see that you remember this lesson," declared Andy, and then +turned on his heel and walked towards the Hall, followed by a dozen of +his admirers.</p> + +<p>"Andy, it was great, the way you jumped on him!" declared Pepper.</p> + +<p>"It was only a little acrobatic stunt," declared Andy. "But it came in +mighty handy. I shouldn't have tried it only he didn't fight +fair—hitting me before I was ready, and kicking me when I was down."</p> + +<p>"You watch out that he doesn't play you foul," said Dale, who was +present.</p> + +<p>"I'll keep my eyes open."</p> + +<p>It was soon whispered around the school how<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> Andy had met and vanquished +the bully, and as a consequence many of the fellows who had toadied to +Ritter deserted him. Even Paxton gave him the cold shoulder openly, and +Baxter simply sneered at him. Only Gus Coulter clung to Ritter, and the +pair seemed to become greater cronies than ever.</p> + +<p>After the election of officers, and the fight, matters ran along swiftly +until the midwinter holidays. During those days many of the boys visited +their homes. Captain Putnam spent his time in trying to clear up the +mystery surrounding the disappearance of the things from the Hall, but +without success. The detective he had hired unearthed nothing of +importance and was discharged. One of the waiters left of his own +accord, and the master of the school could not help but wonder if he was +the guilty party.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Andy and his chums had been trying to find out +something about Cameron Smith. They were equally unsuccessful, for no +one they knew in Boston had ever heard of that individual. His name was +not in the directory.</p> + +<p>"There was something strange about him," said Andy. "I wish Ritter would +tell us more about him. But I know it would be useless to ask Reff. He +hasn't spoken to me since the fight."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> + +<p>After the holidays came some fine skating on the lake, and also some +iceboating.</p> + +<p>Fred Century had had a new iceboat built at Cedarville. It was called +the <i>Skimmer</i>, and he was exceedingly proud of the craft.</p> + +<p>"You must come out with me," he said to Jack, Pepper and Andy, one +Saturday afternoon. "The ice is as smooth as glass, and the wind is just +right."</p> + +<p>"All right!" cried Pepper. "A sail will suit me down to the ground."</p> + +<p>Jack and Andy were also pleased to go, and the quartet of boys were soon +down at the boathouse, where the <i>Skimmer</i> was tied up.</p> + +<p>They were just getting aboard of the iceboat when they saw another craft +heave in sight.</p> + +<p>"Who is that on board?" asked Andy.</p> + +<p>"It is Reff Ritter," answered Pepper, "and Gus Coulter is with him."</p> + +<p>"The iceboat belongs to a fellow in Cedarville," said a cadet standing +near. "Ritter hired it for a week."</p> + +<p>The second craft was called the <i>Rosebud</i>, and was rather a fine-looking +outfit, with steel runners and a snowy-white sail.</p> + +<p>"He must have paid something to rent that," observed Jack. "I thought he +didn't have much money?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He says his father is in business again and is doing better," answered +Paxton, who was present. "Hello, Reff!" he called out. "Want another +passenger?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want you!" answered the bully, briefly.</p> + +<p>"All right, you don't have to have me!" growled Paxton.</p> + +<p>"Say, Century, do you want to race me?" asked Ritter, as he brought the +<i>Rosebud</i> alongside the dock.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Fred, slowly. "What do you say?" he whispered +to the others.</p> + +<p>"Do you think you can beat him?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I can try."</p> + +<p>"Then go ahead," said Jack. "You don't care, do you, Andy?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all—if Fred can beat him," was the reply from the acrobatic +youth.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll race!" called out Fred. "But you will have to carry +four, the same as myself."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" growled Ritter. "I don't know about that."</p> + +<p>"I'll go, Reff!" cried Mumps.</p> + +<p>"So will I!" added a cadet named White.</p> + +<p>"All right, jump aboard," cried the bully, and Mumps and White lost no +time in doing as bidden.</p> + +<p>"Where do you want to race to?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"Up to Dorsett's Point and back."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All right. Are you ready?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then let her go!" yelled the owner of <i>Skimmer</i>; and in a moment the +iceboat race had started.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>THE MAN AT POINT VIEW LODGE</h3> + + +<p>At first it was an even race. Reff Ritter knew how to handle an iceboat +to perfection and brought his craft up in the breeze in a manner that +won considerable admiration.</p> + +<p>"Take care that he doesn't beat you, Fred," said Pepper. "If he does, he +will never get done crowing over you."</p> + +<p>"This race isn't over yet," answered the owner of the <i>Skimmer</i>. "Wait +till we round the bend yonder."</p> + +<p>When the bend mentioned was gained the <i>Rosebud</i> was a good three +lengths in the lead.</p> + +<p>"Good-by!" shouted Coulter. "Here is where we leave you behind!"</p> + +<p>"Your iceboat isn't in it with this," added Mumps.</p> + +<p>"We'll tell them you are coming by-and-by!" came from Ritter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't answer them," whispered Jack. "Fred, can we do anything to help +the boat along?"</p> + +<p>"Just shift a little more to the left—that's it," was the reply. "Now +we'll soon get the breeze and then we'll do better."</p> + +<p>Fred's words proved true. As the <i>Skimmer</i> rounded the bend, a good, +stiff blast struck her sails and away she started after the <i>Rosebud</i>.</p> + +<p>"Now we are going some!" cried Andy, his face brightening.</p> + +<p>"Make her hum!" cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>Slowly but surely the <i>Skimmer</i> crept up on the <i>Rosebud</i>, until the bow +of the second craft overlapped the stern of the first.</p> + +<p>"Not walking away so fast now, are you?" questioned Pepper, cheerily.</p> + +<p>"Just wait, we'll beat you, see if we don't!" growled Coulter.</p> + +<p>"Swing the mainsail over!" cried Ritter.</p> + +<p>His order was obeyed, and the <i>Rosebud</i> commenced to pick up again. But +the <i>Skimmer</i> kept on steadily, and at last, when the turning-point was +reached, was several lengths ahead.</p> + +<p>"Now for the homestretch!" cried Jack.</p> + +<p>"I hope we win by about a mile!" was Andy's wish.</p> + +<p>The turning-point was a well-known rock, and the <i>Skimmer</i> came around +this in fine style. But, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>just as this was accomplished, Ritter allowed +the <i>Rosebud</i> to swing around out of the proper course.</p> + +<p>"Look out, you'll run us down!" yelled Fred, in alarm.</p> + +<p>"Clear the track!" yelled Ritter, angrily. "Clear the track!"</p> + +<p>"The clown!" muttered Jack. "Does he want to run into us?"</p> + +<p>Fred worked quickly, assisted by all the others and the <i>Skimmer</i> was +thrown out of her course. On rushed both of the iceboats and the +<i>Rosebud</i> slid by the other with less than six inches to spare.</p> + +<p>"Ritter, that wasn't fair!" shouted Fred. "I won't race with a fellow +who won't sail fair!"</p> + +<p>"You go to grass! I don't care about the race anyway!" howled the bully.</p> + +<p>"You are beaten and you know it," cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>"In a regular race such actions would disqualify you," was Jack's +comment.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't preach! I know what I am doing!" grumbled Ritter, and then he +steered off in another direction and out of hearing.</p> + +<p>"What a mean bully he is getting to be!" said Fred. "It seems to me he +is much worse than he was when I first came to the Hall."</p> + +<p>"He is slowly but surely losing his grip here and that is souring him," +answered Jack. "Before he knows it he won't have a friend in the world. +As <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>it is, about the only fellow who is really friendly with him is +Coulter. Paxton doesn't have much to do with him, and Mumps merely +toadies to him the same as he toadies to Dan Baxter and some of the +rest."</p> + +<p>"Where shall we go now?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"Anywhere you please," came from the others.</p> + +<p>"Shall we take a run up to Point View?" and Fred looked quizzically at +first one and then another of his friends.</p> + +<p>"Might do that," answered Jack. "But the Lodge is shut up, you know; the +Fords are at their city home for the winter."</p> + +<p>"Well, we can run up that way anyway," said Pepper. "One place is as +good as another."</p> + +<p>The course of the iceboat was slightly changed, and in less than a +quarter of an hour they swept up to the dock attached to Point View +Lodge. The sails were lowered and they went ashore to stretch their +legs, for sitting on the iceboat rather cramped them.</p> + +<p>"Might as well take a look around the Lodge while we are here," +suggested Jack.</p> + +<p>"Is there a caretaker here?" asked Andy.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so, but there may be."</p> + +<p>The four youths walked through the snow in the direction of the mansion, +which was set among some heavy trees.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hello, what is that, an animal track?" asked Jack, pointing to a trail +among the trees.</p> + +<p>"Looks more like human footprints to me," replied Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Then somebody must be here."</p> + +<p>"Funny the trail leads from the side fence," came from Andy. "If it was +some person who belonged here why wouldn't he come from the road or the +dock?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe it was easier to come that way than by the road, right after the +snow fell," suggested Pepper.</p> + +<p>They walked forward to the mansion and saw that the trail led to the +back door and then around to a side window.</p> + +<p>"Hello! I don't like this!" exclaimed Jack. "What would a person be +doing at the side window?"</p> + +<p>"Try the window?" suggested Fred. They had already tried the door, to +find it locked.</p> + +<p>Jack stood on a flat rock that was handy and took hold of the lower +sash. Much to his surprise it went up with ease.</p> + +<p>"It's open!" he exclaimed. "Do you know what I think? I think somebody +came here and got into the house by this window!"</p> + +<p>"A tramp, perhaps," said Fred.</p> + +<p>"Or a burglar!" vouchsafed Andy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you think he is in the house now?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"That is something for us to find out. If he is, we must catch him and +turn him over to the authorities!"</p> + +<p>"Have we a right to enter the house?" questioned Andy.</p> + +<p>"I am sure Mr. Ford would want us to do so, Andy."</p> + +<p>"I guess you are right. But be careful, Jack, that fellow, whoever he +is, may be a desperate character."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he isn't here now," said Fred. "He may have looted the place +and skipped."</p> + +<p>"I'll soon see," cried Jack. "Pepper, do you want to go in with me? You +other fellows might stay on guard."</p> + +<p>"Sure, I'll go in," answered The Imp.</p> + +<p>In a moment more the two cadets stood in the sitting-room of the +mansion.</p> + +<p>"Better not make too much noise," whispered Jack. "If he is here we may +be able to take him unawares."</p> + +<p>As the sky was overcast that afternoon it was rather dark in the +mansion, and the cadets could see but little as they made their way from +one room to another. They were just entering the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>dining-room when +Pepper's foot struck something and sent it spinning across the floor.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked his chum.</p> + +<p>"I don't know—sounded like a spoon or a fork," was the reply. Pepper +walked forward, bent down, and felt around. "Yes, it's a silver fork!"</p> + +<p>"It made as much noise as if it was a dozen of 'em!" murmured his chum.</p> + +<p>"Hark!"</p> + +<p>Pepper put up his hand and both listened intently. They had heard a +noise, as of footsteps overhead.</p> + +<p>"Somebody is up there!" whispered Jack.</p> + +<p>"It must be the fellow we are after!" returned Pepper. "What shall we do +next, go after him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but we had better try to arm ourselves."</p> + +<p>"I've got the fork."</p> + +<p>"I'll take this," said Jack, picking up a bronze ornament from the +mantelpiece.</p> + +<p>Hardly daring to breathe, the two cadets stole from the dining-room to +the hall and prepared to mount the stairs. As they did this they heard +more footsteps, this time in the rear of the upper floor of the mansion.</p> + +<p>"There he goes, Jack!"</p> + +<p>"Sounds as if he was going to try to get out the back way!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hi, there, stop!" called Pepper, at the top of his voice. "Stop, you +rascal!"</p> + +<p>"Don't you try to stop me!" was the reply from the upper hallway. "If +you do, it will be the worse for you!"</p> + +<p>"Who is he?" asked Pepper, quickly. "I've heard that voice before."</p> + +<p>"I think I know," answered his chum. "Come on, and we'll soon see if I +am right."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> + +<h3>WHAT THE CONSTABLE THOUGHT</h3> + + +<p>Up the stairs went the two cadets, Jack leading the way. On the upper +landing they paused, for the sounds of footsteps had suddenly ceased.</p> + +<p>"Which way did he go?" whispered Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, Pepper. Go slow now, we don't want to walk into any +trap."</p> + +<p>With caution the chums made their way to the back end of the hall. As +they did this a door close by came open and a cold draught of air met +the lads.</p> + +<p>"This way!" cried Jack. "He has opened a window! That air comes from +outside!"</p> + +<p>He rushed through the open door, to find himself in a bedroom. In an +alcove was a window and this was wide open. Beyond the window was the +top of a back porch, with a trellis reaching to the ground.</p> + +<p>"There he goes!" exclaimed Jack, pointing down among the trees.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Stop! stop!" came in a cry from the side of the mansion, and a moment +later Andy appeared, followed by Fred.</p> + +<p>"Stop the rascal!" shouted Jack, and bounced out on the porch with all +speed. Down the trellis he came, with Pepper following.</p> + +<p>By this time the fleeing individual had gained the shelter of a number +of trees. Beyond these was a hedge, and he dove through this and then +into some brushwood that lined the highway.</p> + +<p>"Can you catch him, Andy?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"I can try!" was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Keep back, unless you want to get shot!" roared the man, and he raised +something he held in his hand. It was too dark to see if it was a +pistol.</p> + +<p>Andy came to a halt, and in a few moments his companions joined him. By +this time the fellow was out of sight. The cadets strained their ears, +but in the snow no sounds of footsteps reached them.</p> + +<p>"I guess we have lost him," murmured Fred.</p> + +<p>"Sorry I didn't keep after him," grumbled Andy.</p> + +<p>"He might have shot you."</p> + +<p>"Come on, let us make a hunt for him!" cried Jack, and this was done. +But though they searched <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>the vicinity for the best part of half an hour +they failed to locate the man who had fled.</p> + +<p>"Jack, who do you think it was?" questioned Pepper, as the four boys +gathered in the mansion and lit one of the lamps, for it was now quite +dark.</p> + +<p>"I may be mistaken, but to me his voice sounded like that of the man +Reff Ritter met in Cedarville, Cameron Smith."</p> + +<p>"Just what I think!" cried The Imp. "Did you get a look at his face?"</p> + +<p>"Not a close look, and it was too dark to see much. But that Smith had a +queer catch in his voice and this fellow had the same thing."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I remember that."</p> + +<p>"Was that the fellow Reff met?" demanded Andy.</p> + +<p>"We are not sure, Andy, but we think so."</p> + +<p>"What was he doing here?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"That remains for us to find out," answered Pepper. "Certainly the man +had no right here, otherwise he wouldn't have run away as he did."</p> + +<p>"Let us take a look through the house," suggested Pepper.</p> + +<p>A hand-lamp was lit and the boys began a systematic inspection of the +Lodge. They found nothing disturbed in most of the rooms, but when they +inspected the library all set up a shout.</p> + +<p>"The safe!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It has been blown open!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and look, the contents are scattered all over the floor!"</p> + +<p>It was true, the small safe that was located under a bend of the stairs +had been drilled and the door blown asunder. On the floor of the library +lay the shattered door and likewise several bundles of papers and +legal-looking documents. They also saw a case that had contained +silverware.</p> + +<p>"Wonder how much he took?" said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"He took something, that is sure," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>"We must have come in right after he blew the safe open," said Andy.</p> + +<p>"Boys, I think we ought to notify the authorities at once, and also +notify the Fords," cried Jack. "This is a serious piece of business."</p> + +<p>"Let us go to the nearest farmhouse and tell the folks," suggested Andy.</p> + +<p>He hardly uttered the words when a loud ring at the front door of the +mansion made every cadet jump.</p> + +<p>"There is somebody now!" cried Fred.</p> + +<p>"I'll see who it is," said Pepper, and went off, followed by Jack.</p> + +<p>When they opened the door they found themselves confronted by a farmer +named Fasick, who lived in that vicinity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hello!" cried the farmer, on noticing the uniforms the boys wore. "What +are you cadets doing here?"</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" questioned Jack.</p> + +<p>"I'm Isaac Fasick, and I own the farm down the road a spell. I saw the +lights here, and as Mr. Ford asked me to keep an eye on his property I +made up my mind I'd come over and see what it meant. Is he here on a +visit?"</p> + +<p>"Not that we know of, Mr. Fasick," answered Jack. "Come in out of the +cold, and we'll tell you something."</p> + +<p>The burly farmer entered, and the cadets quickly related what had +occurred. When Mr. Fasick saw the shattered safe he was all but stunned.</p> + +<p>"The pesky rascal!" he ejaculated. "Did he run away with much?"</p> + +<p>"That we don't know, for we have no idea what was in the safe," replied +Jack.</p> + +<p>"He must have taken some of the silver spoons, and knives and forks," +put in Pepper. "Here is the empty silverware case, and I found a loose +silver fork on the floor of the dining-room."</p> + +<p>"The Fords will be the only ones to tell just what was taken," said +Andy. "And the sooner we notify them the better."</p> + +<p>"I don't know if they are in the city or not,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> said Isaac Fasick "I +know they meant to travel some this winter."</p> + +<p>"They are at their city home just now; I got a letter day before +yesterday," answered the former major of the school battalion. He did +not deem it necessary to say the letter was from Laura Ford.</p> + +<p>"Let us telegraph to them," said Pepper. "But what about the thief? We +ought to get right after him."</p> + +<p>"We can tell Jed Plodders," said the farmer. "He's the Cedarville +constable and pretty smart, too."</p> + +<p>"Jed will never catch that fellow," answered Jack. "He'll be miles and +miles away before the constable gets his badge pinned on to go after +him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jed is smart," cried the farmer. "He's my wife's second cousin, and +the whole family is mighty cute."</p> + +<p>"All right, let him catch the thief," answered Pepper.</p> + +<p>Matters were talked over for several minutes, and the boys decided to +separate, Andy and Pepper to remain on guard at the Lodge and Fred and +Jack to run the iceboat to Cedarville and take Isaac Fasick along.</p> + +<p>"Now, don't you run into no air-holes!" cried the farmer, as he took a +seat on the <i>Skimmer</i>. "I don't want to drown just yet, not me!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We'll be on our guard," answered the owner of the craft.</p> + +<p>"The wind is just right," said Jack, as the mainsail was hoisted. This +was true, and the run to the village took but a few minutes. While the +boys went off to send their message to the Fords, Isaac Fasick hunted up +the constable and related what had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Ha! a robbery, eh?" cried the constable, looking highly important.</p> + +<p>"That's it, Jed."</p> + +<p>"And you caught the boys in the house all alone?" went on the constable, +trying to look very wise.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes; I did."</p> + +<p>"Maybe they did the robbery, Isaac."</p> + +<p>"By gum! I didn't think of that, Jed!" exclaimed the farmer.</p> + +<p>"It would be an easy way of tryin' to look innercent," went on the +constable. "They fixed it all up—blow open the safe, hide the silver +an' other valerables, an' then, when you surprise 'em, they try to put +the crime off on sumbuddy else."</p> + +<p>"Say, Jed, do you think that's so?" asked the farmer, his suspicions +aroused.</p> + +<p>"Don't it look reasonable, Isaac?"</p> + +<p>"It sure does, Jed. But to think them boys would do sech a terruble +deed!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Some o' them boys at boardin'-school spend a fierce sight o' money. +Some of 'em drink an' gamble. They ain't above gittin' money by hook or +crook, ef they need it. Yes, they may be guilty," and the constable +swelled out with his own importance.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you better question 'em," suggested the farmer, timidly.</p> + +<p>"Question 'em?" snorted the constable. "Yes, I will; an' I'll do +more—I'll hold 'em until this mysterious case is cleared up!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> + +<h3>LOOKING FOR CLUES</h3> + + +<p>Having sent their message to the Fords, the two cadets turned in the +direction where the farmer had said the constable lived.</p> + +<p>"I don't think old Plodders will be able to do a thing," said Jack. +"He'll look wise and ask a lot of questions, and that's all."</p> + +<p>A block had been covered when they saw the farmer and the constable +approaching. On his breast Jed Plodders had pinned a bright, silver +star, and he carried a policeman's club in his hand.</p> + +<p>"There they are!" cried Isaac Fasick.</p> + +<p>"Is them the cadets?" queried the guardian of the peace.</p> + +<p>"That's two of 'em. The other two said they'd stay an' watch the house."</p> + +<p>"Stop!" cried the constable, and pointed his club at the cadets.</p> + +<p>"Are you Constable Plodders?" questioned Jack.</p> + +<p>"That's who I be," was the stern reply. "Now <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>then, out with it, young +fellers. You broke into Mr. Ford's house, didn't you? Now, don't try to +fool me, fer it won't wash! You broke into the house, and Mr. Fasick +ketched you at it, didn't he?" And the constable cast what was meant for +an eagle eye on Jack and then on Fred. He had made up his mind that he +would surprise both of the boys into a confession.</p> + +<p>The two cadets stared in wonder at the constable, and then a smile came +into Jack's face. The situation was so ludicrous he felt like laughing. +Jed Plodders saw the smile and frowned deeply.</p> + +<p>"This ain't no laughing matter, you scamp!" he bellowed. "You broke into +the Ford house an' tried to steal the silverware! Now don't try to deny +it, or it will be the wuss fer you! You done it now, didn't you?" And he +pointed his club at first one cadet and then the other.</p> + +<p>"No, we didn't do it!" burst out Fred. "You are a great big chump to +think we did!"</p> + +<p>"Hi! hi! don't you talk to me like that!" roared the guardian of the +peace.</p> + +<p>"Then don't you accuse us of any crime," came quickly from Jack.</p> + +<p>"Didn't Mr. Fasick find you at the house?" demanded the constable.</p> + +<p>"He did, but we didn't go there to steal; we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>went there to see if +everything was all right. He went there for the same purpose."</p> + +<p>"Say, don't you go for to mix me up in this robbery," interrupted Isaac +Fasick, hastily. "I didn't have a thing to do with it."</p> + +<p>"No more had we," answered Fred. "We just sailed to the place on my +iceboat. We can prove it."</p> + +<p>"We are friends of the Ford family; we can easily prove that, too," +added Jack. "Mr. Ford and his wife both asked us, when we were in this +vicinity, to take a look and see if everything was all right. We found a +strange man in the mansion and we did our best to catch him, but he got +away. What we want you to do is to get busy and try to catch that +rascal. If you don't do it, we'll make a complaint against you for +neglect of duty."</p> + +<p>While Jack had been major of the school battalion he had been in the +habit of speaking in an authoritative voice, and now he used the same +tone in addressing Jed Plodders. The constable stared at the cadet for a +moment and then his jaw dropped and likewise the club in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Well—er—if you're friends o' the family mebbe that alters +the—er—the case," he stammered. "Why didn't you say so fust?"</p> + +<p>"You didn't give us a chance," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"What you want to do is to go to the house and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>then try to get on the +track of that robber," said Jack. "We'll help you all we can."</p> + +<p>"I got to send word to Mr. Ford."</p> + +<p>"We have already done that, and he will probably come as quickly as he +can, or send somebody."</p> + +<p>"Did you git a good look at the man?"</p> + +<p>"No, not a very good look."</p> + +<p>"Then you hain't got no idee who he might be?" went on the constable.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think——" commenced Jack, and then broke off short, and at the +same time pinched Fred's arm. It would do little or no good to acquaint +the constable with their suspicion that the rascal might be the man +named Cameron Smith.</p> + +<p>"What do you think?" demanded Jed Plodders.</p> + +<p>"I think I saw the man in Cedarville once. But I am not certain. I +rather imagine he was a stranger around here."</p> + +<p>"Thet's what he was," came from Isaac Fasick. "There hain't no thieves +livin' in these parts. We are all honest folks."</p> + +<p>Several other men of Cedarville were told about the robbery, and a crowd +of half a dozen got on the iceboat and sailed to Point View Lodge. When +they arrived at the house they found that Pepper and Andy had brought in +some wood and started <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>a cheerful blaze in the big fireplace of the +living-room.</p> + +<p>"It was so cold we couldn't stand it," said Pepper. "I don't think Mr. +Ford will mind."</p> + +<p>The constable and the other newcomers inspected the damage done to the +safe with interest, and walked through the rooms of the house. The +cadets showed them just how the thief had made his escape, and Jed +Plodders and two of the men went off to see if they could trail the +evil-doer.</p> + +<p>"I think at least one of us ought to stay here until Mr. Ford comes," +said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Supposing you and I stay?" suggested Andy. "Fred and Jack can take the +iceboat back to the Hall and explain matters to Captain Putnam."</p> + +<p>This was agreed to, and a little later the <i>Skimmer</i> was on the way to +the school. It was now after eight o'clock and the cadets were hungry. +Andy and Pepper were to have their meals sent to them from the Fasick +farmhouse.</p> + +<p>Tying up at the boathouse landing, Jack and Fred hurried into the Hall. +As they passed one of the classrooms they came face to face with Reff +Ritter.</p> + +<p>"Got back late, didn't you?" said the bully to Fred.</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the short reply.</p> + +<p>The bully passed on without another word.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + +<p>Jack was in a quandary. What should he tell Captain Putnam? If he told +of his suspicions concerning Cameron Smith he would drag Reff Ritter +into the mix-up.</p> + +<p>"I guess I had better wait until something more turns up," he thought. +"If I mention this Smith, and he is innocent, both he and Reff will be +terribly angry at me."</p> + +<p>As briefly as possible the former major of the school battalion related +what had occurred at Point View Lodge. Captain Putnam listened with keen +interest.</p> + +<p>"It is a pity you didn't catch that robber," said he. "For all we know, +he may be the fellow who has been stealing here."</p> + +<p>"Well, we couldn't get him," answered Jack. "Maybe Constable Plodders +will be more successful."</p> + +<p>"I hardly think so, Ruddy. So you left Snow and Ditmore at the Lodge?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. We thought Mr. Ford would like them to remain until he got +there, or sent somebody."</p> + +<p>"I see." Captain Putnam mused for a moment. "I don't see that I can do +anything. You had better go and get your supper. Tell the head waiter I +sent you in."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Jack, and he and Fred hurried <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>off to the mess-hall. +The waiter was inclined to grumble a little at having to serve them at +such a late hour, but, nevertheless, he got them plenty to eat, and they +pitched in as only hungry boys can.</p> + +<p>On the following morning came word from Cedarville that Mr. Ford had +arrived, and Jack and Fred were allowed to take the <i>Skimmer</i> and sail +to Point View Lodge. There they met the gentleman, who was somewhat +excited over what had occurred.</p> + +<p>"The loss of the silverware is a serious one," said he. "The ware came +from my wife's grandfather and she prized it very highly. I meant to +take it to the city with me, but forgot to ship it, and so we placed it +in the safe here. A couple of gold napkin-rings are also gone, and +likewise my old gold watch."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Ford, I wish to tell you something in private," said Jack, and then +he took the gentleman aside and related his suspicions concerning +Cameron Smith.</p> + +<p>"I think this is assuredly worth looking into, Jack," said Rossmore +Ford, slowly. "I shall put a first-class city detective on this case, +and I'll tell him about this Cameron Smith. He'll soon be able to find +out who the chap is. If he is an honest man, well and good. But if not, +we'll <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>round him up and make him give an account of himself."</p> + +<p>"Please don't mention our names," said Jack, gravely, "And please don't +mention Reff Ritter."</p> + +<p>"I'll remember that," answered the owner of the Lodge.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> + +<h3>TO THE RESCUE</h3> + + +<p>"If this weather keeps on, skating and iceboating will soon be over, +Jack."</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Pepper. I think if we want any more skating this season +we had better go out this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Just what I say!" cried Dale Blackmore. "If it starts to rain the ice +will be gone in no time."</p> + +<p>"All out for a skate, as soon as school is dismissed!" came from Andy.</p> + +<p>A week had passed, and during that time nothing had been learned +concerning the robbery at Point View Lodge. Mr. Ford had hired two city +detectives but, so far, neither these men, nor the local constable, had +been able to accomplish anything. One city detective was trying to +locate Cameron Smith, but that individual could not be traced.</p> + +<p>During the past few days the weather had moderated greatly. Much of the +snow was gone, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>and the cadets feared that soon the ice on the lake +would disappear and then skating would be a thing of the past.</p> + +<p>"Spring will be here before you know it," said Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and then summer, and the end of our days at Putnam Hall," added +Jack, with something of a sigh.</p> + +<p>"Jack, how are you getting along in your studies?" questioned Andy.</p> + +<p>"Fairly well. I find Latin rather hard. How about you, Andy?"</p> + +<p>"Mathematics is my bugbear, Jack. Some of those problems old Crabtree +gives us are corkers."</p> + +<p>"Well, you must be sure to pass, Andy, and then it will be good-by to +Crabtree forever."</p> + +<p>After school was dismissed about twenty of the cadets hurried down to +the lake-front to go skating.</p> + +<p>"I see Reff Ritter has hired the <i>Rosebud</i> again," remarked Pepper, as +he was adjusting his skates. "Fred, are you going to take out the +<i>Skimmer</i>?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't think it is safe. Skating is one thing; to sail a heavy +iceboat is another."</p> + +<p>"Just my idea," added Stuffer.</p> + +<p>They watched Reff Ritter sail away. The only person with the bully was +Gus Coulter. Jack and Pepper watched Ritter closely and then looked +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>questioningly at each other. What did Ritter know about Cameron Smith, +and was the man really the fellow who had robbed the Ford mansion?</p> + +<p>Soon the merry shouts of the cadets proved they were enjoying themselves +thoroughly. Some started a race, while others formed sides for a hockey +contest, with Dale Blackmore as captain of one five and Emerald Hogan as +captain of the other.</p> + +<p>"Let us go down the shore a bit," suggested Jack to Pepper and Andy, and +the three joined hands for the spin. All felt like "letting out," as +Andy expressed it, and they covered over a mile almost before they knew +it.</p> + +<p>"The ice is getting pretty rotten," said Jack, as his skate cut in so +deeply that he would have fallen had not his chums supported him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a day or two more and skating will be at an end," answered Andy.</p> + +<p>"Jack, are you going in for baseball this spring?" questioned Pepper.</p> + +<p>"No, I am going in for nothing but study towards the end of the term."</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess I'll have to do the same—if I want to graduate," +answered Pepper, and he heaved a deep sigh as he thought of all the fun +he would have to miss.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> + +<p>The three cadets skated on until they came to a spot where the shore +made a sharp turn. On the point of land were a number of trees and +bushes, so they could not see what was beyond.</p> + +<p>"Listen!" cried Andy. "Somebody is calling!"</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" came the cry. "Help!"</p> + +<p>"Somebody must have broken in!" exclaimed Jack. "Come on, maybe we can +save him!"</p> + +<p>He broke away and led around the point of land. Beyond were some rocks +and a sort of cove, where the ice was extra soft.</p> + +<p>"There is an iceboat!" exclaimed Andy. "It's the <i>Rosebud</i>!"</p> + +<p>"It's in the water!" ejaculated Pepper. "And see, Gus Coulter is +clinging to it."</p> + +<p>"Where is Ritter?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"I see Ritter!" burst out Jack. "He is clinging to the ice yonder, +trying to crawl out! Come on, fellows, we've got to help them both."</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" screamed Gus Coulter, and his voice showed that he was +almost scared to death. Ritter did not call, but was making frantic +efforts to get on top of the ice, which seemed to break away as he +placed his weight on it.</p> + +<p>It took Jack, Pepper and Andy but a minute to get to the vicinity of the +mishap. As he skated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>forward, the former major of the school battalion +stripped off the sweater he was wearing.</p> + +<p>"Join hands with me," he called to his chums. "Now be careful; not too +near the hole, remember. I'll throw Ritter the end of the sweater."</p> + +<p>His chums understood, and while they held hands, Jack advanced +cautiously. The ice cracked ominously, but step by step he drew closer +to where Ritter was clinging.</p> + +<p>"Catch hold!" he cried, as he swung one end of the sweater toward the +unfortunate youth.</p> + +<p>"You—you won't let go?" questioned the bully, suspiciously.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 246px;"> +<img src="images/299.jpg" width="246" height="400" alt=""CATCH HOLD!" JACK CRIED, AS HE SWUNG ONE END OF THE SWEATER TOWARD THE UNFORTUNATE YOUTH." title=""CATCH HOLD!" JACK CRIED, AS HE SWUNG ONE END OF THE SWEATER TOWARD THE UNFORTUNATE YOUTH." /> +<span class="caption">"CATCH HOLD!" JACK CRIED, AS HE SWUNG ONE END OF THE SWEATER TOWARD THE UNFORTUNATE YOUTH.</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Mystery of Putnam Hall.</i> (<a href='#Page_259'>Page 259</a>)</div> + +<p>"Of course not!" retorted Jack. "Hold tight now, and we'll haul you up."</p> + +<p>He gave the signal, and Andy and Pepper pulled back with all their +might, and Jack did the same. Slowly but surely Reff Ritter came up out +of the icy water, his teeth chattering loudly. Soon he was out of +danger.</p> + +<p>"Run for the nearest farmhouse!" cried Jack. "Put the sweater on if you +want to," and he tossed the garment over.</p> + +<p>"It was Coulter's fault," growled Reff Ritter. "He swung the sail the +wrong way." And then he ran off as advised.</p> + +<p>"Such meanness!" snorted Pepper. "And Coulter may be drowned!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ritter was always willing to lay the blame on somebody else," added +Andy.</p> + +<p>The chums skated as closely as possible to where the iceboat was +drifting in a sheet of open water—a spot where some days before a +farmer had been cutting ice. To the craft Coulter was clinging and still +crying piteously.</p> + +<p>"Help!" came in a chattering tone. "Please help me, somebody, or I'll be +dro—drowned! I can't ho—hold on mu—much lon—ger!"</p> + +<p>"We are coming, Coulter!" yelled Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I'm nearly fro—frozen to de—death!" chattered the suffering cadet.</p> + +<p>"If we only had a line we might throw it to him," said Andy.</p> + +<p>"I've got an idea!" exclaimed Pepper. "Come on and get that fallen +tree!"</p> + +<p>He pointed to the shore, where a long sapling lay partly uncovered in +the snow. He skated off for this, with Andy at his heels.</p> + +<p>While Andy and Pepper were doing their best to get the sapling out of +the snow and drag it over the ice, Jack circled the spot where the +<i>Rosebud</i> was drifting. The iceboat was now within ten feet of the ice, +so he could see Coulter quite plainly. The poor fellow had been ducked +in the water and was shaking from head to feet from cold.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We'll soon have you ashore, Gus!" he called out. "Keep up your +courage."</p> + +<p>"I—I can't hold on much longer!" was the gasped-out reply. "I am +free—freezing to de—death!"</p> + +<p>At that moment a blast of air came sweeping across the lake. It caught +the sail of the iceboat and tilted the craft over in the water.</p> + +<p>"Oh! oh!" screamed Coulter, and then, as the iceboat whirled around, the +exhausted cadet lost his grip and commenced to slip slowly downward. +Soon he was in the water up to his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Save me!" he yelled. "Oh, Ruddy, don't let me drown! Please sa—save +m—me! Please!" And then of a sudden his head went under out of sight!</p> + +<p>Jack was for the moment struck dumb with horror. He felt that Coulter +was drowning before his very eyes. Then a sudden noble determination +came to him, and measuring his distance carefully he leaped for the +iceboat and managed to catch the swaying mast. He went down in the water +up to his knees, but held on to a stay with his left hand.</p> + +<p>The icy water made the youth gasp. But he set his teeth hard and looked +down for Coulter. Presently he saw the other cadet bob upward. Then a +hand came up and was waved frantically. Jack tried his best to reach +that hand, but could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>not. Then Coulter commenced to sink again from +sight.</p> + +<p>"I must save him! I must!" thought Jack, and an instant later leaped +boldly into the waters of the icy lake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX</h2> + +<h3>A REAL HERO</h3> + + +<p>It was a desperate plunge to take, for the former major of the school +battalion ran the risk of getting a chill that would kill him. But Jack +was a hero, and he could not bear to see Gus Coulter drowned before his +eyes.</p> + +<p>As the icy waters closed over him, he struck out boldly for the spot +where he had last beheld the struggling youth. Then his hand came in +contact with Coulter's body and he caught the cadet by the arm.</p> + +<p>As soon as Coulter felt himself touched, he swung around, and the next +instant had Jack by the shoulder, in a grip like that of death itself.</p> + +<p>The former major of the school battalion realized only too well that he +must not let the drowning boy catch him by the neck, otherwise both +would go down to rise no more. He shoved Coulter as far off as possible +and at the same time struck out to regain the surface of the lake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p> + +<p>When the pair came up they were some distance from the iceboat and also +some distance from the edge of the ice.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" yelled Jack to Pepper and Andy.</p> + +<p>The latter had succeeded in getting the sapling free of the snow, and +were dragging it to the ice on the lake-shore.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Jack's in, too!" cried Andy, in horror.</p> + +<p>"Hurry with the tree!" yelled Jack, as he commenced to swim for the edge +of the ice. "Quick now, or we'll both go down again! This water is +frightfully cold."</p> + +<p>A few strokes brought Jack and Coulter to the edge of the ice. Coulter +was still holding fast, but his strength was rapidly growing weaker. His +head shook so that his teeth rattled like castanets.</p> + +<p>Luckily Jack reached a spot where the shore ice was tolerably firm. More +than this, the water was somewhat shallow, so he could stand on the +bottom while Pepper and Andy shoved out the end of the sapling to him.</p> + +<p>"Here, I'll lift Gus out!" he called, his own teeth chattering not a +little. "He ca—can't hel—help hi—himself!"</p> + +<p>He lifted the other cadet as high as he could and with a shove sent him +rolling on the ice beyond. Andy and Pepper caught Coulter by the feet +and immediately dragged him out of harm's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>way. Then Jack caught hold of +the end of the sapling and was hauled up by his chums.</p> + +<p>"How in the world did you fall in?" gasped Andy.</p> + +<p>"I didn't fall in—I ju—jumped in!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack!" came from Pepper. "Talk about nerve! But come, you had +better get to shelter as soon as you can."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I fe—feel as if I wa—was turning to i—i—ice!" chattered the +other.</p> + +<p>"The Darwood farmhouse is just over the hill, let us run to that," +suggested Andy. "Here, put on my sweater!" and he stripped off the +garment in an instant.</p> + +<p>"Do—don't leave m—me!" came from Coulter. He was on his knees, being +too weak to rise to his feet.</p> + +<p>"I'll carry you on my back!" cried Pepper. "Come, take hold."</p> + +<p>Coulter was too far gone to aid himself, and Andy had to place him on +Pepper's back. Then off the whole party started, Andy holding Jack by +the arm and thus giving him some support.</p> + +<p>"Where did Ritter go?" asked Jack, as they sped over the hill in the +direction of the farmhouse mentioned.</p> + +<p>"I think he went up the lake, in the direction of the Saldy farm," +answered Andy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Darwood farmhouse set back from the road, among some cedar trees. +Rushing up to the back door, the boys pounded vigorously.</p> + +<p>"Who is there?" demanded a man's voice, and then Mr. Darwood showed +himself.</p> + +<p>"Please let us in, we are nearly frozen!" cried Jack.</p> + +<p>"Hello! been in the water, eh?" cried Samuel Darwood. "Come right in and +I'll stir up the fire!" and he stepped aside that the cadets might +enter.</p> + +<p>When Pepper deposited his burden in a chair it was seen that Gus Coulter +was in a bad way. His eyes were closed, and he was shaking as with +convulsions.</p> + +<p>"Here, we'll strip off some of his wet clothes and rub him down!" cried +Andy. "And can you get something hot to drink, Mr. Darwood?"</p> + +<p>"Sure I can," cried the farmer. "But I'll pile some wood on the fire +first!" he added.