CHAPTER XIII
THE FIGHT AT THE BOATHOUSE
Inside of a week the newly-elected officers felt perfectly at home in their various positions. Captain Putnam's idea of allowing only such cadets to be candidates as could fill the positions properly had borne good fruit, and the battalion was now in better condition than ever before.
Contrary to general expectations, Larry Colby, as major, proved a strict disciplinarian when on parade. In the playground he was as "chummy" as ever, but this was cast aside when he buckled on his sword and took command.
"This is as it should be," was Captain Putnam's comment. "And it is the same throughout life: play is play and business is business."
As a captain Dick was equally successful and Tom also made a good second lieutenant. Company A was speedily voted superior to the others, when drilling and when on the march, and consequently became the flag bearer for the term.
"This is splendid!" said Dick, when the announcement was made. And then he went at Company A, to make the cadets drill and march better than ever.
But though the students gave considerable time to military matters, they were not permitted to neglect their regular studies, and to their honor be it said that the three Rover boys pitched in with a will.
"If I can't be an officer I'm going to be a high grade student anyway," said Sam, and kept his word. Books suited him better than did military glories, and soon he was at the top of his class in almost every branch of learning.
Many of the cadets were anxious to know where the annual encampment would be held, but for the time being Captain Putnam declined to discuss the subject.
"We will talk about that as soon as lessons are done for the term," said he.
"I don't believe we'll go to Brierroot Grove again," said Powell to Dick. "A farmer has built a house up there and is clearing off the land as fast as he can."
"I wish we could go to some place at a distance," returned Dick. "All of us know this territory pretty well. I like to visit new localities."
"So do I."
During those days the Rover boys received a letter from their father which proved unusually interesting. Anderson Rover wrote, in part, as follows:
"You will be surprised to learn, at this late day, that something had been heard about Arnold Baxter. A man who knows him fairly well met him a few nights ago in Owego. The news was telegraphed to me at once, and the local police were informed, but since that time nothing more has been seen or heard of the rascal. The man said he was well dressed and had been stopping at a leading hotel. Evidently he is using what was stolen."
"In Owego!" cried Sam. "Why, that city isn't over fifty miles from here."
"This is his old stamping ground," put in Tom. "For all we know he may now be hanging around Ithaca or Cedarville."
"I don't believe he'll come here," said Dick. "He is too well known."
"Oh, if only we could lay hands on him, Dick!"
"Wish we could, Tom. But Arnold Baxter knows enough to keep out of our clutches."
"Wonder if he knows what became of Dan?"
"Like as not our story was in all the newspapers, and they mentioned
Dan too."
"If that is so, it's more than likely he thinks we are responsible for
Dan being left behind on the island."
"I'm not going to bother my head about Arnold Baxter," put in Sam. "If he shows himself I'll have him arrested, that's all."
One day after another slipped by and all of the boys continued to study with a will. Once they received long letters from Dora Stanhope and Nellie and Grace Laning, and sent long letters in return.
"Wish the girls were back here," said Dick. But this could not be, as they had decided to remain in California for a while longer, and the boys had to content themselves by sending the girls keepsakes by which to be remembered.
On the Friday afternoon preceding the final week of the term Tom and Sam walked down to the lake, intending to go out in a boat for a short row.
As they drew close to the boathouse they heard loud talking and then a cry of pain.
"Please don't," came in the voice of a young cadet. "Please, please don't, Flapp!"
"But I just will, you little imp!" came in Lew Flapp's harsh voice.
"I'll teach you to play the sneak!"
"But I—I didn't mean to do anything, really I didn't," answered the other. "But I felt so sick, and I—"
"Oh, I know you, Moss. For two pins I'd break your head for you!" And then came the sounds of several blows in quick succession.
"It's Flapp!" cried Sam. "He is beating somebody most shamefully."
"It's little Harry Moss," returned Tom, leaping to the front. "The big bully! Why can't he take a fellow of his own size?"
He rushed around the corner of the boathouse and there beheld a scene that aroused his warmest indignation. Harry Moss was crowded into a corner and over him stood Lew Flapp, beating him with a heavy boat chain.
Flapp had just raised the chain for another blow when Tom ran in and caught his arm.
"Stop!" he cried. "You let Harry Moss alone!"
Startled at the interruption Lew Flapp turned. When he saw both Tom and
Sam his face fell.
"What do you want here?" he asked sulkily.
"I want you to leave Harry Moss alone," answered Tom.
"Oh, Rover, please make him stop," pleaded Harry. "He's trying to kill me!"
"No, I ain't," retorted Flapp. "I'm only giving him a whipping that he deserves."
"It's an outrage to strike anybody with that chain," said Sam.
"You needn't put your oar in, Sam Rover!"
"But he just will, and so will I," said Tom. "Give me that chain," and he tried to pull it from Lew Flapp's hand.
"Let go!" screamed Lew Flapp, and began a struggle to keep the chain in his possession. He struck at Tom, hitting him in the shoulder. Then Tom got mad, doubled up his fist, and Lew Flapp received a blow in the left eye that made him see stars.
"Oh!" he howled and dropped the chain. "Tom Rover, I'll get even for that, mind that!"
"What do you mean by attacking Harry Moss in such a disgraceful fashion?"
"Because he's a sneak, and you know it."
"I know nothing of the kind."
"Didn't he go and blab on me to Captain Putnam?"
"About what?"
Lew Flapp paused and eyed Tom and Sam curiously.
"I reckon you know well enough," he remarked slowly.
"But I don't know anything. Do you, Sam?"
"Not a thing. So far as I know Harry is all right."
"Is he?" sneered Flapp. "Well, I don't think so."
"What was the trouble about, Harry?" asked Tom, turning to the small boy.
"Don't you say a word!" shouted Lew Flapp, in alarm. "If Tom and Sam
Rover don't know already they needn't know at all, so there."