</p> + + +<p>He was as good as his word, and soon the fire was roaring, and the +kitchen got thoroughly warm. The farmer was home alone, but he knew how +to make some hot coffee, which he speedily offered to all of the cadets. +Coulter could hardly drink, and it was a good half-hour before he felt +at all like even speaking. He was propped up in a big rocking-chair +directly in front of the fire, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> Andy and Pepper took turns at +trying to restore his blood to circulation. Jack was not so far gone, +and soon felt quite like himself. The wet uniforms were hung up to dry, +Mr. Darwood in the meantime lending the lads some other garments. He had +been the one to cut the ice from the lake at that spot, so he felt in +some measure responsible for the mishap, even though he had put up +several danger signs, to which Ritter and Coulter had paid no attention.</p> + +<p>"I don't know that we will care to skate back to the Hall," said Pepper. +"Mr. Darwood, could you take us back in your sleigh, if we paid you for +it?"</p> + +<p>"I'll take you back, and it shan't cost you a cent," answered the +farmer, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Hadn't we better find out what became of Reff Ritter?" questioned Jack.</p> + +<p>"I'll run over to the Saldy farm and see," answered Andy, and set off +without delay.</p> + +<p>While Andy was gone, Samuel Darwood went to the barn to hitch up his +team. Jack, Pepper and Coulter remained in the kitchen. Coulter sat +staring at the fire, but occasionally his eyes wandered to Jack. +Suddenly, while the others were silent, he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Say, but you're a fine fellow, Jack Ruddy!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> he said. "A fine fellow! +And I'm a—a skunk! That's what I am, a low-down, mean skunk!"</p> + +<p>"Never mind now, Gus," answered Jack, kindly. He hardly knew what to say +at this outburst.</p> + +<p>"You—you jumped in and saved me from drowning, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. But anybody would do that, Gus, for a schoolmate."</p> + +<p>"No, they wouldn't; Reff Ritter wouldn't. He would have left me to +drown!" And Coulter shuddered. "You're a real hero, Jack Ruddy! And I'm +a—a skunk; yes, a mean, low-down skunk—and I always have been!" And +now Gus Coulter buried his face in his hands.</p> + +<p>"Jack certainly deserves great credit for jumping in after you," said +Pepper, warmly. "It was a mighty cold plunge for anybody to take."</p> + +<p>"Oh, let's drop it!" came modestly from the hero of the occasion.</p> + +<p>"I am not going to drop it!" retorted Gus Coulter, with spirit. "You +saved my life, and I want everybody to know it, especially Reff Ritter. +He would have left me to drown!"</p> + +<p>"Reff had to save himself. He was chilled to the bone when we got him +out," answered Jack.</p> + +<p>"If you had been Reff you wouldn't have run away and left me to drown," +went on Coulter, stubbornly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> + +<p>At this Jack was silent.</p> + +<p>"You don't know it all, Jack Ruddy. Reff and I had a quarrel. He said +he—he didn't want to have anything more to do with me. I believe he—he +would have been glad to have me drown!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't say that, Gus!" burst out Pepper.</p> + +<p>"But I will say it!" flared out Gus Coulter. "After this I am going to +cut Reff Ritter! And I am going to tell what I know about him, too! And +I am going to get Nick Paxton to tell what he knows, too!"</p> + +<p>"What do you know about him?" asked Jack, with sudden interest.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know a good deal."</p> + +<p>"Coulter, answer me honestly. Do you know anything about his dealings +with a certain man named Cameron Smith?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, do you know that fellow?" questioned the other cadet, and he stared +wonderingly at Jack.</p> + +<p>"I know a little about him."</p> + +<p>"Don't you have anything to do with him, Jack! And don't you have much +to do with Reff! They are both bad! Oh, you don't know how bad!" And Gus +Coulter shook his head to emphasize his words.</p> + +<p>"What did you and Reff quarrel about, Gus?" asked Pepper.</p> + +<p>"We quarreled about—about—— Oh, I don't <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>know how I can speak of it! +But I suppose I've got to, if I want to remain honest. We quarreled over +something I found one day in his private box. I got suspicious of him, +and when he was taking a nap I took his key and opened the box. And in +the box what do you suppose I found?"</p> + +<p>"What?" came simultaneously from Jack and Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Your watch and chain, Jack."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXX</h2> + +<h3>THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED—CONCLUSION</h3> + + +<p>"My watch and chain!" cried the former major of the school battalion.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What did you do about it? Why didn't you report it to me, or to Captain +Putnam?"</p> + +<p>"I was so stunned I didn't know what to do. I couldn't believe that Reff +had taken them, and that he was guilty of the robberies that were going +on. I locked the box up and put the key back in his pocket. That night I +accused him of the theft, and we had a quarrel and almost came to blows. +He said he didn't take the watch and chain, that he found them in the +gymnasium near the lockers. He said he was only keeping them to get +square with you, and that he would return them to you before the term +closed."</p> + +<p>"Found them in the gym?" repeated Pepper.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it," came firmly from the former major of the school +battalion. "I believe <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>he took them; and I believe he took the other +things, too!"</p> + +<p>"And I believe that myself, now!" cried Gus Coulter. "Oh, my eyes are +open! I used to think Reff was a pretty good fellow, even though +something of a bully, but I am learning that he is bad through and +through. Paxton saw him sneaking through the dormitories at night, and +he got afraid of him and cut him."</p> + +<p>"And what of Cameron Smith?" asked Jack. "You said he was bad?"</p> + +<p>"He is. I didn't know it at first, but I heard about it during the +holidays, when he and Reff went off on what they called a good time."</p> + +<p>"Can you give me Smith's real address?"</p> + +<p>"He claims to come from Boston, but I know Reff once sent him a letter +addressed to Springfield, care of the Excelsior Hotel."</p> + +<p>Having once opened his mind, Gus Coulter talked freely of his doings +with Reff Ritter. He said the bully had quite some money at times, but +the amount was quickly spent.</p> + +<p>Just as Mr. Darwood drove around to the door with his sleigh Andy came +back to the farmhouse.</p> + +<p>"I had some hot words with Ritter," he explained. "He was just as +bullying as ever, and gave us no credit for hauling him out of the lake, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>and he said if Coulter was drowned it would be his own fault. Oh, he is +the limit!"</p> + +<p>The ride to Putnam Hall was a short one, and on arriving at the school +the cadets hurried to their dormitories to change their damp clothing +for suits which were perfectly dry. In the meantime Jack asked Pepper to +find Captain Putnam and tell the master of the school that he wished to +see him on a matter of great importance.</p> + +<p>A little later the former major of the school battalion entered the +captain's private office, followed by Pepper and Andy. They found +Captain Putnam staring at a telegram that had just come in.</p> + +<p>"Well, what can I do for you?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I've got something to tell you, sir," returned Jack, and as briefly as +possible he narrated what had occurred on the lake and repeated what +Coulter had told him. As he progressed Captain Putnam shook his head +sadly.</p> + +<p>"It must be true," he said almost brokenly. "It all fits in—this +telegram and what <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'you you'">you</ins> say."</p> + +<p>"The telegram?" repeated Jack.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ruddy. This telegram is from Mr. Ford. He states that Cameron +Smith has been caught and has made a confession that he looted the safe +at Point View Lodge. Smith was partly intoxicated at the time of his +capture, and informed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>the detective that some jewelry he had in his +possession had come from Reff Ritter. He stated that Ritter took the +stuff from the cadets and the others while they slept, and it was +Smith's part to pawn the things and divide the proceeds."</p> + +<p>"And Ritter was guilty of all the thefts at the Hall?" cried Pepper.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he even took some of his own things, just for a blind, +according to this man Smith. What Coulter has to say, and Paxton, seems +to corroborate his story."</p> + +<p>"What a terrible thing to do!" murmured Jack.</p> + +<p>"Smith had a bunch of pawn tickets hidden away in a drawer, and they +represent all the things taken from this school, and they also represent +some other things, namely, those lost by you, Snow, at the time the +horse ran away with you."</p> + +<p>"Then it was Cameron Smith after all whom I saw, and who robbed me when +I was unconscious!" cried the acrobatic youth.</p> + +<p>"Yes. He was a bad man, and I have no doubt but that he was the one to +lead Ritter astray."</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do with Ritter?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot do otherwise than have him arrested. But I hate to have such a +scandal attached to the school," and Captain Putnam heaved a sigh that +came from the bottom of his heart.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Reff Ritter had come back to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> Putnam Hall in another +sleigh, and had gone to his dormitory to change his clothes. Here he was +confronted by Coulter and, a little later, by Nick Paxton, and a hot +discussion arose, which ended in blows. Both Coulter and Paxton fell +upon the bully together and punished him severely. The pair told Ritter +what they thought of him, and each declared that he was going to expose +the bully to Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell all I know about Ruddy's watch and chain, and about you and +that Cameron Smith, too!" declared Coulter.</p> + +<p>"Don't you do it!" shouted Ritter.</p> + +<p>"And I'll tell what I know about your sneaking in and out of the +dormitories at night," added Paxton. And then he and Coulter went off +together.</p> + +<p>They reached the office just as Jack, Andy and Pepper were about to +leave. Each told his story, and both were closely questioned by the +master of the school.</p> + +<p>"How long ago did you find this out about the watch and chain, Coulter?" +demanded Captain Putnam.</p> + +<p>"Only a few days ago, sir."</p> + +<p>"You should have told me before. And you, Paxton, should have told me +about Ritter's sneaking around."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I thought it was only fun at first," pleaded Paxton.</p> + +<p>"He is undoubtedly guilty, and there remains nothing to do but to have +him arrested."</p> + +<p>It was not long after this when he and George Strong went on a hunt for +Reff Ritter, to place him in the guardroom until an officer of the law +could be summoned. Ritter could not be found, and it was not until some +time later that Peleg Snuggers brought in the information that the cadet +had been seen leaving the Hall, dress-suit case in hand, by a side door.</p> + +<p>"He has run away!" cried <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Goerge'">George</ins> Strong.</p> + +<p>"If so, perhaps it is just as well," murmured Captain Putnam. "To +prosecute him in court would create a terrible scandal! I would rather +pay for the stolen things out of my own pocket!"</p> + +<p>Reff Ritter had indeed run away. By some means unknown he managed to get +to a town at the end of the lake and there boarded a midnight train +bound West. He was traced as far as Chicago, but that was the last seen +or heard of him until many years later, when it was learned that he had +gone to Alaska with some gold miners. He got very little gold for a +large amount of hard work, and drifted from place to place, picking up +odd jobs that offered themselves.</p> + +<p>The announcement that Ritter was the fellow <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>who had perpetrated the +many thefts at Putnam Hall created strong excitement in the school. But +the matter was hushed up as much as possible by Captain Putnam, and the +master saw to it that every cadet got back the things that belonged to +him, and also squared matters with the teachers.</p> + +<p>In due course of time Cameron Smith was tried for the robbery of Point +View Lodge and was sent to prison for a term of years. He admitted +robbing Andy after the runaway, and the acrobatic youth got back from +the pawnbrokers the things taken on that occasion.</p> + +<p>After the excitement had passed, Jack, Pepper, Andy and their chums of +the senior class buckled down to hard work for the rest of the term. As +a consequence, Jack graduated at the head of the class, with Joe Nelson, +second; Andy, third; Stuffer, fourth; Pepper, fifth; Henry Lee, sixth, +and Fred Century, seventh.</p> + +<p>"I must congratulate you, Ruddy," cried Captain Putnam, warmly. "All +through your term at this school you have made a record to be proud of. +And the other graduates have made fine records, too. I shall hate to +part with all of you."</p> + +<p>"And I shall hate to leave Putnam Hall," answered the former major of +the school battalion. "I have had the time of my life since I have been +here."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So have I!" put in Pepper.</p> + +<p>"The best ever!" chimed in Andy.</p> + +<p>"I shall never forget Putnam Hall, no matter where I go," came from +Stuffer.</p> + +<p>"The best school there ever was!" added Joe Nelson.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>And now, kind reader, let me add a few words more and then bring this +story of "The Putnam Hall Mystery" to a close. As I promised some years +ago, when I gave you "The Putnam Hall Cadets," I have now related in +detail the most important events that transpired at the military school +during the first years of its existence. What took place there after +Jack Ruddy and his chums left will be found set down in another line of +books called "The Rover Boys Series," starting with "The Rover Boys at +School." In that volume you will not only meet the three jolly Rover +brothers—Dick, Tom and Sam—but also learn more concerning the doings +of Bart Conners, Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney, and again meet that +dictatorial old teacher, Josiah Crabtree, and the bully, Dan Baxter, and +his toady, Mumps. The Rover boys went to Putnam Hall for a number of +years, and had just as good a time as did Jack and his friends.</p> + +<p>The graduation exercises at Putnam Hall were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>that year very elaborate, +and many visitors were present, including the parents and brothers and +sisters of the graduates, and Mr. and Mrs. Ford, and Laura and Flossie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am so glad that you came out at the head of the class, Jack!" +cried Laura, as she came up to shake his hand.</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much, Laura," he answered, and then, as he took her hand +he looked full into her clear eyes. "I'd rather have your +congratulations than anything else," he added.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack!" she murmured, and then she gave him a glance that thrilled +him through and through. Heretofore, they had only been friends, but +from that moment a deeper sentiment seemed to stir them both, and, years +later, when Jack became settled in business, pretty Laura Ford became +Mrs. Ruddy. In the same year, Pepper, who went into the insurance +business with his father, married Flossie; and all were very happy. Andy +remained a jolly bachelor, to visit one or the other of his chums, as +suited him. He went into business with Jack, and the firm prospered +greatly.</p> + +<p>The fun, when the school broke up for the term, was of the +never-to-be-forgotten variety. Great bonfires were lit along the +lake-shore, and around these the cadets gathered, to sing and "cut up" +generally. Some of the boys caught Peleg Snug<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>gers and made him ride a +wooden horse, while others captured Mumps and made the sneak dive +head-first into a barrel that contained several pounds of pulverized +charcoal. When the cadet came forth he was a sight to behold. One +bonfire was made up of discarded schoolbooks.</p> + +<p>"Farewell to thee forever!" cried Pepper, as he cast in an old grammar +and a volume of Cicero's works. "Never again shall I need thee, thank +goodness!" And this speech brought forth a roar of laughter.</p> + +<p>"Everybody in a grand march!" shouted Andy, a little later. "Jack, as +our old major, you must lead off!"</p> + +<p>"So I will," answered Jack, with a happy smile. "Battalion, attention! +Present firebrands! Forward, march!"</p> + +<p>And then the cadets marched around and across the campus, waving their +firebrands, and singing and cheering lustily. And here let us wish them +all good luck and say good-by.</p> + + +<h2>THE END</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE FAMOUS ROVER BOYS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>BY ARTHUR M. WINFIELD</h3> + +<div class='center'>(Edward Stratemeyer)</div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><big>American Stories of American Boys and Girls</big></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>NEARLY THREE MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THIS SERIES</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Rover Boys Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT COLBY HALL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON SNOWSHOE ISLAND</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS UNDER CANVAS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON A HUNT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE LAND OF LUCK</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT BIG HORN RANCH</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></b></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE TOM SWIFT SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR APPLETON</h3> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. INDIVIDUAL COLORED WRAPPERS.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>These spirited tales, convey in a realistic way, the wonderful advances +in land and sea locomotion. Stories like these are impressed upon the +memory and their reading is productive only of good.</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Tom Swift Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS WAR TANK</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR SCOUT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS UNDERSEA SEARCH</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AMONG THE FIRE FIGHTERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></b></div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's notes:</h3> + +<p>Punctuation normalized.</p> + +<p>The illustration captions read The Mystery of Putnam Hall while the book title reads The Mystery at Putnam Hall. This difference was retained.</p> +<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. +Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery at Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL *** + +***** This file should be named 17636-h.htm or 17636-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/6/3/17636/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/17636-h/images/296.jpg b/17636-h/images/296.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..213de95 --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h/images/296.jpg diff --git a/17636-h/images/297.jpg b/17636-h/images/297.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..04725f9 --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h/images/297.jpg diff --git a/17636-h/images/298.jpg b/17636-h/images/298.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..315a15a --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h/images/298.jpg diff --git a/17636-h/images/299.jpg b/17636-h/images/299.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c61405d --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h/images/299.jpg diff --git a/17636-h/images/emblem.jpg b/17636-h/images/emblem.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..414b44a --- /dev/null +++ b/17636-h/images/emblem.jpg diff --git a/17636.txt b/17636.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b898c8c --- /dev/null +++ b/17636.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8638 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Mystery at Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mystery at Putnam Hall + The School Chums' Strange Discovery + +Author: Arthur M. Winfield + +Release Date: January 29, 2006 [EBook #17636] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + +[Illustration: SOME CADETS CAME INTO VIEW, EACH CARRYING A BUCKET OF +WATER. + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall_--_Frontispiece._ (Page 95)] + + + + + +THE MYSTERY AT + +PUTNAM HALL + +_Or_ + +_The School Chums' Strange Discovery_ + +BY + +ARTHUR M. WINFIELD (Edward Stratemeyer) + +AUTHOR OF THE FAMOUS "ROVER BOYS SERIES," ETC. + + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + + + NEW YORK + GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS + Made in the United States of America + + + + +BOOKS FOR BOYS + + +BY ARTHUR M. WINFIELD + +(Edward Stratemeyer) + + + * * * * * + +12mo. Cloth. Illustrated + + * * * * * + +THE PUTNAM HALL CADET SERIES + + THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL + THE RIVALS OF PUTNAM HALL + THE CHAMPIONS OF PUTNAM HALL + THE REBELLION AT PUTNAM HALL + CAMPING OUT DAYS AT PUTNAM HALL + THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL + + * * * * * + +THE FIRST ROVER BOYS SERIES + + THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS + THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP + THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS + THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM + THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE + THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR + THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK + THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA + THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR + + * * * * * + +THE SECOND ROVER BOYS SERIES + + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLBY HALL + THE ROVER BOYS ON SNOWSHOE ISLAND + THE ROVER BOYS UNDER CANVAS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A HUNT + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, New York + + COPYRIGHT, 1911, under the title of + _The Putnam Hall Mystery_ + +GROSSET & DUNLAP + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD 1 + + II. THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL 11 + + III. SOMETHING ABOUT A RUNAWAY 19 + + IV. A FRUITLESS SEARCH 29 + + V. THE FIGHT IN THE GYMNASIUM 39 + + VI. CAPTAIN PUTNAM INVESTIGATES 49 + + VII. PEPPER MAKES A DISCOVERY 59 + + VIII. THE FOOTBALL ELEVEN 69 + + IX. THE FOOTBALL GAME 79 + + X. PUTTING OUT A LIVELY BLAZE 89 + + XI. A MYSTERIOUS HAPPENING 99 + + XII. AN INVITATION ACCEPTED 109 + + XIII. THE WORK OF THE ENEMY 119 + + XIV. AT THE FORD MANSION 129 + + XV. THE SNOWBALL BATTLE 139 + + XVI. IN WHICH MORE VALUABLES VANISH 149 + + XVII. THE TUG-OF-WAR 159 + + XVIII. A CURIOUS MEETING 169 + + XIX. ABOUT A SET OF TEETH 178 + + XX. PEPPER A PRISONER 187 + + XXI. A GRAVE ACCUSATION 196 + + XXII. THE MYSTERY GOES ON 205 + + XXIII. AN ELECTION OF OFFICERS 214 + + XXIV. ANDY SHOWS HIS COURAGE 223 + + XXV. THE MAN AT POINT VIEW LODGE 231 + + XXVI. WHAT THE CONSTABLE THOUGHT 239 + + XXVII. LOOKING FOR CLUES 247 + + XXVIII. TO THE RESCUE 255 + + XXIX. A REAL HERO 263 + + XXX. THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED--CONCLUSION 271 + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +MY DEAR BOYS: + +This story is complete in itself, but forms the sixth volume in a line +issued under the general title of "Putnam Hall Series." + +As mentioned several times, this line was started because many young +folks wanted to know what happened at Putnam Hall Military School +previous to the arrival at that institution of the Rover boys, as +already related in my "Rover Boys Series." + +To gratify this curiosity I wrote the first volume of this series, +called "The Putnam Hall Cadets," showing how Captain Putnam organized +his famous school, and how it was Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore came to +be among his first pupils. + +In the second book, entitled "The Putnam Hall Rivals," I gave the +particulars of several contests on the field of sports, and also told +about a thrilling balloon ride and of an odd discovery in the woods. + +Following the second book came a third, "The Putnam Hall Champions," +with more bitterly-contested games, in one of which young Major Ruddy's +enemies played him a foul trick. + +From the opening of the school there had been dissatisfaction with one +of the teachers, and when another was engaged who proved to be a man of +peculiar whims, the boys went into open revolt, as related in another +volume, called "The Putnam Hall Rebellion." The cadets literally ran +away, and did not return to the Hall until Captain Putnam came upon the +scene to straighten matters out. + +The rebellion was followed by a grand outing, as related in "The Putnam +Hall Encampment." The cadets marched far away from the school, to the +shore of a beautiful lake, and there our heroes managed to have a good +time in spite of the mean work of several of their enemies. + +In the present volume are related the particulars of a most puzzling +mystery which at one time threatened to bring disaster to the whole +school. How the mystery was at last solved I leave for the pages which +follow to explain. + +Again I thank both young and old for all the nice things they have said +about my books. I hope the reading of the volumes affords all both +pleasure and profit. + + Affectionately and sincerely yours, + EDWARD STRATEMEYER. + + + + +THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL + + + + +CHAPTER I + +AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD + + +"Here we are again, as the clown says in the circus!" + +"Right you are, Pepper. And I'll be glad to get back to Putnam Hall once +more," responded Major Jack Ruddy, as he followed his chum from the lake +steamer to the Cedarville dock. + +"Hello, there is Andy!" cried Pepper Ditmore, as he caught sight of a +familiar face in the crowd of cadets, "Andy, where have you been? Why +didn't you come on the boat with us?" + +"I got in last night," answered Andy Snow. "How are you, anyway?" And he +shook hands cordially. + +"Oh, I'm as fine as a new-tooth comb," answered Pepper Ditmore, with a +grin. "Ready for study and fun." + +"Especially fun, I'll wager. How about it, Jack?" + +"Oh, Pepper usually manages to get his share," came from the young major +of the Putnam Hall battalion. "But, Andy, did you---- Hi, look where you +are going, will you, Ritter!" cried Jack, rather angrily. + +A tall youth, carrying a big dress-suit case, had forced his way through +the crowd, hitting Jack in the knee with his baggage. + +"What do you want to block the way for?" demanded Reff Ritter, sourly. +"Think you own the dock?" + +"I've got as much right here, Ritter, as you have!" retorted the young +major, sharply. "Don't you knock me again like that." + +"I will--if you get in my way." + +"If you do, you'll take the consequences." + +"Bah! Don't you try to dictate to me, Jack Ruddy!" growled Reff Ritter. +"You got the best of me last term, but you'll not get the best of me +this term, I'll tell you that!" + +"Phew! Ritter is somewhat peppery!" whispered Andy Snow. + +"I guess I know the reason," came from a student named Dale Blackmore. + +"What is it?" + +"I'll tell you later--too much of a crowd here," rejoined Dale. + +About twenty cadets, all bound for Putnam Hall Military Academy, had +arrived on the boat from Ithaca, and these, along with some others who +had come down to the dock to see the boat come in, gathered around Jack +Ruddy and Reff Ritter to see the outcome of the unexpected encounter. + +Jack Ruddy had good cause to consider Reff Ritter his enemy. But he had +hoped that during the term now opening at the school the bully of Putnam +Hall would keep his distance. + +"I am not trying to dictate to you, Ritter," answered Jack, as calmly as +he could. "But I don't propose to let you hit me with your suitcase." + +"Huh! It was an accident!" growled Reff. + +"Oh, come on, Reff!" put in Gus Coulter, the bully's close crony. "Let +us get good seats in the carryall." + +"That's the talk! Let us get in before the others take the seats!" came +from Nick Paxton, another crony. + +He pushed ahead, and his elbow caught Pepper Ditmore directly in the +ribs. + +"Not quite so swift, Paxton!" cried Pepper, and he gave the cadet a +quick shove backwards. Paxton bumped into Reff Ritter, lost his +footing, and fell over the dress-suit case in the bully's hand. + +"Hurrah! One down!" cried Andy Snow. "How many yards to gain for a +touchdown, Nick?" + +"What do you mean by knocking me down!" roared Nick Paxton, as he +scrambled to his feet. "I'll not stand for it." + +"Then sit down again," answered Pepper, merrily. "And next time keep +your elbow out of my ribs," he added. "Come on, we don't want to get +left!" he added to his chums. + +A bolt was made by many of the cadets for the Putnam Hall carryall, and +soon a crowd was inside and on the front seat, talking, joking and +cheering, as suited the mood of each individual. Jack, Pepper, Andy and +Dale managed to crowd inside throwing their suitcases on the top. Gus +Coulter got in also, but when he saw that Reff Ritter and Nick Paxton +had been left, he scrambled out again, and his place was taken by Fred +Century, another student. + +"Hello, Peleg, old sport!" cried Pepper, gaily, to the driver of the +turnout. "How have you been for the past fifty years?" + +"Oh, I'm very well, thank you," responded Peleg Snuggers. + +"Heard you had a fortune left to you," went on Pepper, with a wink at +his chums. "Old uncle died and left you half a million." + +"Three-quarters of a million," put in Andy Snow, scenting fun. "All in +gold, too." + +"Isn't that fine!" said Jack. "Peleg, how about lending me ten or +fifteen dollars?" + +"I could use a five-spot myself," added Dale. + +"I'd like to borrow about fifty for a new bicycle," came from Fred +Century. + +"Don't be modest about lending us the cash," went on Pepper. "Just hand +it out as if you had always had it." + +"I ain't had no fortune left to me!" burst out the general utility man, +desperately. "Who said I had?" + +"Why, everybody knows it, Peleg," responded Pepper. "Come, don't be +modest about it. Was it really three-quarters of a million?" + +"Maybe it was more," suggested Jack. + +"If I were you, Peleg, I'd not carry so much around in my pockets," said +Dale. + +"I ain't had a cent left to me!" shouted the driver of the carryall. +"This is some of your jokes, an' I want you to stop it! Oh, dear, now +the school's opened ag'in I suppose there won't be no rest fer nobuddy!" +And he heaved a mountainous sigh. + +"Oh, Peleg! Don't be angry with me!" murmured Pepper, with a trace of +tears in his voice. "If you get angry I'll die!" + +"You behave yourself, Pepper Ditmore, or I won't drive you to the Hall." + +"Peleg, don't you want me to drive?" asked Andy, who was on the front +seat. "I'm a cracker-jack at driving." + +"Not much! Don't you tech them hosses!" shouted the general utility man +in alarm. "That off hoss is a new one an' he's mighty skittish, I can +tell you. This mornin' when I was hookin' him up he nigh kicked the leg +off o' me!" + +"Say, how are we going to get to the Hall?" came in ugly tones from Reff +Ritter. He, with six other boys, was standing beside the carryall. + +"Captain Putnam said he'd send down some carriages," answered Peleg +Snuggers. "There they come now," and he pointed to the turnouts. + +"Pshaw! I wanted to go in the carryall," grumbled Ritter. + +"So did I," added Gus Coulter. + +"Well, this is full, so you'll have to take the carriages," answered +Peleg Snuggers. "Everybody hold fast!" he shouted, as he took up the +reins. + +"We are off!" shouted Pepper, gaily. "Farewell to Cedarville and ho! for +Putnam Hall!" + +"Wish I had room, I'd turn a handspring for you," came from Andy, who +was quite an acrobat. + +"Now don't you cut up any monkey-shines," pleaded the driver of the +carryall. "That new hoss won't stand for 'em." + +"All right, Peleg, I'll keep as quiet as a lamb without a tail." + +"Why is a lamb without a tail quiet?" asked Fred Century, quickly. + +"Give it up, Fred. Why?" + +"Because he has no tale to tell." + +"Wow!" + +"What a joke!" + +"Throw him out!" + +"Give him some cotton to eat!" + +"Say, do keep quiet!" pleaded Peleg Snuggers, as the boys in the +carryall commenced to push Fred from one seat to another. "Want these +hosses to ran away with you?" + +"Better draw it mild," suggested Major Jack. "We don't want any accident +on the way to the Hall." He looked back at the crowd left on the dock. +"Has anybody seen Bert Field?" he asked. + +"Yes, I saw him last week," answered a student named Paul Singleton. +"He'll be here to-morrow." + +"How about Emerald?" asked Pepper. + +"Coming to-night," answered Andy. "He went to Ireland this summer, and +his brogue is worse than ever." + +"Never mind, Emerald is a good fellow," said Major Jack. "His heart is +as big as a barrel." + +"Say, but wasn't Reff Ritter mad!" came from Dale. + +"Oh, he makes me tired," answered Pepper. "After all that happened last +term wouldn't you think he'd behave himself better?" + +"It isn't in him to behave himself," answered Fred Century. "He is a +bully and always will be." + +"Well, he has got to keep his distance this term," said Major Jack, with +a firm look on his face. "I am not going to stand for what I have in the +past." + +"Nor I," added Pepper. "If he doesn't keep his distance he'll suffer for +it." + +The carryall was now leaving the little village of Cedarville. Soon it +came out on a country road that ran in the direction of Putnam Hall. + +It was an ideal day in early September, and the cadets returning to the +school were in high spirits. One started to sing and the others joined +in. + +"Hello, there goes the Pornell Academy stage!" cried Pepper, presently. + +"And there are some fellows we know!" returned Jack, as the turnout +belonging to a rival school came closer. "Roy Bock and Bat Sedley." + +"I'll bet they are sore over what happened last June," cried Pepper. + +"It was their own fault that they suffered," came from Andy. + +"Look out!" sang out Dale, and dodged down in the carryall. + +Spat! A half-decayed apple struck the side of the turnout. Spat! came +one through the open window. Then the skin of a banana followed, landing +in Jack's lap. + +"Stop that, Bock!" + +"Don't throw things in here, Sedley!" + +"Something to remember us by!" shouted Roy Bock, the bully of Pornell +Academy, and he threw another soft apple into the carryall. It landed on +Pepper's arm, leaving quite a mess there. + +"All right, if that's your game!" cried Pepper, and feeling in his +pocket he brought forth an orange he had purchased on the boat. Taking +careful aim, he let fly with all force. The orange landed fairly and +squarely on Roy Bock's nose. + +"Ouch!" roared Roy Bock, and clapped his hand to his nose, which began +to bleed. + +"Here's something for you, Sedley!" cried Andy, and sent a handful of +peanut shells into the Pornell student's face. + +"I'll fix you fellows!" roared Roy Bock in a rage, and catching up a +heavy book that was on the seat beside him he started to throw the +volume at Jack and Pepper. + +But the volume slipped and went sailing in the air in another direction, +catching poor Peleg Snuggers on the cheek. The driver of the carryall +was so startled that he let go the reins and fell from his seat into the +dust of the road. + +As the reins dropped at their heels, one of the horses--the new +one--threw up his head in sudden fright. Then he made a mad lunge +forward, dragging his mate with him. The carryall gave a lurch and a +bound that sent the occupants flying into each other's laps. + +"Stop the team!" was the cry. + +"The horses are running away!" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE CADETS OF PUTNAM HALL + + +It was true, the team was running away. One of the horses was a spirited +animal and he now had the bit in his teeth. The boys in the rear of the +turnout looked back, to see Peleg Snuggers still lying in the highway. +The stage belonging to Pornell Academy had turned down a side road. + +"Can't you stop them, Andy?" asked Jack Ruddy. + +"I don't see how," was the answer from the youth on the front seat. "I +can't get hold of the lines." + +"We must stop 'em somehow!" cried Fred Century. "Otherwise we'll have a +smash-up, sure!" + +"Whoa! whoa!" yelled half a dozen, but these cries only served to scare +the team more, and away they shot along the country road, sending the +carryall swaying from side to side. + +"Look! look!" yelled Andy, suddenly. "The regular road is shut off! They +are repairing it!" + +The boys gazed ahead and saw that some wooden horses and planking had +been placed across the highway. This side of the barrier some bars had +been taken from a fence, so that those using the road might drive +around, through an orchard belonging to a farmer named Darrison. + +"We are going to strike those planks!" cried Dale Blackmore. + +"Maybe the team will try to jump them!" came from Fred. + +"If they do, they'll smash the carryall sure!" answered Pepper. "Perhaps +we had better drop out at the rear." + +"Look out!" sang out somebody, and just then the carryall left the +highway and turned into the orchard. Then came a scraping, as the top of +the turnout hit the low-hanging branches of some apple trees. + +"Whoa! stop that wagon!" yelled a man's voice, and Amos Darrison +appeared from among the trees. He made a leap for the team, but they +swerved to one side. Then came a crash, as one of the wheels caught in a +stump. Over went the carryall, with the boys in it. Andy, quick to act, +used his acrobatic abilities by leaping into the branches of a nearby +tree. Then the farmer caught the team and stopped them. + +"Anybody hurt?" was Pepper's question, as he crawled out of the wreck. + +"I'm all right," answered Fred. + +"I got a twisted ankle, that's all," came from Dale, as he limped out. + +"Look at Jack!" cried several. "He's hurt!" + +All looked and saw the young major of the school battalion lying flat on +his back in the front of the carryall. He had a nasty cut on the temple +and his eyes were closed. + +"He is dead!" murmured Pepper, hoarsely. + +"Oh, don't say that!" said Andy, in sudden terror. He had just dropped +to the ground. + +"If he ain't dead he's putty badly hurted," said the farmer who owned +the orchard. + +Pepper caught his chum in his arms and brought him out and laid him on +the grass. + +"He is still breathing!" he cried. "Get some water and we'll bathe his +face. Maybe that will bring him around." + +"I'll get the water!" exclaimed Dale, and ran towards a well located at +the side of the orchard. + +To those who have read the other volumes in this "Putnam Hall Series," +the lads already mentioned will need no special introduction. For the +benefit of others, let me state that Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore were +close chums, living, when at home, in the western part of New York +State. Jack was slightly the older of the two and was of rather a +serious turn of mind. Pepper was full of fun, and on that account was +frequently called "The Imp." + +As related in my first volume, entitled "The Putnam Hall Cadets," the +lads left home to become cadets at a new institution of learning located +on Cayuga Lake. This new school was presided over by Captain Victor +Putnam, a retired army officer, who had modeled his institution somewhat +after the famous military academy at West Point. It was a large school, +ideally located on the shore of the lake, and had attached to it a +gymnasium, a boathouse, and several other buildings. On the lower floor +of the main building were the classrooms, the mess-hall, and the +offices, and upstairs were the dormitories. + +Arriving at the school, Jack and Pepper soon made a host of friends, +including the acrobatic Andy Snow; Dale Blackmore, who was a great +football player; Paul Singleton, who was usually called "Stuffer" +because of his constant desire to eat; Joseph Hogan, commonly addressed +as "Emerald" because of his Irish blood, and Joe Nelson, who was one of +the best scholars the school ever had. They also made some enemies, the +greatest of them being Reff Ritter, the big bully, and Gus Coulter and +Nick Paxton, his cronies. + +Not long after the students learned how to drill and to march they were +allowed to ballot for officers. A bitter contest was waged, which +resulted in Jack being chosen major of the Hall battalion. A bully named +Dan Baxter had wanted to be major, and he bribed Gus Coulter and some +others to vote for him, but without avail. It may be added here that +Baxter was now away on a vacation, but had written that he was going to +return to the school before long. + +During their first term at Putnam Hall the chums had several adventures, +not the least of which was one in the woods, where they rescued George +Strong, one of the teachers, from two of his relatives who were insane. + +Mr. Strong's ancestry dated back to the Revolution, and he told the +cadets about a family treasure buried in the vicinity of the lake. How +the boys went in search of the treasure, and how they had numerous other +adventures, was related in the second volume of this series, called "The +Putnam Hall Rivals." + +With the coming of the next summer, the thoughts of the students turned +to various sports, and in the third volume, "The Putnam Hall Champions," +I told how the chums entered several contests, both on land and on the +lake, and won out. At that time Fred Century was a pupil at Pornell +Academy, but Fred became so disgusted at the actions of Roy Bock, Bat +Sedley, and some others, that he quit the rival institution of learning +and came to Putnam Hall, where he was given a warm welcome. + +The encounters that Jack and his chums had with Reff Ritter and his +cronies were numerous, and more than once Ritter did his best to get the +young major into serious trouble. Once he drugged Jack with some French +headache powders, and when he was exposed Captain Putnam would have +expelled him had not Jack very generously asked that he be given another +chance. For this any ordinary youth would have been grateful, but +gratitude did not appear to be a part of Reff Ritter's make-up, and he +soon showed himself to be as mean as ever. + +For some time matters ran along smoothly at Putnam Hall, but then came +trouble of an entirely new kind. Once, during the absence of Captain +Putnam and George Strong, the school was left in charge of two other +teachers--Josiah Crabtree and Pluxton Cuddle. Crabtree was dictatorial +to a degree and Cuddle was a man of queer ideas, one being that boys ate +entirely too much. + +As told in the volume called "The Putnam Rebellion," the two teachers +sought to subdue the boys by starving them and locking them in their +dormitories. They rebelled, left the school by stealth, and marched +away, to camp in the woods. There the rebels split up, one party under +Major Jack and the other under Ritter. At last Captain Putnam put in an +appearance, and Major Jack explained matters. As a consequence, the +cadets went back to the Hall, and then Josiah Crabtree and Pluxton were +called on to explain. Crabtree was retained, after a stern lecture from +the master of the school, but Cuddle was discharged. + +It was Captain Putnam's custom to take his students out once or twice a +year to what was called an encampment--the lads marching to some spot +where they could pitch their tents and go in for a touch of real army +life, with target shooting, sham battles, and the like. In the next +volume of the series, called "The Putnam Hall Encampment," I told how +the cadets left the Hall and marched to a distant lake. Their camping +outfit was sent ahead by wagons, but the wagons got lost, and were +finally found in the possession of Roy Bock and some other students of +Pornell, they having made off with them while the drivers were in a +roadhouse obtaining refreshments. For this trick, Pepper and some of the +others got after the Pornellites and made them prisoners in a cave, from +which they could escape only by going out a back way, through some +water and mud, and thorny bushes. + +While they were playing a certain trick in Cedarville, Jack and Pepper +fell in with a youth named Bert Field. He was a queer lad, but did the +chums a good turn, and in return they promised to help him. He was +trying to locate a certain old man who was defrauding him out of some +property. The old man was discovered during a visit to a mysterious mill +said to be haunted, and by the chums' aid Bert Field got what was coming +to him. It was thought best to send Bert to school, and he said he +wanted to go to Putnam Hall. + +"We'll be glad to have him with us," said Jack, and so it was settled. + +Following the encampment had come the regular summer vacation, and the +cadets had scattered far and wide, Jack and Pepper going for a cruise +around the Great Lakes, and Andy and Dale going to Asbury Park and +Atlantic City. Reff Ritter had started for a summer in the Adirondacks, +but unexpected word from home, of which more will be said later, had +caused him to give up the outing. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +SOMETHING ABOUT A RUNAWAY + + +While Dale and Andy ran off to get the water, the other boys gathered +around Jack. The young major still lay with his eyes closed, breathing +faintly. + +"He got a bad crack on the head," remarked Fred Century. + +"He certainly did," whispered another cadet. "If he doesn't come around +what shall we do?" + +"How did the team happen to run away?" questioned Amos Darrison. + +"Some fellows from Pornell Academy threw things at us," explained +Pepper. "We'll have an account to settle with 'em for this," he added +grimly. + +"Wonder how poor Snuggers made out?" + +"Here he comes now," was the answer, and looking back toward the +highway, the cadets saw the driver of the carryall approaching on a +swift limp. + +"Did ye stop 'em?" he gasped. "Oh, dear, what a bust-up! But it wasn't +my fault--you boys can prove that, can't ye?" + +"We can, Peleg," answered Pepper. "Much hurt?" + +"I got a nasty twist to my back when I tumbled. Say, what's the matter +with Major Ruddy?" And the general utility man forgot his own pains as +he gazed at the motionless form of Jack. + +The cadets told him, and in the midst of the explanation Dale and Andy +came back with a bucket of water and a tin dipper. The major's face was +bathed, and a little water was put into his mouth, and with a gulp he +opened his eyes and stared around him. + +"Oh, my head!" he murmured. "Who hit me?" + +"You were in the carryall smash-up, Jack," answered Pepper. "You got a +bad one on the head." + +"Oh, yes, I remember now." Jack sat up and placed his hand to his +forehead. "Bloody, eh? Say, that was a crack, all right!" + +"It's lucky you weren't killed," said Andy. + +"Better take it easy for a while," advised Dale. "Maybe we had better +get a doctor." + +"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after a bit, Dale," answered the young +major, who had a horror of being placed on the sick list. "The knocking +around stunned me, that's all." + +"Let me tie a handkerchief over that cut," said Pepper. + +"Here, I've got some court-plaster," said Fred, producing a little +package. "Let us bind it up with that." + +This was done, and after he had had a drink of water, Jack said he felt +much better. But when he got up on his feet he was rather shaky in the +knees. + +"I--I don't think I can walk to the Hall," he said, with a faint smile. + +"We'll get a carriage," answered Pepper. "Maybe Mr. Darrison will let us +have one. We'll pay for it, of course," he went on, knowing that the old +farmer was a close person. + +"I'll let you have my three-seated carriage and a team, if you want +them," answered Amos Darrison. "But it will cost you two dollars. I +can't afford to let you have 'em for nothing, because I'm a poor man, +and taxes are heavy, and so many things wanted on the farm, and my wife +wants----" + +"Never mind, we'll pay the two dollars," interrupted Pepper. "Everybody +who rides can chip in," he added to the surrounding cadets. + +While the lads were waiting for the farmer to hook up his horses, some +of them and Peleg Snuggers examined the carryall. A wheel had come off, +and the glass had been broken, but otherwise the turnout had suffered +but little. + +"I am glad it is no worse," said Andy. "I'd hate to see that old +carryall put out of business. I've had so many nice rides in it." + +"The axle will have to be mended before we can use it again," announced +Peleg Snuggers. "We'll have to leave it here until the wheelwright can +come fer it. I'll take the hosses back to the school." + +"Look out that they don't run away with you," warned Pepper. + +"Let me ride one of them!" cried the acrobatic Andy. "Give me the new +one. I'll wager he won't get away from me." + +"You'll break your neck!" answered the carryall driver. + +"Not at all. Peleg, let me do it. I'm used to horses!" pleaded Andy. + +Now, if the truth must be told, Peleg Snuggers did not relish taking the +runaway team back to the school alone. He was a little afraid of the new +horse, remembering how he had been kicked in the morning. + +"Well, if you want to go, I'll let ye!" he said at last. "But, remember, +'tain't my fault if ye come back killed." + +"Don't you worry; no horse will ever get the best of me," answered +Andy. + +A little later Amos Darrison brought out his three-seated carriage and +all of the cadets but Andy got in. The baggage was left behind, the +farmer promising to deliver it by wagon. + +"See you later," cried Pepper to Andy. "Be careful!" + +"Don't worry; we'll get there before you do," answered Andy. + +Two blankets were arranged as saddles on the runaway team's backs and a +few minutes later Andy and Peleg Snuggers started after the carriage. + +"Let us catch up to them," cried the acrobatic youth, and urged his +steed forward on a gallop. + +"Be careful, I tell you!" cried the general utility man. "Be careful! +He'll run away with you!" + +But Andy was too light-hearted to pay heed to the warning, and soon he +was well in advance of his companion. Then he sighted the carriage in +the distance, and urged his horse to greater efforts. + +"Whoop-la! Here we come!" he yelled, and set up a great shouting. + +"It's Andy!" cried Pepper. "My, but he is riding some!" + +"He always was a good one on horseback," said Fred. + +"He wants to be careful; that horse is an ugly one," came from Jack. "I +heard a man at the dock say he wouldn't own the beast at any price." + +Soon Andy ranged up beside the carriage. + +"You're too slow for me!" he sang out merrily. "I'll have to go ahead +and tell Captain Putnam you are coming." + +He slapped the horse on the neck. Hardly had he done so when up came the +animal's hind hoofs, almost unseating him. Then the horse made a mad +leap forward and started down the highway at top speed. + +"My, see him go!" + +"He is running away!" + +"Andy, look out for yourself!" + +"If he throws you he'll kill you!" + +So the cries rang out from the carriage as horse and rider sped over the +highway leading to Putnam Hall. + +Andy paid no attention to what was said. Of a sudden he had his hands +full trying to keep on the horse's back. The steed was galloping along +with a peculiar motion. + +"Whoa! whoa, Jim!" yelled Andy, but Jim paid no attention. He was off +for a run and did not care what happened. + +The blanket had not been securely fastened and before long it commenced +to slip towards the horse's tail. Andy tried to haul it back. His +efforts were but partly successful, and with an end of the blanket +trailing around one of his hind legs, the steed became more unmanageable +than ever. + +On and on went horse and rider, until, in the distance, Putnam Hall +loomed up. On one side of the highway were the woods lining the lake +shore; on the other the broad campus leading to the school and other +buildings. + +"He'll slow up now," thought Andy. "Unless he bolts right into his +stable. If he tries that I'll have to jump for it." + +In front of the school building the roadway widened out into several +curves. Andy thought Jim would take to one of the curves, but he was +mistaken. On kept the steed, directly past the institution of learning. + +On the campus were a score or more of cadets, who stared in amazement at +the sight of the runaway horse with the boy clinging desperately to his +back. + +"It's Andy Snow!" cried Henry Lee, the captain of Company A. + +"So it is," responded Bob Grenwood, the quartermaster of the school +battalion. "How in the world did he get on that horse?" + +"It's the one that was hitched to the carryall," put in Billy Sabine, +another cadet. "Something is wrong." + +"Let's tell Captain Putnam," said another. + +"Whoa! whoa!" yelled Andy, frantically, when he realized that the horse +was not going to pass into the grounds. "Whoa, I say! You've gone far +enough!" + +The only effect his words had was to make Jim travel a little faster. +Away they went, past the gymnasium and the stables and then along the +country road leading to the farms back of the lake. + +"Well, if you won't stop, go on," said Andy, presently. "You'll get +tired sooner or later, old man. But, remember, you've got to bring me +back, no matter how tired you are." + +A good half-mile was covered, and then horse and rider reached a sharp +turn in the highway. Here the trees were thick and some of the branches +hung low. + +[Illustration: THE YOUNG MAJOR STILL LAY WITH HIS EYES CLOSED + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 19)] + +Andy bent down that he might avoid the branches. But he did not get +quite low enough. He looked ahead, saw a man standing on one side of the +roadway staring in astonishment at him, and the next instant he found +himself caught by the throat in a tree-limb and carried off the horse. +Then Jim bounded on riderless, and poor Andy, kicking and thrashing +wildly, sprang free of the tree-limb and landed on his shoulder in +the roadway. + +The man who had seen him coming leaped to one side, and just in the nick +of time, for the runaway horse passed within a foot of him. The man +gasped in astonishment, and for several seconds did not know apparently +what to do. + +"Looks like he was killed," the man muttered to himself, as he took a +few steps forward. Andy had rolled over on his back and lay stretched +out, with his eyes closed, very much as poor Jack had been stretched out +only a short while before. + +The man looked up and down the roadway and saw that nobody else was in +sight, that part of the highway being but little traveled. Then he came +closer to the unconscious boy and bent over him. + +"Only stunned, I reckon!" he muttered to himself. "Wonder if he belongs +around here?" + +As the man bent over Andy he saw the lad's watch dangling from its +chain, fastened to a buttonhole of the youth's vest. Then his +ferret-like eyes caught sight of a fine ruby pin in Andy's necktie. + +"He could easily lose that watch on the road, riding like that, and the +pin, too," he muttered to himself. "It's a fine chance to make a little +haul!" + +He straightened up and took another look around. Not a soul was in +sight. With dexterous fingers he unfastened the watch and chain and +transferred them to his pocket. The stickpin followed. Then he slipped +his hand into a vest-pocket and brought out a five-dollar bill and three +one-dollar bills. + +"Eight dollars!" he muttered. "Not so bad but what it might be worse. I +reckon the watch, chain and pin will bring me another twenty or thirty. +Sparrow, you are in luck to-day." + +He lingered, wondering if Andy had anything more of value about him. The +youth wore a ring with a cameo in it, but it looked tight and hard to +get off. + +"Might try his other pockets," mused the thief. Then a distant shouting +came to his ears. + +"Somebody is after him," he muttered. "I reckon it's time I cleared out. +It won't do for me to be seen in this neighborhood." + +He looked around for an instant. Then he walked to the roadside, ran in +among the trees and bushes, and disappeared from view. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A FRUITLESS SEARCH + + +"Hello, Pepper!" + +"How are you, Fred?" + +"My, here's the old bunch back again!" + +"Well, Henry, did you have a good time during the summer?" + +"How about that trip out West, Bob? Did you kill any bears or Indians?" + +"Getting high-toned, hiring a carriage to bring you." + +So the cries rang out, as the three-seated carriage driven by Amos +Darrison rolled up to the front of Putnam Hall. A crowd of cadets had +rushed forward to greet the newcomers. + +"Where is Andy Snow?" asked Pepper, as he leaped to the ground. + +"He went past on horseback like a streak!" cried Bob Grenwood. "Some of +the fellows just went off to tell Captain Putnam about it. What did it +mean?" + +"Tell you later, Bob. Just now somebody had better go after Andy. That +horse was running away with him." + +A hubbub arose, in the midst of which Captain Putnam, the owner of the +school, appeared. He was a fine-looking gentleman, with a face that was +at once kindly and firm. + +"What is this I hear about Andrew Snow?" he said anxiously. "A horse ran +away with him?" + +In as few words as possible Pepper and some of the others related the +particulars of what had happened to the carryall. Just as they were +finishing, Peleg Snuggers came up on the other horse. + +"This is very unfortunate!" murmured Captain Putnam. "We'll have to +follow poor Snow at once. Mr. Darrison, will you drive me?" + +"Why--er--yes, but it will take time, Captain Putnam, an' my wife wants +me to----" + +"I'll pay you for your time, sir," interrupted the owner of the school +quickly. + +"Yes, sir? all right, sir. Jump in an' we'll go right after the +runaway." + +"Can I go along?" asked Pepper. + +"I'd like to go, too," came from Stuffer Singleton. + +"So would I," added Bob Grenwood. + +"Very well, you three cadets can go along," replied the captain. "It is +possible you may be needed--if poor Snow has been hurt." He turned to +Jack. "How do you feel, Major Ruddy?" + +"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after I have rested up," answered Jack, +with a faint smile. + +"You have a cut on the forehead." + +"Yes, sir, but it doesn't hurt like it did." + +"Better bathe it with warm water and put something on it," said Captain +Putnam, and then leaped into the carriage, and Pepper, Stuffer and Bob +followed. + +"Hope they find Andy all right," said Joe Nelson, as the turnout moved +off in the direction the runaway had taken. + +"Yes, it would be too bad if Andy was seriously injured," answered the +young major. "Come on, I'm going in and wash up and put some witch hazel +on my forehead." + +"Glad to see you, young gentlemen," said a pleasant voice, when the +newcomers entered the school building, and George Strong, the second +assistant teacher, stepped forward to shake each by the hand. "I hope +you all had a nice time this summer." And then he asked about the +broken-down carryall and looked at Jack's wound. + +Although he did not say so to his chums, Jack was glad enough to get +upstairs to his dormitory and rest. The room was a large one and was +occupied not only by the young major but also by Pepper, Andy and +several others. While some of the boys busied themselves in arranging +their things, Jack rested in an easy chair near the window. + +"Quite a few new fellows here this term," said Fred, who was present. "I +understand that all of the new dormitories that were built in the wing +this summer will be filled up." + +"That shows the school is growing popular," answered the young major. + +"Jack, aren't you afraid somebody will try to get your position away +from you?" went on Fred. + +"What do you mean, Fred? Try to be elected major?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, some of the fellows deserve the position. Bart Connors, the +captain of Company B, would make a fine major, and so would Henry Lee, +the captain of Company A. And Sergeant Dave Kearney is a good fellow who +deserves promotion." + +"Then you don't care so much for the position?" + +"Oh, yes, I do care. But I realize that it isn't fair to be major all +the time. I'm willing to step down and give the other fellows a show." + +"But not a fellow like Reff Ritter, or that Dan Baxter you told me +about." + +"No, I couldn't stand for those chaps." + +"Reff is as sore as he can be over what happened last term." + +"I know it." + +"Dale says he knows something about Reff." + +"I do," came from Dale Blackmore, who had entered a moment before. "Do +you know, in one way I am sorry for Ritter," he added. + +"What is it you know?" asked Fred. + +"I don't suppose I ought to speak about it, but it is bound to get out +sooner or later. It seems Mr. Ritter, Reff's father, was a rich stock +broker and promoter of various mining companies. Well, this summer he +got himself tangled up in some mining companies that were trying to make +money too fast. As a consequence he lost the most of his wealth, and +some folks who had bought mining stock from him came close to having him +arrested for fraud. It was that state of affairs that made Reff give up +his trip to the Adirondacks and go home. I got it from some close +friends that the Ritters were almost cleaned out, and that Mr. Ritter +wanted Reff to give up school and go to work. But Mrs. Ritter was too +proud and insisted that Reff be returned to Putnam Hall. So he is back." + +"Well, that certainly is hard luck," returned Fred. "I wonder if Coulter +and Paxton will stick to him, now he is poor? My notion of it was, +Coulter stuck to him mainly for what he could get out of it, he not +having much spending money of his own." + +"Well, I shan't throw it up to Reff that he is poor," said Jack, +quickly. "All he has got to do is to behave himself and I'll treat him +as well as anybody." And then the young major left the dormitory, to +bathe his head in the bathroom, and wash up generally. + +In the meantime those in the carriage had driven along the country road +until they came upon the unconscious form of Andy. All leaped out and +gathered around while Captain Putnam made an examination. + +"He has had a bad fall," said the master of the school. "But I doubt if +any bones are broken." + +They raised the sufferer up, and presently Andy stirred and opened his +eyes. + +"Whoa!" he murmured. "Whoa!" + +"He must think he is still on horseback!" cried Pepper, and but for +Andy's pale face he would have laughed outright. + +"Snow, are you hurt much?" asked Captain Putnam, kindly. "The horse is +gone. You are safe." + +"Oh!" gasped poor Andy, and then he stared around in bewilderment. "I--I +was hung up in the--the tree, wasn't I?" + +"If you were, you must have dropped down," answered Bob Grenwood. + +"Yes. I remember now. I got caught by the throat and then I dropped--and +that's all I know. Where is the horse?" + +"Went on, I guess," answered Stuffer Singleton. "He was streaking it like +an Indian when you passed the Hall." + +"Shall we help you to get up?" asked Captain Putnam. + +"I--I suppose so," faltered Andy. "Oh, dear, but I'm weak!" he added, as +he tried to rise. + +"Let us carry him to the carriage," suggested Pepper, and this was done, +and he was made as comfortable on the cushions as possible. + +"I wonder did anybody catch the horse?" asked the acrobatic youth, as +the turnout was on its way to Putnam Hall. + +"I don't know. I'll find out after you have been taken care of," +answered Captain Putnam. "You cadets are certainly arriving this term in +an unusual manner," he added grimly. + +"You can lay the whole trouble at the door of some Pornell students," +returned Pepper. "They pelted us with soft apples and other things and +that started the team to running away. If it hadn't been for them we +would have come to the school in the carryall all safe and sound." + +"I shall investigate," answered Captain Putnam, briefly. + +"Hello!" cried Pepper, a moment later. He was gazing at Andy's clothing. +"Weren't you wearing a watch and a stickpin?" + +"Of course," replied the sufferer. He put up his hands and felt around. +"Both gone, I declare!" + +"Did they jounce off when you were riding?" asked Stuffer. + +"They must have! Oh, this is the worst yet!" + +"Did you lose anything else?" questioned the young quartermaster. + +"I don't know." Andy felt in his pockets. "Yes, my money is gone--eight +dollars in bills!" + +"Where did you have the bills?" asked Captain Putnam. + +"In this vest-pocket. It must have jounced out during the hard riding. +Oh, what luck! Captain, I'll have to go back and look for my property." + +"You are in no condition, Snow, to do that." + +"I'll go back," said Pepper. "Stuffer and Bob, will you go along?" + +"Sure thing!" cried Stuffer. + +"And if we can't find your things where you fell we'll look along the +road all the way back to the Hall," added the young quartermaster. + +"Thank you," answered Andy, and then, feeling a curious fainting spell +coming over him, he laid back on the cushions and closed his eyes. + +The three cadets sprang from the carriage and made their way back to the +spot where Andy had been found. They made a thorough search, but, of +course, failed to find any of the acrobatic youth's belongings. + +"He must have lost them farther back," said Pepper. "Let us look with +care as we walk along." + +This they did, but arrived at the school without finding anything but a +coat-button and a yellow lead pencil. Then they walked past the school +in the direction of Cedarville. + +"Might as well give it up," said Bob. "It's getting too dark to see very +good, anyway." + +"Yes, and I'm getting dead hungry," added Stuffer. + +"Was there ever a time when you weren't hungry?" asked Pepper, with a +grin. + +"Aw, now, quit it," cried the lad who had a reputation as an eater. +"Don't start so early in the term." + +"I must confess I'm a bit hungry myself," said the young quartermaster. +"I had an early dinner." + +When they got back to the school they learned that Andy had been put to +bed and that a doctor had been summoned. The acrobatic youth had been +much shaken up and it was thought best to make him keep quiet for a few +days. + +"Better not say anything about his loss for the present," advised +Captain Putnam. "I will have a man sent out to make another search." + +The accidents to Andy and to Major Jack put something of a damper on the +arrival for the term, and a jollification that had been scheduled for +that night was indefinitely postponed. Captain Putnam questioned the +cadets concerning the actions of Roy Bock and his cronies, and then sent +a stiff letter to the head of Pornell Academy. + +When Reff Ritter heard about the accidents he shrugged his shoulders and +tossed his head. + +"That's what they get for crowding us out of the carryall," he said to +Coulter and Paxton, who roomed with him. + +"Yes, and it serves 'em right," grumbled Coulter. + +"That's what!" chimed in Paxton. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE FIGHT IN THE GYMNASIUM + + +It was not until two days later that Andy Snow felt like himself again. +No bones had been broken, but the acrobatic youth had received a shaking +up that was severe. + +So far he had not been told of his loss, and when he asked for his +belongings he was much depressed by the news. + +"Couldn't find them anywhere?" he repeated, to Pepper. "Oh, are you sure +you made a good search?" + +"We certainly did, Andy," returned Pepper. "We went back the next day, +early in the morning." + +"And you didn't find a thing?" + +"Only this button and lead pencil, and this buckle." + +"The pencil is mine, but not the button and the buckle." Andy heaved a +sigh. "Then I am out my watch and chain, the stickpin, and eight +dollars! Was there ever such luck!" + +"Andy, was anybody near you when you had the tumble?" asked Pepper. + +"Near me? Why, yes, there was a man on the road just ahead of me! I had +forgotten all about it until now." + +"Who was he?" + +"I don't know. A tall fellow, with a thin, leathery face." + +"A farmer?" + +"No, he looked more like a city man. He had on a regular sack suit and a +derby hat." + +"I was thinking that possibly somebody robbed you while you were +unconscious." + +"Perhaps that is so, Pep. I'd like to see that man." + +"You never saw him before?" + +"Not that I can remember." + +"Would you know him if you saw him again? + +"I don't know about that. I didn't have much time to look at him. I was +busy trying to escape being hit by the tree branches." + +"You must have been lying on the road five or ten minutes before we +found you," pursued Pepper. "If that stranger was a rascal he would have +had plenty of time to go through your pockets. I don't see how riding +could make you lose all those things at once." + +"If he robbed me, I'd like to get hold of him," cried Andy. + +"More than likely, if he did rob you, he'll take good care to keep out +of your reach." + +"What of the horse? Did they catch him?" + +"Not yet. Most likely he left the road after he got tired of running and +wandered into the woods. He was a valuable animal and Captain Putnam is +worried about him." + +"Will he hold me for that loss?" + +"I don't think so--you didn't run away with him--he ran away with you." + +The report of the loss of Andy's valuables was thoroughly circulated +around Putnam Hall and Cedarville, and a reward of ten dollars for the +return of the things was posted. + +The next day a farmer named John Lane, who lived not far from the +school, appeared there, riding on the back of the runaway Jim. The horse +looked much subdued and was covered with burrs. + +"I was out in the woods with my son Bill, when we ran across the horse," +explained John Lane. "I knew him right away as the animal that had +belonged to Jerry Toller. I asked Jerry about it and he said he had +sold the horse to you, so I brought him here." + +"You are very kind, Mr. Lane," replied Captain Putnam. "I'd like to pay +you for your trouble." + +"Oh, that's all right, Captain Putnam," responded the farmer. "Glad to +do you a good turn." + +"Thank you very much. Any time I can do you a good turn, let me know." + +"Well, you might buy some of my extra hay, and extra potatoes. I've got +some prime hay, and the best potatoes ever grown in these parts, and +I'll sell 'em at regular market prices." + +"Then I'll take all I can use, Mr. Lane," answered the captain, and a +little later a bargain was struck, not alone for the hay and potatoes, +but also for some turnips, cabbages, and table celery. + +"What that horse needs is exercise," said John Lane, on departing. "Give +him a few miles every day and he'll be as mild as any of 'em. He's too +full-blooded to remain standing in the stable." + +"I'll see to it that he gets the exercise," answered Captain Putnam. + +On the day that the horse was returned Jack, Pepper and Fred walked down +to the boathouse, to look over the boats. As my old readers know, Jack +owned a sloop called the _Alice_, while Fred possessed a similar craft +named the _Ajax_. Besides these sloops, there were numerous boats +belonging to the Hall. + +"Well, our sloops look natural," said the young major. + +"I was wishing this summer I could go out in the _Ajax_," answered Fred. +"What do you say if we take a little sail now?" + +"In which boat, Fred?" asked Pepper. "We can't go out in both." + +"Make it the _Alice_!" cried Jack. + +"No, the _Ajax_!" came from Fred. + +"I'll toss up for it," went on Pepper and produced a cent. "Head you +win, tail you lose." And up into the air spun the coin. + +"Head!" cried Fred. + +"Head it is, and we go out in the _Ajax_." + +"All right, but you'll have to go out in the _Alice_ next time," cried +the young major. + +"By the way, did you hear about Tom Rollinson?" asked Pepper, as he +walked into the boathouse to inspect his locker there. + +"What of him?" asked Fred. + +"The family were burnt out this summer and lost everything." + +"Lost everything?" queried Jack. "That's tough luck. I shouldn't want to +lose all I had." + +"Well, it will happen sometimes," said Fred. + +"Well, some lose by fire and some lose in other ways," went on the young +major. "You have heard about Ritter. His father----" + +"You shut your mouth about my father!" roared a voice from behind a +dressing-room door. "My father is just as honest as anybody, and I won't +have you or anybody else running him down!" And then Reff Ritter +appeared, minus his coat, vest and collar, and his face distorted with +rage. + +"I didn't say your father was dishonest, Reff," returned Jack, as calmly +as he could. "I was simply going to state----" + +"Oh, you needn't try to smooth it over, Jack Ruddy," fumed the bully. +"Don't imagine that I don't know all about the mean stories you and +others are circulating about my family. You'd like to make out that my +father is the worst swindler that ever lived, and I won't stand for it." + +"Reff, that isn't true," interrupted Pepper. "Jack hasn't said a word +against your father." + +"Oh, you can't bluff me, Pep Ditmore. I know better." + +"What Pepper says is true--I haven't said a word, Reff, truly I haven't. +I heard that you had lost some of your money, and I said I was sorry to +hear it--and I am sorry. I know how I'd feel if my father lost money. +You----" + +"Don't smooth it over, I tell you!" roared the bully. "I know you! You +and your cronies have been down on me ever since I came to this school, +and now you think you can crow over me, and maybe get me to leave Putnam +Hall. But I am not going to leave, and if you dare to open your mouth +against me I'll punch your head." + +"You'll not punch my head, Reff!" answered Jack, and now his tones grew +stern. "If you don't want to believe me, you needn't. But I'll not let +you threaten me." + +"Humph! You can't boss me, even if you are major of the battalion." + +"I don't want to 'boss' anybody. You behave yourself and leave me alone, +and I'll leave you alone." + +The loud talking had attracted the attention of a number of cadets, and +they commenced to crowd around Jack and Ritter. Among the number were +Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton. + +"Why don't you fight him, Reff?" suggested Coulter. + +"That's the talk," added Paxton. "Show him that he can't talk about you +and your father as he pleases." + +"He won't fight; he is afraid," answered Reff Ritter, with a sneer in +his tones. + +"I am not afraid, Ritter, and you know it," answered Jack, trying to +keep his temper. "But you know the rules, and I, as major of the cadets, +am bound to uphold them." + +"Hit him one!" whispered Coulter, in his crony's ear. "I'll stand by +you." + +"So will I," added Paxton. + +"Well, if you won't fight, take that for your impudence!" cried Reff +Ritter, and with a quick step forward, he slapped Jack on the cheek. + +The blow was but a light one, yet it seemed to sink deep into Jack's +very heart, and on the instant all thoughts of prudence and rules were +cast aside. His face went white and his eyes flashed fire. Reff Ritter +stepped back to guard himself, but before he could do so, Jack's arm +shot out and a heavy blow landed on the bully's chin, sending him +staggering into Coulter's arms. + +"That's the way to do it, Jack!" came from Pepper. + +"He started it, now give him what he deserves!" added Fred. + +"That's for the slap in the face, Reff Ritter!" said Jack, in cold +tones. "Now mind and keep your distance." + +"Wait--I'm not done yet!" yelled the bully, and doubling up his fists he +hurled himself on the young major. + +Several body blows were struck and then the two clinched. As Ritter was +partly stripped for battle, while Jack had on his stiff uniform, the +bully had a little the better of it from the beginning. Around and +around the gymnasium floor they struggled. + +"Break away!" cried several cadets. "Break away!" + +"I'll break if he will," answered Jack. + +"All right," answered Ritter, and the hold of each youth was loosened. +But as they broke the bully tried to land his fist on Jack's ear. + +"Hi, that isn't fair, Ritter!" cried Fred. + +"You keep out of this, Century!" was Coulter's warning. + +"I'll not keep out, Coulter. Make Ritter fight fair." + +Again the two cadets faced each other. Now Ritter was on his guard, and +cleverly ducked a blow aimed at his face. Then he hit Jack on the chest +and in the shoulder. + +"That's the talk," came gleefully from Paxton. "Pummel him well while +you are at it." + +Again Jack struck out, and this time landed on the bully's arm. But then +Ritter swung a heavy left-hander that took the young major in the ear +and sent him staggering against Pepper. + +"Follow him up! Follow him up!" screamed Coulter. "You've got him +going, Reff! Finish him!" + +Thus encouraged, Ritter leaped in and another blow landed on Jack's ear. +He was a bit dazed, but shut his teeth hard and ducked under Ritter's +arm. Then both sparred for an opening, circling around the gymnasium +floor once more, the crowd of cadets around them growing larger and +larger. + +"It's a great fight, all right!" + +"Say, I hope none of the teachers come to cut it short." + +"They are about evenly matched aren't they?" + +"I don't know; we'll soon find out." + +So the talk ran on, but to it neither Jack nor Ritter paid attention. +The bully was in a fierce rage, while Jack tried his best to keep cool. +Suddenly Ritter leaped forward and two quick blows were delivered. + +Jack knocked one blow aside and dodged the second. Then he let drive, +right and left, as quick as lightning and with all his strength. One +blow took the bully in the nose and the second in the mouth. Over he +went against one of the wooden horses. Then his eyes suddenly closed, +and in a limp mass he slid to the floor. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +CAPTAIN PUTNAM INVESTIGATES + + +"Reff Ritter has been knocked out!" + +"My, what blows they were!" + +"Well, he brought it on himself," said Pepper. + +"That's what," added Fred. "He struck Jack after Jack told him he didn't +believe in fighting." + +"He couldn't save himself because he was too close to the wooden horse," +came from Coulter, who felt bound to stick up for his crony. "It wasn't +fair to run him up against the horse." + +"Coulter, a poor excuse is worse than none," answered Dale. + +"Ritter was knocked out fair and square," came from Bart Connors. + +While the talking was going on, Paxton had rushed off for water. Now he +returned with a pailful and a sponge, and commenced to bathe the fallen +one's face. Ritter soon opened his eyes and gave a groan. + +"Le--let me al--alone," he muttered. + +"Get up, Reff," said Paxton. "Go for him again." + +"I--I can't," mumbled the bully, and now it was seen that two of his +front teeth were loose. He stared around in a helpless fashion. Paxton +put some more water on his face. + +"Has he had enough?" demanded Jack, stepping up. + +"You go away," answered Coulter, surlily. + +"You wouldn't hit him when he's down, would you?" snapped Paxton. + +"I asked you if he had enough. If he has, I'm going for a sail." + +"I'll--I'll finish this some other time," mumbled Ritter, as he glared +at the young major. + +"No, Ritter, you'll finish it now if you finish it at all," answered +Jack, coldly. "You started this fight, and now you must take the +consequences. Get up, if you want to go at it again." + +"I don't want to fight--now." + +"Then you acknowledge yourself beaten?" + +"No, I don't." + +"Then get up. I don't want to wait here all afternoon for you." + +"He has all he wants," said Pepper. "He won't get up." + +"It's your fight, Ruddy," cried Joe Nelson. + +"So it is," put in half a dozen cadets. + +"Ritter is beaten and he knows it," added Harry Blossom, the first +lieutenant of Company A. + +"I--er--I won't fight any more now," mumbled the bully. He got up slowly +and then, staggering to a bench, sank down heavily upon it. Evidently +his punishment at Jack's hands had been heavy. + +"Boys! Boys! what is the meaning of this?" + +It was a loud and harsh voice from the doorway of the gymnasium that +startled all of the assembled cadets. The next instant Josiah Crabtree, +the head teacher, strode in. + +"Skip, Jack, here is old Crabtree!" + +"Run for it, Reff!" + +"I demand to know what is going on here?" went on Josiah Crabtree, in +his high-pitched voice. "Who is fighting?" + +There was no reply. The assembled cadets looked at each other. No one +felt like saying a word. + +"Ritter, have you been fighting?" went on the head teacher, noticing the +bully's condition. + +"I was--er--that is, Ruddy attacked me, and I--er--I defended myself," +stammered the defeated one. + +"Ruddy? Do you mean Major Ruddy?" questioned Josiah Crabtree, in +astonishment. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Mr. Crabtree, what Ritter says is untrue!" burst out Jack. "He hit me +first." + +"But you have been fighting? You, the major of the school battalion! +Disgraceful!" + +"Wouldn't you fight if somebody slapped you in the face?" demanded Jack, +hotly. + +"You know the rules, Ruddy--and as major you ought to be the first to +obey them." + +"I am willing to do that, sir. But I won't allow anybody to slap me in +the face." + +"I didn't slap him," put in Ritter. + +"Yes, you did," came from Pepper. + +"It is true--I saw it," added Fred. + +"So did I," added a cadet named Brown. + +"If you were struck, Major Ruddy, it was your duty to report the +occurrence at the office," said Josiah Crabtree, loftily. "Such actions +as these will most likely cost you your command." + +"Oh, what a shame!" burst out Pepper. + +"Ditmore, I want no words from you!" roared the head teacher, savagely. + +"But it wouldn't be fair to make Jack suffer for something like that," +went on Pepper, bound to stick up for his chum. + +"Ha! you dare to talk back to me, Ditmore! Go to your room at once, and +stay there until to-morrow morning." + +"But, Mr. Crabtree----" + +"Not another word. Go to your room. And you, Ruddy and Ritter, report to +me and to Captain Putnam at the private office at once." + +There was no help for it, and with an angry look on his face, Pepper +left the gymnasium and walked over to the school building. + +"I'll report as soon as I have washed up, Mr. Crabtree," said Ritter, +sullenly. + +"So will I," added Jack. + +"I'll give you both ten minutes, no more!" snapped the teacher, and then +he strode from the gymnasium as swiftly as he had entered it. + +As soon as Josiah Crabtree had departed a lively discussion commenced +between the followers of the young major and of Reff Ritter. Only a few +had seen the start of the quarrel and knew that it had been provoked +entirely by the bully. + +"I'm afraid I am in for it," said Jack, dismally, to Fred. "Ritter will +do his best to make out that it was all my fault." + +"Well, I can testify that Ritter hit you first, and Pepper and Brown can +do so, too," answered Fred. + +"Reff will get Coulter and Paxton to back him up." + +"But they weren't on hand when the quarrel started." + +"That is true--but they'll stick up for Reff, see if they don't." + +"I sincerely trust that Captain Putnam doesn't take away your majorship, +Jack." + +"If he does that, I'll--well, never mind what I'll do." + +"If he did it to me, I'd feel like leaving." + +"I was going to say that. But I'll not do anything hastily," answered +the young major, and heaved a deep sigh. + +"Want me to go along?" + +"No, since Crabtree didn't ask any one. But I wish you'd hang around, so +I can call on you." + +"I'll go to the library." + +"All right--and take Brown, if he'll go." + +Jack washed up and brushed his uniform, and then made his way to Captain +Putnam's private office. He found that Reff Ritter had hurried and +gotten ahead of him, and was telling his story, both to the head of the +school and to the first assistant teacher. Ritter's mouth, nose and one +eye were swollen, and he looked anything but happy. + +"You may remain in the hallway until I call you, Major Ruddy," said +Captain Putnam, when Jack appeared, and the young major had to go +outside, closing the door after him. + +The telling of Reff Ritter's story took some time, and he was asked +several questions by Captain Putnam and Josiah Crabtree. He said that he +had just been getting ready to take some gymnastic exercise when Jack +and some of his chums had come in and begun to talk about his father, +saying that they had heard he was dishonest. + +"Ruddy said he knew my father was dishonest," went on Reff Ritter. "That +made me mad and I ran out of the dressing-room and told him he ought to +be ashamed of himself, that my father was as honest as anybody. Then he +got on his high-horse and told me to shut up or he would knock me down. +I told him it was a shame for him to speak so of my father. Then he got +mad and all of a sudden he jumped at me and hit me in the mouth and the +eye and then in the nose. Then I went for him, and we had it hot and +heavy, until we bumped into one of the wooden horses and I went down. He +tried to hit me after I was down, but Coulter and Paxton hauled him +back. Then Mr. Crabtree came in." + +"A most disgraceful proceeding!" cried Josiah Crabtree. "And evidently +Major Ruddy's fault entirely." + +"You are quite sure Ruddy started the quarrel?" questioned Captain +Putnam, gravely. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And he told the other cadets that your father was dishonest?" + +"Yes, sir. That is what made me so mad. But I didn't hit him until he +attacked me," added Ritter, hastily. + +"Who was present at the time?" + +"Pepper Ditmore and Fred Century were with Ruddy, and Gus Coulter and +Nick Paxton were With me." + +"Anybody else?" + +"I didn't see anybody." + +"You got the worst of the fight." + +"Yes, sir. You see, he took me unawares. I guess I could whip him if we +were to meet on equal terms," added Ritter. + +"You may retire to the next room, Ritter, while I question Major Ruddy." + +"Don't you believe me?" cried the bully, in alarm. + +"One side of a story is only one side," answered Captain Putnam, +non-committally. + +"I believe Ritter tells the truth," put in Josiah Crabtree. "When I +appeared Ruddy was very insolent and so was Ditmore. I sent Ditmore to +his room as a punishment." + +"You may call Ruddy in," answered the head of the school, briefly. He +understood Josiah Crabtree's dictatorial manner perfectly, and he only +retained the man because of his unusual ability as a teacher. + +Jack came in and was told to sit down in the chair Ritter had just +vacated. Then Captain Putnam asked him to tell his story, and he related +everything just as it had occurred. + +"Are you quite sure that you have told the plain truth, Major Ruddy?" +asked Captain Putnam, after he had finished. + +"Yes, sir," answered Jack, and looked the head of the school fairly and +squarely in the face. + +"Your story does not agree with that told by Ritter." + +"I believe Ritter," broke in Josiah Crabtree. "It was an outrage to drag +in the boy's father simply because he has made some--er--unfortunate +speculations. If I were you, Captain Putnam----" + +"Wait a moment, Mr. Crabtree," interrupted the owner of the Hall. "I am +conducting this investigation. Now that we have heard the stories of the +principals we'll hear what the witnesses have to say." + +"Fred Century was there, and he is in the library now," said Jack. +"Pepper Ditmore was there, too, but Mr. Crabtree sent him to his room." + +"I will question Century and Ditmore, and also Coulter and Paxton," +answered Captain Putnam. "You may retire to Classroom Three, Major +Ruddy, until called." + +Jack bowed and withdrew and walked to the classroom named. It was empty +and he threw himself down on a seat and gave himself up to his +reflections. + +Fred was next called, and he was followed by Pepper. Both told +practically the story related by Jack. In the meantime George Strong, +the second assistant teacher, was sent off to summon Coulter and Paxton. +He was gone the best part of a quarter of an hour, and when he came back +his face was a study. + +"Captain Putnam, I have just made a discovery," he said. "I would like +to speak to you alone." + +"Alone?" queried the head of the school, somewhat astonished. + +"Yes, sir, alone." + +"Very well, then, come into the next room," answered Captain Putnam. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +PEPPER MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +"You do not--er--wish me present?" came rather awkwardly from Josiah +Crabtree. + +"Oh, that won't matter, Mr. Crabtree," answered George Strong. "I did +not desire any of the cadets present, that was all." + +"I do not care to intrude----" commenced the dictatorial teacher. + +"As you please," answered Mr. Strong, with a shrug of his shoulders. + +At first Josiah Crabtree was inclined to stand on his dignity and walk +off, but his curiosity got the better of him and he followed Captain +Putnam and George Strong into another office. + +"I went after Coulter and Paxton, as you directed me," said the second +assistant teacher, when they were alone, and the door had been closed. +"At first I could not find them, but at last I located Paxton and then +Coulter. Where do you suppose they were?" + +"I have no idea," answered Captain Putnam. + +"Paxton was under the window of the office, listening to all that was +going on. He was partly hidden behind a bush, so that nobody might see +him." + +"Indeed! That is not to his credit. And Coulter?" + +"Coulter was at another window, talking to Ritter. Ritter was giving him +some instructions, and as I came up unnoticed I heard Ritter say, 'Now, +don't make a mess of it. Tell the story just as I told it, and be sure +to stick to it that Ruddy hit me first, and tell Nick to stick to that, +too.' Those were his very words." + +"Is it possible! And what did Coulter say?" + +"He promised to tell the story as Ritter wanted it, and said he would +tell Paxton also to say that Ruddy struck the first blow." + +"Then he virtually admitted that he struck the first blow himself." + +"I should judge so, from his talk." + +"Major Ruddy said he did." + +"But Ruddy insulted him by talking of Mr. Ritter's losses----" began +Josiah Crabtree. + +"We'll look into that, Mr. Crabtree. Is that all, Mr. Strong?" + +"No, I waited until Coulter joined Paxton. The two walked out on the +campus, so I didn't catch what they said. I told them to follow me, and +they are now out in the hall." + +"I will listen to what each of them has to say--and then I will examine +Century and Ditmore again." + +Coulter was called into the main office and asked a great number of +questions. Captain Putnam was very stern, and soon had the cadet badly +twisted in his statements. Then Paxton was told to come in, and on being +questioned he became more confused even than Coulter. Then both were +confronted by George Strong, and at last they virtually admitted that +Ritter had struck the first blow, and that they knew nothing of the +quarrel previous to that time. + +"You may go," said Captain Putnam, at length. "Your efforts to shield +Ritter do you no credit." And Coulter and Paxton slunk out of the office +silently and much worried over the thought of what punishment they might +receive for trying to deceive the master of the Hall. + +After that Pepper and Fred were again interviewed and cross-questioned. +But they stuck to their original story, and as that was the story told +by Jack, Captain Putnam felt that it must be true. + +"You may go," said the captain, presently. + +"Have I got to go back to the dormitory?" queried Pepper. + +"No, you may join the other cadets," answered the head of the school. + +"But, sir----" commenced Josiah Crabtree. + +"I do not see as he merits punishment, Mr. Crabtree," said the captain, +coldly. "We will let it pass." And he spoke so firmly that the +dictatorial teacher said no more on the subject. + +When Jack was again called into the presence of the teachers it must be +admitted that he was a good deal worried. There was a strict rule at +Putnam Hall against fighting, and that rule had been violated by him. +Yet he felt he had been justified. + +"Major Ruddy, I have examined several witnesses to this affair and I +find that your story of the occurrence is substantially correct," began +the head of the school. "Ritter struck the first blow." + +"He did. He slapped me in the face. That angered me so greatly that I +pitched into him without thinking twice. It was all done in a few +seconds. But I guess I'd do it again," added Jack. "I wouldn't let +anybody slap me without getting back at him. I guess if I did that I'd +make a mighty poor soldier." + +At these words Captain Putnam's face became a study. He had been on the +point of reading Jack a stern lecture on the disgrace of breaking the +school rules, but now he paused. When at West Point a certain upper +classman had once pulled his nose and, regardless of consequences, he +had knocked the fellow down and dragged him by the heels through the +dirt of the road. He had considered himself justified in his actions, +and his whole class has stood by him. That being so, he did not have it +in his heart to punish Jack, or even to find fault with him. Yet the +discipline of the school must be maintained. + +"Major Ruddy, do you know what the first duty of a soldier is?" he +asked, but his voice was soft and easy. + +"Yes, sir; to obey orders." + +"Exactly." + +"But there is no rule about what to do if a fellow slaps your face," +added Jack, quickly. + +"That is true." Captain Putnam had to turn away to conceal a sudden +smile. "And, in one way, let me say I do not blame you for what you did, +especially as you acted on the spur of the moment. But fighting must +stop. If I dismiss this case against you, will you promise to leave +Ritter alone in the future?" + +"I will if he leaves me alone. If he attacks me, I'll defend myself to +the best of my ability." + +"He won't attack you--I'll see to that," answered the captain, grimly. +"You may go. But remember, no more fighting." + +"Thank you, sir," answered Jack, and lost no time in leaving the office. + +"Well, how did you make out?" questioned Pepper, eagerly, when Jack +joined him on the campus. + +"Case dismissed, Pep." + +"Really?" + +"Yes." + +"Hurrah! That's the best news yet. I was in fear that you would at least +be cut off from your holidays." + +"What about Ritter?" asked Fred. + +"I don't know what Captain Putnam is going to do with him." + +The fight and the doings in the office had put Jack out of the notion of +taking a sail, and the crowd of boys took a walk instead, that lasted +until it was time for the evening parade. + +"Wonder if Ritter will show up for drill?" came from Dale. + +"We'll know soon," answered Jack. + +In a few minutes the drums commenced to roll and out on the parade +ground poured the cadets and their officers. Jack had buckled on his +sword, and so had Henry Lee and Bart Conners. The cadets had their guns, +that is all but the band, who carried their drums and fifes, and the +color sergeants, who carried Old Glory and the Putnam Hall banner. + +"Battalion, attention!" came firmly from Major Jack Ruddy, and all the +young soldiers stiffened up in their places. + +He ran his eyes over the two companies, to see that every cadet was +"toeing the mark." He did not see Reff Ritter. + +"Present arms! Carry arms! Shoulder arms!" came the various commands, +and the cadets made the movements with their guns. The drilling was so +well done that Captain Putnam, who always looked on, nodded in approval. + +"By column of fours, forward march!" came the next command, and then the +drums struck up once more, the fifes joined in, and four abreast the +cadets moved off, down the parade ground. They marched up and down +several times, and executed various movements, and then marched into the +mess-hall, or dining-room, put away their guns, and took their seats. + +"Ritter isn't here," whispered Pepper to Jack. + +"So I see," was the reply. + +"I'll bet he caught it from Captain Putnam," put in Dale. + +"Silence at the table!" came harshly from Josiah Crabtree. "I want less +talking at meals!" + +"My, but he's a cheerful beggar!" muttered Dale. + +"Imagine him at the head of the school," observed Pepper. + +"Ditmore, did you hear me?" snarled the teacher. "I want you to keep +quiet." + +"All right, Mr. Crabtree; sorry I spoke," answered The Imp, cheerfully. + +"Then remember to keep your mouth closed after this." + +"Ahem! how am I to eat if I keep my mouth closed?" asked Pepper, +innocently. + +"Ha! I want none of your jokes, Ditmore! Leave the table!" thundered +Josiah Crabtree. + +"I'm not through yet." + +"Never mind, leave the table at once!" And the teacher glared at Pepper +as if to eat him up. + +"Just my luck!" muttered The Imp, and got up. + +"Here's a sandwich for you," whispered Dale, who sat near, and he passed +over two slices of bread with some cold meat between. + +"And here's a piece of cake," added Jack, and slid it along, under the +edge of the table. Then Pepper got up and left the room. He did not know +where to go and so walked slowly in the direction of the boathouse. + +As he neared the building, he saw a boy come out of the structure and +hurry across the float to where the _Alice_ and the _Ajax_ were tied +up. The boy was Reff Ritter. + +The bully of the school was in a great rage. Captain Putnam had given +him a stern lecture and told him if he did not behave in the future he +would be dismissed from the school. The captain had also cut him off +from all holidays up to Christmas, and added that he must expect to take +no part in Putnam Hall athletics. The latter was the hardest blow of +all, for Ritter had hoped that Fall to make the football team. + +"Now, what is he up to?" Pepper asked himself, and stuffing the napkin +that held the cake and sandwich into his pocket, he moved forward on a +run. + +Reff Ritter had crossed the float and now he stood beside the sloop that +was Jack's property. As Pepper came closer he saw that the bully held an +ax in his hand, the handle shoved up the sleeve of his jacket. + +"He is up to no good," thought Pepper. "I'll watch him and see what he +does." + +Pepper stepped out of sight behind the boathouse. Looking through a +window and a door, he saw Ritter walk up and down the float. Evidently +the bully wanted to make certain that he was not being observed. Then, +with a swift movement, he leaped aboard the sloop and crouched down out +of sight. + +"Guess it's time I got busy!" muttered Pepper to himself, and ran around +the boathouse and out on the float. He was soon at the side of the +_Alice_. He heard a blow sound out. Ritter was using the ax, apparently +in an endeavor to chop a hole in the bottom of the sloop! + +"Of all the mean things!" muttered Pepper to himself. "I'll soon stop +that!" And he made a leap over the guard-rail of the craft. The ax was +raised for another blow, but before it could be delivered, Pepper caught +the bully by the shoulders and sent him sprawling on his back. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE FOOTBALL ELEVEN + + +"Hi! Let go of me!" spluttered Reff Ritter, as he found himself flat on +his back, with the ax up-raised in his two hands. + +"Ritter, you leave this boat alone!" exclaimed Pepper. + +"Humph! so it's you, Ditmore," muttered the bully, and now he turned +over and arose. + +"Going to chop the boat to pieces, I suppose," went on Pepper, "Well, +not if I can prevent it." + +"I'll chop you to pieces!" roared the bully, and swung the ax so +suggestively that Pepper leaped back in alarm. "You've got no right to +interfere with me!" + +"This is Jack Ruddy's sloop; you have no right to touch her." + +"Aw, you shut up." + +"I'll not shut up, Reff Ritter. If you make another mark on this boat +I'll have you locked up!" + +"Humph! you think you've got the best of me, don't you?" sneered the +bully, but his manner showed that he was considerably disconcerted. He +had imagined that all the cadets were at supper and that no one would +see his foul actions. + +"I want you to get off of this boat." + +"Supposing I won't?" + +"Then I'll call help, and advise Jack to have you arrested." + +"Going to run the whole school, aren't you?" + +"I am going to run this affair, Ritter. Now leave the boat." + +"Oh, I'll leave," muttered the bully, and walking to the side, he sprang +down to the float. Then he ran to the boathouse and placed the ax +inside. "Don't you dare to mention this to anybody!" he shouted as he +reappeared. "If you do, you'll get yourself in hot water. My word is as +good as yours." And then he turned and ran towards the school building. + +Pepper watched him out of sight. + +"No use of reporting this to Captain Putnam," he reasoned. "Ritter +would, of course, deny everything. Wonder if he did much damage?" + +Pepper made an examination. Luckily the bully had not had time to get in +his nefarious work to any extent, and the bottom of the sloop showed +only two slight ax cuts, not deep enough to do harm. + +"Caught him just in time," thought Pepper, and then he sat down on the +stern seat and munched away at the sandwich and cake, washing the stuff +down with a drink from the cooler in the boathouse. + +By the time he had finished, the other cadets were coming from their +supper, and soon he was joined by Jack, Dale and several others. In +private, he told the young major of what had occurred. + +"The rascal!" cried Jack. "If he hurts my boat he shall pay for it!" + +"Captain Putnam must have given him a good dressing down to make him so +ugly." + +"Well, he deserved it." + +"Say," put in Dale. "That was mean of old Crabtree to send you away from +the table." + +"Never mind, I'll pay him back," answered The Imp, grimly. + +Several days passed and during that time Reff Ritter kept his distance. +The bully was in a bitter mood, and even his cronies could get little +out of him. + +The reason for this was twofold. He was smarting over the treatment +received at the hands of Jack and Captain Putnam and he was also +disturbed because his father had written to him, stating he could allow +him hardly any spending money for the term. He had already borrowed a +small amount from Paxton and he was wondering how he was going to pay it +back. Added to this, he had gambled with some racetrack men during the +summer, and one of those fellows now held his IOU for forty dollars. + +"Dad has got to let me have money, that is all there is to it," he told +himself. "If he won't, then I'll write to mother. She'll raise it for me +somehow; she always does." Which shows how foolish an indulgent mother +can sometimes be. + +In the meantime, Andy had recovered from the accident and was now around +as usual. Another hunt had been instituted for his belongings, but +without success. A report came in that a strange man had been seen on +the road just previous to the accident, and the cadets and Captain +Putnam wondered if that individual had picked up Andy's things and made +off with them. + +"Maybe he was the fellow I saw," said Andy, and then he heaved a deep +sigh, thinking he would never hear of his property again. + +Jack and Pepper were glad to see Bert Field again, and also to see their +old friend, Joseph Hogan. Emerald came back wearing a smile that was +sunniness itself. + +"Sure, an' it does me heart good to be here once more, so it does," he +said, in his rich Irish brogue. "I traveled all over the ould sod this +summer, so I did. But Putnam Hall an' the States fer me every toime!" + +"Is this your last term here, Emerald?" asked Dale. + +"I think so--if I am lucky and get through. How about you?" + +"I hope to graduate next June." + +"And so do Jack and I," added Pepper. "But you can't always tell. I'll +be sorry to leave Putnam Hall." + +"That's so; such good times as we have had here," added Jack. + +As soon as the cadets were settled down at the Hall, and the excitement +over the runaway, the loss of Andy's things, and the fight between Jack +and Ritter, was at an end, the talk of the boys turned to football and +other Fall sports. As in the past, the cadets hoped to have a good +eleven and win some substantial victories. + +"Wonder if we'll be allowed to play Pornell," said Jack. + +"I don't know," answered Dale. "I rather think the captain is sore over +the reply he got from the head of that school, over the carryall affair, +and maybe he won't let us play them." And in this Dale was correct. +Pornell was cut out that season, but it played Putnam Hall the year +following. + +Dale Blackmore was at the head of the football eleven, and, as before, +he organized a fine team. Jack, Andy, Hogan, and Bart Conners were in +their usual places. + +"And I want you, too, Pepper," said Dale. + +"Oh, I can go on the sub-bench," was the answer, for Pepper did not care +very much for football. "Give Fred Century and Bert Field a chance." + +"I know what Pepper wants," said Andy. "He wants us to play, while he +sits in the grandstand, having a good time with the girls." + +"Sure thing," answered The Imp, coolly. "Somebody has got to entertain +'em." + +"They ought to be entertained by the game," came from Dale. + +"Girls make me tired when they are at a football game," put in the cadet +named Brown. "I took one once, and she said she knew all about football. +After the game was half over she asked me how many runs and base hits +had been made, and what they had done with the bats!" + +Reff Ritter felt extra sore when the football eleven went out for +practice. He wanted to play, but Captain Putnam would not allow it, and +the bully went off by himself, up the lake-shore, where he sat down on a +rock to smoke cigarettes and brood over his troubles. While he sat +there he took from his pocket a letter and read it over several times. + +"Twenty dollars by Saturday! I don't see how I am going to raise it," he +muttered to himself. "I guess I'll have to send mother a telegram for a +remittance." + +The first football game of the season was arranged to take place between +Putnam Hall and an eleven from Cedarville called the Dauntless. The +Dauntless players were made up of former college boys and some +all-around athletes, and the cadets were told that they would have a +stiff time of it trying to beat the aggregation. The game was to take +place on the grounds at Cedarville. These were roped off and an +admission fee was charged, the entire proceeds to go to a local Old +Folks' Home. + +"I've got news!" cried Pepper, a few days before the game was to come +off. "Some of the Pornell students are coming to the game, and I +understand they are going to try to make trouble for our team." + +"Is it the Roy Bock crowd?" questioned Jack. + +"Yes." + +"Then it is up to you to keep an eye on them, Pepper. We can't do it +while we are playing." + +"I'll keep an eye on 'em, don't fear," was the answer. + +The eleven practiced every afternoon, under the direction of Mr. Strong, +who had once been a player on a college team. Josiah Crabtree took no +interest in the sport, declaring it was a waste of valuable time. + +"I've got a plan to outwit the Pornellites, if they try any funny work," +said Pepper, the day before the game. And then he took about a dozen +cadets aside and told them what his plan was. All agreed to help him, +and did what he asked of them without delay. + +The day for the game dawned clear and bright, and promptly on time the +eleven started for Cedarville in the carryall, which had just come from +the repair shop. Some of the cadets went on their bicycles, and Captain +Putnam and some of the teachers drove over in carriages. + +When the cadets arrived at the grounds they found quite a crowd +assembled. Horns and banners were in evidence, and from a flagpole +floated the Stars and Stripes. On one side was a grandstand and this was +about three-quarters filled. + +"I see some friends of mine," cried Pepper, and advanced to the stand. + +He had caught sight of Laura Ford, and her sister, Flossie, two young +ladies who lived on the lake-shore at a place called Point View Lodge. +In the past Pepper and his chums had done the Ford sisters several +valuable services, for which Laura and Flossie were profoundly grateful. + +"Oh, how do you do, Pepper?" called out Laura, on catching sight of him. + +"Aren't you playing?" questioned Flossie. + +"No, I'm merely an onlooker to-day," answered Pepper, and he raised his +cap and shook hands. "How have you been since I saw you last?" + +"Very well, thank you," answered Laura. + +"We hope Putnam Hall will win," came from her sister. + +"You can't hope it any more than I do," answered Pepper, and then he +introduced several cadets to the young ladies, and all sat down to enjoy +the game. + +Pepper has his eyes open for the appearance of the students from +Pornell. At first a few came in and took a stand in a corner, out of the +way. They did not belong to the Bock crowd and seemed to be content to +behave themselves. + +"Maybe Roy Bock got cold feet and stayed away," said a cadet named +Melmore. + +"No, here he comes!" cried Bob Grenwood. "And Sedley and four others are +with him." + +Pepper looked in the direction pointed out and saw Roy Bock and his +cronies approaching. All had big tin horns and immense wooden rattles, +and their pockets bulged with apples and peanuts. + +"Whoop her up, Dauntless!" yelled Roy Bock, as soon as he reached the +grandstand. "Whoop her up, and wipe up the ground with Putnam Hall!" And +then he swung his big rattle, and his cronies did likewise. Then the +Pornellites crowded into the grandstand and took seats near Pepper and +his fellow cadets and the girls. They talked in loud voices and said a +number of things that caused the faces of the girls to burn, and made +the cadets thoroughly angry. + +"They ought to be put off the stand!" cried Bob, indignantly. + +"And they will be put off if they keep this up," answered Pepper. "They +can cheer all they please for the Dauntless eleven, but they have got to +act like gentlemen." + +As soon as the two elevens appeared, the practice commenced, and then +there was a toss-up for goals, which Dauntless won. They took the south +goal and Putnam Hall took the ball. Then came the kick-off, and the game +was on. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE FOOTBALL GAME + + +At first the playing was rather tame, but inside of a few minutes both +elevens warmed up, and from that moment the work became fast and +furious. + +The Dauntless team had the advantage of weight, but the eleven had not +played together as much as had the majority of the Putnam Hall cadets, +consequently some of their combination efforts were decidedly ragged. +One move resulted in a bad fumble on the part of the left end. The ball +was captured by Jack, and he carried it forward fifteen yards before +downed. + +"Oh, my, isn't it rough!" screamed Laura Ford, as the young major hit +the grass with great force, two of the Dauntless men being on top of +him. + +"Oh, that's all in the game," was Pepper's comment. "But I shouldn't +want to see anybody get his ribs stove in," he added. + +Putnam Hall got the pigskin to within ten yards of the Dauntless goal +line, and then came an unexpected turn of affairs. The leather was lost +by the Putnam Hall center, and carried around the right end and up the +field for thirty yards. + +"Hurrah! that's the way to do it, Dauntless!" + +"Keep it up!" + +"Dauntless to the front!" yelled Roy Bock. "Everybody in the game!" and +then, in the midst of the excitement, he drew back with a soft apple in +his hand and threw the half-decayed fruit at Jack. It just grazed the +young major's shoulder. + +Pepper was on the watch, for he had expected just such a dirty trick. He +leaped up, and reaching over, caught the Pornell student by the ear. + +"Ouch!" yelled Bock. "Let go!" + +"You get out of the grandstand!" cried Pepper. "If you don't I'll get a +crowd to mob you." + +"See here, Ditmore----" + +"Don't talk--get!" interrupted Pepper. + +"Let Roy alone!" sang out Bat Sedley. "If you don't, I'll crack you +one!" + +"Hello, you rascals!" came unexpectedly from nearby, and a farmer named +Baker showed himself. "You here? Jest wait till I git my paws on you!" +And he started in the direction of Roy Bock, Bat Sedley and two of their +cronies. + +"Great Scott! It's that farmer!" ejaculated Roy Bock, and he started to +scramble out of the grandstand in a hurry, and after him went the +others. + +But they were not quite quick enough for Darius Baker, and at the foot +of the stand the farmer caught Bock in one hand and Bat Sedley in the +other. Then he swung the two together until their heads cracked. + +"Will steal my apples and pears?" he shrilled. "Will talk sassy to my +darter, eh? I'll teach you!" And then, letting go suddenly, he cuffed +Roy Bock on the ear and thumped Bat Sedley in the jaw so hard that that +student howled outright. + +"Let up!" + +"Please don't hit me again!" + +"It was all a mistake!" + +"No mistake!" bawled Darius Baker. "Git out o' here before I call the +constable an' have ye locked up!" And then Roy Bock and his cronies lost +no time in hurrying away, without so much as looking behind them. + +"Guess you know 'em?" remarked Pepper, when the farmer came back into +the stand and resumed his seat. + +"Guess I do!" was the snorted-out reply. "They came around to my place +yesterday, and stole my apples and pears, and talked sassy to my darter +an' the hired man. I saw 'em, but they ran, away before I could git my +hands on 'em. I vowed I take 'em down a peg when I met 'em, an' I guess +I done it," added the old farmer, with evident satisfaction. + +"You did, Mr. Baker," answered Pepper. "And you've done us a service in +the bargain." + +"How's thet?" + +"Those fellows came here to make trouble for our eleven, the Putnam Hall +team." + +"That so? Well, then, I'm mighty glad I cleared 'em out. I like to see a +game now an' then, but I want it clean--no rowdy work." + +There was no time to say more, for everybody was interested in the game. +The Dauntless eleven had worked the pigskin up to within a few yards of +the Putnam Hall goal line, and now over it came. + +"A touchdown for Dauntless!" + +"Great work! Now make it a goal!" + +The ball was brought out, and the Dauntless quarterback kicked a +beautiful goal, amid a great cheering and tooting of horns. + +"Eight minutes more to play," said Dale. "Boys, let us tie the score if +nothing else." + +Again the battle was on, and now Dale made a beautiful run, being aided +by some fine interference by Jack and Andy. Then Hogan got the pigskin +and worked it up to within five yards of the Dauntless goal line--and +then the whistle blew and the first half of the great game had to come +to a close. + +The Putnam Hall eleven were a sober lot when they filed into their +dressing-room to be rubbed down and to talk it over. + +"Well, they've only got a touchdown and goal to their credit," said +Jack, cheerfully. "That's not such a terrible lead to overcome." + +"We must have more snap and ginger!" cried Dale. "Now, I want everybody +on the job from the word go." + +"Try that left-end play," suggested George Strong. "It may surprise +them--and, anyway, it can do no harm." + +The play he mentioned was something of a trick they had been practicing +for a week. It was rather intricate, but Dale promised to take his +advice and use it at the first opportunity. + +The Dauntless eleven scented a victory, and went into the second half of +the game with renewed vigor. But Putnam Hall stood up manfully, and Andy +got the pigskin in a manner that elicited much applause. He carried it +down the gridiron for eight yards and passed it over to Jack. Then, on +the next down, Dale signaled for the trick play. Across the field came +the ball and then back to center. Here a quick turn was made that +bewildered the Dauntless eleven. On came the pigskin, and almost before +anybody knew it, Jack kicked a goal from the field. + +"Hurrah! a field goal for Putnam Hall!" + +"Talk about clever work, wasn't that great?" + +"It sure was!" + +"Never mind," came from a Dauntless supporter. "That doesn't count as +much as the goal from a touchdown." + +"Well, it's blood for Putnam Hall, anyway." + +Again the leather went into play, and once more each eleven did its +level best to force the pigskin over the opponents' line. The Dauntless +aggregation were now wary of more tricks, and they tried a trick of +their own, massing at the left and then running the ball up center. But +this did not work. The ball was lost to Andy, who passed it over to +Dale. + +"Go it, Blackmore!" was the cry. + +"Down him, Cressy!" + +On and on sped Dale with the rival left end at his heels. Hogan and Jack +were pounding on behind, and they stopped Cressy from blocking the +Putnam Hall captain. Over the line came Dale, to drop flat an instant +later, out of breath. + +"Hurrah! a touchdown for Putnam Hall." + +"Now for a goal!" + +The wind was blowing strongly, yet Andy measured the distance well and +kicked the goal, amid a cheering that could be heard half a mile. + +"Oh, wasn't that grand!" murmured Flossie Ford. + +"Perfectly lovely!" added Laura. + +"It's what we wanted," answered Pepper. "Keep it up!" he yelled, and +blew his horn with all his might. + +With nine minutes more to play, both elevens went at the game with great +vigor. The Dauntless team wanted at least to make a field goal--to tie +the score. But Putnam Hall held them back, and two minutes before the +whistle blew made another touchdown and kicked the goal. When the game +was ended the pigskin was on the Dauntless forty-five-yard line. + +Putnam Hall had won! + +What a cheering followed, and what a tooting of horns and sounding of +rattles! The cadets cheered for their opponents and were cheered in +return, and then all filed off the field. + +"A dandy game!" cried Pepper to his chums. "Simply great!" And he fairly +hugged Jack and Andy. + +"A splendid game," was Mr. Strong's comment. + +"I am proud of our cadets," added Captain Putnam. + +"They are an honor to the school, sir." + +"Yes, Mr. Strong, they are." + +Some of the boys remained in Cedarville for the rest of the afternoon. +As soon as Jack and Andy had put aside their football outfits, they +joined Pepper and the Ford girls, and all went to meet Mr. Rossmore +Ford, who had just arrived in his carriage. + +"I am sorry I missed the game," said the rich gentleman. "It must have +been fine." + +"Oh, papa, it was lovely!" cried Laura. + +"I was so pleased to see Putnam Hall win!" added Flossie. + +"Were you?" said Mr. Ford, and laughed good-naturedly. "Now, I imagined +you came to encourage the Dauntless boys." + +"Papa, you know better!" cried both girls. + +"How would you young gentlemen like to drive home with us and dine at +the Lodge?" asked the gentleman. + +"Oh, yes, come!" cried Flossie. + +"Do!" urged Laura. + +"Well, I don't know," answered Jack, slowly. "The eleven is going to +celebrate to-night, and they want us. Otherwise, I'd like it very much." + +"Then come some other time," answered Rossmore Ford. + +"Thank you, we will," answered Andy; and after a few words more the +Fords drove off and the cadets walked away to join their fellows. + +It was a jolly crowd that returned to Putnam Hall late that afternoon, +and Captain Putnam was willing that they should have all the sport the +rules of the institution permitted. + +"Bonfires to-night!" cried Andy. + +"Biggest ever!" returned Pepper. "I've got a surprise." + +"What is it, Pep?" asked several in a chorus. + +"If I tell you, will you keep it to yourselves?" + +"Sure!" was the ready answer. + +"Well, you saw those tar-roofers at work on the new top of the dock at +Cedarville?" + +"Yes." + +"I bought three empty tar-barrels from the foreman. He is going to leave +them in the woods yonder for me at seven o'clock. They'll make the +finest bonfires you ever saw." + +"That's the cheese!" cried Dale, slangily. "Do you know what we can do? +Place one barrel on top of another and touch them off. They'll make the +greatest blaze you ever heard of." + +"But mum's the word until the right time comes," warned Pepper. And then +the crowd dispersed for the evening drill. + +Two boys had been listening to the talk from behind a nearby clump of +bushes. They were Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter. + +Neither of the cronies had gone to the football game, having preferred +to walk to a cabin in the woods, where they could smoke and play cards. +The victory of Jack and his friends had put them in a particularly bad +humor. + +"I suppose they expect a great celebration with those tar-barrels," +muttered Coulter. "Say, I tell you what let's do!" he cried. "Let us +sneak to the woods before they arrive and roll the barrels down to the +lake!" + +"I'll do it," answered Reff Ritter. "Anything to put a damper on that +celebration." + +"Well, water will dampen the tar-barrels," added Coulter, grimly. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +PUTTING OUT A LIVELY BLAZE + + +Pepper was so full of high spirits that at the supper table he could not +resist the temptation to play a joke. He saw Joe Nelson using his +handkerchief and, on the sly, took up the pepper-shaker and dosed the +cloth liberally with pepper. + +Poor Joe caught the full benefit of the pepper, and in the midst of the +meal commenced to sneeze loudly. + +"Why, Nelson, what is the matter?" asked Mr. Strong, who was at the +table that evening. + +"I don't--ker-choo!--know!" stammered Joe. "I believe--ker-choo! +ker-choo!" + +"Exactly," whispered Pepper. "Very simple explanation, very." + +"I--ker-choo!--I guess I had better--ker-choo!" went on Joe. + +"He's 'ker-chooing' all he needs to," was Jack's comment, and this +caused a general titter. + +"I guess I'll ask to--ker-choo!--to be excused--ker-choo!" went on Joe, +and jumping up he left the table and the room. He ran out on the campus +and there sneezed himself free of the pepper, much to his relief. + +Joe was about to return to the mess-hall when he chanced to see two +figures sneaking along in the semi-darkness, in the direction of the +woods. He was just able to make out that the pair were Reff Ritter and +Gus Coulter when they disappeared behind the trees. + +"Now, what are those fellows up to?" mused Joe, as he walked slowly to +the mess-hall. "No good, I'll venture." + +He sat down and commenced to eat. Then, of a sudden, he uttered an +exclamation. + +"I've got it! That's it!" + +"What is it, Nelson?" asked George Strong. + +"Oh--er--nothing," stammered the cadet. But when the teacher was not +looking, he leaned over towards Jack. + +"What is it, Joe?" whispered the young major. + +"Tell Pepper I just saw Ritter and Coulter sneaking into the woods." + +"You did!" Jack closed one eye. "And you think----" + +"They may have learned about the barrels." + +"If that is so, we'll have to watch 'em," murmured Jack, and +immediately passed word to Pepper, Dale and Andy. + +The cadets could scarcely wait to finish their meal, and cut themselves +short on cake and pears. Pepper was the first out, but he was quickly +followed by Andy and Jack. + +"Let us try to surprise them--if they are after the barrels," said The +Imp. + +"Maybe they'll set fire to 'em before we get there," suggested the +acrobatic youth. + +"If they do that, I'll make 'em pay for the barrels," cried Pepper. "I +am not going to put up three dollars for another fellow's fun." + +"Did you pay the roofer that much for the barrels?" + +"Yes." + +The three boys hurried across the campus and dove into the woods beyond. +Then Pepper put up his hand for silence. + +"Let us surprise 'em if we can," he whispered. + +"That's the talk," answered the young major. + +It did not take the three long to reach the vicinity where the +tar-barrels had been left. As they approached they saw a light flare up. + +"They are setting 'em on fire!" cried Andy. + +"Stop, Ritter! Stop, Coulter!" yelled Pepper. "Don't you light those +barrels!" + +"Ha! ha!" came from the bully of the Hall. "What's an old tar-barrel, +anyway? Guess we can fire them if we want to!" + +"Those are my barrels," answered Pepper. + +He rushed forward, followed by Jack and Andy. But they were too late, +for on the instant a big flame shot up and all three of the tar-barrels, +standing in a close triangle, and filled with dried leaves, commenced to +burn furiously. As the flames shot up among the trees, Ritter and +Coulter backed away. + +"Good-by to those barrels!" came sorrowfully from Andy. "We'll not be +able to use them for the celebration to-night." + +"I'll fix you for this, Ritter; and you, too, Coulter!" called out +Pepper, bitterly. "Oh, what luck!" he groaned, as he saw the flames from +the tar-barrels climb higher and higher. "What a grand bonfire they +would have made on the lake-front!" + +"Boys, this fire is dangerous!" ejaculated Jack. + +"What do you mean?" came from the others. + +"It is going to set fire to the woods! See, the dried leaves are +catching already! If it reaches yonder cedars there will be a terrible +conflagration here!" + +"Phew! that's true!" came from Pepper. His merry face grew sober for the +moment. "What shall we do?" + +"We are not responsible," said Andy. "It is Ritter and Coulter's fault." + +"But we don't want these grand woods to burn down," went on the young +major. "Besides, the wind is rising and it is blowing towards the gym +and the stables! The burning embers might set fire to those buildings!" + +"Come on and put the blaze out!" said Andy. + +"How are you going to do it? We haven't any water--and water isn't of +much account against tar, anyway. Gracious, see those flames shoot up!" +Jack added, as a column of fire shot skyward. + +"One of the trees is catching already!" gasped Pepper. "We had better +sound an alarm!" + +"Andy, go back to the school and tell the others, teachers and all," +ordered the young major. "Captain Putnam will know what to do. Pepper, +you and I had better try to throw dirt and stones on the barrels. That +will keep down the flames a little." + +The acrobatic youth set off on a sprint in the direction of Putnam Hall. +While he was gone the others did their best to subdue the +rapidly-increasing conflagration. It was hot work, and soon the +perspiration was pouring down their faces. + +"It's no use!" panted Pepper, when the wind sent a sudden eddy of black +smoke in his face. + +"It would take a regular fire department to put out that blaze!" + +"Maybe Captain Putnam will send out the bucket brigade," answered his +chum. + +The wind was steadily increasing, and as it whirled around it sent the +sparks flying in all directions. Jack had one ember settle on his hand +and Pepper was burnt on the ear. They got a good deal of smoke in their +eyes and soon commenced to cough. But they kept on throwing all the +loose dirt and stones possible on the fire. + +"I wish the barrels didn't have quite so much tar on 'em," panted +Pepper. "It's a wonder the roofer left so much inside." + +"He wanted to give you the worth of your money," answered the young +major, grimly. + +After what seemed a long time a shout was heard, and then Andy burst +into view. + +"The bucket brigade is coming with pails of water," he said. "And some +other cadets are to get rakes and wet swabs and shovels." + +"They can't come any too quick!" answered Pepper. "See, two of the trees +are burning already." + +"Yes, and two others are catching!" announced Jack. Then an extra puff +of wind sent all of the cadets from the vicinity of the blazing barrels. + +"I suppose Ritter and Coulter didn't dream of such a fire when they +started it," was Andy's comment. + +"Just the same, they are responsible," answered Jack, gravely. + +A yell came from afar, and soon some cadets ran into view, each carrying +a bucket of water. Leading them was George Strong, who had a +long-handled rake and a shovel. + +"Boys! boys! didn't you know better than to light a fire here!" cried +the teacher. + +"We didn't do it," answered Jack. + +The water was thrown on the blazing barrels, and then the teacher tried +to knock them flat with his rake. But that caused a heavy shower of +sparks to ascend, setting fire to some nearby bushes. + +"It will be better to use the shovel," said Jack. "Dirt will put out +such a fire quicker than anything." + +"I believe you, Major Ruddy," answered Mr. Strong, and then he sent some +cadets back for more shovels and a few pickaxes, with which to loosen up +the dirt. + +Soon many more cadets arrived, and with them Captain Putnam. Among the +number were Coulter and Ritter, and the pair looked much dismayed. + +"Say, I didn't think the fire would spread to the woods," whispered Gus +Coulter. + +"Hush!" warned his crony. "Don't you admit that we did it. If it comes +to the worst, say it was an accident, that we were trying to light a +torch, to sneak the barrels away, when they took fire." + +"All right." + +More water was thrown on the barrels, and then a small army of cadets +commenced to dig up dirt and stones, with which to cover the burning +objects. This worked very well on the barrels. But to reach the trees +was different. One thick cedar was blazing away like a torch--the flames +far above their heads. + +"Let us cut that tree down," ordered Captain Putnam. + +Two axes had been brought along, and Dale used one while Peleg Snuggers +wielded the other. Soon the cedar commenced to totter. + +"Look out!" cried Captain Putnam, and then crash! the tree came down, +directly on top of the tar-barrels. Up went a thick cloud of smoke and +sparks. But the cadets were ready with dirt and stones, and the danger +of a new blaze was quickly averted. + +While the tree was being cut down, the cadets and teachers had been busy +with pickaxes and shovels, and also with their rakes and wet swabs, and +had put out much of the fire elsewhere. One more tree had to be leveled, +and this work was done by Joe and Bart. Then, after five minutes more +of hard work, the last of the fire was extinguished, and the crowd in +the woods was left in darkness. + +"Hello, it's dark enough now," cried Pepper. "We'll need a lantern to +get out with." + +"Here's a torch," answered one cadet, and took up a cedar bough, and +commenced to wave it into a flame. + +"No more of that, Bates!" cried Captain Putnam. "We have had enough of +fire. We'll go back in the dark. Snuggers, you stay here and see to it +that the fire doesn't break out again." + +"Yes, sir," answered the general utility man. + +"Here is a pistol. If it does break out, fire two shots for an alarm." + +"Yes, sir." + +"I'll send Alexander Pop here with more water and with some lunch, for +you'll have to stay all night," went on the owner of the school. +Alexander Pop was a colored man who had come to the school to wait on +the table. + +"Yes, sir," answered Snuggers. He did not much relish remaining in the +woods all night, but he felt that he had to obey orders. + +One by one the cadets and the teachers returned to Putnam Hall. The +conflagration in the woods had rather broken up the anticipated +celebration in honor of the football victory. + +"Now, I want to know who placed those tar-barrels in the woods," said +Captain Putnam, when he had assembled the cadets in the school building. + +"It was Jerry Cole, the roofer from Cedarville," answered John Fenwick, +a small youth usually called Mumps. He was known as a toady and a sneak, +and was very chummy with Dan Baxter. + +"How do you know, Fenwick?" + +"I saw him with the barrels on his wagon." + +"Why should he put the barrels there?" + +"I will tell you," answered Pepper, stepping forward. "I bought them to +celebrate with to-night. I thought they'd make a dandy bonfire." + +"Indeed! Then you set them ablaze, Ditmore?" + +"No, sir. My idea was to roll them to the lake-shore and pile them one +on top of the other." + +"Then who did set them on fire in the woods?" + +For the moment nobody spoke, but Pepper, Jack and Andy, as well as Joe, +looked at Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter. + +"I want an answer!" cried Captain Putnam, sternly. "Who started that +fire?" + +He looked around from one cadet to another. But nobody spoke. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A MYSTERIOUS HAPPENING + + +It was a rule of honor among the cadets of Putnam Hall that no student +should tell on another. To do that would have been to put one's self +down as a sneak, and none of our friends wanted such a reputation. + +"I ask again, who started that fire?" went on Captain Putnam, with +increased sternness. + +"I rather think I know the guilty parties," said George Strong, who had +walked away on an errand and had just returned, "Ritter and Coulter, +what have you to say?" + +The two culprits started, and Coulter turned pale. + +"Why, I--er----" stammered Gus. "I--that is----" He did not know how to +proceed. He did not dare deny his guilt, not knowing but what the +assistant teacher might have seen him and his crony light the +tar-barrels. + +"Well, if you--er--want to know the truth, Captain Putnam, +we--er--started the fire," stammered Reff Ritter. "But it was an +accident." + +"An accident?" + +"Yes, sir. We were--er--going to roll the barrels down to the +lake--going to hide 'em so that Ditmore and his friends couldn't find +'em, you know. Well, we didn't want to get the tar on our hands, so +we--er--started a little fire to see by--it was dark under the trees. +All of a sudden the barrels blazed up. We--er--didn't expect such a big +blaze." + +"That's it," cried Coulter, eagerly. "We just made the fire at first to +see by." + +"Then you didn't really want to fire the barrels under the trees?" + +"No, sir," came from both of the guilty ones. + +"It was a rash thing to do, to start such a blaze. In this wind you +might have burnt down the whole woods and endangered the school +buildings." + +"I don't believe Ritter and Coulter," whispered Andy to Pepper. + +"Neither do I," was the reply. + +"Ditmore, you said the barrels belonged to you?" went on the owner of +the school. + +"Yes, sir. I bought them from the tar-roofer in Cedarville and he +delivered them. We were going to have a great bonfire--and we did!" And +The Imp said this so dryly that even Captain Putnam had to smile. + +"Well, I presume I shall have to drop the matter," said the captain, +after a few more questions. "But let me warn you all about fires in +those woods in the future. If a fire gained headway here we might burn +everything down to the ground." + +So, from an official standpoint, the matter was dropped. Ritter beckoned +to Coulter, and they hurried away, followed by Nick Paxton and one or +two others. + +"Well, that ends the tar-barrel celebration," said Pepper, rather +mournfully. "I really ought to make Ritter and Coulter pay for the +barrels." + +"You won't get any money out of Ritter," remarked Bart Conners. + +"How do you know, Bart?" + +"Because he hasn't any. He asked for credit at the store yesterday--to +buy some cigarettes--and the shopkeeper refused, saying Ritter owed him +eighty cents already." + +"Humph!" mused Pepper, and said no more. + +"Come on--forget it!" cried Jack. "We'll celebrate anyway." + +"We've got other barrels," came from Dale. + +The cadets rushed out and to the lake-shore, and soon several bonfires +were blazing merrily. Around these the students congregated, and sang +songs and "cut up" generally. Dale had to make a speech, and the boys +caught him up on their shoulders and carried him around the campus. + +"Isn't it grand!" murmured Bert Field. "I am mighty glad I came to +Putnam Hall." + +"So am I," answered Fred Century. "It's much different from what it was +at Pornell Academy." + +"It was a great victory, Fred, wasn't it?" + +"It certainly was, Bert. I am only sorry for one thing." + +"What is that?" + +"That it wasn't Pornell we beat instead of that other club." + +"Oh, well, we'll get a chance at Pornell some day," answered Bert Field. + +The celebration along the lake-shore lasted until half-past eleven. Then +the bell was rung, and laughing and singing, the cadets trooped off to +their various dormitories. + +"All quiet by midnight!" came the order. + +"Fifteen minutes yet," cried Andy, consulting his watch. "Whoop-la! Here +goes!" And in the joyousness of high spirits he turned a handspring over +one of the beds. Then he turned another spring over a table and stood on +his head on one of the chairs. + +"Hurrah for Snow's Imperial Consolidated Circus!" cried Pepper. "The +one and only aggregation of stupendous wonders on the face of the globe! +The marvelous twisting and death-defying acrobat! Walk up and see the +blood-curdling exhibition! It will cost you but the small sum of a dime, +ten cents; children double price, and no grandfathers unaccompanied by +their parents admitted. Line will form on the left and everybody will +please have his cash ready. Transfers not accepted on this line." + +"Good for Pepper!" came from Jack. "When he fails as a student he can +turn dime-museum shouter." + +"On the right you will see our most mysterious wonder, Major Jacobus +Ruddonowsky, the royal Russian sword swallower," went on The Imp, +pointing to his chum. "He swallows two swords for breakfast, three for +lunch and six to eight for dinner, with daggers for dessert. He is +wonderfully strong, and can carry on his arms an amount of gold lace +that would break a camel's back. As soon as the tent is full he will +sing for you that famous ditty, entitled, 'How I Love to Line You Up +When I'm Major of the Gang.'" + +"Wow! that is where you caught it, Jack!" cried Dale, with a grin. + +"And here we have a third wonder," went on Pepper, pointing to the +football captain. "Commodore Daleo, the leather-ball juggler. The most +renowned juggler of the spheroid in the world! You think it is here, but +it is not, for lo! he has juggled it over the line and kicked it as high +as an airship. He will show you----" + +"Silence in here!" came a voice from the doorway, and Josiah Crabtree +appeared. "I will have silence!" + +"Oh, dear!" murmured Pepper. "Anybody got any silence to spare? Mr. +Crabtree wants some." + +"You must all be in bed by midnight, and the light must be out," went on +the teacher. "This unseemly revel must cease!" And then he walked on, to +stop the noise coming from the other dormitories. + +"Say, Pepper, how do you like that?" murmured Fred. + +"I knew there would be frost," sighed The Imp. "Every time old Crabtree +appears we get a cold wave." + +"Be thankful he didn't mark you down for extra lessons," said Andy. + +"If he did that I'd rebel," returned Pepper. + +After that the talk was carried on in whispers, and each cadet lost no +time in disrobing. A few minutes after midnight all were in bed, and one +after another lost himself in the land of dreams. + +The day had been a particularly strenuous one for Jack and the young +major slept soundly until the rising-bell rang loudly. Then he rubbed +his eyes sleepily and stretched himself. + +"Wish I didn't have to get up just yet," he murmured. "I could sleep +another hour without half trying." + +"Same here," responded Pepper. + +"I never feel awake until after I've had a wash," came from Andy, who +had just leaped up. + +Soon all of the cadets in the dormitory were dressing, and one by one +they washed up and went below. Andy and Jack were the last to leave. + +"What's the matter?" asked the acrobatic youth, as he saw the young +major searching around for something. + +"I'm looking for my watch and chain, Andy." + +"Where did you put it?" + +"Where I always do--on the stand at the head of my bed." + +"Maybe it fell on the floor." + +"If it did, it isn't there now." Jack got down on his knees to look +around, and then turned over the bedclothes and some other things. + +"Maybe Pepper played a joke on you, Jack." + +"That may be so. I'll go down and ask him about it." + +The young major looked through his clothing and all over the dormitory, +and then hurried below. As it was Sunday morning, there was no drill, +and the cadets were gathering in the mess-hall for breakfast. + +"Pepper, did you see my watch?" asked Jack, coming up to his chum. + +"Your watch? No," was the ready reply. + +"You didn't?" cried the young major, and now he was more concerned than +ever. + +"Saw it last night, when you put it on the stand as usual." + +"You didn't hide it? Come, now, tell the truth." + +"Honor bright; the last I saw of it was when you placed it on the stand +when you went to bed." + +"It's gone; and the chain with it." + +"You don't mean it, Jack! Did you look all around?" + +"Everywhere." + +"Did you ask the other fellows about it?" + +"No; but I will, right away." + +The young major walked to one roommate after another and asked about his +watch and chain. All denied knowing anything about the timepiece. +Several had seen him place the watch on the stand at the head of the +bed, but that was all. + +"Well, it's a mystery what has become of it, that's sure," was Jack's +comment. "It certainly couldn't walk off by itself." + +"Well, a good watch knows how to run," remarked Pepper, dryly, for he +couldn't help having his joke. "But, seriously, Jack, do you think +somebody stole the watch and chain?" + +"I don't know what to think." + +"I don't imagine anybody in our dormitory would do such a thing." + +"Neither do I. But the watch and chain are gone. The question is, +Where?" + +"Hadn't you better report the matter to Captain Putnam?" + +"I will, after I have taken another look around," answered the young +major, and left the mess-room just as the bell rang for breakfast. + +"Why did Major Ruddy leave?" asked Josiah Crabtree, harshly, as he saw +that the young officer was missing. + +"He had something of importance to attend to," answered Pepper. + +"Humph! It is his duty to be at the table on time, if he wants his +breakfast," muttered the dictatorial teacher. + +Jack did not come back for the best part of half an hour. By that time +the breakfast was nearly over. + +"Major Ruddy, what does this mean?" demanded Josiah Crabtree. + +"A matter of importance, Mr. Crabtree," answered the young officer. + +"I cannot permit cadets to come in late to breakfast." + +"This couldn't be helped, sir. I will explain to you and to Captain +Putnam directly after I have finished." + +"Very well. If it is of real importance I will let it pass. But +otherwise I shall mark you for being tardy," returned Josiah Crabtree, +harshly. + +Jack merely bowed and then he sat down and ate his breakfast. While he +was doing so, Pepper leaned over to him. + +"Find the watch?" he whispered. + +"No--not the least trace of it," answered Jack. + +The young major did not feel much like eating. The watch was a gold one +and the chain was also of gold, and both were valuable. They had been a +birthday gift from his parents. + +"Say, Jack, this is as bad as my loss," came from Andy, in a low tone. +"What are you going to do about it?" + +"I don't know. I want to talk the matter over with Captain Putnam +first," answered the young officer. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AN INVITATION ACCEPTED + + +Captain Putnam looked very grave when Jack reported the loss of the gold +watch and chain. + +"You are certain you left them on the stand when you went to sleep?" he +questioned. + +"Yes, sir. Pepper Ditmore saw me put them there, and Dale Blackmore saw +it, too." + +"And you have looked everywhere for them?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I will go up and look around with you." + +"All right, sir. But it will do no good," answered the young major. + +"You say that all your roommates deny taking the watch and chain." + +"Yes, sir. They say they didn't see the watch at all after we went to +bed." + +"Major Ruddy, do you suspect anybody of this crime?" demanded the owner +of the school, looking Jack full in the face. + +"No, sir," was the prompt answer. "It's a complete mystery to me. All I +know about it is, that I left the watch and chain on the stand at the +head of my bed when I went to sleep and this morning they were gone." + +"Did any of the other cadets enter your dormitory during the night?" + +"Not that I know of." + +"They may have been skylarking and may have carried the watch and chain +off by--accident, let us say," finished the captain, significantly. + +"If anybody came in, nobody who sleeps in our room seems to be aware of +it." + +Captain Putnam and Jack passed up to the dormitory, followed by Josiah +Crabtree. They were soon joined by Pepper and the other occupants of the +apartment. Another search was made, but the gold watch and chain were +not found, nor were any clues concerning the timepiece unearthed. + +"What were the watch and chain worth?" asked Fred. + +"I don't know; maybe fifty or sixty dollars," answered Jack. + +"Then if they were stolen, the thief made quite a haul." + +"Do you think they were stolen, Century?" demanded the owner of the +school. + +"Doesn't it look like it, sir?" + +"But if they were stolen, who is guilty?" asked Josiah Crabtree, glaring +around from one cadet to another. + +For the moment nobody spoke. + +"I don't suspect any of my roommates," said Jack, quickly. "I think it +was done by some outsider." + +"Some other cadet?" asked Crabtree. + +"Possibly; or else by some of the help." + +"Gracious, Ruddy, I--er--I hope you don't suspect me!" stammered the +teacher. + +"No, sir; I meant some of the servants." + +"Ah, I see!" Josiah Crabtree looked relieved. "You may be right. Perhaps +some of the new colored help took the watch," he went on, to Captain +Putnam. + +"I will start an investigation," returned the owner of the school. + +Captain Putnam was as good as his word, and over an hour was spent in +questioning the help, and the other cadets, but without results. The +investigation was continued Monday morning. But not the first trace of +the missing watch and chain was discovered anywhere. + +"It assuredly is a mystery," said Captain Putnam at last. "What do you +make of it, Mr. Strong?" he asked of his second assistant. + +"It is a very unfortunate occurrence," answered George Strong. "If +there is a thief in Putnam Hall we ought to locate him. As long as he +remains undetected none of us will be safe." + +"How are you going to catch him?" + +"I don't know. We might try to trace up the watch and chain through the +authorities." + +"I hate to let the authorities know anything has been stolen in the +school. It gives us a bad name in public." The two men were alone, so +they could speak freely. + +"It will give the school a worse name if we don't get the watch and +chain back. I am afraid Major Ruddy can hold you for the worth of them." + +"He can, and I expect to pay for them if we don't get them back. I will +think it over, and perhaps I'll report the loss." + +Later on, the authorities were notified that a watch and chain were +missing. No details were given, but the police were asked to look out +for the watch and chain in pawnbroking establishments and elsewhere. + +"I shall also offer a reward," said the owner of the school, and the +next day a bulletin was posted, offering a reward of ten dollars for +information leading to the recovery of the timepiece and conviction of +the thief. + +"It's tough to go without your watch, Jack," said Pepper. + +"Captain Putnam is going to loan me one for the present," was the young +major's reply. "It's only a silver affair, but he says it keeps good +time, and that's the main thing." + +A day or two after the reward was offered, Jack, Pepper and Andy +received an invitation to take dinner at Point View Lodge with the Fords +and spend the evening there. The weather was now growing colder and the +Fords expected before long to close up their summer home and move to the +city for the winter. + +"Say, this is all to the merry!" cried Pepper, as he read the +invitation. "Of course we'll go." + +"If Captain Putnam will let us," added Andy, anxiously. + +"I think he will," returned Jack. "He is so cut up over this watch +affair I think he will do almost anything for me." + +The three went to the captain and showed the invitation, and were told +that they could go to Point View Lodge, but that they must be back at +Putnam Hall by ten o'clock. + +"It's lucky we can go in our uniforms," said Pepper. "Otherwise I +suppose we'd have to go in full dress, eh?" + +"Sure thing." + +"How are we going to get to the Lodge? We can't walk." + +"Might hire a carriage for once." + +"Too slow. The Lodge is so far off. We could make better time on our +bicycles." + +"But if it rains--or snows?" + +"Then we'll have to take a carriage." + +The three cadets watched the weather anxiously. It remained clear and +cool up to the afternoon of the day they were going and then grew +cloudy. + +"Looks like rain or snow to me," announced Jack. + +"Oh, don't croak!" cried Andy. "It's a bit cloudy, but that's all. I +guess it will hold off until morning." + +"Got your bicycle ready for the trip, Andy?" questioned Pepper. + +"Sure, I oiled up this morning. How about you?" + +"Ready since yesterday, and Jack's wheel is ready, too," was the answer. +"Oh, say, don't you anticipate a dandy time at Point View Lodge?" + +"Yes, indeed! The Ford girls are just all right." + +"Best ever!" chimed in Jack. + +"Don't forget to fill your lamps!" cried Andy, as he turned away. + +"Mine is full," answered Jack. + +"I'll see to mine," came from Pepper. "Glad you mentioned it. It will be +quite dark on the road to-night, and I don't want to run in a hole and +take a header." + +"None of us want to do that. We'd look fine going into the Lodge with +our faces and hands all dirt and our uniforms torn." + +The cadets hurried away in various directions. They had been talking in +the gymnasium, near one of the dressing-rooms, and they did not know +that anybody else was near. But Mumps, the sneak, had overheard every +word. As soon as they had gone, the younger cadet hurried off toward the +boathouse. Here he found half a dozen students assembled, including +Ritter and Coulter. + +"Say, do you fellows know that Ruddy, Ditmore and Snow are going out +to-night?" he said. He always loved to tell the news, and thought +himself quite important in so doing. + +"Where to?" asked one of the cadets. + +"To Point View Lodge--the place where the Ford family live. They've got +an invitation to dinner." + +"Lucky dogs!" came from another cadet. As he spoke he looked at Reff +Ritter, but that individual merely scowled, and took surreptitious +whiffs at a cigarette he was smoking. + +"How are they going to Point View?" asked another who was present. + +"Going on their bicycles," answered Mumps. "It's quite a ride, isn't +it?" + +"Oh, not for them. They can make it in half an hour if they try. But +they'll find it pretty dark to-night, I'm thinking," added the cadet, +with a glance out of the boathouse window at the leaden sky. + +The talk continued and Ritter listened closely to every word. Then he +arose and motioned to Coulter, and the two walked outside. + +"Did you hear what Mumps said?" he asked of his crony. + +"About those chaps going to the Fords' home?" + +"Yes." + +"What of it?" + +"I was thinking we might spoil their fun." + +"And get caught, as we did with the tar-barrels," grumbled Gus Coulter. + +"We'll take good care that nobody sees us this time." + +"What are you thinking of doing?" asked Coulter, curiously. + +"Come with me and I'll tell you," answered Reff Ritter, and took his +crony by the arm. Slowly they walked across the campus, and as they did +so Ritter unfolded a plot that had just then come into his head. + +"What do you think of it?" he asked, after he had finished. + +"Very good; if it will work, and we are not caught." + +"We'll not get caught if you'll do as I say. Listen, Gus, all you need +to do is to stand on guard, to give me warning if anybody comes. I'll do +the rest." + +"When do you want to get to work?" + +Reff Ritter looked around anxiously. It was cold on the campus and +growing darker rapidly. Only a few cadets were in sight. + +"Come on now," he answered. "We'll see if the coast is clear." + +They walked to the end of the gymnasium building, where, in a long room, +the bicycles of the students were kept. It was pitch dark inside and not +a soul was in sight. + +"Now, you remain outside," said Ritter. "If you see anybody coming begin +to whistle 'Yankee Doodle,' as loud as you can. Don't wait for me, for +I'll go out the back way." + +"All right. But let me know when you are through," answered Coulter, +somewhat nervously. + +"Sure." + +Coulter took his stand outside of the building and peered forth eagerly +in the darkness. Only three cadets were in view and they presently +entered the school building. Then ten minutes went by--a long wait for +the youth who was aiding Ritter in his plot. Then Reff came quickly from +the gymnasium. + +"Anybody around?" he asked hurriedly. + +"No." + +"Good enough." + +"Have you finished, Reff?" + +"Yes." + +"Did you get at all three of the wheels?" + +"I sure did. Say, they will have their own troubles, see if they don't!" +chuckled the bully. "But come on before anybody sees us," he added, and +stalked away in the darkness, with his crony beside him. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE WORK OF THE ENEMY + + +It was not until a few minutes after five o'clock that Jack, Andy and +Pepper hurried down to the gymnasium, to get their wheels. At the last +moment Andy discovered that one of his buttons was loose and had to be +sewed on, and Jack had trouble with the new cap he was going to wear. It +was a trifle too large and he had to place a strip of paper under the +band to make it stay on his head properly. + +"It certainly feels like snow," said Pepper, as the three got out their +bicycles. "I am sure we'll get a snowstorm before long." + +"I don't care, if only it holds off till we get back," returned Andy. + +They lit the acetylene gas lamps, with which their wheels were provided, +and then ran the bicycles down to the roadway. + +"Have a good time," cried Stuffer, who had come out to see them off. + +"Don't worry about that," replied Pepper, gaily. + +"I'll wager you'll have a dandy spread," went on the lad who loved to +eat. + +"Wish you were along, Stuffer?" asked Jack. + +"Do I? Well, now, don't mention it!" and Stuffer's eyes fairly watered +in anticipation. + +"I'll bring you something if I get the chance," sang out Pepper, as he +gave his bicycle a shove and leaped into the saddle. "So-long!" + +Jack and Andy followed their chum, and with a parting cry to Stuffer, +all three pedaled along the highway leading to Point View Lodge. It was +now night, but the three gas-lamps lit up the road so well that they had +little difficulty in finding their way. + +"We are not due until six o'clock," said Jack. "So we can take it easy. +No use of getting into a perspiration over it." + +"We'll not sweat much to-night," answered Pepper. "Too cold. I move we +keep at it until we reach that old barn near the Lodge. Then we can rest +a bit, so that we won't appear at the place all out of breath." + +Two miles were covered, and then they came to a place where the highway +was unusually rough. + +"Let me go ahead and pick the way," sang out Andy, and forged to the +front. + +"Better slack up a little!" returned the young major. "No use of taking +chances when we have plenty of time." + +Scarcely had he uttered the words when there came a cry from the +acrobatic youth. His wheel commenced to wobble and twist. Over into some +bushes he shot, to fall with a crash in their midst. + +"Hello, what's the matter with you?" sang out Pepper, and leaped quickly +to the road, an example followed by Jack. + +"Bicycle has gone to pieces, I guess," spluttered Andy, as he essayed to +scramble out of the bushes. + +"Are you hurt?" demanded Jack, anxiously. + +"Only a few scratches, Jack. Say, that was a narrow escape, wasn't it?" + +"Thought you said your wheel was in good condition," came from Pepper. + +"So it was when I looked at it this morning." + +"What's wrong now?" + +"The handle-bars are loose for one thing. I don't know what else is +wrong until I look it over." + +The machine was brought forth from the bushes. The lamp-glass had been +smashed and the light had gone out. Andy stopped the flow of acetylene +gas, and then his chums turned the rays of the other lamps on the +disabled bicycle. + +"Handle-bars loose and also nuts on the front wheel!" cried Andy, after +an examination. "Say, I believe some enemy did this!" + +"Who?" questioned the young major. + +"I don't know. Maybe Ritter, or Coulter." + +"Hurry up and tighten things," cried Pepper. "We don't want to be late." + +"Better be late than have a nasty tumble," returned Jack. "While you are +at it, Andy, better look the whole machine over carefully." + +"I will, Jack. And maybe you had better look your machines over, too." + +"Good advice." + +While Andy was fixing his bicycle Pepper and the young major inspected +their own bicycles. + +"Well, I never!" gasped The Imp, as the light fell on his rear wheel. +"Another quarter of a mile and I would have had a spill and no mistake!" + +"Same here!" came from Jack. "Oh, isn't this the worst yet!" + +"What's wrong?" queried the acrobatic youth. + +"The back wheel is loose, and two of the sprockets of the sprocket-wheel +have been filed down, to let the chain slip," answered Pepper. + +"And my handle-bars are loose and the chain all but filed in two," cried +Jack. "Boys, this was done on purpose!" + +"Of course!" came from both of the others. + +"Done by our enemies!" + +"Sure." + +"Ritter and his cronies." + +"Well, we'd have to prove that," answered Andy, slowly. + +"Don't you believe it, Andy?" + +"I do; but that isn't proof." + +"And that isn't getting us to Point View Lodge," came from Pepper. "I +guess we'll have to walk!" he added, with something like a groan. + +"Walk! We can't walk that distance," replied the young major. + +"Well, we can't trust ourselves on these machines. We might if we had +lots of time, but that we haven't got." + +The three cadets stared blankly at each other. Here they were on a +lonely road, and what to do none of them knew. + +"Oh, if I only had Ritter here wouldn't I punch his head good!" muttered +Pepper. + +"Ritter will keep. Let us look over the machines and make up our minds +what is to be done," said Jack. + +The more they inspected the wheels the more hopeless appeared the task +of fixing them up so they could be used. + +"We simply haven't got time to bother with them," announced Jack. "We've +got to get to the Lodge some other way." + +"Well, what way?" asked Andy. + +"I wonder if we could hire a rig at the next farmhouse." + +"Well, we can try that," answered Pepper. + +Trundling their bicycles, they hurried along the country road until they +reached a farmhouse. + +"Looks as if they were all out or gone to bed," was Jack's comment, for +not a light showed about the place. + +"We'll soon know," returned Pepper, and he pounded lustily on the front +door. + +There was no answer to this summons, and he pounded again. But nobody +appeared. + +"Gone away for the day, I guess," he said. "Now what?" + +"Let us leave our wheels in the barn," said Jack. "We can come back for +them any time." + +This they did, and after a look around the place, to make certain nobody +was there, they passed out on the road once more. Pepper looked at his +watch. + +"Fifteen minutes to six," he announced. + +"Oh, we'll never get there on time," groaned Andy. + +"We'll be lucky if we get there at all to-night," answered the young +major. + +"They are looking for us by now," came from Pepper. "Wonder what they +will think when we don't show up?" + +"They'll think we are pretty mean, I guess," answered the acrobatic +youth. + +"Here comes some kind of a turnout now!" cried Pepper. + +He pointed down the highway. They could see a lantern swinging idly to +and fro. It was hung under a farm-wagon, and presently they saw the +turnout, drawn by a pair of good-looking horses. The wagon was filled +with barrels of potatoes, and on the seat sat a raw-boned old farmer, +half asleep. + +"Hello, there!" challenged Jack out of the darkness. "Hold up a minute, +please!" + +"Hi, what's this, a hold-up?" exclaimed the old farmer, and then of a +sudden he reached between the barrels of potatoes and brought forth a +long horse-pistol and pointed it at them. + +"Don't shoot!" cried Pepper, thinking the old fellow might be just +scared enough to pull the trigger of his ancient weapon. "This isn't any +hold-up." + +"Who be you?" and the farmer peered forth anxiously in the darkness. + +"We are cadets from Putnam Hall." + +"Oh! I see! Waal, don't ye try to play no trick on Ezra Cole, or I'll +let fly with this hoss-pistol, sure ez you're born!" + +"We don't want to play any tricks, Mr. Cole," answered Jack. "We are in +trouble, and I was wondering if you could help us out." + +"Wot's the trouble?" + +In as few words as possible the young major and his chums explained the +difficulty. The old farmer listened with interest. + +"I know Mr. Ford; he buys garden sass from me," he said. + +"We don't know how we are going to get to the Lodge, unless we can find +somebody to drive us over," said Pepper. "Could you do it, if we paid +you?" + +"Wot, with this load o' potatoes? Not much!" + +"Couldn't you leave your potatoes here?" asked Andy. "I'll give you +fifty cents to drive me over." + +"And so will I," added Pepper. + +"That will be a dollar and a half for the three of us, Mr. Cole," put in +Jack. + +"Hum!" The old farmer began to look interested. "It's a putty stiff +drive to Point View, an' I'd have to come back fer the potatoes." + +"Make it two dollars!" cried Jack. "And do it as quickly as you can." + +"Hum! Got the cash with you, young man?" + +"Yes, here it is!" And the young major held up two one-dollar bills. + +"All right, I'm your man!" cried Ezra Cole. "I ain't in no hurry to git +to hum, an' two dollars ain't picked up every day. Jest wait till I +drive in an' leave my potatoes where they will be safe." + +"Might leave 'em with our bicycles," said Jack. + +"So I will." + +It did not take the old farmer long to unload his barrels of potatoes. +Then he swept out his farm-wagon and spread some horse-blankets for the +boys to sit upon. They leaped in and he took up the lines once more. + +"G'lang!" he shouted to his team and cracked his whip, and off they went +along the road at a good gait. + +"Great Julius Caesar!" cried Andy, after a quarter of a mile had been +passed. "Talk about bumping the bumps! This road has 'em beaten to a +frazzle!" + +"Getting your money's worth, Andy?" asked The Imp, with a grin. + +"Ain't no springs on this wagon!" said Ezra Cole, with a grin. "But +don't you mind; it will give you a fine appetite fer that dinner when +you git there!" + +"It will, if it doesn't knock out our teeth so we can't chew!" murmured +Jack. + +On and on they rattled at a good pace until the lights of Point View +Lodge shone in the distance. + +"Just drop us off at the gate!" cried Jack. "We don't want to ride up +to the piazza in such a rig as this." + +"Why, hello, have you arrived at last?" cried a voice from out of the +darkness, and then Laura and Flossie appeared, standing by the gate. The +three cadets looked glumly at each other, and then Pepper commenced to +snicker and all burst into a hearty spell of laughter. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE FORD MANSION + + +"Don't you admire our very fashionable turnout?" questioned Pepper, as +he came forward and shook hands with the girls. + +"It's the latest in carriages," came from Andy. + +"Oh!" murmured Laura. "Did you really come all the way from Putnam Hall +in that?" + +"It must have been hard riding," was Flossie's comment. + +"No, we didn't come all the way," answered Pepper. "We'll tell you about +it later," he added. Then Ezra Cole was paid. The old farmer lost no +time in driving away. + +As the girls and boys walked slowly toward the mansion the cadets told +the particulars of the breakdown on the road. + +"And you really think some of your rivals did it?" questioned Laura. +"How mean!" + +"I'd never speak to them again," added Flossie, with a flash of her +eyes. + +"Well, we'll talk a whole lot to 'em," answered Pepper, grimly. + +"But you have got to prove them guilty first," said Laura. + +Once at the mansion the situation was explained to Mr. and Mrs. Ford, +and the boys were conducted by a servant to a bathroom, where they might +wash and brush up and make themselves otherwise presentable. They did +not linger long, and when they came below, the folding-doors to the +dining-room were opened and the butler announced dinner. + +It was a jolly meal, and the cadets were made to feel perfectly at home. +Mr. Ford asked them how they were getting along in school, and was +surprised when told that they hoped to graduate from the Hall the +following June. + +"We shall miss your visits to the Lodge," said Mrs. Ford. + +"You'll have to visit us anyway--if you get a chance," said Laura, and +all of the cadets said they would remember her kind words. Then they +talked about old times, and especially about the time when the boys had +visited the Lodge and killed the tiger that had escaped from the circus, +as related in "The Putnam Hall Cadets," and of how the girls had visited +the cadets in the woods, when the boys had run away from the Hall, as +told of in "The Putnam Hall Rebellion." + +"I'd like to go to a boarding-school," said Flossie. "It must be lots of +fun!" + +"Fun and work, mixed," answered Andy. + +After the dinner, over which they took their time, the young folks +gathered around the piano and sang and played, and they also had several +dances, with the old folks looking on. All too soon it came time for the +boys to go back to the Hall. + +"I have ordered the auto around," said Rossmore Ford. "John can take you +back, and he can also stop for your bicycles, if you wish." + +"Thank you very much," answered Jack. "We'll ride home in the auto with +pleasure. But I guess we had better let the bicycles rest to-night where +they are; eh, fellows?" + +"Yes," answered Pepper and Andy. + +A little later the cadets said good-night. The big touring car was +brought around and they got in the tonneau. Then the chauffeur turned on +the power, and away they shot into the darkness, the girls crying a +good-by after them. + +"Well, we had a dandy time, in spite of the breakdown," remarked the +young major. + +"But we have got to find out who played this trick on us," came from +Pepper. + +"That may be easier said than done," said Andy. "Whoever was mean +enough to play such a trick will do his best to lay low." + +When the boys got back to the Hall they found that the majority of their +friends had gone to bed. Only Stuffer Singleton was up, reading a novel +by the light of a wax-candle he had smuggled up to the room. + +"Hello! have a good time?" queried the boy who loved to eat, as he cast +aside the volume. + +"Bang up," answered Jack, and then he went on quickly. "Stuffer, were +you near the gym this afternoon?" + +"No. Why?" + +"Somebody was mean enough to tamper with our bicycles," answered the +young major, and gave a few particulars. + +"Oh, you can bet it was the Ritter crowd, or Ritter alone," said +Stuffer, quickly. "It would be just like them to do their best to spoil +your fun." + +It was not until two days later that Jack and his chums had a chance to +go for their broken-down wheels. They found them exactly as they had +been left, and explained to the owner of the barn how they happened to +be there. + +"It's all right," said the farmer. "You can leave them here a month if +you want to." He knew Captain Putnam well, having sold him some straw +for the school stables. + +The cadets had to trundle the bicycles back to Putnam Hall and then had +many hours' work in fixing the wheels so they could be used again. + +During those two days the youths made many inquiries, but were unable to +get a clue as to who had played the trick. Ritter and Coulter "laid low" +and kept out of their way. + +Following the game with the Dauntless Club came several other football +contests, and Putnam Hall won two games and lost one. Then the weather +turned off cold, with a promise of snow in the air. + +During those days it must not be supposed that the search for Jack's +gold watch and chain was abandoned. It was continued with spirit, but no +clue was brought to light. + +"It's as much of a mystery as the disappearance of my things when the +horse ran away with me," said Andy. "I don't suppose I'll ever hear of +those things either." + +"Yes, but that was different, Andy," said the young major. "You were on +a public highway, where anybody might pick up the things, supposing you +merely dropped them. But I was right here, where everybody is supposed +to be honest." + +"It gives the school a black eye, doesn't it?" + +"That's it. I know Captain Putnam feels terrible about it, too." + +"Do you suspect any of the hired help?" + +"I don't know what to think." + +The weather grew colder rapidly, and one morning the cadets arose to +find the ground covered with snow to a depth of several inches. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Fred. "See the snow! Doesn't it look inviting?" + +"Want a roll in it, Fred?" questioned Bart Field. + +"Not exactly. I was thinking of a snowball fight." + +"That's the talk! Let us get up a fight after school hours!" cried Bart +Conners. + +Pepper was at the window. Slyly he raised the sash and scooped up a big +handful of snow from the broad ledge outside. Andy was nearby, bending +over, lacing up his shoe. + +"Welcome to the snow!" cried The Imp, gaily, and let a portion of the +frozen mass slip down the acrobatic youth's collar. + +"Wow!" snorted Andy, straightening up with a jerk. "Hi, you, what do you +take me for, an ice-box?" And he commenced to squirm as the cold snow +ran down his backbone. Then he made a dive for Pepper and chased The Imp +around the dormitory. Over two of the beds they flew, and then brought +up in a corner with a crash. + +"Have mercy on the furniture!" cried Joe Nelson. + +"Don't knock over the table!" added Stuffer. + +"Give me that snow!" cried Andy, and managed to get a small portion from +Pepper. "How do you like that?" And he plastered the snow in The Imp's +left ear. + +"Hurrah! Snow from Snow!" cried Jack. + +"'Twill warm Pepper's blood, so it will!" was Emerald Hogan's comment. + +More snow had been scooped from the window-sill by Fred and Joe, and +soon a battle-royal was in progress in the dormitory. But it came to an +abrupt end when Dave Kearney appeared. + +"Stop it!" cried the young sergeant. "Crabtree is coming!" + +"All over!" whispered Jack. "All as orderly as lambs!" And at once every +cadet settled down and started in an orderly fashion to finish his +morning toilet. + +"What was the noise in here?" demanded Josiah Crabtree, as he threw open +the door and strode into the dormitory. + +He glared around savagely, but nobody answered him. + +"I demand to know what was going on here!" he continued. + +"Mr. Crabtree, did you speak to me?" asked Pepper, meekly. + +"I spoke to you all!" thundered the teacher. "What were you doing in +here?" + +"I am dressing, Mr. Crabtree," answered Andy. + +"I am dressing, Mr. Crabtree," came from Jack. + +"I am dressing, too," put in Fred. + +"And so was I dressing," said Stuffer, with a smile. + +"And I was dressing," supplemented Pepper. "Come to think of it, I +rather fancy we were all dressing. You see, we always do dress when we +get up in the morning, Mr. Crabtree," he added with a simple smile. + +"I want none of your impudence, Ditmore." + +"Oh, dear, was I impudent?" murmured The Imp. "I didn't know it. I beg +ten thousand pardons--yes, a million, if you'd rather, sir." + +"Be quiet, you--you forward boy! Something was going on in here! If I +find out what it was, I shall punish all of you!" And having thus +delivered himself, Josiah Crabtree strode out of the dormitory, banging +the door after him. + +"Isn't he an angel!" murmured Andy. + +"The sweetest teacher that ever grew!" returned Pepper. + +"I'd like to know how long Captain Putnam will put up with him," was +Jack's comment. + +"I don't believe it will be very long," answered Fred. + +The cadets finished their dressing and hurried below. On account of the +storm the morning drill was held in the gymnasium, and then the young +soldiers marched to the mess-room. On the way several could not resist +the temptation to pick up some snow and throw it at each other. + +"Hi, you stop that!" roared Reff Ritter, as a snowball took him in the +neck. "Who threw that?" he demanded; but nobody answered him. "I believe +it was you, Ditmore!" he went on, turning an ugly look on Pepper. + +"That's one for tampering with our bicycles, Ritter," retorted Pepper. + +It was a chance shot, taken on the spur of the moment, but it told. Reff +Ritter started and turned pale. + +"Who--er--told you I--er--tampered with your bicycles?" he stammered. + +"Never mind who told me, Ritter. We are going to get square with you, +and don't you forget it." + +"Who said I touched 'em?" grumbled the bully. + +"Never mind about that." + +"You are trying to corner me, that what's you are up to!" grumbled +Ritter. "But you shan't do it! I never touched your wheels, and you +can't prove that I did. Now don't you throw any more snowballs at me, +or I'll report you." And then Ritter hurried into the mess-room as fast +as he could. + +Pepper, Jack and Andy looked at each other. + +"He is guilty, I know it!" said Pepper firmly. + +"I believe you," answered the young major; and Andy nodded his head to +show that he agreed with his chums. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE SNOWBALL BATTLE + + +"Now then, fellows, for the greatest snowball battle of the age!" + +"Here is where Company A smothers Company B!" + +"Rats! You mean that Company B will bury Company A out of sight!" + +"Hi, Major Ruddy! What side are you going on?" queried Bart Conners, who +still commanded Company B. + +"He is coming on our side!" answered Henry Lee, the captain of the other +company. + +"Well, I can't fight on both sides," answered the young major with a +laugh. + +"Go with the company that wins!" suggested Pepper, with a grin. + +"Toss up a cent for it," suggested Andy. + +"All right, I'll toss up," answered Jack, and did so, and it was decided +that he should fight with Company B. + +"Good enough!" cried Pepper, who was in that command. "Now Company A is +licked, sure!" + +"Not much!" was the answer from Stuffer Singleton. "We'll win, sure!" + +"We will, unless you stop to eat a doughnut!" put in Joe Nelson, and at +this remark a general laugh went up, for Stuffer had once lost a +long-distance running race because he stopped on the way to devour some +cookies he had in his pocket. + +It was after school hours, and the cadets had gathered on the field +where, during the summer, corn had been raised. It was to be a battle +between the two companies of the school battalion, with the company +captain as leader on each side. + +The preliminary rules were speedily arranged. Lines were drawn at either +end of the field, about five hundred feet apart. In the center, about a +hundred feet apart, two other lines were drawn. Along the latter lines +the cadets arranged themselves. + +"Now then, fighting will begin when the school-bell rings out four!" +cried the cadet who had been made referee. "The company that chases the +other company over its back line wins the contest. No fighting with +anything but snow allowed. Anybody using his fists, or a stone, or a +lump of ice, will be ruled out of the contest." + +With all possible speed the young soldiers started to supply themselves +with snowballs, and soon each had ten to twenty in his hands and pockets +and under his arms or at his feet. + +"Get ready!" shouted Bart, as he glanced hastily at his watch. + +"Give it to 'em hot when the bell rings!" came from Henry Lee. + +Half a minute more and the Hall bell commenced to toll out the hour. The +bell had not yet ceased to ring when there came a grand shower of +snowballs from each company. The shower was so thick that a few of the +snowballs hit each other. + +"Forward!" shouted Captain Bart. + +"Forward!" echoed Captain Henry. + +And then the two long lines of cadets rushed forward over the +snow-covered field until they were within thirty or forty feet of each +other. Then came another shower of snowballs. + +"Wow!" yelled one cadet. "Oh, my nose!" + +"Caesar's helmet! That hit me in the eye!" came from another. + +"Say, don't try to knock out all my teeth!" added a third. + +"Charge!" yelled the captain of Company A. "Charge! Get 'em on the run +right now!" + +"Stand firm!" came from the commander of Company B. "Now then, fire!" + +The rush of Company A was met with an extra heavy volley of snowballs. +The cadets staggered under the onslaught and then came to a halt. + +"Now then, up and at 'em!" yelled Captain Bart. And yelling like wild +Indians, his command charged on Company A. The snowballs flew thick and +fast, and slowly but surely Company A was forced to give ground until it +stood on the line from which it had started. But by that time Company B +was out of ammunition and had to pause to manufacture more snowballs. + +In the ranks of Company A were Ritter, Coulter and Paxton. Paxton had of +late somewhat dropped the others, but Reff and Gus were as thick as +ever. They were now standing side by side. + +"Say, I'd like to give it to Ruddy and those others," muttered Coulter. + +"So would I," whispered Ritter in return. "Confound 'em, I'd like to +know if they really know the truth about the bicycles." + +"I don't see how they found out; nobody was around when you fixed 'em +up." + +"Maybe somebody was spying; that sneak of a Mumps, for instance." + +"If he was, and told on us, I'll fix him for it." + +Both cadets were making snowballs near a hollow. As Ritter scraped the +snow up he uncovered several jagged stones. + +"Say, look here!" he whispered, and pointed at the stones. "Let's fix +up some special snowballs for Ruddy & Company!" he added with a knowing +look at his crony. + +"All right; but be careful you are not caught," answered Gus Coulter. + +Both cadets got down close to the jagged stones and adroitly slipped +several of them into the snowballs they were making. + +"Wait till we are pretty close," directed Ritter. "Then let drive for +all you are worth." + +"Who will you aim at?" + +"Ruddy and Ditmore." + +"All right, I'll aim at Snow; and I'll let Ruddy have one, too." + +Again came a ringing war-cry, and in a moment more the battle was +continued. Back and forth swayed the lines of cadets, first towards one +end of the field and then towards the other. It was plainly to be seen +that the commands were about evenly matched. + +"How long is this battle to last?" questioned Joe Nelson. + +"Half an hour," answered Fred Century, who was beside him. + +"Time is almost up, then," came from Bert Field, who had been fighting +so hard he was almost out of breath. + +"Five minutes more!" came from the referee. "Now then, if either side +is going to do something, pitch in!" + +"Forward!" came simultaneously from both captains, and forward plunged +Company A and Company B, and the snowballs commenced to fly as thickly +as before. Neither side would give ground, and at last the two lines +were within fifteen to twenty feet of each other, right in the center of +the field. + +The time was almost up, and each command was getting rid of the last of +the snowballs, when Jack saw a snowball leave Coulter's hand and sail +swiftly towards Pepper. The Imp did not see it until it was quite close +to him and failed in his attempt to dodge. The snowball hit him full in +the temple and over he went as if struck with a club. + +"Pepper!" cried the young major in horror, and started to rush to his +chum's assistance, when another snowball came flying through the air. It +struck Jack over the ear, and he, too, went down, all but knocked +unconscious. + +A bugle blew, and the great snowballing contest came to an end. + +"A tie! A tie!" was the cry. "Neither side wins!" + +"Let the two captains shake hands and call it off!" said one cadet. + +"I'm willing!" cried Bart, readily. + +"So am I," added Henry, and then the pair shook hands, while a great +cheer rolled up from both sides. But the cheer came to an abrupt end +when Fred Century cried out: + +"Pepper Ditmore is hurt!" + +"And so is Major Ruddy!" came from Emerald Hogan. + +A crowd quickly gathered around each wounded cadet. Pepper had a nasty +cut over the left eye and Jack had a lump behind his right ear. + +"They must have been hit with soakers," was Dale's comment, as he bent +over Pepper. + +"Looks as if Pepper was hit with a stone," came from Andy. + +"A stone!" cried Bart Field. + +"Yes, a stone! That cut was never made by a snowball, or a piece of ice, +either!" + +"Shall I get a doctor?" asked Stuffer, anxiously. + +"Oh, are they as bad as that?" asked Bob Grenwood. + +"I don't know," answered Bert, soberly. "Wait a minute and we'll see if +they come around." + +"Oh, what a crack!" murmured Jack, and then he sat up and stared around +him. Pepper was also stirring and he slowly put one hand to the cut on +his temple. + +"Let us carry 'em to the Hall," suggested Bert. "It's getting too cold +out here and besides, they are all in a sweat from the snowballing." + +When Pepper was picked up, Andy saw something lying beneath him in the +snow. He picked it up. + +"Hello! look here!" he called out, and held the object up. + +"A stone!" + +"Where did it come from, Andy?" + +"It was under Pepper's body. I believe it was in the snowball that hit +him!" + +"Who would be so mean?" + +"I rather guess I know," answered Pepper, and looked around for Ritter +and Coulter, but the bully and his crony had disappeared. + +Pepper and Jack were carried tenderly into the Hall and placed in easy +chairs in the reception room. Presently both had recovered consciousness +fully, and each had his head bound up in bandages. + +"Phew, but that was a crack I got!" sighed The Imp. "I thought a rock +had hit me!" + +"It was Coulter who threw that snowball," said the young major. "I saw +him do it, and I was running to help you up when I got struck myself, +and went down." + +"And I am pretty sure Ritter hit you, Jack," came from Andy. "Anyway, I +saw him aiming for you just before you staggered and fell." + +"Andy, those fellows must have hit us with stones!" muttered The Imp. + +"I feel sure they did. Ritter struck me with a snowball, on the hand, +and it left a deep scratch. Now, no ordinary snowball would do that. +Besides that, I picked up a sharp stone from where Pepper was lying." + +"It was against the rules of the contest to use stones," put in Dale, +who was near. + +"Sure it was!" cried Stuffer. "If those chaps really used stones they +ought to be punished for it." + +The news quickly went the rounds, as was to be expected. When Henry Lee +heard it he quickly sought out Captain Bart. + +"I hope you don't think I allowed any such underhand work," he said +anxiously. + +"Not for a minute, Henry!" cried the captain of Company B. "If Ritter +and Coulter did it, they did it on their own responsibility. I think +them just mean enough, too, for they are down on Major Ruddy and Pepper +Ditmore." + +"If they are guilty, I'd like to have them court-martialed!" muttered +the commander of Company A. "Such underhand work is a disgrace to Putnam +Hall!" + +"Wait and see if it can be proven," answered Bart Conners. "Then, if it +is proven, we'll read Ritter and Coulter a lecture they won't forget in +a hurry!" he added significantly. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +IN WHICH MORE VALUABLES VANISH + + +That night it snowed again, and in the morning the storm raged furiously +around Putnam Hall, so that the landscape on all sides was completely +blotted out. The cadets had to remain indoors, and it was hard work to +keep a path clear to the gymnasium and the stables. + +"We'll be snowbound and no mistake," observed Andy. "Well, I don't care +much; it will give me a chance to catch up in my lessons." + +"Very far behind, Andy?" asked Jack. + +"More than I like to think about, Jack. I want to graduate with honor, +you know." + +"Oh, we all want to do that." + +"How's the head?" + +"Still sore. But I guess I'll be all right again in a few days." + +"How about you, Pepper?" + +"I'll be all right, too, Andy. But it was a fierce crack!" added +Pepper, as his hand went up gingerly to his plastered-up cut. + +"Going to lodge a complaint against Ritter and Coulter?" + +"What good would it do? We can't actually prove that they used stones?" + +"Let it pass. If we make a complaint it will only stir up more bad +blood," said the young major. "But in the future I am going to watch +Ritter and Coulter pretty closely." + +The boys were kept at the Hall for all of that week, getting no further +than the gymnasium for recreation. The wind blew furiously at times, so +that the snow was piled up into numerous drifts, one reaching almost to +the top of the carriage-shed, and another completely hiding the posts of +the gate entrance. + +"This must be tough on some of the farmers," observed Dale. "Think of +trying to get the milk to the station in such weather." + +"Well, a farmer usually has enough to eat," answered Stuffer. "That +counts for a good deal. Now if a fellow was snowbound and didn't have +any grub----" He did not finish but shook his head dolefully. To Stuffer +such a fate was beyond words. + +As was to be expected, Ritter and Coulter kept out of the way of Jack +and Pepper. Once the young major met the pair on the stairs, but they +simply glared at him and passed on before he could say a word. + +During all this time Captain Putnam had been doing his best to solve the +mystery concerning the disappearance of Jack's gold watch and chain. +But, though all the hired help and the cadets and teachers were watched +and questioned, nothing of importance came to light. Peleg Snuggers said +he had once seen a strange man near the stables, and Captain Putnam +wondered if that individual could have sneaked into the school and +committed the robbery. + +"But if he did that, why didn't he take more?" he said, in speaking of +the matter to George Strong. + +"I am sure I don't know, sir," answered the teacher. "For the matter of +that, why wouldn't any thief take more, if he had the chance?" + +"I give it up, Strong. This thing makes me feel sick." + +"Well, we must keep our eyes open," answered George Strong; and then the +conversation changed to the lessons for the next day. + +On Tuesday morning, Pepper chanced to go to a bureau-drawer in which he +kept his collars, cuffs, neckties and jewelry. He commenced to look for +something and ended by turning out everything in the compartment. + +"What's wrong, Pepper?" asked Jack. "Lost some diamonds?" + +"It's my ruby scarfpin, Jack. Did you see it?" + +"No, not for some time. Did you have it in that drawer?" + +"I did." + +"When did you wear it last?" + +"The night we took dinner with the Fords." + +"Are you sure you put it back when you came home?" + +"Positive. I keep it in this case," and Pepper held up an empty jewelry +case. + +"Gracious! This is becoming interesting!" murmured the young major. +"First my watch and chain and now your scarfpin!" He looked pointedly at +his chum. "Pepper, do you think----" He stopped short. + +"Think what, Jack?" + +"Oh, I'd hate to say it, Pepper," and the young major shrugged his +shoulders. + +"Were you going to mention Ritter and Coulter?" + +"I was. But maybe it wouldn't be fair. It's a terrible thing to think +anybody a thief." + +"That is true. But maybe they took them as a joke and hid them." + +"That is past a joke." + +Pepper continued to hunt around until it was time to go below. Then he +marched straight to Captain Putnam's private office. + +The captain listened with a sinking heart to what the cadet had to say. +It was terrible to think that a thief was at large in the school and +could not be caught. + +"You are positive that you had the scarfpin when you came home, +Ditmore?" he questioned. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And you put it in the case in the drawer?" + +"I did." + +"Was the drawer locked?" + +"Part of the time. Sometimes I forgot and left the key in the lock." + +"What sort of a scarfpin was it?" + +"It was a sort of a clover effect, of gold, with a ruby and three small +diamonds." + +"And how much was it worth?" + +"I believe my mother paid thirty-five dollars for it. It was a Christmas +gift, so I am not sure about the value." + +"Well, take another look for it and report to me again to-morrow," +answered Captain Putnam, with a heavy sigh. Then, of a sudden, he added: +"Do you suspect anybody of taking the scarfpin?" + +"I have no clue whatever to the theft," answered Pepper, slowly. + +"But have you any suspicions, Ditmore?" And the master's voice grew a +trifle stern. + +"Only in a general way." + +"Please explain yourself." + +"I--er--I hardly know what to say, sir," stammered Pepper. "There may be +nothing in it at all." + +"In what? Come, out with it." + +"Why, you see, sir, some of the cadets in this school are not good +friends with me and Major Ruddy, and maybe they thought they would play +a trick on us by taking his watch and chain and my scarfpin." + +"Humph! a mighty poor trick! Who are those cadets?" + +"I don't want to accuse them, Captain Putnam." + +"I understand. But who are the cadets?" + +"Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter." + +"Oh, yes, I remember now. You and Major Ruddy have had quite some +trouble with them in the past." + +"Yes, sir. But I'd hate to think they did such a mean thing as this," +added Pepper, hastily. + +"Well, take a look around and report again to-morrow," returned Captain +Putnam; and then closed his desk slowly and thoughtfully. + +Pepper did take a look around, but it was of no use. Not a trace of the +missing scarfpin could be found. + +"This certainly beats the nation!" remarked Dale, when the cadets were +talking the affair over. "First Andy loses his jewelry, then Jack, and +now Pepper. Wonder if I hadn't better put my cuff-links in the captain's +safe?" And he cut a wry face. "They cost me a dollar and a quarter." + +"I'll wager Captain Putnam would give a good deal to catch the thief," +remarked Stuffer. "Say, Pep, I hope you don't suspect anybody in this +dormitory?" he added anxiously. + +"No, Stuffer," was the quick answer. Then Pepper broke into a grin. "Of +course, if it was a doughnut, or a pie, I'd suspect you right off!" + +"Huh! It's no crime to take something to eat!" grunted Stuffer. + +"I'd hate to think any cadet was guilty," came from Emerald. "'Twould +blacken the character of the whole school, so it would!" + +"Well, Jack and Pepper have some bitter enemies," said Dale, +significantly. And all present knew to whom he referred. + +"Well, you can't always tell," said Dale, and shrugged his broad +shoulders. + +At that moment Fred Century came hurrying into the dormitory. + +"Have you heard the latest news?" he cried. + +"No, what is it?" questioned Andy. + +"Maybe we are going to have an extra holiday," suggested Pepper. + +"Better yet, maybe old Crabtree has resigned," added Jack. + +"Perhaps Fred is going to give us a spread," came from Stuffer. "I'd +like that first-rate." + +"No, the news is more important than all that," came from Fred. + +"Well, what is it, Fred?" + +"Don't keep us on pins and needles any longer!" + +"Well, the news is, that there have been more robberies committed here," +answered Fred. + +"More robberies!" came from half a dozen throats. + +"Yes. The teachers were going to keep the thing quiet, but it leaked out +through Mumps and Nick Paxton. + +"What has been taken now?" asked Jack, curiously. + +"A watch, a scarfpin, and a five-dollar gold piece." + +"And who was robbed?" burst out Andy. + +"The watch was taken from Paxton, the scarfpin from Ritter, and Coulter +lost the five-dollar gold piece." + +"Is it possible!" murmured the young major, and then he looked +meaningly at his chums. Here was news indeed! + +"When did you learn of this, Fred?" asked Dale. + +"Just a few minutes ago. Mumps told me, and Paxton told Frank Barringer. +Ritter, Coulter and Paxton went to the office to report. Mumps said +Ritter was as mad as hops. Ritter's watch was only a silver affair, but +he says it came down to him from his grandfather and was valuable as an +heirloom." + +"Well, this is certainly getting interesting," was Pepper's comment. "If +that thief isn't caught he'll end up by cleaning out the whole school." + +"After this, I am going to hide my valuables," said Dale. + +"Ditto here," cried Stuffer. "I haven't got much, but what I own I want +to keep." + +A little later the cadets filed out of the dormitory, leaving Jack, +Pepper and Andy together. + +"Well, I am mighty glad I didn't accuse Ritter and Coulter," said the +young major. "This puts something of a different light on the subject." + +"But who is guilty, do you think?" asked Andy. + +"I don't know what to think," answered the young major. + +"This will drive Captain Putnam wild," came from Pepper. And he was +right; the master of the Hall was worried as he had never been worried +before. He made a rigid investigation, but it brought nothing new to +light. According to the stories told by Ritter, Coulter and Paxton the +articles stolen had been taken from their bureau-drawers, and that was +all those cadets could tell about the mysterious affair. + +"We must set a strict watch, Captain Putnam," said George Strong. + +"And we must catch that thief," added Josiah. Crabtree, sourly. "I--I +shall be almost afraid to go to sleep after this!" he added nervously. + +"If these thefts keep on I don't know what I am going to do," said +Captain Putnam, and his voice had a sound of despair in it. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE TUG-OF-WAR + + +For several days nothing was talked of at Putnam Hall but the mysterious +disappearance of the students' watches and jewelry. The cadets could not +get the matter off their minds, and as a consequence recitations became +very poor. + +"I shall offer a substantial reward," said Captain Putnam, and one +afternoon a notice was posted in the school proper and in the gymnasium, +offering one hundred dollars for information leading to the capture of +the thief. + +"Say, I shouldn't mind earning that reward!" murmured Dale. + +"A fellow could have no end of a good time on a hundred dollars!" +murmured Stuffer. "Think what a spread he could give!" And his eyes +sparkled in anticipation. + +"It would be a bad thing for Stuffer to get the reward," came from Andy. + +"Why, I'd like to know?" demanded that cadet. + +"Because you'd eat yourself into a state of acute indigestion." + +"Rats! I don't eat any more than you do," grumbled Stuffer. + +"Well, I don't see any chance of your getting the reward," was Jack's +comment. "That thief had hidden his tracks well." + +With the deep snow on the ground, drills had to be held in the +gymnasium, and several contests were also arranged. The cadets got up a +tug-of-war between one team headed by Pepper and another headed by Dale, +and the excitement over this contest waged so high, that the thefts +were, for the time being, forgotten. + +The tug-of-war was held late one afternoon in the gymnasium. A line was +drawn on the floor and the long rope laid across this. On either side +wooden cleats were nailed down, so that the contestants might brace +their feet. + +The two teams consisted of eight cadets each. With Pepper were Andy, +Jack, and Fred Century, while on Dale's side were Bart Field, Bart +Conners and some other cadets already introduced. + +"Now, then, Pepper!" cried one of his friends. "See what you can do!" + +"Don't give him a chance, Dale! Yank him right over the line!" cried one +of Dale's friends. + +"I'll bet Pepper Ditmore loses," said Nick Paxton, who was present. +Ritter and Coulter had said they did not consider a tug-of-war between +such teams worth witnessing. + +Frank Barringer was timekeeper and referee, and at the appointed hour he +made both teams line up and catch hold of the rope. + +"All ready?" he asked. + +There was a moment of silence. + +"Drop!" was the cry, and on the instant both teams tightened their holds +on the rope and dropped down on the wooden cleats. + +"Hold them, Pepper!" + +"Don't let 'em haul you up, Dale!" + +"Glue yourself down, Jack!" + +"Stone foundation, Fred! Stone foundation!" + +So the cries ran on, as the two tug-of-war teams held on to the long +rope like grim death, each team determined not to give in an inch. + +For fully five minutes the rope remained as when the teams had first +dropped. Then, of a sudden, Dale gave a hiss and up came his men, to +haul in on the rope several inches and then drop as before. + +"Hurrah! that's the way to do it!" + +"Every inch counts, boys!" + +"Watch your chance for another!" + +"Get it back, Pepper! Get it back!" + +There followed another tense strain. Then Dale's team came up once more +and brought rope in another six inches. + +"That's the way to do it! Now then, a good, stiff pull and you'll have +'em over!" + +"Wake up, Pepper! It's time you and your men got on the job!" cried +Henry Lee. + +"I knew Dale's team would win," said Paxton. + +Hardly had Paxton spoken when Dale's team came up for another haul. But +this time Pepper and his men were on the alert, and in a twinkling they +commenced to haul in--six inches, a foot, a foot and a half and then two +feet--and then they dropped, the strain being as much as they could +stand. + +"Hurrah! Look at that!" + +"They got back all they lost and more!" + +"Hold 'em, Dale! Stone foundation!" + +A great many cries arose. Dale and his supporters braced back as well as +they could. Then Dale gave the word to come up for another haul. + +Back and forth went the rope, the center knot first on one side of the +line and then on the other. For several minutes it looked as if Dale's +team might win. But then the tide turned again, and with a strength that +was surprising, Pepper's team gave "a long pull, a strong pull, and a +pull all together," and brought the center knot over the winning line. + +"Hurrah! Pepper Ditmore's team wins!" + +"Say, that was a great tug, wasn't it?" + +"My foot slipped!" said one of Dale's supporters. + +"So did mine," same from a cadet on the other side. + +"It was a fair contest," said Frank Barringer. "Pepper Ditmore's team +wins. My private opinion is, both sides did well," he added. + +"They certainly did," was Mr. Strong's comment. He had watched the +contest with interest. + +After the tug-of-war came a contest on the flying rings. Here Andy was +in his element, and the acrobatic youth easily outdistanced all of his +competitors. + +"Very good, indeed, Snow," said the gymnastic instructor. "Really, you +go at it as if you were a professional." + +"Say, Andy, some day you can join the circus," suggested the young +major. + +"Maybe his folks came from a circus," sneered Nick Paxton. "It isn't +fair to bring in a professional." + +"Sour grapes, Paxton!" cried Stuffer. "You know that Andy Snow's father +is a business man in the city. Andy just takes to gymnastic exercises, +that's all." + +"Humph! I don't think such an exhibition much!" + +"Just the same, Paxton, you'd give a good deal to do as well," retorted +the youth who loved to eat, and turned his back on the other cadet. + +Thanksgiving came and went in another storm. The snow was so deep that +getting away from the Hall was out of the question, so those who had +planned to go home for the holiday were somewhat disappointed. But +Captain Putnam provided good cheer in abundance, with plenty of turkey +and cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and nuts. For the evening the boys got +up an entertainment in the assembly room, with monologues and dialogues, +and also some singing by the school Glee Club, and some very good violin +and mandolin playing. Pepper, Jack and Andy took part in the +entertainment, and everybody but Josiah Crabtree enjoyed the exhibition. +Crabtree did not believe in such "tomfoolery," as he expressed it, and +told Captain Putnam the cadets should have given a Shakespearian +recital, or something like that, instead. + +"Perhaps so, Mr. Crabtree," answered the master of the Hall. "But as the +boys are virtually snowed in, I thought I'd let them have a little fun." + +After Thanksgiving the cadets settled down to the grind once more, +counting the days to Christmas, when they could go home for two weeks. + +"I've got to go to Cedarville," said Jack, one afternoon, after the +snowstorm had cleared away. "Who will go along? I am going to walk it, +just for the exercise." + +"I'll go!" cried Pepper. + +"So will I!" added Andy. "Where are you going?" + +"To the shoe shop and the postoffice." + +The three cadets were soon on the way, Fred Century and Bert Field +pelting them with snowballs as they left. It was cold but clear, and all +were in the best of spirits. + +"I see they've got a new man of all work around the school," observed +Pepper, as the three trudged on. "I hope Captain Putnam doesn't think of +discharging Peleg Snuggers." + +"That new man is a sly kind of a fellow," came from Andy. "I was walking +through the hallway last evening and he came up behind me as silently as +a cat after a mouse." + +"I've got my own idea about that man of all work," said the young major, +with a faint smile. + +"What do you mean, Jack?" + +"If I tell you, will you keep it to yourself, both of you?" + +"Sure!" was the prompt answer. + +"Well, I don't think John Smith is a man of all work at all." + +"He isn't?" cried Andy. "Then what is he?" + +"I think he is a private detective." + +"Oh, Jack! can that be possible!" ejaculated Pepper. "But it must be so, +for I watched the fellow last evening, and he didn't do much work, and +he didn't seem to like it that I had an eye on him." + +"Of course, if he is a detective, Captain Putnam has engaged him to +clear up this mystery of the robberies," said Andy. "Well, I don't blame +the captain, for this is surely going to give the school a bad name." + +"Don't breathe a word of this to any one," went on Jack. "Of course, if +the thief knew a detective was so near he'd be more on guard than ever." + +"I only hope he gets the rascal, whoever he is." + +"Wonder if it can be one of the cadets?" mused Andy. + +"I don't know. It is either some cadet or else one of the hired help. +But it is an awful state of affairs," answered Jack. + +"By the way, Jack, how about the new election of officers?" said Pepper, +a little later. "Going to try for the majorship again?" + +"No. Why should I? I've been major long enough. I believe in giving the +other fellows a show." + +"Who, for instance?" + +"Well, I'd like to see Bart Conners made major. He's one of the best +soldiers we have, and he keeps Company B up to the scratch." + +"Bart is all right. But what about the other fellows?" + +"Well, I am not so anxious about the captaincies. Let the best fellows +win." + +"I think Reff Ritter would like to be a captain or major." + +"He never will be--he can't get the support. Why, hardly any of the +cadets go with Reff any more. Even Paxton seems to have dropped him. +About the only close friend he has is Gus Coulter." + +"Maybe the boys have dropped him because his father is no longer rich." + +"No, I don't think that, for quite a number of the cadets are far from +rich and yet they are considered good fellows. It's Ritter's ways. He is +too domineering. The fellows won't stand for his bullying manner." + +"When does the election take place?" + +"The tenth day of December--a week from next Wednesday." + +"And you are sure you don't want to run again, Jack?" + +"Yes, quite sure, Pepper. You can run if you want to." And the young +major smiled broadly. + +"Not for me!" cried The Imp. "I'd rather have my fun. And, by the way, +I've got an idea for some fun with old Crabtree," he added suddenly. + +"What is it?" questioned Andy, eagerly. + +Pepper closed one eye suggestively. + +"Just you wait and see," he answered. "Crabtree is going to wake up to a +big surprise some morning--and when he does, well, maybe he'll stop +chewing his victuals for awhile!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A CURIOUS MEETING + + +As the cadets were good walkers it did not take them long to cover the +distance to Cedarville. They stopped at a shoe store, and at a candy +store for some chocolates, and then started for the postoffice. + +"I guess Jack is looking for a letter from his best girl," remarked +Pepper, with a grin. + +"Maybe you're looking for a letter yourself," returned the young major. + +"No such luck," and The Imp heaved a deep sigh. "None of the girls ever +write to me." + +"Rats!" came from Andy. "I saw you get a letter from Flossie Ford only a +few days ago." + +"I am looking for a check from dad," said Jack. "I want it to buy +Christmas presents with." + +"So early?" + +"Better early than too late." + +"That's true." + +The three cadets entered the local postoffice. As they did so they came +face to face with a big cadet, who was carrying a dress-suit case. + +"Why, see, it's Dan Baxter!" cried Andy. + +"Hello, Baxter, coming back to Putnam Hall?" queried the young major. + +"I am," was the short answer of the bully. + +"Been away quite awhile," put in Pepper. + +"Yes," answered Baxter, shortly, and without another word he hurried out +of the postoffice. + +"Not very sociable," remarked Jack, dryly. + +"He acts as if he had something on his mind," said Pepper. + +"I wonder if he will be as bullying as he used to be," mused Andy. + +"If he is, he'll get punched," answered Pepper. He had not forgotten his +former encounters with Dan Baxter. + +"It's queer that Baxter and Ritter don't hit it off better," said +Pepper, while Jack was asking about letters. "They seem to be two of a +kind." + +"They are in some ways," answered Andy. "But, somehow, I think Ritter is +the worse of the two." + +In a moment the young major came up. He was smiling broadly. + +"Here's the letter from dad, and what do you think? He sent me a check +for ten dollars more than I asked for! Isn't that fine?" + +"Best ever," answered Pepper. + +"I'd like the same kind of a check," returned Andy. + +"While you are wishing, make it double the amount--it doesn't cost any +more," chattered The Imp. + +From the postoffice the cadets strolled down the main street of the +village, and then turned a corner near which were some new buildings. + +"There is another cadet!" cried Jack, pointing ahead. "Hello, where is +he going?" + +He and his chums looked and saw the boy in the uniform of a Putnam Hall +student enter an unfinished building. He was accompanied by a heavy-set +man wearing a long overcoat and a soft hat. The two were in earnest +conversation. + +"That looked like Reff Ritter to me," cried Pepper. + +"It was Ritter," answered Andy. + +"Who was the man?" asked the young major. + +"That is what I want to know!" cried Andy. "Say, I'm going to follow +them!" + +The acrobatic youth was plainly excited, and his chums could not help +but notice it. + +"What are you going to follow them for, Andy?" asked Jack. + +"I want to see that man." + +"Do you know him?" + +"I don't know--yet. I want to find out." + +"If we follow them Ritter will think it mighty queer," was Pepper's +comment. + +"I don't care--I want to get a good look at that man," answered Andy, +doggedly. + +The acrobatic youth led the way and his chums felt compelled to follow. +Ritter and the stranger had passed between two buildings. They found a +side doorway of one structure wide open, and stepped into a lathed but +unplastered hallway. Andy bounded up on an unfinished front piazza and +stepped through an open casement into a lathed but unplastered parlor. + +"Shall we follow?" asked Pepper of Jack. + +"Might as well," returned the young major. "Andy may get into trouble +with Ritter, and if so we want to be on hand to help him." + +Ritter and the man were talking in a low tone, so that what was said +could not be overheard. They had stepped into the house to get out of +the keen wind that had sprung up. Andy tiptoed his way across the +unfinished parlor and applied his eye to a crack where a lath was +missing. He watched until the man shoved back his soft hat and turned +his face around. Then he uttered a low cry. + +"See anything, Andy?" whispered Pepper. + +"That man--he's the same fellow--I feel sure of it!" gasped the +acrobatic youth. + +"What are you talking about?" + +"That man! Don't you remember how the horse ran away with me and I got +caught in the tree and was knocked unconscious? Don't you remember my +telling how I had seen a man ahead of me just before the accident? Well, +that is the man!" + +"Are you sure?" + +"I think so. Of course, I didn't get a very good look at him--I had my +hands full with the horse. But I think that is the man." + +"Then maybe he robbed you, Andy!" + +"Maybe he did." + +"Don't say that unless you are sure of it," warned Jack. "It's a serious +accusation and may get you into trouble." + +"Oh, I know enough to go slow," answered the acrobatic youth. + +Ritter and the stranger had turned to the rear of the house and the +watchers saw something passed between them. Then, a minute later, Ritter +turned and hurried off by a back way, while the stranger turned to leave +by the way he had come. + +Andy was undecided what to do, and while he still hesitated the man +came through to the front of the house. + +"Hello!" he cried, as he caught sight of the three cadets. "What are you +doing here?" + +"Perhaps we might ask the same question," returned Jack, as he saw that +Andy did not know what to say. + +"Have you been following me?" demanded the man, suspiciously. + +"Why should we follow you?" asked Pepper. + +"No reason at all, so far as I know. I only asked the question," and now +the man tried to speak as carelessly as possible. + +"I saw you come in here a few minutes ago and I followed, because I want +to speak to you," said Andy, shoving to the front and eyeing the fellow +closely. + +"What do you wish to speak about?" + +"Haven't I met you before?" + +At these words the man started, but quickly recovered. + +"I don't think so," he answered slowly, looking Andy straight in the +eyes. "You see, I am a stranger in Cedarville." + +"Didn't I meet you in September, on the road back of Putnam Hall +school?" asked the acrobatic youth, sharply. + +"In September?" The man shook his head slowly. "No, I wasn't here in +September--I was in Boston." + +"You are sure about that?" demanded Andy. + +"Certainly I am sure," growled the man. "Do you doubt my word?" + +"If it wasn't you it was a man who looks very much like you," said Andy, +pointedly. "Will you tell me your name?" + +"It's none of your business, boy! I never met you, and that settles it. +I'm in a hurry now, I've got to get to Ithaca, so I'll thank you to let +me pass." And so speaking the stranger brushed forward. Andy put out his +hand, as if to detain him, but then changed his mind. In a moment more +the man was hurrying down the street. He turned the nearest corner +without looking back. + +"I believe he is the same fellow, and I believe he robbed me!" cried +Andy. + +"Possibly he is, but you are not sure of it," answered the young major. +"And it would be foolhardy to have him arrested when you have no +evidence against him." + +"He acted as if he was scared," came from Pepper. "That growl of his was +all put on." + +"I wish I had forced him to give me his name and address." + +"That's true." + +"You can get that from Reff Ritter." + +"Providing Ritter will give it," added Jack. "He may be as backward +about it as the man was himself." + +"Why should he be, if the man is honest?" + +"Perhaps he won't want it known that he met the man," said Pepper. "He +came in here rather sneakingly." + +"Where did Ritter go?" + +"To the Hall, most likely. It's time we got back, too." + +The three cadets left the vicinity of the unfinished buildings and were +soon on the way to the school. As they trudged along they talked over +what had happened, and also discussed the arrival of Dan Baxter. + +"Baxter will try to stir things up," said Jack. And he was right, the +bully did stir up the whole school, but it was not until the next term, +after the young major had left. + +About half the distance to Putnam Hall had been covered when the three +cadets discovered a crowd ahead of them. + +"Who are those fellows?" asked Pepper. + +"Pornell Academy lads," announced Andy. "And see, they have spotted us!" + +He was right, the other crowd, nine strong, were students from Pornell. +They were led by Roy Bock and a fellow named Grimes. They had been +good-naturedly snowballing each other, but now they stopped. + +"Three Putnam Hall cadets!" cried Bock. "Come on, fellows, here's a +chance for sport." + +"Let's snowball 'em good and proper!" exclaimed Grimes. + +"Everybody on the jump!" yelled another Pornell youth. + +"Let's surround 'em," was the suggestion offered. + +"We'll hammer the daylights out of 'em," came from one lad, who could +only be brave when backed up by a crowd. + +"Yes, surround 'em, don't let 'em get away!" cried Bock. "Come on!" And +he led the way on the run, making snowballs as he moved. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +ABOUT A SET OF TEETH + + +"I am afraid we are in for it!" whispered the young major, as he saw the +rush of the Pornell students, each armed with all the snowballs he could +carry. + +"Shall we run away?" asked Andy. "I guess we can run as fast as they +can." + +"Never!" replied Pepper. "I am going to the Hall and on this road." + +"So am I!" added Jack. + +"Then let us rush 'em?" suggested Andy. "We can't stand and fight nine +of 'em--we'll be snowed under." + +"Rush it is," returned the young major. "Wait till I give the signal." + +On came the enemy, and soon the snowballs were flying at a lively rate. +It was growing dark, but the aim of the Pornell students was good and +the chums were hit several times. They threw snowballs in return, +hitting Bock in the breast and Grimes in the chin. + +"Come on, throw 'em over!" roared Bock. "Roll 'em in the snow!" + +"And stuff some snow down their backs!" added Grimes. + +"Now then, all together!" cried Jack. "Keep as close as possible! One, +two, three!" + +Side by side the three chums bounded forward, straight for the line of +Pornellites. They came on swiftly and took the enemy by surprise. Jack +bumped into Bock, hurling him flat, and Pepper bowled over Grimes. Andy +bent low and caught another student by the legs, sending him over into a +fourth, and both went flat. Then the three cadets caught a fifth and ran +him along the road and into a hollow, where he went into snow up to his +waist. + +"Stop 'em! Stop 'em!" was the cry, but the Putnam Hall boys could not be +stopped. Turning, they delivered a parting shower of snowballs, and then +ran on, in the direction of the school. + +"I guess the Pornell fellows will remember that for awhile," panted +Pepper, when they felt safe. + +"And just think of it--three to nine!" chuckled Andy. + +"They thought they had us dead to rights," came from Jack. "Well, I +guess we showed them a trick or two they won't forget right away." + +"Are they following us?" asked the acrobatic youth, looking back. + +"I reckon not," replied Pepper, "Must have had enough," and he smiled +broadly. + +The three cadets were tired out from their long walk and the contest on +the road, and when the school was reached all were glad enough to sit +down and rest previous to having supper. Andy looked around for Reff +Ritter, but that cadet kept himself out of sight. + +"I'll see him after supper," said the acrobatic youth. + +It was not until nearly bedtime that he got a chance to question the +bully. He followed Ritter up to his dormitory, which chanced just then +to be unoccupied. + +"Reff, I want to talk to you," he said, when the bully was on the point +of closing the door in his face. + +"What do you want, Andy Snow? I'm not feeling well to-night, and I am +tired out from a walk I took to Cedarville." + +"I won't keep you long, Reff. I want to ask you about the man you met in +Cedarville? What's his name?" + +Reff Ritter stopped short and showed that the question took him by +surprise. + +"Man I met?" he stammered. + +"Yes, the man you met at the new buildings in Cedarville." + +"Who said I met any one?" + +"We saw you, I and Major Ruddy and Pep Ditmore." + +"Huh! Been spying on me, eh?" And Reff Ritter's face took on its old +look of sourness. + +"It was an accident. But I want to know who that man was." + +"What for?" + +"I have my reasons." + +"I don't see that I am called on to answer your questions, Andy Snow. If +I want to meet anybody I'll do it." + +"Then you refuse to tell me who the man was?" + +"Tell me why you want to know and maybe I'll tell you who he is," +answered the bully, after studying the acrobatic youth's face for a +moment. + +"Very well. Do you remember the time the horse ran away with me and left +me unconscious on the road?" + +"I heard about it." + +"Well, just before I was knocked unconscious I saw a man on the road +ahead of me." + +"Well?" + +"I think it was the man you met this afternoon." + +"That man?" cried the bully, and now he showed a sudden interest. + +"Yes, and that is why I want to know his name, and where he comes from." + +"You must be mistaken, Snow. That man doesn't belong around here." + +"Where is he from?" + +"I think he comes from Boston, but I am not sure." + +"And his name?" + +"Why do you ask these questions? Do you think he had something to do +with your being thrown from the horse?" + +"No, not with being thrown from the horse, Reff. But, if you'll +remember, when I came to my senses my watch was gone, also my stickpin +and eight dollars in bills." + +"And you think that man took them?" questioned Reff Ritter, in a voice +that sounded strained. + +"I won't say that until I know more about the man. If you say he is a +good, honest man, why then I'll be bound to believe I am mistaken." + +"I don't know much about him, but I don't think he is a thief," answered +the bully, slowly. "His name is Smith, Cameron Smith, and he is a +commercial traveler. I only met him twice, once about two weeks ago and +to-day. He knows my--er--my uncle, and is doing some business for him, +and he wanted to see me about it, that's all. But I am sure you are +mistaken about his robbing you." + +"I didn't say he robbed me,--in fact, I am not positive he was the man I +saw on the road." + +"I don't think he was near Cedarville at the time. He spends most of his +time around Boston. Is that all you want to know? If it is, I'm going to +lie down and try to get some sleep," went on Reff Ritter, passing his +hand over his forehead. + +"Yes, that's all," answered Andy, shortly. "Much obliged." And he left +the dormitory. + +He was not at all satisfied with the way Reff Ritter had acted. +Evidently the bully was much put out over the fact that his meeting with +Cameron Smith was known. + +"He didn't say much about what business he had with the man," mused +Andy. "It all sounds rather fishy to me. Wish I had some way of finding +out more about this Cameron Smith. Guess I'll write to some of my +friends in Boston and see if they can find out anything about him." And +Andy sent a letter the very next morning. + +On this same day Pepper had a sharp wrangle with Josiah Crabtree. The +dictatorial teacher accused Pepper of copying an example in algebra from +another cadet, and a bitter altercation followed. + +"I didn't do it, and I don't want you to say so!" flared up Pepper, his +cheeks aflame. + +"Ditmore, be silent!" roared Josiah Crabtree. "Not another word, or I'll +send you to Captain Putnam!" + +"I don't care--I didn't copy!" muttered Pepper. "It's a shame to say I +did!" + +"You'll stay in after school," commanded Crabtree, majestically. + +The accusation, and the fact that he had to stay in when the others were +allowed to go out and have their fun, did not suit The Imp at all. While +he sat in the classroom all alone, he thought again of something that +had come into his mind before. + +"I'll do it!" he said firmly. "I'll do it to-night! I'll show him that +he can't accuse me for nothing." + +Since the fall term at Putnam Hall had opened Josiah Crabtree had been +making frequent trips to Ithaca, to a well-known dentist located in that +city. Although many of the cadets did not know it, a few, and among them +Pepper, were aware that the teacher was having a new set of false teeth +made. Now the teeth were finished, and Josiah Crabtree was wearing them +with great satisfaction and not a little pride. He fancied that the new +teeth added not a little to his personal appearance. + +It was Pepper's plan to get hold of these teeth and hide them. How the +trick was to be accomplished he did not yet know, but he resolved to +watch his chances. + +That evening, as luck would have it, Josiah Crabtree retired early. As +was his custom, he placed his false teeth in a glass of water on a stand +in his room. Watching through a keyhole, Pepper saw him do this, and +then calmly waited for the teacher to go bed and fall asleep. + +The door was locked, but The Imp was equal to the emergency. The room +next to that occupied by Crabtree was vacant, and he entered this and +threw open the window. The window of the teacher's apartment was less +than three feet away, and the sash was pulled down a few inches to let +in fresh air. + +Pepper was not such an acrobat as Andy, but he quickly raised the next +window and moved into the teacher's apartment. In a trice he had secured +the new set of teeth, and then he retired as quickly as he had come, +leaving both windows as he had found them. + +"Now what shall I do with the teeth?" the cadet asked himself. He was +strongly tempted to tell Jack and Andy of the trick, but decided to keep +the matter to himself. + +At last another idea came into The Imp's head and after everybody had +apparently gone to bed he stole downstairs and entered the assembly room +of the school. He had previously tied the set of teeth to a bit of +fishing line having a sinker at the other end. He now took aim at the +central chandelier and by good luck sent the sinker and line whirling +around one of the pendants, leaving the set of teeth dangling below a +foot or more. + +"Won't there be a surprise when they see 'em up there!" he muttered. +"And won't Crabtree have a job getting them down!" + +"Oh, my, what a thing to do!" came a voice from out of the darkness. +Pepper whirled around quickly, but the speaker had vanished, banging a +door after him. + +"Who was that?" was the question Pepper asked himself. He could not +place the voice, and was much disturbed. Would the intruder, who had +seen his actions, expose him? + +"I'll have to chance it," he told himself rather dubiously. "I can't get +the teeth down anyway. Too bad! I thought I was alone!" And then he +hurried off to bed in anything but a comfortable frame of mind. + +[Illustration: THIS WAS A SIGNAL FOR THE DISCHARGE OF ALL SORTS OF +THINGS AT THE DANGLING OBJECT. + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 192)] + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +PEPPER A PRISONER + + +At the usual hour the next morning Josiah Crabtree arose and dressed +himself. He was in a far from happy frame of mind, for a tailor's bill +he had to pay was higher than he thought it ought to be. + +Having donned his garments, and washed himself and combed his hair, he +turned to the stand to get his new set of teeth. + +He took up the glass and peered into it. + +"Hum!" he mused. "I thought I put them in there--in fact, I was sure of +it!" he murmured. + +He set the glass down and commenced to look around, on the bureau, on +his bookcase, on the shelf, and even on the chairs. But, of course, +nothing in the shape of the set of teeth came to light. + +"This is queer, mighty queer," said the teacher to himself. "Now, let me +think what I did with them. Yes, I put them in the glass, I am positive +of it!" + +He examined the glass once more, turning it around and around. Then he +commenced a systematic search of the room. At the conclusion something +like a groan escaped his lips. + +"They are gone! gone!" he murmured hollowly. "And I left the old set at +the dentist's to be made over! Oh, what shall I do? I cannot go to the +classroom without my teeth, the cadets would roar at me! It must be a +trick, a wicked trick! Oh, if only I could find out who did this awful +thing!" + +He made another hunt, and then, not knowing what else to do, opened his +door and hailed a passing cadet. + +"Kindly ask Captain Putnam to step here as soon as he can," he mumbled. + +"Yes, sir," answered the cadet, and looked curiously at the teacher. +"Got a toothache, Mr. Crabtree?" + +"No, I have no toothache," mumbled the teacher. "Send Captain Putnam as +soon as you can," and then he dove back into his bedroom. + +Several minutes passed and George Strong put in an appearance. + +"Dalling said you wanted to see Captain Putnam," he said. "The captain +has left for Buffalo on business. Can I do anything for you?" + +"Mr. Strong, a wicked trick has been played on me!" burst out Josiah +Crabtree. + +"A trick?" + +"Yes. My teeth are gone, the new set I had made! Some cadet has taken +them!" + +"Can it be possible!" murmured George Strong. "Where did you leave +them?" + +"In that glass on the stand. Oh, what shall I do? My other set is at the +dentist's, getting fixed." + +"Maybe I can send for them." + +"Hardly, since the dentist is at Ithaca. Oh, what a wretch, to take my +teeth! I cannot go to the classroom without my teeth. I would be the +laughing-stock of the entire school! It is a dreadful state of affairs!" + +"I don't see how I can help you out, sir," answered George Strong, +sympathetically. + +"I shall have to stay here until something is done. See if you can't +find the cadet who took the teeth." + +"I will do what I can," answered George Strong, and left the room. + +Josiah Crabtree was walking up and down nervously, when there came a +timid knock on the door. He opened it to confront Mumps. + +"Well, Fenwick, what do you want?" demanded the teacher, harshly. The +sneak of the school generally had some tale of woe to tell, and he was +just now in no humor to listen to any such recital. + +"Please, Mr. Crabtree, did you lose anything?" asked Mumps, nervously. + +"Ha! what is that? Come in! What do you know?" cried Josiah Crabtree, +and caught Mumps by the arm. + +"I didn't do it--really and truly I didn't!" cried the sneak, in sudden +terror. "I--I only found it out by accident." + +"About my--er--my teeth?