"Evidently you don't want Harry to talk," said Sam suggestively.
"He's a sneak, I tell you."
"And you are a big, long-legged bully," retorted Tom. "For two pins I'd give you a good drubbing."
"Humph! Do you think you can lick me?" blustered Flapp, who felt certain he could best Tom at fisticuffs.
"I don't think so—I know it," said Tom coolly.
"Don't you fight him, Tom," said Sam, in alarm. "He only wants to get you into trouble. He'd like nothing better than to see you lose your position as lieutenant."
"He's afraid," sneered Lew Flapp. "All of you Rover boys are mere bags of wind."
"I don't think you found Dick a bag of wind, Flapp."
"Yes, I did. Now you clear out and let Moss and me settle this affair between us."
But this was not to be, for Harry Moss was already at the doorway of the boathouse and now he retreated to a safe distance.
"If you hit Tom Rover, or Sam, I'll call Mr. Strong?" cried the little cadet.
"Don't you do it," said Tom. "I am not afraid of Flapp."
"But he's so big, Tom."
"I don't care for that."
Tom had scarcely spoken when Lew Flapp, watching his opportunity, leaped forward and planted a blow on his chin that sent him staggering back into Sam's arms.
"Now come on, if you dare!" he cried.
"All right!" came from Tom, as he recovered. And like a flash he flew at Lew Flapp, before Sam could do a thing to stop him. Blow after blow was taken and given by each of the cadets, and Tom was hit in the chest, on the shoulder, and in the left cheek. In return Flapp got one in the right eye that almost closed up that optic and then came a blow on the nose that made the blood spurt in all directions.
"Good for you, Tom!" cried Sam, dancing around, forgetful of what he had just said about his brother getting into trouble. "That's the time you did it. Now give him another!"
Again the two boys went at it and once more Tom was struck in the shoulder. Then Lew Flapp aimed for Tom's face, but the latter ducked and, recovering, hit the big boy a heavy blow in the chin that made his teeth rattle and sent him staggering over the side of an upturned boat and flat on his back.
"Hurrah!" cried Sam. "That was almost a knockout, Tom. Now give him to understand—"
Sam broke off short, as a warning cry from Harry Moss reached his ears.
All eyes turned toward the doorway of the boathouse and a second later
George Strong, the head teacher, stepped into view.
CHAPTER XIV
GETTING READY FOR THE ENCAMPMENT
For fully ten seconds after the head teacher appeared nobody spoke. Lew Flapp arose slowly to his feet, and bringing out his handkerchief applied it to his bleeding nose.
"What does this mean?" demanded George Strong sternly.
"He—he pitched into me," faltered Flapp.
"That is hardly true," returned Tom hotly.
"Both of you are well aware that it is against the rules of this school to fight," went on the teacher.
"I know that, Mr. Strong," answered Tom. "But Flapp struck me first."
"It isn't so!" cried the big boy. "I wasn't doing anything, when Rover came along and started to quarrel."
"My brother Sam and Harry Moss can prove that Flapp struck me first."
"That is true," said Harry Moss, while Sam nodded.
"What was the quarrel about?"
"I caught him here, beating Harry with this boat chain. I told him to stop and then he pitched into me."
"Is this true, Moss?"
"Ye—yes, sir, but—I—I—didn't want to say anything about it, sir."
"Do you mean to say that Flapp attacked you with that chain?"
Harry Moss was silent.
"Answer me."
"He did. But, Mr. Strong, I don't want to make any complaint. He and some of the others think I'm a—a sneak already," and now Harry could hardly keep back his tears.
"I don't know why he attacked Harry," put in Tom. "But I couldn't stand it, and I took the chain away from him and told him to stop. Then he struck me, and we pitched into each other—and I guess he got the worst of it," added Tom, a bit triumphantly.
"Hum! Flapp, you may go and bathe your nose, which I see is bleeding, and then come to Captain Putnam's office. The others can come to the office with me."
George Strong led the way, and Tom, Sam, and Harry Moss followed. The teacher took along the boat chain and made Harry show where he had been struck.
Captain Putnam looked very grave when the affair was explained to him.
He questioned Harry in private and learned that the attack was made by
Flapp because of what the young cadet had told about drinking and
smoking.
"Rover, it was wrong to fight," said the captain to Tom. "But under the circumstances I am inclined to be lenient with you. You can retire, and this evening during off time I want you to write one hundred times, the proverb beginning, 'Blessed are the peace-makers.'"
"Yes, sir," said Tom humbly. He was glad to escape thus easily, for he knew that the captain was very strict concerning fighting.
A little later the others were sent off, leaving Lew Flapp alone with
Captain Putnam.
"Flapp," said the owner of the school, with a hardness that made the big boy's heart sink into his shoes. "I hardly know what to say to you. Your former conduct was mean enough, and this appears to be on a level with it. With such a heavy boat chain you might have injured Moss very seriously. Do you want me to give you another chance or not?"
"Wh—what do you mean, sir?" asked Flapp, much frightened.
"Do you want to remain at Putnam Hall, or shall I send you home in disgrace?"
"I—I don't want to go home," said the big boy. His father was a rough man and he knew that if his parent heard of this trouble he would make him pay dearly for it.
"I expect my pupils to be young gentlemen," went on Captain Putnam. "This is an academy for the better class of boys only. Bad boys do not come here, but are sent to the reformatory. If I give you another chance will you promise to do better in the future?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well then, I will give you one more chance. I believe you are somewhat behind in your arithmetic. During the next four days you will remain in during all off time and apply yourself to such examples as your teacher gives you."
"Yes, sir."
"Now you can go, and remember, I want to hear of no further fighting, and no further molesting of Harry Moss."
"I'll remember, sir," answered Lew Flapp meekly, and then left the office and ran up to his dormitory, to bathe his nose and put witch-hazel on his hurts. Although outwardly humble he was in reality burning with rage.
"I'll have to be careful in the future," he told himself, with clenched fists. "But I'll get square—oh, I'll get square!"
"Hullo, hurt yourself?" asked Pender, as he came in.
"Yes, I fell over a boat down at the boathouse," answered the big boy.
"Is that so? I heard something of a fight, and came up to see about it."
"Oh, I had a row with Harry Moss and Tom Rover, but it didn't amount to much, Gus. But, say, I just wish I could square up with Dick Rover, and Tom, too!"
"You said something like that before."
"I'm going to watch my chances."
"Perhaps something will turn up during the encampment."
"Yes, I was thinking of that. A fellow has more of a chance in camp than he does in school."
"It would be a fine thing to get Dick Rover into trouble and make him lose his position as captain," went on Gus Pender.
"Yes, and make Tom Rover lose his position as lieutenant, too," added
Flapp.
The term at Putnam Hall was now drawing to a close and it was not long before the semi-annual examinations began. All of the Rovers worked hard over their papers, and with more or less success. Sam came out at the top of his class, while Tom stood third in his grade, and Dick third in a still higher class. The boys lost no time in sending the news home, and received word back that not only their father, but also Uncle Randolph and Aunt Martha, were much pleased with the result.
"Now we'll feel as if we deserve an outing," said Tom, and Sam and Dick agreed with him.
It was on the following morning that Captain Putnam made an announcement that filled all of the cadets with interest.
"You are all anxious, I know, to learn where the annual encampment is to be held," said he, during general assembly. "I am pleased to be able to announce that I have arranged to hold it at Pine Island, a fine bit of ground, located close to the south shore of Bass Lake. The lake is situated about thirty-five miles from here, and we will make a two-days' march to the spot, stopping on the road over night, in true soldier style, weather permitting."
"Hurrah!" burst out half a dozen cadets.
"Three cheers for Captain Putnam!" called out Tom, and they were given with a will.
"I am told that the lake is an excellent one for fishing and for bathing, and I have already engaged six boats which the cadets will be allowed to use from time to time."
Again there was a cheer and with it a loud clapping of hands.
"While in camp you may play such games as you please, during off time, and we will see if we cannot arrange for contests at swimming, rowing, and running, and to the winners suitable prizes shall be given."
"Hurrah for Captain Putnam!" came the cry once more, and again a cheer arose.
"When will we start, captain?"
"Wish we were going right now!"
"We shall start Monday morning," was the answer. "To-morrow we will get out our tents and camping outfits and see that all are in first-class order. It is perhaps needless to add that during this encampment the officers will be in authority during all but off hours, when myself and my assistants will take charge."
This ended the talk, and the students immediately broke up into little groups to discuss the good news.
"We ought to have just a boss good time while in camp," cried Sam. "Think of living in tents, and having nothing to do but fish, and swim, and make yourself comfortable."
"Sam must be getting lazy," returned Dick. "But I grant you I think it will be first-class myself."
About the only pupil who did not relish going into camp was William
Philander Tubbs.
"It will be beastly to live out in the open, on the ground," said
Tubbs. "Supposing it should rain? Why, we'll all get wet!"
"Never mind, that will make you grow, Tubby," said Sam.
"Sam Rover, how often must I tell you not to address me as—ah—Tubby.
My full name is—"
"Oh, I know that—William Longfellow Washington Hezekiah Philander Salamander Tubbs. But you can't expect me to say that every time, can you?" questioned Sam innocently.
"Mine cracious! vos dot his hull name?" burst in Hans Mueller. "It's apout as long as a freight drain, ain't it, alretty!"
"No, my name is—"
"Perhaps I forgot one or two syllables," interrupted Sam. "Very sorry,
I'm sure."
"I said my name—"
"I know you said it, half a dozen times, Billy. But you see life is so very short, and time so precious—"
"I meant to say—"
"Sorry, Billy, but I can't wait to hear it all," cried Sam, and ran away.
"He is—er—extremely rude," murmured Tubbs.
"Put dot's a long name, ain't it?" said Hans, "I couldn't remember dot no more as I can remember der names of all der kings py England alretty."
"Oh, I am disgusted!" sighed William Philander, and started to walk away.
"Vot is you disgusted apout, Mr. Dubbs?"
"Because they won't call me by my proper name."
"Do da call you by your imbrober name?" asked Hans innocently.
"Eh?"
"I said, do da call you py your imbrober name?" repeated the German youth.
"Oh, don't talk to me," howled Tubbs, and walked away more disconcerted than ever.
"Dot fellow vas so sharp like a pox of bebber, ain't it?" sighed Hans to himself.
The preparations for the annual encampment went forward rapidly. All of the outfit was inspected with care and found to be in good order. Each cadet was provided with a blanket, and a knapsack full of extra underclothing and other necessary things. The captain had already engaged three big wagons to carry the tents, poles, and cooking utensils, including several camp stoves, and from another quarter cots were to be sent to the camp direct, so that the cadets would not be compelled to lie upon the ground.
"Now, I guess everything is ready," said Dick; late Saturday evening.
Sunday was a day of rest for the most part. In the morning the majority of the students marched to church under the directions of the captain and Mr. Strong, and part of the afternoon was spent in writing letters to the folks at home. "Lights out," sounded half an hour earlier than usual, so that the cadets might get a good sleep before starting out on the two days' march.
CHAPTER XV
ON THE MARCH TO CAMP
Rat-tat-tat! Rat-tat-tat! Rat-tat-tat!
The cadets got their first taste of the annual encampment early in the morning, when, instead of hearing the familiar bell, they were awakened by the rolling of the drum.
"Time to get up, everybody!" cried Sam, flinging the covers from him.
"It won't do to be late this morning."
"That is true, Private Rover," came solemnly from Dick. "I will fine any soldier of my command who is behind time."
"Thank you, Captain Rover, I'll remember that," came from one of the other cadets. "And how is Lieutenant Rover this morning"?