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What do you know about them, Fenwick? Quick; out with it!" + +"Oh, sir, please don't hurt my arm so!" + +"Tell me what you know." + +"I--I know where your teeth are, sir, I--I saw them put there last +night." + +"Where are they?" + +"Hanging on the chandelier in Classroom Eight." + +"And who put them there?" roared the teacher, in amazement. + +"Pepper Ditmore, sir. But, oh, sir, please don't say I told on him or +he'll hammer the life out of me!" cried Mumps, in alarm. + +"How did he get them?" + +"I don't know that, sir. I--I went downstairs to--er--to put away a book +for another cadet and I saw Pepper Ditmore sneak into Room Eight. I +watched him, and he threw a string with the teeth on 'em up over the +chandelier. I thought they might be yours, so I came here to find out." + +"Did you get the--er--the teeth?" + +"Oh, no, sir. They are too high up. You'll have to get a ladder to get +them down." + +"The rascal!" howled Josiah Crabtree. "Oh, wait till I get my hands on +him! But I must get the teeth first." He thought for a moment. "Fenwick, +find Snuggers and send him to me at once." + +"Yes, sir." + +"And don't say a word of this to any one," added the teacher, as the +sneak hurried off. + +It took Mumps fully five minutes to locate Peleg Snuggers. Wondering +what was wanted, the general utility man hurried to the teacher's +apartment. + +"I want you to get my set of teeth," said Josiah Crabtree. "I am told +they are fastened to the chandelier in Room Eight. Get a ladder and get +them down immediately. And do it as quietly as you can." + +"Yes, sir," answered Snuggers, and left to do the errand. "Teeth on the +chandelier!" he murmured, "Wot an idee! Bet some o' the cadets did thet +trick! How funny he did look without his grinders in!" + +Pepper had not told any one about his trick, but on a blackboard in the +hall he had chalked the words: + + _Set of Teeth For Sale! + See Chandelier in Room No. 8. + Crabtree, A.M., O.I.C._ + +This scrawl had attracted the attention of fully a score of cadets, and +one after another they entered the classroom designated to find out what +it meant. When they saw the teeth dangling in the air they set up a +roar. + +"Hello, look at the set of teeth!" + +"They must belong to old Crabtree!" + +"Wonder what he wants for them?" + +"I reckon teeth come high, by the look of things!" + +The crowd of cadets kept growing larger, until the room was crowded. +Then one cadet took a blackboard eraser and threw it at the teeth. This +was a signal for a general discharge of all sorts of things at the +dangling object. + +In the midst of the excitement George Strong came in. + +"Boys! boys! Be quiet!" cried the teacher. "What is the meaning of so +much noise?" And then he, too, caught sight of the dangling teeth. "Who +placed those there?" he asked. + +There was no reply, and he was on the point of sending a cadet for a +step-ladder when the door opened and in came Peleg Snuggers with the +very thing wanted. + +"Mr. Crabtree sent me to git 'em," explained the general utility man. + +"Hurrah! Peleg to the rescue!" cried Andy. + +"Now, Peleg, do the great balancing act," said Fred Century. + +"I will hold the ladder for you, Snuggers," said Mr. Strong. "Boys, +stand back," he added, afraid that some of the lads might attempt some +joke while the general utility man was in the air. + +The step-ladder was placed in position and Snuggers mounted cautiously +to the top. He could just reach the chandelier and the teeth, and it +took him some time to cut the teeth loose. + +"I'll take 'em right to Mr. Crabtree," he said on coming down. "He's in +a mighty big hurry for 'em." + +"Very well," returned George Strong. + +Pepper was watching matters closely and he at once guessed that somebody +had told Josiah Crabtree where the teeth were. + +"It must have been the fellow who spotted me last night," reasoned The +Imp. "Wonder if he told my name? If he did----" Pepper ended the +question with a big sigh. + +With great eagerness Josiah Crabtree received the set of teeth and +examined them to see if they were all right. Then, having placed them +where they belonged, he strode forth from his room in quest of the cadet +who had played the trick. + +Pepper was just sitting down at the breakfast table when there was a +sudden step behind him and the next moment he found himself jerked out +of his place. + +"You come with me, young man!" stormed Josiah Crabtree. "I have an +account to settle with you!" + +"What do you want, Mr. Crabtree?" asked The Imp, as meekly as he could. + +"You know well enough!" cried the teacher. "Come!" And he led Pepper out +of the mess-hall. His grip on the youth's arm was so firm that it hurt +not a little. + +"Mr. Crabtree, you are hurting my arm." + +"I don't care if I am!" snapped the teacher. "You come along!" And he +fairly dragged Pepper along the hall. + +"Where to?" + +"You'll soon see." + +"What is wrong?" + +"You know well enough, Ditmore. You took my--er--my set of teeth! You +have made me the laughing-stock of the whole school! You shall suffer +for it!" + +"Who says I took the teeth?" + +"John Fenwick saw you place them on the chandelier! Oh, you need not +deny it." + +"Mumps! Well, he always was a sneak!" answered Pepper. + +"He is a nice, manly youth." + +With a firm grip still on Pepper's arm, the irate teacher led the way to +a room looking out on the rear. It was an apartment less than ten feet +square, and plainly furnished with two chairs and a couch. In one corner +was a stand with a washbowl and pitcher of water. The single window was +stoutly barred. + +"Going to make a prisoner of me?" asked Pepper, as the door was opened +and he was thrust into the room. + +"You shall stay here for the present," snapped Josiah Crabtree. "When I +let you out I think you'll be a sadder and perhaps a wiser boy." + +"Am I to have my breakfast?" + +"No," answered the teacher. + +Then he banged the door shut, locked it, and walked swiftly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A GRAVE ACCUSATION + + +"Well, I suppose I ought not to complain," mused Pepper, as he sat down +on one of the chairs. "A fellow can't have his fun without paying for +it. But just wait till I catch Mumps! I'll give him a piece of my mind, +and maybe more!" + +He got up presently and looked out of the window. He could see but +little excepting a stretch of snow. The cell-like room was almost +without heat, and he had to clap his hands together, and stamp his feet, +to keep warm. + +"I think I'd give a dollar for some breakfast," he muttered. "Wonder if +I could attract the attention of one of the servants and bribe him to +get me something?" + +As he walked around the little room his eyes caught some writing on the +wall. There were several bits of doggerel, one running as follows: + + "I am a prisoner of old Josiah, + I'd feel much better if I had a fire!" + +"I can sympathize with that fellow," murmured Pepper, as he slapped his +hands across his chest, trying to get up more circulation. Then he +walked around the room, reading another doggerel or two. Finally he drew +out a lead pencil. + +"Guess I'll play Shakespeare myself," he murmured, and after some +thought, scribbled down the following: + + "And I am jugged + Alone in solitude, and by myself + Alone. I sit and think, and think, + And think again. Old Crabtree, + Base villain that he is, hath put me here! + And why? Ah, thereby hangs a tale, Horatio! + His teeth, the teeth that chew the best of steak + Set on our table--those I found and hid; + And Mumps, the sneak, hath told on me! Alas! + When will my martyrdom end?" + +Having finished his attempt at blank verse, Pepper continued to walk +around the room. He was hungry and cold, and inside of an hour grew +somewhat desperate. + +"Crabtree has no right to starve me and allow me to catch cold," he told +himself. "I don't believe Captain Putnam will stand for it. I'm going to +attract some attention." + +He took up one of the chairs and with it commenced to pound on the door. +He had been pounding for several minutes when he heard some one on the +outside. + +"Pepper!" came in a low voice. + +"Oh, Jack, is that you?" + +"Yes. Stop that noise, or I'll get caught." + +"I want to get out. I haven't had any breakfast, and it is as cold as +Greenland in here." + +"If I had a key I'd let you out, but it isn't in the lock," went on the +young major. + +"Try some of the other keys, Jack." + +"I will," was the reply, and the young major hurried off, to return with +several keys from other doors. But not one of them fitted the lock +before him. + +"Too bad!" he murmured. + +"Major Ruddy!" came in the harsh voice of Josiah Crabtree behind him. +"What are you doing here?" + +"I came to talk to Ditmore," answered Jack, boldly. + +"Who gave you permission?" + +"Nobody, I came as major of the battalion. When a cadet is placed in the +guardhouse the major has a right to go and see him." + +"Hum!" growled Josiah Crabtree. He took but little interest in the +military side of the school and consequently did not know all the +rules. "Well, I can do the talking here. You are excused." + +"Mr. Crabtree, Ditmore tells me that he is very cold, and he has had no +breakfast." + +"Ha! So he is complaining, eh? Well, I'll attend to him. You may go." + +"Are you going to give him his breakfast?" + +"Yes--when he deserves it--not before." + +"How about keeping him in such a cold room?" + +"That is my affair." + +"If he gets sick will you take the blame?" + +"Major Ruddy, I am not here to be questioned by you!" snapped the +dictatorial teacher. + +"Pepper belongs to my command and he is my personal friend. I don't +think you have any right to starve him and keep him in a cold room in +such weather as this. I shall complain to Captain Putnam as soon as he +gets back, and, in the meantime, complain to Mr. Strong." + +"I am in charge while Captain Putnam is away." + +"Then, if Pepper takes cold from this, you'll be to blame, and you'll +foot the doctor's bill," answered Jack, and walked away. + +He spoke so sharply that Josiah Crabtree became worried, and, a little +later, Pepper was served with a cup of black coffee and several slices +of bread without butter. It was a meager meal, but it was better than +nothing, and The Imp disposed of all there was of it. Then a servant +appeared with a couple of blankets used by the cadets when in camp. + +"You can wrap yourself in these if you are cold, so Mr. Crabtree says," +said the servant. And he went out again, locking the door as before. + +"Humph! Must take me for an Indian!" muttered Pepper. Nevertheless, he +wrapped the blankets around him and then felt considerably warmer. + +The morning passed slowly, and at noon Pepper was given a bowl of soup +and several additional slices of unbuttered bread. The soup was hot and +good, and he wished there was more of it. + +"Mr. Crabtree says that is all you can have," said the waiter who served +him. + +"Crabbed Crabtree!" muttered Pepper, and said no more. + +In the middle of the afternoon, directly after school was over, Josiah +Crabtree appeared. This time he was accompanied by George Strong. + +"Ditmore, we have come to have a talk with you!" cried Crabtree. "And +let me say at the start that I want the truth, the whole truth, and +nothing but the truth, as they say in court." + +"Are you going to try me for my life?" demanded The Imp. + +"I am going to try you on a very serious charge," snapped Josiah +Crabtree. + +"Do not be too hasty, Mr. Crabtree," put in George Strong, mildly. + +"Mr. Crabtree, if you want to know about the teeth, let me confess that +I took them and hung them up where they were found," said Pepper. + +"Ha! so you are willing to confess, eh?" + +"I am. I did it for fun--but I suppose you don't see the fun," added +Pepper, dryly, so dryly in fact that George Strong had to turn away to +hide a sudden smile. + +"It was a low, contemptible trick!" returned Josiah Crabtree. "But I +must say I do not think it quite as bad as your other doings." + +"My other doings?" asked The Imp, somewhat mystified. + +"Mr. Crabtree, do not be hasty, I beg of you," put in the under teacher. + +"Ditmore, how did you get the teeth?" demanded Josiah Crabtree. + +"It was very easy, sir, if you must know. I went into the vacant bedroom +next to your room, climbed from one window to the other, and the trick +was done." + +"Were you alone?" + +"Yes, sir, absolutely alone." + +"Have you been alone when visiting the other rooms in this building?" +demanded Josiah Crabtree, sharply. + +"Mr. Crabtree----" began George Strong, but the head teacher motioned +for the assistant to be silent. + +"I--I don't understand," stammered Pepper. + +"You have shown your expertness in visiting rooms during the night, and +without awakening anybody," went on Josiah Crabtree, coldly. "Some time +ago other rooms were visited in this building, and various things were +taken--some things of great value--things which have not been returned. +Now, Ditmore----" + +"Mr. Crabtree, stop!" cried Pepper, and his eyes flashed with sudden +fire. "I know what is in your mind now! But don't you dare to accuse me! +Don't you dare!" + +"I want you to tell me the truth." + +"I have told you all I know. I took the teeth as a joke, and I put them +where they could easily be found." + +"And about the other things----" The head teacher paused suggestively. + +"I know no more about the other things that have disappeared than you +do. Do you think I'd rob myself and my best friends?" + +"In a case of this kind a person might rob himself just to throw the +public off the scent." + +"Do you dare to accuse me of these mysterious thefts?" cried Pepper, +hotly. + +"I think----" + +"Mr. Crabtree, I beg of you to be careful," cried George Strong. "Why +not drop this whole matter until Captain Putnam returns? Because Ditmore +played a joke on you does not say that he is a--a criminal." + +"Thank you for that, Mr. Strong," said the cadet, warmly. "I know I had +no right to play that joke--I have no right to play any of my jokes--but +I only did it for fun. I think it is--is horrible for Mr. Crabtree to +even think that I--that--that----" Pepper could not go on for his +emotion choked him. + +"Oh? you can't deceive me!" sneered Josiah Crabtree. "I am sure +that----" + +"Mr. Crabtree, I insist that you drop this matter until Captain Putnam +returns," interrupted George Strong. + +"You insist?" roared the irate instructor. + +"I do, sir." + +"Who is in authority here, you or I?" + +"You are the head teacher, but I feel bound to protect Captain Putnam's +interests during his absence. You have no right to accuse any cadet of a +crime unless you have proof against him. Have you any proof against +Ditmore?" + +"You heard how he acknowledged taking the teeth." + +"And he said it was a joke--and I believe it was that and nothing more. +There is a wide difference between an innocent joke and a premeditated +crime. Take my advice and say no more until you have consulted with +Captain Putnam." + +"Ha! you are against me--just as the cadets are against me!" stormed +Josiah Crabtree. "I know I am right. But we can wait, since you insist." +He turned towards Pepper. "I'll corner you yet, you young rascal!" he +cried bitterly. + +And the two teachers passed out of the cell-like room, the door was +again locked, and Pepper was left a prisoner as before. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE MYSTERY GOES ON + + +When nightfall came and Pepper still remained a prisoner, both Jack and +Andy commenced to worry about their chum. + +"It's a shame to keep him in that cold room," said the young major. + +"Wonder if we can get him out on the sly?" returned the acrobatic youth. +"I'd be willing to run quite a risk to set him free, so he could sleep +in his own bed to-night." + +"Let us sneak down after dark and see what we can do," suggested Jack. + +Of course the fact that Pepper was a prisoner was known throughout the +whole school. Many who had laughed over the teeth affair thought it too +bad that The Imp should be locked up in a cold room. But others, +including Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter, said it served him right. + +"He was too fresh," growled Coulter. + +"Let him stay there a week; it will do him good," added Ritter. + +"You leave things to old Crabtree," said Dan Baxter. "He knows how to +put the screws on a cadet." + +"Right you are," came from Ritter. + +The one boy who had little to say was Mumps. The sneak was scared almost +to death, feeling certain that Pepper would square up with him as soon +as liberated. The others did not know how Mumps had acted, or Jack and +Andy might have given the sneak a sound thrashing. + +The young major and the acrobatic youth talked the affair over, and were +joined in the discussion by Bert Field, Dave Kearney, and one or two +others. They were on the point of going below, when Fred Century came +in. + +"Crabtree is certainly going to make sure of keeping Pepper a prisoner," +said he. + +"How do you know that?" asked Jack, quickly. + +"He has placed a guard in front of the door, so nobody can open it." + +"A guard?" + +"Yes." + +"Who?" + +"Two cadets--Crane and Barlow. They are to remain on guard three hours +and then some others are to relieve them." + +"Then we can't do a thing!" groaned Andy. "We might bribe Crane, but +nobody could bribe Barlow. He's a sticker on everything he does." + +Jack went below and found that the report about the guard was true. The +cadets were on duty, and he was not allowed to even speak to Pepper. + +"It's too bad," he said, on returning to the dormitory. "I guess poor +Pepper will have to remain where he is." + +"We might protest to Mr. Strong?" suggested Bart Conners. + +"It wouldn't do any good. Crabtree is in charge during Captain Putnam's +absence." + +One after another the cadets went to bed. Jack was the last to retire, +and it was a long while before he dropped off to sleep. Then he dreamed +about Pepper up in the far North, sitting on a cake of ice in a +bathing-suit, which showed how much he had the welfare of his chum at +heart. + +In the morning Josiah Crabtree went below early. He expected Captain +Putnam back by noon and wished to be prepared to make a proper report to +the head of the school on his arrival. + +He had just seated himself at the desk in the office when there came a +knock on the door. + +"Come in!" he said shortly, thinking it might be a servant. The newcomer +was Bart Conners. + +"Well, Conners, what is it?" demanded the head teacher. + +"I want to report that I was robbed last night," answered the captain of +Company B. + +"Robbed!" ejaculated Josiah Crabtree. "Did you say robbed?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What of? Where? When?" Josiah Crabtree's manner showed his tremendous +excitement. + +"Of a diamond stickpin. I left it in one of my scarfs last night and +this morning it was gone. I've looked all over, but I can't find it." + +"How late was it when you retired?" + +"About ten o'clock." + +"And when did you get up?" + +"At the first bell." + +"And you noticed it was gone at once?" + +"Yes, for I wanted to lock it away in my bureau, as Captain Putnam +warned us to do when the others' things were stolen." + +"This is strange. Do you suspect anybody?" + +At this question Bart Conners shook his head. + +"Very well, I will look into the matter immediately after breakfast." + +Scarcely had Josiah Crabtree spoken when Dan Baxter appeared at the +door. + +"I want to tell you something!" he said sourly. "I want somebody locked +up." + +"Locked up?" queried the startled teacher. "What is wrong?" And as he +asked the question Bart Conners looked on with interest. + +"I'll tell you!" burst out Dan Baxter. "Last night I went to bed with +eleven dollars in my vest-pocket. This morning every cent of the money +is gone! I want it back! If I don't get it back Captain Putnam has got +to stand the loss, for I won't." And the bully looked more sour than +ever. + +"You robbed, too!" cried Josiah Crabtree, faintly. "Will it ever stop? +What is the school coming to?" + +"Have you any idea who took the money, Dan?" asked Bart Conners. + +"No. I was dead tired and slept like a dog. But I know I had the eleven +dollars when I went to bed, and now it's gone." + +"So is my diamond stickpin," and the captain of Company B gave the +particulars. + +"Humph!" muttered the bully. "I heard of those other robberies, but I +didn't think I'd get touched as quick as this. If it keeps on the whole +school will be cleaned out." + +"Yes, and Captain Putnam will be ruined," added Bart, gravely. + +"I will see you two cadets later," said Josiah Crabtree, and shut the +office desk with a bang. He hurried away, leaving Bart and Dan Baxter +to console themselves as best they could. + +Josiah Crabtree was thinking of Pepper. He had accused The Imp only the +day before of these crimes, and here the thefts were continuing while +Pepper was a close prisoner. + +"Perhaps he got out during the night," he muttered. "I must make sure of +it." For, to be fair to the dictatorial teacher, he really thought +Pepper might be the guilty party. + +He questioned the cadets who had been on guard during the night. One and +all declared that Pepper had remained a prisoner all night and was still +in the cell-like room. Then he spoke to The Imp himself. + +"Did you go out last night?" he asked. + +"How could I?" asked Pepper. + +"Answer my question, Ditmore." + +"No, I didn't go out. I have been here ever since you brought me in +yesterday." + +Teacher and cadet looked sharply at each other, and there was a silence +that could be felt. From one of the guards Pepper had learned how Bart +and Dan Baxter had been robbed. + +"You know I didn't go out," went on Pepper. "You know that I am not +guilty of the crimes that have been committed in this school. As soon +as Captain Putnam returns I want to see him, so he can hear my side of +the story." + +At these words Josiah Crabtree winced. He felt that Captain Putnam might +not agree with him concerning the treatment given to Pepper, and that +Pepper might get him into "hot water." Even George Strong had intimated +this. + +"Ditmore," he said, slowly and mildly, "I--er--I feel that perhaps I +have been a bit harsh with you. Your trick upset me very much; such a +trick would upset anybody. If I--er--accused you falsely I am sorry for +it. Supposing I let you go, and supposing we drop the whole matter?" + +"I am willing to drop the matter, providing you will retract what you +said about my being connected with these--er--these other things," +answered Pepper, slowly. + +"Well, I--I must have been mistaken. I didn't say you were guilty. I +only said it looked suspicious--the way you prowled around, and the way +you got into my room. But if you are willing we'll drop the entire +matter, and you can go to your room and get ready for breakfast." + +Pepper thought rapidly. He was angry over being accused of the crimes, +yet he knew he had gone too far in his joke at Josiah Crabtree's +expense. + +"All right, sir; we'll drop the matter, Mr. Crabtree," he said. +"Good-morning," and a moment later he quitted his prison and was on his +way to his dormitory. + +The cadets had much to talk about that day--the sudden liberation of +Pepper, and the losses Bart Conners and Dan Baxter had suffered. At noon +Captain Putnam came back, and he had the captain of Company B and Dan +Baxter in his office for the best part of an hour. But nothing came of +the conference, excepting that the owner of the Hall said he would pay +all losses and gave Baxter his eleven dollars on the spot. Then he had a +long conference with the new man of all work, who was really a detective +in disguise. But that individual was as much in the dark as anybody. He +had seen nobody prowling around during the night. + +"We must get at the bottom of this affair," said Captain Putnam to +George Strong. "If we do not, the school will surely be ruined." He was +told about the affair of the teeth, but paid little attention, knowing +that Josiah Crabtree could be left to manage his own differences with +the students. + +Pepper had dropped the matter so far as it concerned Josiah Crabtree, +but he did not drop it so far as it concerned Mumps. He watched the +sneak that day and the next, and managed at last to catch Mumps at the +boathouse. + +"Now, I am going to give you the thrashing you deserve!" cried The Imp, +and caught the sneak by the collar. + +"Lemme go!" shrieked Mumps. "Lemme go, or I'll tell Captain Putnam on +you!" + +"No, you won't!" answered Pepper. "If you do, I'll promise you another +licking at the first chance I get!" + +And then and there he boxed the sneak's ears and then threw him down in +the snow, washing his face and shoving a lot of the snow down inside the +lad's shirt. Mumps yelled like a wild Indian, but Pepper did not let up +until he felt that he had given the sneak all he deserved. + +"You say a word and I'll give you a double dose the next time!" warned +Pepper. And this so scared Mumps he never once opened his mouth about +the affair. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +AN ELECTION OF OFFICERS + + +"Election of officers to-morrow!" + +"As if every cadet at the school didn't know it, Pepper." + +"Well, Andy, have you made up your mind how you are going to vote?" + +"Sure I have," replied the acrobatic youth. "I am going to vote for Bart +Conners for major, since Jack don't want to run again." + +"That's the way I am going to vote, too." + +"How about the two captains?" asked Joe Nelson. + +"Well, I think I'll vote for Dave Kearney for one," answered Pepper. "I +am not so sure about the other." + +"What's the matter with Harry Blossom?" asked Bert Field. "He seems to +be a nice sort." + +"He is." + +"I understand Reff Ritter wants to be a captain," put in Stuffer. + +"Sure, an' he'd be afther wantin' to be major, only he ain't popular +enough," came from Emerald. + +"Coulter is out for a captaincy, too," said Jack, who had come up during +the talk. + +"Do you think either of them will be elected?" asked Andy. + +"Not if I can prevent it," replied the young major. "Neither of them +deserves any office." + +"I understand Dan Baxter wants to be major," said Stuffer. "Talk about +gall! What has he ever done for the school? Nothing." + +"He won't get the office," said Jack. + +"Is Bart going to have a walkover?" asked Pepper. + +"Hardly. Both Dave Kearney and Harry Blossom will run against him, and +so will Bob Grenwood, and they all have their friends." + +"Well, let the best fellows win, say I!" cried Andy, and then he ran +off, to do some fancy "stunts" in the gymnasium. + +The excitement attending the disappearance of Bart Conners's stickpin +and Dan Baxter's money had somewhat subsided, and now the cadets could +think of nothing but the coming election. + +"How many cadets are there to vote?" asked Pepper, as he and Jack walked +away to the river to skate. + +"Eighty-three." + +"Then it will take forty-two votes to elect anybody." + +"That's it." + +"Well, I hope Bart gets the forty-two votes." + +"I have been doing a little figuring, and I think he can count on at +least thirty-one votes. But I am not so sure of the other eleven." + +The election of officers was made the occasion of a holiday at Putnam +Hall. Immediately after breakfast, the battalion was formed and marched +around the campus and then to the gymnasium. Here Captain Putnam made a +little speech, in which he announced that the balloting for a major +would be immediately followed by the balloting for one captain and then +the other, and then for the lieutenants. + +"It is now nine-thirty," concluded Captain Putnam. "Balloting for a new +major will take place promptly at ten o'clock." + +"Captain Putnam, may I say a word?" asked Major Jack, saluting with his +sword. + +"Certainly, Major Ruddy." + +"Fellow cadets," began Jack, in a clear, steady voice. "All I wish to +say is this: As major of the Putnam Hall Battalion I have enjoyed myself +very much, and I trust my successor, whoever he may be, will have as +good a time. I understand that some of you want to vote for me again. +Let me say that I am not a candidate, and will not accept the office +even if elected. I expect to leave this institution next June, and in +the meantime hope to devote my time mostly to my studies. I thank you +for your attention." + +"Hurrah!" shouted a number of the cadets. + +"Three cheers for Major Ruddy!" shouted Pepper, and they were given with +a will. + +"We'll never get a better major!" called out one enthusiastic cadet. + +After that there was a great canvassing for votes. Dan Baxter was +unusually active, and Jack and Pepper felt certain that he was trying +one of his old tricks, namely, that of buying votes. Some of the poorer +cadets had very little spending money, and it was a great temptation to +them to have money offered for their ballots. Of course, buying votes +was dishonorable, and Baxter had to work on the sly. Ritter also tried +to buy votes, but soon found out that very few of the cadets would even +listen to him, because of the way he had misled them in the past. + +At last came the time to vote, and the ballot-box was placed on a table +in charge of two cadets and George Strong, who had consented to act as +judge of the election. + +"This is for a new major only," announced George Strong. "You will step +up and vote as your names are called." + +It took but a few minutes to cast the eighty-three ballots. Then the +vote was tabulated, while the boys stood around on the tiptoe of +expectation. + +"I will read the result," announced Captain Putnam, after receiving a +paper from Mr. Strong, and he read as follows: + + "Whole number of votes cast, 83. + Necessary to a choice, 42. + Paul Singleton has 4. + Henry Lee has 5. + Harry Blossom has 7. + David Kearney has 9. + Reffton Ritter has 12. + Daniel Baxter has 18. + Bart Conners has 28." + +"Nobody is elected," said Pepper, in a disappointed voice. + +"Boys, you will have to try it again," said Captain Putnam. + +"I beg to withdraw my name from the list of candidates," cried Paul +Singleton. "All who voted for me will kindly vote for Bart Conners, who +is my choice." + +"We must beat Ritter and Baxter!" said Andy, in a low voice. + +"That's right!" cried another of the cadets. "But how?" + +"Let us try to make up a slate," proposed Jack, who was something of a +politician. "Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney might withdraw in favor of +Bart Conners if the fellows promised to support them for the two +captaincies." + +"Let us see if it can be done," returned Pepper, quickly. "Hustle now, +for we've got to vote again in fifteen minutes." + +They hurried around and interviewed Blossom and Kearney, and about +twenty other cadets. As a consequence, the pair named said they would +withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if supported for the captaincies +later. In the meantime Henry Lee said he would drop out also, since he +expected to leave school in June. + +Once again the ballots were cast, and now it was easy to see that Bart, +Ritter and Baxter were exceedingly anxious. Both Ritter and Baxter did +their best to gain the votes dropped by Henry Lee and Paul Singleton. + +"I will read the result," said Captain Putnam, a few minutes later. And +amid a breathless silence, he read the following: + + "Whole number of votes cast, 83. + Necessary to a choice, 42. + Robert Grenwood has 5. + Reffton Ritter has 10. + Daniel Baxter has 12. + Bart Conners has 56." + +"Hurrah for Bart Conners!" shouted half a dozen cadets in chorus. + +"Bart Conners is declared elected major for the ensuing term," went on +Captain Putnam. "Major Conners, allow me to congratulate you," and he +came forward and held out his hand. + +"And let me congratulate you, too," added Major Jack, and he shook hands +also. + +A great number of cadets, and some teachers, come up to shake Bart by +the hand. Ritter and Baxter were conspicuous by their absence. Each of +the bullies was chagrined at the poor showing he had made. Instead of +gaining on the second ballot they had lost. + +"That shows how much one can depend on his friends," growled Baxter to +Mumps. + +"Never mind, Dan, maybe you'll be elected a captain," answered the toady +and sneak. + +"I don't want to be a captain; I want to be a major or nothing," +grumbled the bully. + +A little later the balloting for a captain for Company A was started. +There were half a dozen candidates, including both Ritter and Coulter, +and Ritter did all he could to get the boys who had voted for Baxter to +support him, and then bribed Coulter to step out in his favor. But Jack, +Pepper and Bart Conners worked hard for Harry Blossom, as agreed, and as +a consequence Harry was elected on the third ballot by fifty-two votes. + +"Hurrah for Harry Blossom!" was the cry, and the newly-elected captain +of Company A was congratulated on all sides. + +This election was followed by that for a captain for Company B. Here the +struggle was as fierce as before, but Dave Kearney won out on the sixth +ballot. Then came ballots for the lieutenants, and Bob Grenwood came out +strong with fifty-five votes. Dale Blackmore was made the new +quartermaster, much to his delight, although Dale cared more for +athletics than he did for military matters. + +Not one of the Ritter or the Baxter crowd got an office, much to their +disgust. Baxter went off by himself to sulk, but Ritter and Coulter +denounced their rivals openly. + +"I reckon votes were bought," said Ritter. + +"Sure they were bought," responded Coulter. + +"So they were, by Ritter & Company," retorted Andy, who overheard the +talk. + +"Oh, give us a rest, Snow!" muttered Ritter. "I don't want the old +office anyway, and all my real friends know it." + +"Sour grapes," answered the acrobatic youth. + +"Don't you get fresh, or I'll punch your head!" cried the bully, +savagely. + +"Will you?" answered Andy. "Just you try it, if you dare!" + +"I will!" came hotly from Ritter, and leaping forward he hit Andy a +sharp blow on the chin. + +The assault came so suddenly that the acrobatic youth had no time to +defend himself. He staggered and fell, and as he went down the bully +gave him a sharp kick in the side. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +ANDY SHOWS HIS COURAGE + + +"Stop that, Ritter! What do you mean by kicking Andy when he is down?" + +It was Pepper who uttered these words, as he rushed up from the other +side of the campus. + +"I didn't kick him," retorted Ritter. He was startled, for he had not +anticipated being seen. + +"You did!" + +"A fight! A fight!" was the cry, and soon a crowd of cadets began to +collect. + +Slowly Andy arose to his feet. His face was pale, for both the blow on +the chin and the kick in the side had been severe. + +"You--you brute!" he gasped. "You dirty brute!" + +"Hi, don't you call me a brute!" roared Ritter. + +"You are a brute!" put in Pepper. "No fair-minded chap would kick a +fellow when he was down." + +"Ditmore, you keep out of this," grumbled the bully. + +"I'm going to see that Andy has fair play," returned Pepper. + +The encounter had occurred after Captain Putnam and the teachers had +disappeared, so there was little chance of an interruption by the Hall +authorities. + +Andy stood up and tried to collect himself. He was "boiling mad," for +the attack had been a dastardly one. + +"Had enough?" demanded the bully, coming closer, and with his fists +clenched. + +"No, I haven't!" answered the acrobatic youth, and then, of a sudden, he +sprang high in the air, to come down on Ritter's shoulder. Then he +caught the bully around the neck with one arm. + +"Hi! hi! let up----" began Ritter. "I--I----" + +"I'll not let up!" retorted Andy. "You brought this on yourself, Reff +Ritter, and now you can take the consequences. How do you like that, and +that, and that?" + +Each "that" was accompanied by a stinging blow, one on the ear, one on +the eye and one on the nose. The second made the bully's left optic +black, and the third caused the blood to spurt freely. Then Andy landed +another blow on Ritter's mouth, leaped to the ground, and shoved the +fellow from him. + +"I'll give you those for an opener," he said, breathing heavily. "You +can have some more in another minute." + +"You--you rat!" hissed the bully and came at Andy with a rush. But the +acrobatic youth dodged, and Ritter ran full tilt into Dan Baxter. + +"Hi, keep your distance, Ritter!" growled Baxter. + +"I'll fix him!" yelled Ritter, and made another lunge for Andy. This +time he hit Andy on the shoulder. But the acrobatic youth came back at +him in double-quick order, and Ritter received a blow in the chin that +bowled him over into the arms of Nick Paxton. As he went over his eyes +closed, and then he slid in a heap to the ground. + +"A knockout for Snow!" + +"Say, that was a smashing blow!" + +"It served Ritter right; he kicked Andy when he was down." + +"Yes, and he hit him before he was ready." + +Paxton, Coulter and several others gathered around the fallen bully and +rubbed his face with some snow. In a few minutes he opened his eyes and +stared around. + +"Don't--don't hit me again!" he mumbled, between his bleeding teeth. + +"Have you had enough?" demanded Andy. "If you haven't, stand up and get +some more." + +"Don't--don't hit me again!" + +"Then you have had enough?" + +"I'll--I'll meet you another time." + +"No, you won't, Ritter, you'll meet me now." + +"That's the talk!" cried several. "Finish the fight." + +"I don't want to fight any more," answered the bully, and his words came +in almost a whine. + +"Then you have had enough? Yes or no?" + +"I've--I've had enough," said Ritter, in a low tone. + +"Very well; see that you remember this lesson," declared Andy, and then +turned on his heel and walked towards the Hall, followed by a dozen of +his admirers. + +"Andy, it was great, the way you jumped on him!" declared Pepper. + +"It was only a little acrobatic stunt," declared Andy. "But it came in +mighty handy. I shouldn't have tried it only he didn't fight +fair--hitting me before I was ready, and kicking me when I was down." + +"You watch out that he doesn't play you foul," said Dale, who was +present. + +"I'll keep my eyes open." + +It was soon whispered around the school how Andy had met and vanquished +the bully, and as a consequence many of the fellows who had toadied to +Ritter deserted him. Even Paxton gave him the cold shoulder openly, and +Baxter simply sneered at him. Only Gus Coulter clung to Ritter, and the +pair seemed to become greater cronies than ever. + +After the election of officers, and the fight, matters ran along swiftly +until the midwinter holidays. During those days many of the boys visited +their homes. Captain Putnam spent his time in trying to clear up the +mystery surrounding the disappearance of the things from the Hall, but +without success. The detective he had hired unearthed nothing of +importance and was discharged. One of the waiters left of his own +accord, and the master of the school could not help but wonder if he was +the guilty party. + +In the meantime, Andy and his chums had been trying to find out +something about Cameron Smith. They were equally unsuccessful, for no +one they knew in Boston had ever heard of that individual. His name was +not in the directory. + +"There was something strange about him," said Andy. "I wish Ritter would +tell us more about him. But I know it would be useless to ask Reff. He +hasn't spoken to me since the fight." + +After the holidays came some fine skating on the lake, and also some +iceboating. + +Fred Century had had a new iceboat built at Cedarville. It was called +the _Skimmer_, and he was exceedingly proud of the craft. + +"You must come out with me," he said to Jack, Pepper and Andy, one +Saturday afternoon. "The ice is as smooth as glass, and the wind is just +right." + +"All right!" cried Pepper. "A sail will suit me down to the ground." + +Jack and Andy were also pleased to go, and the quartet of boys were soon +down at the boathouse, where the _Skimmer_ was tied up. + +They were just getting aboard of the iceboat when they saw another craft +heave in sight. + +"Who is that on board?" asked Andy. + +"It is Reff Ritter," answered Pepper, "and Gus Coulter is with him." + +"The iceboat belongs to a fellow in Cedarville," said a cadet standing +near. "Ritter hired it for a week." + +The second craft was called the _Rosebud_, and was rather a fine-looking +outfit, with steel runners and a snowy-white sail. + +"He must have paid something to rent that," observed Jack. "I thought he +didn't have much money?" + +"He says his father is in business again and is doing better," answered +Paxton, who was present. "Hello, Reff!" he called out. "Want another +passenger?" + +"I don't want you!" answered the bully, briefly. + +"All right, you don't have to have me!" growled Paxton. + +"Say, Century, do you want to race me?" asked Ritter, as he brought the +_Rosebud_ alongside the dock. + +"I don't know," answered Fred, slowly. "What do you say?" he whispered +to the others. + +"Do you think you can beat him?" asked Pepper. + +"I can try." + +"Then go ahead," said Jack. "You don't care, do you, Andy?" + +"Not at all--if Fred can beat him," was the reply from the acrobatic +youth. + +"All right, I'll race!" called out Fred. "But you will have to carry +four, the same as myself." + +"Humph!" growled Ritter. "I don't know about that." + +"I'll go, Reff!" cried Mumps. + +"So will I!" added a cadet named White. + +"All right, jump aboard," cried the bully, and Mumps and White lost no +time in doing as bidden. + +"Where do you want to race to?" asked Fred. + +"Up to Dorsett's Point and back." + +"All right. Are you ready?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let her go!" yelled the owner of _Skimmer_; and in a moment the +iceboat race had started. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE MAN AT POINT VIEW LODGE + + +At first it was an even race. Reff Ritter knew how to handle an iceboat +to perfection and brought his craft up in the breeze in a manner that +won considerable admiration. + +"Take care that he doesn't beat you, Fred," said Pepper. "If he does, he +will never get done crowing over you." + +"This race isn't over yet," answered the owner of the _Skimmer_. "Wait +till we round the bend yonder." + +When the bend mentioned was gained the _Rosebud_ was a good three +lengths in the lead. + +"Good-by!" shouted Coulter. "Here is where we leave you behind!" + +"Your iceboat isn't in it with this," added Mumps. + +"We'll tell them you are coming by-and-by!" came from Ritter. + +"Don't answer them," whispered Jack. "Fred, can we do anything to help +the boat along?" + +"Just shift a little more to the left--that's it," was the reply. "Now +we'll soon get the breeze and then we'll do better." + +Fred's words proved true. As the _Skimmer_ rounded the bend, a good, +stiff blast struck her sails and away she started after the _Rosebud_. + +"Now we are going some!" cried Andy, his face brightening. + +"Make her hum!" cried Pepper. + +Slowly but surely the _Skimmer_ crept up on the _Rosebud_, until the bow +of the second craft overlapped the stern of the first. + +"Not walking away so fast now, are you?" questioned Pepper, cheerily. + +"Just wait, we'll beat you, see if we don't!" growled Coulter. + +"Swing the mainsail over!" cried Ritter. + +His order was obeyed, and the _Rosebud_ commenced to pick up again. But +the _Skimmer_ kept on steadily, and at last, when the turning-point was +reached, was several lengths ahead. + +"Now for the homestretch!" cried Jack. + +"I hope we win by about a mile!" was Andy's wish. + +The turning-point was a well-known rock, and the _Skimmer_ came around +this in fine style. But, just as this was accomplished, Ritter allowed +the _Rosebud_ to swing around out of the proper course. + +"Look out, you'll run us down!" yelled Fred, in alarm. + +"Clear the track!" yelled Ritter, angrily. "Clear the track!" + +"The clown!" muttered Jack. "Does he want to run into us?" + +Fred worked quickly, assisted by all the others and the _Skimmer_ was +thrown out of her course. On rushed both of the iceboats and the +_Rosebud_ slid by the other with less than six inches to spare. + +"Ritter, that wasn't fair!" shouted Fred. "I won't race with a fellow +who won't sail fair!" + +"You go to grass! I don't care about the race anyway!" howled the bully. + +"You are beaten and you know it," cried Pepper. + +"In a regular race such actions would disqualify you," was Jack's +comment. + +"Oh, don't preach! I know what I am doing!" grumbled Ritter, and then he +steered off in another direction and out of hearing. + +"What a mean bully he is getting to be!" said Fred. "It seems to me he +is much worse than he was when I first came to the Hall." + +"He is slowly but surely losing his grip here and that is souring him," +answered Jack. "Before he knows it he won't have a friend in the world. +As it is, about the only fellow who is really friendly with him is +Coulter. Paxton doesn't have much to do with him, and Mumps merely +toadies to him the same as he toadies to Dan Baxter and some of the +rest." + +"Where shall we go now?" asked Fred. + +"Anywhere you please," came from the others. + +"Shall we take a run up to Point View?" and Fred looked quizzically at +first one and then another of his friends. + +"Might do that," answered Jack. "But the Lodge is shut up, you know; the +Fords are at their city home for the winter." + +"Well, we can run up that way anyway," said Pepper. "One place is as +good as another." + +The course of the iceboat was slightly changed, and in less than a +quarter of an hour they swept up to the dock attached to Point View +Lodge. The sails were lowered and they went ashore to stretch their +legs, for sitting on the iceboat rather cramped them. + +"Might as well take a look around the Lodge while we are here," +suggested Jack. + +"Is there a caretaker here?" asked Andy. + +"I don't think so, but there may be." + +The four youths walked through the snow in the direction of the mansion, +which was set among some heavy trees. + +"Hello, what is that, an animal track?" asked Jack, pointing to a trail +among the trees. + +"Looks more like human footprints to me," replied Pepper. + +"Then somebody must be here." + +"Funny the trail leads from the side fence," came from Andy. "If it was +some person who belonged here why wouldn't he come from the road or the +dock?" + +"Maybe it was easier to come that way than by the road, right after the +snow fell," suggested Pepper. + +They walked forward to the mansion and saw that the trail led to the +back door and then around to a side window. + +"Hello! I don't like this!" exclaimed Jack. "What would a person be +doing at the side window?" + +"Try the window?" suggested Fred. They had already tried the door, to +find it locked. + +Jack stood on a flat rock that was handy and took hold of the lower +sash. Much to his surprise it went up with ease. + +"It's open!" he exclaimed. "Do you know what I think? I think somebody +came here and got into the house by this window!" + +"A tramp, perhaps," said Fred. + +"Or a burglar!" vouchsafed Andy. + +"Do you think he is in the house now?" asked Pepper. + +"That is something for us to find out. If he is, we must catch him and +turn him over to the authorities!" + +"Have we a right to enter the house?" questioned Andy. + +"I am sure Mr. Ford would want us to do so, Andy." + +"I guess you are right. But be careful, Jack, that fellow, whoever he +is, may be a desperate character." + +"Perhaps he isn't here now," said Fred. "He may have looted the place +and skipped." + +"I'll soon see," cried Jack. "Pepper, do you want to go in with me? You +other fellows might stay on guard." + +"Sure, I'll go in," answered The Imp. + +In a moment more the two cadets stood in the sitting-room of the +mansion. + +"Better not make too much noise," whispered Jack. "If he is here we may +be able to take him unawares." + +As the sky was overcast that afternoon it was rather dark in the +mansion, and the cadets could see but little as they made their way from +one room to another. They were just entering the dining-room when +Pepper's foot struck something and sent it spinning across the floor. + +"What's that?" asked his chum. + +"I don't know--sounded like a spoon or a fork," was the reply. Pepper +walked forward, bent down, and felt around. "Yes, it's a silver fork!" + +"It made as much noise as if it was a dozen of 'em!" murmured his chum. + +"Hark!" + +Pepper put up his hand and both listened intently. They had heard a +noise, as of footsteps overhead. + +"Somebody is up there!" whispered Jack. + +"It must be the fellow we are after!" returned Pepper. "What shall we do +next, go after him?" + +"Yes, but we had better try to arm ourselves." + +"I've got the fork." + +"I'll take this," said Jack, picking up a bronze ornament from the +mantelpiece. + +Hardly daring to breathe, the two cadets stole from the dining-room to +the hall and prepared to mount the stairs. As they did this they heard +more footsteps, this time in the rear of the upper floor of the mansion. + +"There he goes, Jack!" + +"Sounds as if he was going to try to get out the back way!" + +"Hi, there, stop!" called Pepper, at the top of his voice. "Stop, you +rascal!" + +"Don't you try to stop me!" was the reply from the upper hallway. "If +you do, it will be the worse for you!" + +"Who is he?" asked Pepper, quickly. "I've heard that voice before." + +"I think I know," answered his chum. "Come on, and we'll soon see if I +am right." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +WHAT THE CONSTABLE THOUGHT + + +Up the stairs went the two cadets, Jack leading the way. On the upper +landing they paused, for the sounds of footsteps had suddenly ceased. + +"Which way did he go?" whispered Pepper. + +"I don't know, Pepper. Go slow now, we don't want to walk into any +trap." + +With caution the chums made their way to the back end of the hall. As +they did this a door close by came open and a cold draught of air met +the lads. + +"This way!" cried Jack. "He has opened a window! That air comes from +outside!" + +He rushed through the open door, to find himself in a bedroom. In an +alcove was a window and this was wide open. Beyond the window was the +top of a back porch, with a trellis reaching to the ground. + +"There he goes!" exclaimed Jack, pointing down among the trees. + +"Stop! stop!" came in a cry from the side of the mansion, and a moment +later Andy appeared, followed by Fred. + +"Stop the rascal!" shouted Jack, and bounced out on the porch with all +speed. Down the trellis he came, with Pepper following. + +By this time the fleeing individual had gained the shelter of a number +of trees. Beyond these was a hedge, and he dove through this and then +into some brushwood that lined the highway. + +"Can you catch him, Andy?" asked Jack. + +"I can try!" was the answer. + +"Keep back, unless you want to get shot!" roared the man, and he raised +something he held in his hand. It was too dark to see if it was a +pistol. + +Andy came to a halt, and in a few moments his companions joined him. By +this time the fellow was out of sight. The cadets strained their ears, +but in the snow no sounds of footsteps reached them. + +"I guess we have lost him," murmured Fred. + +"Sorry I didn't keep after him," grumbled Andy. + +"He might have shot you." + +"Come on, let us make a hunt for him!" cried Jack, and this was done. +But though they searched the vicinity for the best part of half an hour +they failed to locate the man who had fled. + +"Jack, who do you think it was?" questioned Pepper, as the four boys +gathered in the mansion and lit one of the lamps, for it was now quite +dark. + +"I may be mistaken, but to me his voice sounded like that of the man +Reff Ritter met in Cedarville, Cameron Smith." + +"Just what I think!" cried The Imp. "Did you get a look at his face?" + +"Not a close look, and it was too dark to see much. But that Smith had a +queer catch in his voice and this fellow had the same thing." + +"Yes, I remember that." + +"Was that the fellow Reff met?" demanded Andy. + +"We are not sure, Andy, but we think so." + +"What was he doing here?" asked Fred. + +"That remains for us to find out," answered Pepper. "Certainly the man +had no right here, otherwise he wouldn't have run away as he did." + +"Let us take a look through the house," suggested Pepper. + +A hand-lamp was lit and the boys began a systematic inspection of the +Lodge. They found nothing disturbed in most of the rooms, but when they +inspected the library all set up a shout. + +"The safe!" + +"It has been blown open!" + +"Yes, and look, the contents are scattered all over the floor!" + +It was true, the small safe that was located under a bend of the stairs +had been drilled and the door blown asunder. On the floor of the library +lay the shattered door and likewise several bundles of papers and +legal-looking documents. They also saw a case that had contained +silverware. + +"Wonder how much he took?" said Pepper. + +"He took something, that is sure," answered Jack. + +"We must have come in right after he blew the safe open," said Andy. + +"Boys, I think we ought to notify the authorities at once, and also +notify the Fords," cried Jack. "This is a serious piece of business." + +"Let us go to the nearest farmhouse and tell the folks," suggested Andy. + +He hardly uttered the words when a loud ring at the front door of the +mansion made every cadet jump. + +"There is somebody now!" cried Fred. + +"I'll see who it is," said Pepper, and went off, followed by Jack. + +When they opened the door they found themselves confronted by a farmer +named Fasick, who lived in that vicinity. + +"Hello!" cried the farmer, on noticing the uniforms the boys wore. "What +are you cadets doing here?" + +"Who are you?" questioned Jack. + +"I'm Isaac Fasick, and I own the farm down the road a spell. I saw the +lights here, and as Mr. Ford asked me to keep an eye on his property I +made up my mind I'd come over and see what it meant. Is he here on a +visit?" + +"Not that we know of, Mr. Fasick," answered Jack. "Come in out of the +cold, and we'll tell you something." + +The burly farmer entered, and the cadets quickly related what had +occurred. When Mr. Fasick saw the shattered safe he was all but stunned. + +"The pesky rascal!" he ejaculated. "Did he run away with much?" + +"That we don't know, for we have no idea what was in the safe," replied +Jack. + +"He must have taken some of the silver spoons, and knives and forks," +put in Pepper. "Here is the empty silverware case, and I found a loose +silver fork on the floor of the dining-room." + +"The Fords will be the only ones to tell just what was taken," said +Andy. "And the sooner we notify them the better." + +"I don't know if they are in the city or not," said Isaac Fasick "I +know they meant to travel some this winter." + +"They are at their city home just now; I got a letter day before +yesterday," answered the former major of the school battalion. He did +not deem it necessary to say the letter was from Laura Ford. + +"Let us telegraph to them," said Pepper. "But what about the thief? We +ought to get right after him." + +"We can tell Jed Plodders," said the farmer. "He's the Cedarville +constable and pretty smart, too." + +"Jed will never catch that fellow," answered Jack. "He'll be miles and +miles away before the constable gets his badge pinned on to go after +him." + +"Oh, Jed is smart," cried the farmer. "He's my wife's second cousin, and +the whole family is mighty cute." + +"All right, let him catch the thief," answered Pepper. + +Matters were talked over for several minutes, and the boys decided to +separate, Andy and Pepper to remain on guard at the Lodge and Fred and +Jack to run the iceboat to Cedarville and take Isaac Fasick along. + +"Now, don't you run into no air-holes!" cried the farmer, as he took a +seat on the _Skimmer_. "I don't want to drown just yet, not me!" + +"We'll be on our guard," answered the owner of the craft. + +"The wind is just right," said Jack, as the mainsail was hoisted. This +was true, and the run to the village took but a few minutes. While the +boys went off to send their message to the Fords, Isaac Fasick hunted up +the constable and related what had occurred. + +"Ha! a robbery, eh?" cried the constable, looking highly important. + +"That's it, Jed." + +"And you caught the boys in the house all alone?" went on the constable, +trying to look very wise. + +"Why, yes; I did." + +"Maybe they did the robbery, Isaac." + +"By gum! I didn't think of that, Jed!" exclaimed the farmer. + +"It would be an easy way of tryin' to look innercent," went on the +constable. "They fixed it all up--blow open the safe, hide the silver +an' other valerables, an' then, when you surprise 'em, they try to put +the crime off on sumbuddy else." + +"Say, Jed, do you think that's so?" asked the farmer, his suspicions +aroused. + +"Don't it look reasonable, Isaac?" + +"It sure does, Jed. But to think them boys would do sech a terruble +deed!" + +"Some o' them boys at boardin'-school spend a fierce sight o' money. +Some of 'em drink an' gamble. They ain't above gittin' money by hook or +crook, ef they need it. Yes, they may be guilty," and the constable +swelled out with his own importance. + +"Perhaps you better question 'em," suggested the farmer, timidly. + +"Question 'em?" snorted the constable. "Yes, I will; an' I'll do +more--I'll hold 'em until this mysterious case is cleared up!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +LOOKING FOR CLUES + + +Having sent their message to the Fords, the two cadets turned in the +direction where the farmer had said the constable lived. + +"I don't think old Plodders will be able to do a thing," said Jack. +"He'll look wise and ask a lot of questions, and that's all." + +A block had been covered when they saw the farmer and the constable +approaching. On his breast Jed Plodders had pinned a bright, silver +star, and he carried a policeman's club in his hand. + +"There they are!" cried Isaac Fasick. + +"Is them the cadets?" queried the guardian of the peace. + +"That's two of 'em. The other two said they'd stay an' watch the house." + +"Stop!" cried the constable, and pointed his club at the cadets. + +"Are you Constable Plodders?" questioned Jack. + +"That's who I be," was the stern reply. "Now then, out with it, young +fellers. You broke into Mr. Ford's house, didn't you? Now, don't try to +fool me, fer it won't wash! You broke into the house, and Mr. Fasick +ketched you at it, didn't he?" And the constable cast what was meant for +an eagle eye on Jack and then on Fred. He had made up his mind that he +would surprise both of the boys into a confession. + +The two cadets stared in wonder at the constable, and then a smile came +into Jack's face. The situation was so ludicrous he felt like laughing. +Jed Plodders saw the smile and frowned deeply. + +"This ain't no laughing matter, you scamp!" he bellowed. "You broke into +the Ford house an' tried to steal the silverware! Now don't try to deny +it, or it will be the wuss fer you! You done it now, didn't you?" And he +pointed his club at first one cadet and then the other. + +"No, we didn't do it!" burst out Fred. "You are a great big chump to +think we did!" + +"Hi! hi! don't you talk to me like that!" roared the guardian of the +peace. + +"Then don't you accuse us of any crime," came quickly from Jack. + +"Didn't Mr. Fasick find you at the house?" demanded the constable. + +"He did, but we didn't go there to steal; we went there to see if +everything was all right. He went there for the same purpose." + +"Say, don't you go for to mix me up in this robbery," interrupted Isaac +Fasick, hastily. "I didn't have a thing to do with it." + +"No more had we," answered Fred. "We just sailed to the place on my +iceboat. We can prove it." + +"We are friends of the Ford family; we can easily prove that, too," +added Jack. "Mr. Ford and his wife both asked us, when we were in this +vicinity, to take a look and see if everything was all right. We found a +strange man in the mansion and we did our best to catch him, but he got +away. What we want you to do is to get busy and try to catch that +rascal. If you don't do it, we'll make a complaint against you for +neglect of duty." + +While Jack had been major of the school battalion he had been in the +habit of speaking in an authoritative voice, and now he used the same +tone in addressing Jed Plodders. The constable stared at the cadet for a +moment and then his jaw dropped and likewise the club in his hand. + +"Well--er--if you're friends o' the family mebbe that alters +the--er--the case," he stammered. "Why didn't you say so fust?" + +"You didn't give us a chance," answered Fred. + +"What you want to do is to go to the house and then try to get on the +track of that robber," said Jack. "We'll help you all we can." + +"I got to send word to Mr. Ford." + +"We have already done that, and he will probably come as quickly as he +can, or send somebody." + +"Did you git a good look at the man?" + +"No, not a very good look." + +"Then you hain't got no idee who he might be?" went on the constable. + +"Well, I think----" commenced Jack, and then broke off short, and at the +same time pinched Fred's arm. It would do little or no good to acquaint +the constable with their suspicion that the rascal might be the man +named Cameron Smith. + +"What do you think?" demanded Jed Plodders. + +"I think I saw the man in Cedarville once. But I am not certain. I +rather imagine he was a stranger around here." + +"Thet's what he was," came from Isaac Fasick. "There hain't no thieves +livin' in these parts. We are all honest folks." + +Several other men of Cedarville were told about the robbery, and a crowd +of half a dozen got on the iceboat and sailed to Point View Lodge. When +they arrived at the house they found that Pepper and Andy had brought in +some wood and started a cheerful blaze in the big fireplace of the +living-room. + +"It was so cold we couldn't stand it," said Pepper. "I don't think Mr. +Ford will mind." + +The constable and the other newcomers inspected the damage done to the +safe with interest, and walked through the rooms of the house. The +cadets showed them just how the thief had made his escape, and Jed +Plodders and two of the men went off to see if they could trail the +evil-doer. + +"I think at least one of us ought to stay here until Mr. Ford comes," +said Pepper. + +"Supposing you and I stay?" suggested Andy. "Fred and Jack can take the +iceboat back to the Hall and explain matters to Captain Putnam." + +This was agreed to, and a little later the _Skimmer_ was on the way to +the school. It was now after eight o'clock and the cadets were hungry. +Andy and Pepper were to have their meals sent to them from the Fasick +farmhouse. + +Tying up at the boathouse landing, Jack and Fred hurried into the Hall. +As they passed one of the classrooms they came face to face with Reff +Ritter. + +"Got back late, didn't you?" said the bully to Fred. + +"Yes," was the short reply. + +The bully passed on without another word. + +Jack was in a quandary. What should he tell Captain Putnam? If he told +of his suspicions concerning Cameron Smith he would drag Reff Ritter +into the mix-up. + +"I guess I had better wait until something more turns up," he thought. +"If I mention this Smith, and he is innocent, both he and Reff will be +terribly angry at me." + +As briefly as possible the former major of the school battalion related +what had occurred at Point View Lodge. Captain Putnam listened with keen +interest. + +"It is a pity you didn't catch that robber," said he. "For all we know, +he may be the fellow who has been stealing here." + +"Well, we couldn't get him," answered Jack. "Maybe Constable Plodders +will be more successful." + +"I hardly think so, Ruddy. So you left Snow and Ditmore at the Lodge?" + +"Yes, sir. We thought Mr. Ford would like them to remain until he got +there, or sent somebody." + +"I see." Captain Putnam mused for a moment. "I don't see that I can do +anything. You had better go and get your supper. Tell the head waiter I +sent you in." + +"Yes, sir," said Jack, and he and Fred hurried off to the mess-hall. +The waiter was inclined to grumble a little at having to serve them at +such a late hour, but, nevertheless, he got them plenty to eat, and they +pitched in as only hungry boys can. + +On the following morning came word from Cedarville that Mr. Ford had +arrived, and Jack and Fred were allowed to take the _Skimmer_ and sail +to Point View Lodge. There they met the gentleman, who was somewhat +excited over what had occurred. + +"The loss of the silverware is a serious one," said he. "The ware came +from my wife's grandfather and she prized it very highly. I meant to +take it to the city with me, but forgot to ship it, and so we placed it +in the safe here. A couple of gold napkin-rings are also gone, and +likewise my old gold watch." + +"Mr. Ford, I wish to tell you something in private," said Jack, and then +he took the gentleman aside and related his suspicions concerning +Cameron Smith. + +"I think this is assuredly worth looking into, Jack," said Rossmore +Ford, slowly. "I shall put a first-class city detective on this case, +and I'll tell him about this Cameron Smith. He'll soon be able to find +out who the chap is. If he is an honest man, well and good. But if not, +we'll round him up and make him give an account of himself." + +"Please don't mention our names," said Jack, gravely, "And please don't +mention Reff Ritter." + +"I'll remember that," answered the owner of the Lodge. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +TO THE RESCUE + + +"If this weather keeps on, skating and iceboating will soon be over, +Jack." + +"Right you are, Pepper. I think if we want any more skating this season +we had better go out this afternoon." + +"Just what I say!" cried Dale Blackmore. "If it starts to rain the ice +will be gone in no time." + +"All out for a skate, as soon as school is dismissed!" came from Andy. + +A week had passed, and during that time nothing had been learned +concerning the robbery at Point View Lodge. Mr. Ford had hired two city +detectives but, so far, neither these men, nor the local constable, had +been able to accomplish anything. One city detective was trying to +locate Cameron Smith, but that individual could not be traced. + +During the past few days the weather had moderated greatly. Much of the +snow was gone, and the cadets feared that soon the ice on the lake +would disappear and then skating would be a thing of the past. + +"Spring will be here before you know it," said Pepper. + +"Yes, and then summer, and the end of our days at Putnam Hall," added +Jack, with something of a sigh. + +"Jack, how are you getting along in your studies?" questioned Andy. + +"Fairly well. I find Latin rather hard. How about you, Andy?" + +"Mathematics is my bugbear, Jack. Some of those problems old Crabtree +gives us are corkers." + +"Well, you must be sure to pass, Andy, and then it will be good-by to +Crabtree forever." + +After school was dismissed about twenty of the cadets hurried down to +the lake-front to go skating. + +"I see Reff Ritter has hired the _Rosebud_ again," remarked Pepper, as +he was adjusting his skates. "Fred, are you going to take out the +_Skimmer_?" + +"No, I don't think it is safe. Skating is one thing; to sail a heavy +iceboat is another." + +"Just my idea," added Stuffer. + +They watched Reff Ritter sail away. The only person with the bully was +Gus Coulter. Jack and Pepper watched Ritter closely and then looked +questioningly at each other. What did Ritter know about Cameron Smith, +and was the man really the fellow who had robbed the Ford mansion? + +Soon the merry shouts of the cadets proved they were enjoying themselves +thoroughly. Some started a race, while others formed sides for a hockey +contest, with Dale Blackmore as captain of one five and Emerald Hogan as +captain of the other. + +"Let us go down the shore a bit," suggested Jack to Pepper and Andy, and +the three joined hands for the spin. All felt like "letting out," as +Andy expressed it, and they covered over a mile almost before they knew +it. + +"The ice is getting pretty rotten," said Jack, as his skate cut in so +deeply that he would have fallen had not his chums supported him. + +"Yes, a day or two more and skating will be at an end," answered Andy. + +"Jack, are you going in for baseball this spring?" questioned Pepper. + +"No, I am going in for nothing but study towards the end of the term." + +"Well, I guess I'll have to do the same--if I want to graduate," +answered Pepper, and he heaved a deep sigh as he thought of all the fun +he would have to miss. + +The three cadets skated on until they came to a spot where the shore +made a sharp turn. On the point of land were a number of trees and +bushes, so they could not see what was beyond. + +"Listen!" cried Andy. "Somebody is calling!" + +"Help! help!" came the cry. "Help!" + +"Somebody must have broken in!" exclaimed Jack. "Come on, maybe we can +save him!" + +He broke away and led around the point of land. Beyond were some rocks +and a sort of cove, where the ice was extra soft. + +"There is an iceboat!" exclaimed Andy. "It's the _Rosebud_!" + +"It's in the water!" ejaculated Pepper. "And see, Gus Coulter is +clinging to it." + +"Where is Ritter?" + +"I don't know." + +"I see Ritter!" burst out Jack. "He is clinging to the ice yonder, +trying to crawl out! Come on, fellows, we've got to help them both." + +"Help! help!" screamed Gus Coulter, and his voice showed that he was +almost scared to death. Ritter did not call, but was making frantic +efforts to get on top of the ice, which seemed to break away as he +placed his weight on it. + +It took Jack, Pepper and Andy but a minute to get to the vicinity of the +mishap. As he skated forward, the former major of the school battalion +stripped off the sweater he was wearing. + +"Join hands with me," he called to his chums. "Now be careful; not too +near the hole, remember. I'll throw Ritter the end of the sweater." + +His chums understood, and while they held hands, Jack advanced +cautiously. The ice cracked ominously, but step by step he drew closer +to where Ritter was clinging. + +"Catch hold!" he cried, as he swung one end of the sweater toward the +unfortunate youth. + +"You--you won't let go?" questioned the bully, suspiciously. + +"Of course not!" retorted Jack. "Hold tight now, and we'll haul you up." + +He gave the signal, and Andy and Pepper pulled back with all their +might, and Jack did the same. Slowly but surely Reff Ritter came up out +of the icy water, his teeth chattering loudly. Soon he was out of +danger. + +"Run for the nearest farmhouse!" cried Jack. "Put the sweater on if you +want to," and he tossed the garment over. + +"It was Coulter's fault," growled Reff Ritter. "He swung the sail the +wrong way." And then he ran off as advised. + +"Such meanness!" snorted Pepper. "And Coulter may be drowned!" + +"Ritter was always willing to lay the blame on somebody else," added +Andy. + +The chums skated as closely as possible to where the iceboat was +drifting in a sheet of open water--a spot where some days before a +farmer had been cutting ice. To the craft Coulter was clinging and still +crying piteously. + +"Help!" came in a chattering tone. "Please help me, somebody, or I'll be +dro--drowned! I can't ho--hold on mu--much lon--ger!" + +"We are coming, Coulter!" yelled Pepper. + +"I'm nearly fro--frozen to de--death!" chattered the suffering cadet. + +"If we only had a line we might throw it to him," said Andy. + +"I've got an idea!" exclaimed Pepper. "Come on and get that fallen +tree!" + +He pointed to the shore, where a long sapling lay partly uncovered in +the snow. He skated off for this, with Andy at his heels. + +While Andy and Pepper were doing their best to get the sapling out of +the snow and drag it over the ice, Jack circled the spot where the +_Rosebud_ was drifting. The iceboat was now within ten feet of the ice, +so he could see Coulter quite plainly. The poor fellow had been ducked +in the water and was shaking from head to feet from cold. + +"We'll soon have you ashore, Gus!" he called out. "Keep up your +courage." + +"I--I can't hold on much longer!" was the gasped-out reply. "I am +free--freezing to de--death!" + +At that moment a blast of air came sweeping across the lake. It caught +the sail of the iceboat and tilted the craft over in the water. + +"Oh! oh!" screamed Coulter, and then, as the iceboat whirled around, the +exhausted cadet lost his grip and commenced to slip slowly downward. +Soon he was in the water up to his shoulders. + +"Save me!" he yelled. "Oh, Ruddy, don't let me drown! Please sa--save +m--me! Please!" And then of a sudden his head went under out of sight! + +Jack was for the moment struck dumb with horror. He felt that Coulter +was drowning before his very eyes. Then a sudden noble determination +came to him, and measuring his distance carefully he leaped for the +iceboat and managed to catch the swaying mast. He went down in the water +up to his knees, but held on to a stay with his left hand. + +The icy water made the youth gasp. But he set his teeth hard and looked +down for Coulter. Presently he saw the other cadet bob upward. Then a +hand came up and was waved frantically. Jack tried his best to reach +that hand, but could not. Then Coulter commenced to sink again from +sight. + +"I must save him! I must!" thought Jack, and an instant later leaped +boldly into the waters of the icy lake. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +A REAL HERO + + +It was a desperate plunge to take, for the former major of the school +battalion ran the risk of getting a chill that would kill him. But Jack +was a hero, and he could not bear to see Gus Coulter drowned before his +eyes. + +As the icy waters closed over him, he struck out boldly for the spot +where he had last beheld the struggling youth. Then his hand came in +contact with Coulter's body and he caught the cadet by the arm. + +As soon as Coulter felt himself touched, he swung around, and the next +instant had Jack by the shoulder, in a grip like that of death itself. + +The former major of the school battalion realized only too well that he +must not let the drowning boy catch him by the neck, otherwise both +would go down to rise no more. He shoved Coulter as far off as possible +and at the same time struck out to regain the surface of the lake. + +When the pair came up they were some distance from the iceboat and also +some distance from the edge of the ice. + +"Help! help!" yelled Jack to Pepper and Andy. + +The latter had succeeded in getting the sapling free of the snow, and +were dragging it to the ice on the lake-shore. + +"Hello, Jack's in, too!" cried Andy, in horror. + +"Hurry with the tree!" yelled Jack, as he commenced to swim for the edge +of the ice. "Quick now, or we'll both go down again! This water is +frightfully cold." + +A few strokes brought Jack and Coulter to the edge of the ice. Coulter +was still holding fast, but his strength was rapidly growing weaker. His +head shook so that his teeth rattled like castanets. + +Luckily Jack reached a spot where the shore ice was tolerably firm. More +than this, the water was somewhat shallow, so he could stand on the +bottom while Pepper and Andy shoved out the end of the sapling to him. + +"Here, I'll lift Gus out!" he called, his own teeth chattering not a +little. "He ca--can't hel--help hi--himself!" + +He lifted the other cadet as high as he could and with a shove sent him +rolling on the ice beyond. Andy and Pepper caught Coulter by the feet +and immediately dragged him out of harm's way. Then Jack caught hold of +the end of the sapling and was hauled up by his chums. + +"How in the world did you fall in?" gasped Andy. + +"I didn't fall in--I ju--jumped in!" + +"Oh, Jack!" came from Pepper. "Talk about nerve! But come, you had +better get to shelter as soon as you can." + +"Yes, I fe--feel as if I wa--was turning to i--i--ice!" chattered the +other. + +"The Darwood farmhouse is just over the hill, let us run to that," +suggested Andy. "Here, put on my sweater!" and he stripped off the +garment in an instant. + +"Do--don't leave m--me!" came from Coulter. He was on his knees, being +too weak to rise to his feet. + +"I'll carry you on my back!" cried Pepper. "Come, take hold." + +Coulter was too far gone to aid himself, and Andy had to place him on +Pepper's back. Then off the whole party started, Andy holding Jack by +the arm and thus giving him some support. + +"Where did Ritter go?" asked Jack, as they sped over the hill in the +direction of the farmhouse mentioned. + +"I think he went up the lake, in the direction of the Saldy farm," +answered Andy. + +The Darwood farmhouse set back from the road, among some cedar trees. +Rushing up to the back door, the boys pounded vigorously. + +"Who is there?" demanded a man's voice, and then Mr. Darwood showed +himself. + +"Please let us in, we are nearly frozen!" cried Jack. + +"Hello! been in the water, eh?" cried Samuel Darwood. "Come right in and +I'll stir up the fire!" and he stepped aside that the cadets might +enter. + +When Pepper deposited his burden in a chair it was seen that Gus Coulter +was in a bad way. His eyes were closed, and he was shaking as with +convulsions. + +"Here, we'll strip off some of his wet clothes and rub him down!" cried +Andy. "And can you get something hot to drink, Mr. Darwood?" + +"Sure I can," cried the farmer. "But I'll pile some wood on the fire +first!" he added. + +[Illustration: "CATCH HOLD!" JACK CRIED, AS HE SWUNG ONE END OF THE +SWEATER TOWARD THE UNFORTUNATE YOUTH. + + _The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 259)] + +He was as good as his word, and soon the fire was roaring, and the +kitchen got thoroughly warm. The farmer was home alone, but he knew how +to make some hot coffee, which he speedily offered to all of the cadets. +Coulter could hardly drink, and it was a good half-hour before he felt +at all like even speaking. He was propped up in a big rocking-chair +directly in front of the fire, and Andy and Pepper took turns at +trying to restore his blood to circulation. Jack was not so far gone, +and soon felt quite like himself. The wet uniforms were hung up to dry, +Mr. Darwood in the meantime lending the lads some other garments. He had +been the one to cut the ice from the lake at that spot, so he felt in +some measure responsible for the mishap, even though he had put up +several danger signs, to which Ritter and Coulter had paid no attention. + +"I don't know that we will care to skate back to the Hall," said Pepper. +"Mr. Darwood, could you take us back in your sleigh, if we paid you for +it?" + +"I'll take you back, and it shan't cost you a cent," answered the +farmer, quickly. + +"Hadn't we better find out what became of Reff Ritter?" questioned Jack. + +"I'll run over to the Saldy farm and see," answered Andy, and set off +without delay. + +While Andy was gone, Samuel Darwood went to the barn to hitch up his +team. Jack, Pepper and Coulter remained in the kitchen. Coulter sat +staring at the fire, but occasionally his eyes wandered to Jack. +Suddenly, while the others were silent, he spoke. + +"Say, but you're a fine fellow, Jack Ruddy!" he said. "A fine fellow! +And I'm a--a skunk! That's what I am, a low-down, mean skunk!" + +"Never mind now, Gus," answered Jack, kindly. He hardly knew what to say +at this outburst. + +"You--you jumped in and saved me from drowning, didn't you?" + +"Yes. But anybody would do that, Gus, for a schoolmate." + +"No, they wouldn't; Reff Ritter wouldn't. He would have left me to +drown!" And Coulter shuddered. "You're a real hero, Jack Ruddy! And I'm +a--a skunk; yes, a mean, low-down skunk--and I always have been!" And +now Gus Coulter buried his face in his hands. + +"Jack certainly deserves great credit for jumping in after you," said +Pepper, warmly. "It was a mighty cold plunge for anybody to take." + +"Oh, let's drop it!" came modestly from the hero of the occasion. + +"I am not going to drop it!" retorted Gus Coulter, with spirit. "You +saved my life, and I want everybody to know it, especially Reff Ritter. +He would have left me to drown!" + +"Reff had to save himself. He was chilled to the bone when we got him +out," answered Jack. + +"If you had been Reff you wouldn't have run away and left me to drown," +went on Coulter, stubbornly. + +At this Jack was silent. + +"You don't know it all, Jack Ruddy. Reff and I had a quarrel. He said +he--he didn't want to have anything more to do with me. I believe he--he +would have been glad to have me drown!" + +"Oh, don't say that, Gus!" burst out Pepper. + +"But I will say it!" flared out Gus Coulter. "After this I am going to +cut Reff Ritter! And I am going to tell what I know about him, too! And +I am going to get Nick Paxton to tell what he knows, too!" + +"What do you know about him?" asked Jack, with sudden interest. + +"Oh, I know a good deal." + +"Coulter, answer me honestly. Do you know anything about his dealings +with a certain man named Cameron Smith?" + +"Oh, do you know that fellow?" questioned the other cadet, and he stared +wonderingly at Jack. + +"I know a little about him." + +"Don't you have anything to do with him, Jack! And don't you have much +to do with Reff! They are both bad! Oh, you don't know how bad!" And Gus +Coulter shook his head to emphasize his words. + +"What did you and Reff quarrel about, Gus?" asked Pepper. + +"We quarreled about--about---- Oh, I don't know how I can speak of it! +But I suppose I've got to, if I want to remain honest. We quarreled over +something I found one day in his private box. I got suspicious of him, +and when he was taking a nap I took his key and opened the box. And in +the box what do you suppose I found?" + +"What?" came simultaneously from Jack and Pepper. + +"Your watch and chain, Jack." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED--CONCLUSION + + +"My watch and chain!" cried the former major of the school battalion. + +"Yes." + +"What did you do about it? Why didn't you report it to me, or to Captain +Putnam?" + +"I was so stunned I didn't know what to do. I couldn't believe that Reff +had taken them, and that he was guilty of the robberies that were going +on. I locked the box up and put the key back in his pocket. That night I +accused him of the theft, and we had a quarrel and almost came to blows. +He said he didn't take the watch and chain, that he found them in the +gymnasium near the lockers. He said he was only keeping them to get +square with you, and that he would return them to you before the term +closed." + +"Found them in the gym?" repeated Pepper. + +"I don't believe it," came firmly from the former major of the school +battalion. "I believe he took them; and I believe he took the other +things, too!" + +"And I believe that myself, now!" cried Gus Coulter. "Oh, my eyes are +open! I used to think Reff was a pretty good fellow, even though +something of a bully, but I am learning that he is bad through and +through. Paxton saw him sneaking through the dormitories at night, and +he got afraid of him and cut him." + +"And what of Cameron Smith?" asked Jack. "You said he was bad?" + +"He is. I didn't know it at first, but I heard about it during the +holidays, when he and Reff went off on what they called a good time." + +"Can you give me Smith's real address?" + +"He claims to come from Boston, but I know Reff once sent him a letter +addressed to Springfield, care of the Excelsior Hotel." + +Having once opened his mind, Gus Coulter talked freely of his doings +with Reff Ritter. He said the bully had quite some money at times, but +the amount was quickly spent. + +Just as Mr. Darwood drove around to the door with his sleigh Andy came +back to the farmhouse. + +"I had some hot words with Ritter," he explained. "He was just as +bullying as ever, and gave us no credit for hauling him out of the lake, +and he said if Coulter was drowned it would be his own fault. Oh, he is +the limit!" + +The ride to Putnam Hall was a short one, and on arriving at the school +the cadets hurried to their dormitories to change their damp clothing +for suits which were perfectly dry. In the meantime Jack asked Pepper to +find Captain Putnam and tell the master of the school that he wished to +see him on a matter of great importance. + +A little later the former major of the school battalion entered the +captain's private office, followed by Pepper and Andy. They found +Captain Putnam staring at a telegram that had just come in. + +"Well, what can I do for you?" he asked. + +"I've got something to tell you, sir," returned Jack, and as briefly as +possible he narrated what had occurred on the lake and repeated what +Coulter had told him. As he progressed Captain Putnam shook his head +sadly. + +"It must be true," he said almost brokenly. "It all fits in--this +telegram and what you say." + +"The telegram?" repeated Jack. + +"Yes, Ruddy. This telegram is from Mr. Ford. He states that Cameron +Smith has been caught and has made a confession that he looted the safe +at Point View Lodge. Smith was partly intoxicated at the time of his +capture, and informed the detective that some jewelry he had in his +possession had come from Reff Ritter. He stated that Ritter took the +stuff from the cadets and the others while they slept, and it was +Smith's part to pawn the things and divide the proceeds." + +"And Ritter was guilty of all the thefts at the Hall?" cried Pepper. + +"Yes, and he even took some of his own things, just for a blind, +according to this man Smith. What Coulter has to say, and Paxton, seems +to corroborate his story." + +"What a terrible thing to do!" murmured Jack. + +"Smith had a bunch of pawn tickets hidden away in a drawer, and they +represent all the things taken from this school, and they also represent +some other things, namely, those lost by you, Snow, at the time the +horse ran away with you." + +"Then it was Cameron Smith after all whom I saw, and who robbed me when +I was unconscious!" cried the acrobatic youth. + +"Yes. He was a bad man, and I have no doubt but that he was the one to +lead Ritter astray." + +"What are you going to do with Ritter?" + +"I cannot do otherwise than have him arrested. But I hate to have such a +scandal attached to the school," and Captain Putnam heaved a sigh that +came from the bottom of his heart. + +In the meantime, Reff Ritter had come back to Putnam Hall in another +sleigh, and had gone to his dormitory to change his clothes. Here he was +confronted by Coulter and, a little later, by Nick Paxton, and a hot +discussion arose, which ended in blows. Both Coulter and Paxton fell +upon the bully together and punished him severely. The pair told Ritter +what they thought of him, and each declared that he was going to expose +the bully to Captain Putnam. + +"I'll tell all I know about Ruddy's watch and chain, and about you and +that Cameron Smith, too!" declared Coulter. + +"Don't you do it!" shouted Ritter. + +"And I'll tell what I know about your sneaking in and out of the +dormitories at night," added Paxton. And then he and Coulter went off +together. + +They reached the office just as Jack, Andy and Pepper were about to +leave. Each told his story, and both were closely questioned by the +master of the school. + +"How long ago did you find this out about the watch and chain, Coulter?" +demanded Captain Putnam. + +"Only a few days ago, sir." + +"You should have told me before. And you, Paxton, should have told me +about Ritter's sneaking around." + +"Oh, I thought it was only fun at first," pleaded Paxton. + +"He is undoubtedly guilty, and there remains nothing to do but to have +him arrested." + +It was not long after this when he and George Strong went on a hunt for +Reff Ritter, to place him in the guardroom until an officer of the law +could be summoned. Ritter could not be found, and it was not until some +time later that Peleg Snuggers brought in the information that the cadet +had been seen leaving the Hall, dress-suit case in hand, by a side door. + +"He has run away!" cried George Strong. + +"If so, perhaps it is just as well," murmured Captain Putnam. "To +prosecute him in court would create a terrible scandal! I would rather +pay for the stolen things out of my own pocket!" + +Reff Ritter had indeed run away. By some means unknown he managed to get +to a town at the end of the lake and there boarded a midnight train +bound West. He was traced as far as Chicago, but that was the last seen +or heard of him until many years later, when it was learned that he had +gone to Alaska with some gold miners. He got very little gold for a +large amount of hard work, and drifted from place to place, picking up +odd jobs that offered themselves. + +The announcement that Ritter was the fellow who had perpetrated the +many thefts at Putnam Hall created strong excitement in the school. But +the matter was hushed up as much as possible by Captain Putnam, and the +master saw to it that every cadet got back the things that belonged to +him, and also squared matters with the teachers. + +In due course of time Cameron Smith was tried for the robbery of Point +View Lodge and was sent to prison for a term of years. He admitted +robbing Andy after the runaway, and the acrobatic youth got back from +the pawnbrokers the things taken on that occasion. + +After the excitement had passed, Jack, Pepper, Andy and their chums of +the senior class buckled down to hard work for the rest of the term. As +a consequence, Jack graduated at the head of the class, with Joe Nelson, +second; Andy, third; Stuffer, fourth; Pepper, fifth; Henry Lee, sixth, +and Fred Century, seventh. + +"I must congratulate you, Ruddy," cried Captain Putnam, warmly. "All +through your term at this school you have made a record to be proud of. +And the other graduates have made fine records, too. I shall hate to +part with all of you." + +"And I shall hate to leave Putnam Hall," answered the former major of +the school battalion. "I have had the time of my life since I have been +here." + +"So have I!" put in Pepper. + +"The best ever!" chimed in Andy. + +"I shall never forget Putnam Hall, no matter where I go," came from +Stuffer. + +"The best school there ever was!" added Joe Nelson. + + * * * * * + +And now, kind reader, let me add a few words more and then bring this +story of "The Putnam Hall Mystery" to a close. As I promised some years +ago, when I gave you "The Putnam Hall Cadets," I have now related in +detail the most important events that transpired at the military school +during the first years of its existence. What took place there after +Jack Ruddy and his chums left will be found set down in another line of +books called "The Rover Boys Series," starting with "The Rover Boys at +School." In that volume you will not only meet the three jolly Rover +brothers--Dick, Tom and Sam--but also learn more concerning the doings +of Bart Conners, Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney, and again meet that +dictatorial old teacher, Josiah Crabtree, and the bully, Dan Baxter, and +his toady, Mumps. The Rover boys went to Putnam Hall for a number of +years, and had just as good a time as did Jack and his friends. + +The graduation exercises at Putnam Hall were that year very elaborate, +and many visitors were present, including the parents and brothers and +sisters of the graduates, and Mr. and Mrs. Ford, and Laura and Flossie. + +"Oh, I am so glad that you came out at the head of the class, Jack!" +cried Laura, as she came up to shake his hand. + +"Thank you very much, Laura," he answered, and then, as he took her hand +he looked full into her clear eyes. "I'd rather have your +congratulations than anything else," he added. + +"Oh, Jack!" she murmured, and then she gave him a glance that thrilled +him through and through. Heretofore, they had only been friends, but +from that moment a deeper sentiment seemed to stir them both, and, years +later, when Jack became settled in business, pretty Laura Ford became +Mrs. Ruddy. In the same year, Pepper, who went into the insurance +business with his father, married Flossie; and all were very happy. Andy +remained a jolly bachelor, to visit one or the other of his chums, as +suited him. He went into business with Jack, and the firm prospered +greatly. + +The fun, when the school broke up for the term, was of the +never-to-be-forgotten variety. Great bonfires were lit along the +lake-shore, and around these the cadets gathered, to sing and "cut up" +generally. Some of the boys caught Peleg Snuggers and made him ride a +wooden horse, while others captured Mumps and made the sneak dive +head-first into a barrel that contained several pounds of pulverized +charcoal. When the cadet came forth he was a sight to behold. One +bonfire was made up of discarded schoolbooks. + +"Farewell to thee forever!" cried Pepper, as he cast in an old grammar +and a volume of Cicero's works. "Never again shall I need thee, thank +goodness!" And this speech brought forth a roar of laughter. + +"Everybody in a grand march!" shouted Andy, a little later. "Jack, as +our old major, you must lead off!" + +"So I will," answered Jack, with a happy smile. "Battalion, attention! +Present firebrands! Forward, march!" + +And then the cadets marched around and across the campus, waving their +firebrands, and singing and cheering lustily. And here let us wish them +all good luck and say good-by. + + +THE END + + + + +THE FAMOUS ROVER BOYS SERIES + +BY ARTHUR M. WINFIELD + +(Edward Stratemeyer) + + + * * * * * + +American Stories of American Boys and Girls + + * * * * * + +NEARLY THREE MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THIS SERIES + + * * * * * + +12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS. + + * * * * * + + THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS + THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA + THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS + THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM + THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE + THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR + THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK + THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA + THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLBY HALL + THE ROVER BOYS ON SNOWSHOE ISLAND + THE ROVER BOYS UNDER CANVAS + THE ROVER BOYS ON A HUNT + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE LAND OF LUCK + THE ROVER BOYS AT BIG HORN RANCH + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE TOM SWIFT SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + * * * * * + +=UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. INDIVIDUAL COLORED WRAPPERS.= + + * * * * * + +These spirited tales, convey in a realistic way, the wonderful advances +in land and sea locomotion. Stories like these are impressed upon the +memory and their reading is productive only of good. + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS + TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE + TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER + TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON + TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP + TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL + TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WAR TANK + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR SCOUT + TOM SWIFT AND HIS UNDERSEA SEARCH + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE FIRE FIGHTERS + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + * * * * * + +Transcriber's note: Punctuation normalized. + +Page 60, "say" changed to "said" (Major Ruddy said he). + +Page 154, "Pegged" changed to "Pepper" (Pepper. "There) + +Page 161, double "and" repaired (up and catch). + +Page 163, "ring" changed to "bring" (bring in a professional). + +Page 204, double "the" repaired (And the two teachers). + +Page 208, "scribbed" changed to "scribbled" (scribbled down). + +Page 273, double "you" repaired (and what you say) + +Page 276, "Goerge" changed to "George" (cried George Strong.) + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery at Putnam Hall, by Arthur M. Winfield + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY AT PUTNAM HALL *** + +***** This file should be named 17636.txt or 17636.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/6/3/17636/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/17636.zip b/17636.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..279c196 --- /dev/null +++ b/17636.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d135db6 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #17636 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17636) |