"Fine as silk," came from Tom, who was already splashing in the cold water of his washbowl. "I'll bet a big red apple against a turnip that I'm down first," and he began to don his uniform with remarkable rapidity.
All of the students were soon below, and then the various companies marched into the messroom for their last breakfast at the Hall for some time to come.
"I see the wagons have already left," said Sam.
"Yes, the drivers are to get the camp in readiness for to-night," answered his big brother.
Knowing that they had a long march before them, the majority of the cadets ate a hearty breakfast. Mrs. Green, the housekeeper, was sorry to have them leave, and had prepared an unusually fine repast.
"Mrs. Green is just all right," declared Tom. "I move we give her a vote of thanks." And this was later on done, much to the old lady's delight.
It was a perfect day. The sun shone brightly, and there was just enough breeze to keep the atmosphere fresh and exhilarating. Captain Putnam was to accompany the students on horseback, and the teachers had already gone off with the wagons.
"Battalion, attention!" shouted Major Larry Colby, when the cadets were assembled on the parade ground. And the order was immediately obeyed.
"Shoulder arms!" was the next order given, and up went every gun in unison. The movement was so pretty that the spectators who had gathered to see the boys march off clapped their hands in approval.
"Forward—march!" came next, and the drums and fifes struck up, and away went the cadets, company front, toward the road.
"By column of fours!" was the next command, and Captain Dick Rover turned to his company.
"By column of fours!" he repeated, and Company A broke up into four abreast and turned into the road leading off in the direction of Pine Island. The other companies also broke up, and in a minute more the cadets were really and truly on the march for the camp.
The drums and fifes sounded well on that bracing morning air, and quite a crowd of boys and not a few girls followed the students over the first of the hills back of Putnam Hall. But here the crowd dropped gradually away, until the young soldiers had the country road practically to themselves.
For a full mile the cadets were made to keep in step. Then came the order, "Route step!" and they moved forward as pleased them, keeping together, however, by companies. The route step is given that one may take the step that is most natural to him, be it longer or shorter than the regulation step.
Farms were rather scattered in that neighborhood, but occasionally they passed country homes, when all the folks would rush forth to learn what the drumming and fifing meant.
"They are the Putnam Hall cadets," said one farm woman. "How neat they look and how nicely they march!"
"Puts me in mind o' war times, Mirandy," said her husband. "Don't you remember how the boys marched away in them days"?
"Indeed I do, Ira," answered the woman. "But that was real, while this is only for fun."
"Well, I reckon some o' those lads would make putty good soldiers, were they put to it. They handle their guns like veterans."
The cadets marched until ten o'clock and then stopped for a brief rest near a fine hillside spring, where all procured a drink. Then they moved forward again until noon, when they reached a small village where dinner already awaited them.
"We have covered twelve miles," said Captain Putnam. "Eight more, and the day's march will be over."
The cadets were glad enough to eat their dinner and take it easy on the porch of the old country hotel at which they had stopped.
"Imagine us marching off to war," observed Sam. "How would you like it,
Tom"?
"Oh, I don't think I would complain," was the answer. "Anything for a bit of excitement."
The day's march was completed long before sundown, and the battalion came to a halt in an open field through which flowed a shaded brook.
The tents were at hand and the students lost no time in putting up the shelters.
Food was supplied for the occasion by a farmer living near, for it was not deemed advisable to unload the cook stoves and build the necessary fires.
The farmer gave the students permission to visit his apple orchard, and this the majority did, returning to the temporary camp with their pockets fairly bulging with apples.
The weather remained clear and warm, so the first night in the open proved very agreeable. A camp-fire was lit just for the look of things, and around this the cadets gathered, telling stories and singing songs until it was time to turn in.
Sleeping in a tent just suited the Rover boys and none of them awoke until sunrise. Soon the whole camp was astir, and each cadet took a good washing up at the brook. Breakfast was supplied by the farmer, and by nine o'clock the column was once again in motion on its way to Pine Island.
"Dot sleeping out in der air vos a funny dings," said Hans Mueller to Sam. "I vake up der middle of der night in und find a pig mouskeeter mine toe on alretty!"
"Be thankful that it wasn't something worse, Hans," said Sam. "What would you do if you woke up and saw a big black bear standing beside your cot"?
"I dink I cofer mine head kvick, Sammy."
"But the bear might chew the cover up."
"Den I vos rund for mine life und holler like sixty!"
"Well, you want to keep your eyes open for bears," added Sam, thinking he scented fun ahead.
"How vos I going to keep mine eyes oben of I go to sleep, tell me dot"?
"You'll have to figure that out yourself, Hansy, old boy;" and here the talk had to come to an end.
By the middle of the afternoon they came in sight of Bass Lake, a beautiful sheet of water about two miles and a half long by nearly half a mile wide. Close to the south shore lay Pine Island, so called because it was covered in spots with tall pine trees. Between the main shore and Pine Island were two smaller islands, and there were low wooden bridges from one to the other, connecting the big island with the mainland.
The wagons had already gone over the bridges to the spot selected for the camp, and now the battalion marched across, from island to island, under low arching trees and over ground covered with fallen leaves and moss.
"What a grand spot for a camp!"
It was Dick who uttered the words when the final halt was made. His words were true, and his fellow students agreed with him that Captain Putnam could not have made a better selection.
There was an open space nearly an acre in extent, covered with short grass and sloping slightly toward the lake. At the water's edge was a small wooden dock, where the boats were tied up, and next to this a sandy strip excellent for bathing purposes. Back of the open space was a fine grove of trees, to which the students could retire when the sun became too hot for them. More trees lined the north shore, some hanging out far over the water, making ideal spots for reading or fishing. There were beautiful walks through the woods, and in the center of the island was a rocky hill from the top of which one could obtain a view of the country for several miles around.
Captain Putnam insisted upon it that the camp be laid out in true military fashion, and two students who knew a little about civil engineering put down the necessary stakes. There was a street for each company, with a tent for the captain and his lieutenants at the head. Each tent was of the wall pattern and large enough to accommodate four soldiers. That the flooring of the tent might be kept dry around each a trench was dug, by which the water could run off when it rained. On the bottom pine boughs were strewn, giving a delicious smell to the interior.
"This smell of pine is very good for a cold in the head," said Major Larry to Dick. "My sister always uses a pillow filled with pine needles for that purpose."
The students worked hard that evening getting their tents ready for occupancy and as a consequence all were glad to retire when the proper time came. Captain Putnam had expected that there would be some skylarking, but he was mistaken. That was to come later—when the lads felt more rested.
CHAPTER XVI
THE FIRST DAY ON PINE ISLAND
"Can anybody tell me where the—er—looking glass is"?
It was William Philander Tubbs who asked the question. He stood in the middle of one of the tents, gazing helplessly about him.
"Beastly way to live, really now it is," he continued. "How is a fellow to arrange his toilet without a glass"?
"Better run down to the lake and look into the water," suggested Sam, who occupied a cot in the tent.
"Look into the water? Beastly!" murmured Tubbs. "Really now, this isn't like home, is it"? he continued.
"It suits me well enough," went on Sam, leaping up and beginning to dress. "You'll get used to it before long."
"Never, my dear boy, never!"
As Tubbs spoke he began to put on his coat, but failed to get either of his hands further than the elbows of the sleeves.
"What's the matter with this coat"? he ejaculated. "Well, I declare!"
"What's up now"? asked another cadet.
"Somebody has gone and sewed up the sleeves."
There was a roar of laughter at this.
"Mustn't mind a little thing like that," said Sam, and he sat down on the edge of his cot to put on his shoes. "Great Scott, what's this"?
He had forced his foot into one shoe and now withdrew it covered with soft soap.
"Haw! haw!" roared Tubbs. "Rather fancy the laugh is on you now,
Rover."
"That's a fact," muttered Sam, and began to clean out the shoe as quickly as he could.
Several other small jokes had been played, showing that the cadets were "tuning up," as Major Larry expressed it.
"I guess I'll have my hands full before the week is out," he said to
Dick, in private. "Keeping order will be no fool of a job."
"Well, you must remember that you liked to have your fling too, when you were a private, major," answered the captain of Company A.
The cooking detail were already preparing breakfast and the aroma of hot coffee floated throughout the camp. Immediately after roll-call breakfast was served, of fruit, fish, eggs, bread, and coffee, and the cadets pitched in with a will.
"Gives one an appetite to live out in the open," said Lieutenant Tom.
"As if you didn't carry your appetite with you wherever you go," grinned Sam.
"Silence, Private Rover, or I'll fine you half a day's pay," flung back
Tom with a similar grin.
"My, but we are some pumpkins," went on Sam, squaring his shoulders.
"Wonder how soon we'll get to be a general."
"Perhaps at the next general election," suggested George Granbury.
"Lieutenant Granbury is fined a peanut for punning," said Tom severely.
"Don't do it again and the fine will be remitted."
"That's a fine way to do," murmured George, and then Sam shied a tin plate at him.
As soon as the meal was over there was a drill lasting half an hour, and then the cadets were permitted to do as they pleased until noon. Some went boating, some fishing, while others took a swim, or simply "knocked around" as Sam expressed it.
"I shouldn't mind a swim," said Tom. "Who will go in with me"?
A dozen cadets were willing, including Dick, Larry, and Fred Garrison. As it was off time, Larry, even though major, did not feel it necessary to "stand on his dignity."
"I'm just going to be as I've always been," he told the others. "If I can't be that, I don't want to be major."
Several tents had been erected close to the water's edge, where the cadets might undress and don their bathing suits. Tom was the first ready, and with a run he plunged into the lake head-first.
"It's glorious!" he shouted, as he came up and shook the water from his head. "Worth a dollar a minute. Come on in!" And they came, one after another, without loss of more time. The water was slightly cool, but the students at Putnam Hall were required to take cold baths weekly, so they did not mind the temperature. Laughing and shouting gleefully they dove around in all directions, and then Tom suggested a race.
"Just the thing!" said another cadet. "Where shall we race to"?
"Over to yonder rock and back," answered Tom. "Line up, everybody. A stale biscuit to the winner and a sour cream puff for the last man. All ready"?
There was a pause.
"Start!" yelled Tom, and made a wild splash that sent the water flying in all directions.
"A race! A race!" shouted one of the students on the shore, and his cry soon brought a score or more of the others to the spot.
"I think Tom Rover will win that race."
"I'll bet on Major Larry."
"Fred Garrison is ahead. He's the best swimmer in the school."
"He can't swim as well as Dick Rover."
"I'll bet Jackson wins," came from Lew Flapp, who was in the crowd on the beach. Jackson, it will be remembered, was one of his particular cronies.
"Jackson can't swim against Dick Rover," came from Songbird Powell, who had hardly spoken to Flapp since the row at Mike Sherry's resort.
"I'll bet you a dollar he beats Rover," replied the tall boy, in a low tone.
"I don't bet, Flapp."
"You're afraid to bet," sneered the tall boy.
This statement angered Powell and he quickly dove into his pocket and pulled out the sum mentioned.
"This is the time you lose, Flapp," he said quietly.
Another student was made stakeholder and each boy passed over his money.
By this time the race was well underway. Tom was still in the lead, but
Jackson was close behind him, with Larry Colby third and Dick fourth.
"Go it, Tom, you are sure to win!" shouted one of his friends.
"Don't know about that," Tom returned pantingly. "Guess I started too hard!" And soon he began to drop behind.
"Jackson is ahead!" was the next cry.
"Major Colby is a close second!"
"That is true, but Dick Rover is crawling up!"
So the cries went on until the big rock that was the turning point was gained.
Jackson touched the rock first, several seconds before either Larry or Dick came up. It certainly looked as if Lew Flapp's crony had a good chance of winning.
"Told you he would win," said Flapp to Powell.
"The race isn't over yet," answered Songbird briefly.
"Humph! Do you think Dick Rover can catch Jackson when he is five yards behind"?
"Not quite as much as that, Flapp, and he is gradually crawling up."
"He won't make it, I tell you."
"Perhaps he will."
"I'll bet you five to one that he won't," insisted the big boy.
"I won't bet any more."
"You're afraid," sneered Flapp.
Again Powell went down into his pocket and drew forth another dollar.
"There you are," he said to the stakeholder.
Lew Flapp had not expected this, but he quickly covered the one dollar with a five, feeling sure he was going to win.
"You'll never see your two dollars again, Powell," he said.
"Perhaps you'll never see your six again," answered Songbird, and moved away to watch the race from another point along the island shore.
Jackson was certainly swimming well, although the terrific strain was beginning to tell upon him.
"Go it, Jackson," roared Lew Flapp. "Go it, old Moneybags!"
"Moneybags" was a signal among many of the cadets, signifying that the speaker had bet money on the result. Betting at the academy was strictly prohibited, but wagers were often made on the sly.
Hearing this cry, Jackson renewed his struggles and for a few seconds held his lead.
But now Dick Rover was crawling up inch by inch. He had passed Tom, who was left hopelessly in the rear, and now he was pressing Larry.
"The major and the captain are tie!"
"See, Captain Rover is crawling ahead!"
"Swim, Jackson, swim!" yelled Lew Flapp frantically. "You must win!"
And Pender took up the call, and so did Rockley.
Again Jackson did his best. The finish of the race was now but twenty yards off.
"Go in and win, Dick," came from Larry Colby. "I'm about used up," and he let Dick go ahead.
Dick was almost as fresh as at the start and slowly but surely he kept gaining upon Jackson until the two were not over two yards apart.
"Hurrah, Captain Rover is crawling up!"
"Don't give up, Jackson, you can win out yet!" screamed Lew Flapp.
"Go it, Dick!" yelled Sam. "Go it, I say! The race is yours!"
Cheered by the last cry Dick increased his stroke and in a second more he was alongside of Jackson.
The latter made a side kick, intending to catch Dick in the stomach, but the eldest Rover was wise enough to keep out of his opponent's reach.
The kick made Jackson lose ground, and like a flash Dick passed him.
"Dick Rover is ahead!"
"See, Jackson is played out! He can hardly take another stroke!"
"Major Colby is crawling up! See, he is passing Jackson!"
"And here comes Tom Rover, too."
"Wake up, Tom!" cried Sam. "You can beat Jackson yet!"
At this cry Tom did wake up, and seeing Jackson floundering around put on a final spurt and passed him.
"Dick Rover has won the race!"
"And Major Colby is second, and Tom Rover third."
"Poor Jackson wasn't in it, after all!"
CHAPTER XVII
THE ENEMY PLOT MISCHIEF
The most disgusted cadet on Pine Island was Lew Flapp, and when Jackson walked out of the water and entered one of the bath-tents he followed his crony with a face full of bitterness.
"Why didn't you try to keep up and win out"? he asked bitterly, while
Jackson was dressing.
"I did try. But Rover came up like a steam engine."
"You seemed to play out all in a minute."
"And that is just what I did do. The pace was too hot for me, and I just about collapsed. Those fellows are good swimmers, no two ways about that."
"Bah! I could have beaten them with ease."
"I'd like to see you do it."
"Do you know I lost six dollars on that race," went on Flapp, after a pause.
"Who won the money"?
"Songbird Powell."
"How did you come to put up such an odd figure, Lew"?
"I bet a dollar even first, and then, when I felt certain you would win, I gave him odds of five to one. I was a chump."
"Well, I did my best—honestly I did," returned Jackson, who hated to have his crony lose.
"I ought to make you pay me back."
"I'd do it if I had the money," said Jackson. He rarely had money in his pocket, spending everything as fast as received.
"Well, that is one more we owe that crowd," observed Flapp with increased bitterness.
When Jackson was dressed he and Flapp took themselves to another part of the camp, and there met Pender, Rockley, and Ben Hurdy.
"Let us take a walk," said Jackson. "I am sick of staying around where the others can stare at me."
"Come with me," put in Pender. "I have found something I want to show you."
"A gold mine, perhaps," said Flapp. "I need one just now. Betting on
Jackson nearly cleaned me out."
"It's no gold mine, but it may prove useful to us," answered the other cadet.
The crowd started off, and Pender led the way through the woods and partly around the rocky hill in the center of the island.
"I ran into it quite by accident," he said. "You'd never suspect it was there unless you knew of it."
"Knew of what?" asked Rockley. "What sort of a mystery are you running us into now?"
"Just wait and see."
Pender stepped from the path they had been pursuing and pushed aside some overhanging bushes. Beyond was a small clearing, backed up by a high, rocky wall. In the wall was an opening, blocked up by a heavy door secured by a rusty iron chain that was passed through a ring in the rocks.
"Well, this is certainly odd," exclaimed Flapp. "What kind of a place is it"?
"It's a den of some sort," said Hurdy. "Maybe some counterfeiters belong here."
"Bosh, you talk as if you were in a dime novel," came from Jackson.
"More than likely some old hermit lived here. When some men get queer
in the head they come to just such a spot as this to end their days.
They hate the sight of other human beings."
"I reckon it is a hermit's den," said Pender. "But if so the hermit left it years ago, for everything inside is covered with dust and cobwebs and mildew."
Pender walked up to the stout wooden door, unfastened the iron chain, and threw the barrier back.
One after the other the boys entered the opening beyond. At first they could see but little, but gradually their eyes became accustomed to the gloom and they made out a rocky chamber about twelve feet wide and running back in irregular shape for a hundred feet or more. At some points the ceiling was so low they had to stoop, while elsewhere it was far above their reach. The flooring was fairly level, with rock in some places and hard dirt in others.
The opening was rudely furnished with a heavy table and a bench, and close to one wall was a box bed, still filled with pine boughs. On a big wooden hook hung a man's coat, so decayed that it began to fall apart when they touched it. The table contained several tin cups and plates, all rust eaten.
"This is certainly a curious find," said Flapp. "How did you happen to hit it, Gus?"
"I was exploring the cliff above when I happened to slip and fall into the bushes just in front of the door. I was shook up but not hurt, and when I got up I saw the door and wondered what it meant. Then I looked inside and after that went back to camp to tell you fellows about it."
"It will make a dandy place for secret meetings," suggested Rockley.
"We can come here and do what we please."
"Just what I thought," said Pender. "We can smuggle no end of good things here from the nearest village and come whenever we have our off time."
"Perhaps we can do more than that," said Flapp, struck with a sudden idea.
"What"? asked the others.
"I'll tell you some other time. It's a great find," continued the tall boy.
In the meantime those left at the camp had surrounded Dick and were congratulating him on his victory.
"I knew you would win," said Powell, when the excitement was over. "I bet with Lew Flapp on the result. Garling was stakeholder."
"What did you win, Songbird"?
"Six dollars."
"Gracious! You went in pretty deep.'
"Flapp called me a coward when I told him I didn't want to bet, so I had to take him up," went on Songbird. "Had it been anybody else I might have given the money back. But I won't give it back to that bully."
"It's against the rules to bet, Songbird."
"But you are not going to tell on me, are you?"
"You know me better than to ask the question. Just the same, I am sorry you bet," said Dick.
"I'm going to treat the boys as soon as I get the chance," went on Powell. "Six dollars will buy a whole lot of ice cream and cake, not to mention soda and candy and peanuts." And then he began to hum to himself:
"Peanuts and candy and raspberry ice,
Chocolate cake, and all that's nice,
Ev'ry student can come if he will,
And ev'ry student can eat his fill!"
"I believe you'd sing at a funeral," said Dick, laughing.
"I wouldn't sing at my own funeral," answered Powell, and stalked off, humming as gayly as ever.
The remainder of the day passed quietly enough, although by the whispering in various tents it was easy to see that something unusual was in the air.
"Hazing to-night, as sure as guns," said Major Larry to one of the officers.
"Shall we arrest the hazers"? asked the officer, with a twinkle in his eye.
"You must obey orders," answered the youthful major, non-committally, since he had given no orders on the subject.
He could well remember his first year in camp, when he had been dragged from his cot at midnight, almost stripped, and thrown into a brook of icy spring water, and then made to run over a rough road in his bare feet for half a mile, "just to warm up," as the hazers told him. It was rough sport, not to be approved, but "boys will be boys," and it is practically impossible to stop hazing even in the highest of our institutions of learning.
It was poor Hans Mueller who was the first to suffer that night. In the midst of the darkness, for there was no moon, Hans found himself suddenly aroused from his slumbers by being dragged out of his cot by the feet.
"Shtop!" he began, when a hand was thrust over his mouth. Then he was raised up by six cadets, shoved out of the back of the tent and carried away to the grove in the rear of the camp. The party had to pass two sentries, but the sentries were evidently posted, for they appeared to see nothing wrong.
Hans was not allowed to speak until he was out of hearing distance of the camp. Then he was dumped on the ground with a dull thud.
"Mine cracious! vot does dis mean annahow"? he demanded, as he struggled to his feet. "Does you vants to kill me alretty, drowing me aroundt like a log of vood, hey"?
There was no answer, and now he looked at the cadets, to discover that each wore a black mask, with a hood from which two black horns protruded.
"Who you vos alretty"? he spluttered, staring in open-mouthed amazement at the party. "You vos all look like der Oldt Boy, ain't it! I guess I go me back to der camp kvick!" and he started to run.
Hans did not get far, for a foot send him sprawling, and by the time he was again on his feet four masked cadets had him by the hands and arms, so that he could not get away. He started to yell when of a sudden somebody threw a handful of dry flour into his wide open mouth.
"Wuog!" he gasped. "Wuog! Do—you—wants—to choke me alretty!" And then he started to sneeze, as some of the flour entered his nose.
There was a moment of silence and then one of the masked figures advanced slowly.
"Hans Mueller, are you prepared to meet your doom"? was the question put, in a deep bass voice.
"Doom? Vot's dot?" asked the German boy, slightly frightened.
"Are you prepared to die?"
"Die? Not by a jugful I ain't. You let me go!"
"Are you prepared to become a full-fledged member of the Order of Black
Skulls."
"Not much, I ton't belong to noddings," gasped Hans.
"Then you must prepare to meet your fate. Away with him, fellows, to his doom!"
Before Hans could resist he was caught up once again. One of the cadets had brought with him a large blanket and into this the German youth was thrown. Then the others caught the blanket around the edges.
"Stop!" roared Hans, and tried to climb out of the blanket. But before he could manage it, the thing was given a toss and up he went, high into the air.
"Oh! Mine cracious!" he gasped and came down with a crash, to go up again an instant later. Then up and down went the boy, turning over and over, until he was all but dazed.
"Stop! Murder! Fire! Robbers!" he roared. "Let me owid, kvick! I vos turning outsides in alretty! Oh, stop, von't you, blease!"
"Will you join the Order of Black Skulls"? he was asked again.
"Yah, yah! Anydings, so long as you lets me town kvick!"
"And you will not breathe a word about what has taken place here"?
"I say me noddings, upon my honor, ain't it!"
"Then let him go, fellows," and a moment later Hans was lowered.
"Now you are one of us," said another student, and handed him a mask, skull-cap and pair of horns, the latter made of stuffed black cloth. "Do you promise to help us"?
"Anydings vot you vonts."
"Then come with us, and don't dare to open your mouth."
CHAPTER XVIII
HAZERS AT WORK
William Philander Tubbs was dreaming of a fashionable dance he had once enjoyed when he suddenly found himself bound and gagged and being carried he knew not where.
"This is awful!" he thought. "What in the world does it mean?"
Then he remembered that some of the cadets had spoken about hazing, and the cold perspiration came out on his forehead.
The gag in his mouth was made of nothing more than a knot in a clean towel, but it worried him a good deal and he was afraid he would be choked to death by it. But nothing of the sort happened, and soon the gag was removed.
"What does this mean?" he asked, as many cadets had done before him.
He received no answer, and tried to break away from his tormentors. But their hold on him could not be shaken, and before he was set down he found himself well out of sight and hearing of Camp Putnam, as the spot had been named.
"This is a beastly shame," he murmured. "Why do you dare to break into my night's rest in this fashion?"
He had heard of the mysterious society of Black Skulls before, but so far had never been hazed by the members. He looked curiously at the masked cadets, wondering if he could recognize any of them.
"Are you prepared to meet your doom?" he was asked.
"I am prepared to go back to my tent," he answered.
"Away with him!" was the cry.
"Where are you going to take me?" he asked anxiously.
There was no reply, but in a twinkling his hands were caught and bound tightly behind him, and a bag was thrust over his head and fastened around his throat. The bag was so thick that he could not see a thing before him.
"Let him take the cold water cure," said a voice, and he was forced to move forward.
"It's rather deep there," whispered a voice, just loud enough for him to hear.
"Not over his waist," whispered another voice.
"What! It's twice over his head," was the answer. "I tested the water this afternoon."
"Never mind, he's got to take the test anyway."
Now Tubbs was by no means a good swimmer, and the idea of being thrown into the water with his hands tied behind him and his head in a sack was frightful in the extreme.
"Le—let me go!" he whined. "Let me go, I say!"
"Forward with him!" was the heartless reply, and he was pushed on until he suddenly found himself in water up to his ankles.
"Stop! stop!" he cried, in a muffled voice. "Stop! I don't want to drown!"
"Will you obey your superiors?"
"Yes, yes—anything!"
"Will you join the Order of Black Skulls?"
"Anything, I told you, only don't let me drown!" cried the frightened
William Philander.
"And will you promise to keep mum about what has happened here to-night?"
"Yes, yes!"
"Very well, you shall not be allowed to drown. But you must take the plunge."
"Oh, dear me! I can't—"
"Forward, and be lively about it. We will fish you out with a crab net."
"But I—I can't swim with my hands tied behind me!" chattered poor
Tubbs.
"Yes, you can. Forward now! Ha, fellows, he will not go. Jab him with the pitchfork!"
At this a student stepped behind Tubbs and pricked his back with a pin.
The fashionable youth let out a yell of terror, and then, certain that he was about to take an awful plunge into some deep part of the lake, made a desperate leap forward.
A wild shriek of laughter rang out as Tubbs made the leap. He had jumped across a narrow brook not six inches deep and landed sprawling on the grass beyond.
"You are now initiated," said one of the masked cadets, when the laughter had somewhat died away. And at once Tubbs' hands were untied and the bag was taken from his head.
"Well, I never!" he murmured, as he gazed in amazement at the brook.
"Thought it was the lake front sure!"
"As you are now one of us, Tubbs, you must wear these," said a cadet, and furnished the fashionable youth with a mask, cap, and pair of horns.
"We have now disposed of number two," said another cadet. "What of number three?"
"Number three must—"
At that moment a gun-shot rang out on the still night air.
"Hullo, something is wrong!" cried one of the hazers, in quick alarm.
"There goes the drum, fellows!" came in the unmistakable voice of Sam
Rover. "We've got to hustle back to camp or we'll be exposed!"
"Right you are," came from Songbird Powell. "Come, fellows, and mind you don't let anybody see the masks and other things."
And away they scooted, under the trees and then along a row of bushes running fairly close to the first line of tents. In the meantime the drum continued to roll and the whole camp was astir. Captain Putnam himself was out and was soon followed by Major Larry and Captain Fred Garrison. Dick Rover knew what was up and took his time about showing himself, since he did not wish any of the hazers to be captured.
"Call the roll!" said Major Larry, after making a round of the company streets. But he himself was in no particular hurry.
Almost out of breath with running, the hazers came into camp, accompanied by Hans and Tubbs. Masks, caps, and horns were pushed out of sight under cots, and then all sallied forth to join their various commands. Calling the roll was already in progress.
"All present or accounted for," came the declaration, five minutes later.
"All present, eh?" mused Captain Putnam. "That's queer. Who fired that gun?"
"Private Jackson."
"I will interview Jackson," said the master of the school, and he ordered Jackson to his private tent.
"What made you raise the alarm, Jackson?" he questioned sharply.
"I thought some of the cadets were out of camp, sir," was the answer.
"Did you see them go?"
"Not exactly, sir, but I thought I saw three or four of them sneaking along near the woods."
"Humph! You should be sure of what you are doing, Jackson. It is not commendable to arouse the whole camp at midnight for nothing."
"Well, I thought I was sure," insisted the crestfallen cadet. He knew for a certainty that some of the cadets had been out but saw no way to prove it.
"In the future be more careful while on guard duty," said Captain
Putnam coldly; and there the subject was dropped.
"Who fired that shot?" asked Sam, on the morning following the hazing.
"Jackson," replied a cadet named Gilson, who had been one of the hazers.
"The sneak!" murmured the youngest Rover.
"That's what I say, Rover."
"Guess he did it to get square for losing that swimming race," put in another of the hazers.
"More than likely. We ought to square up with him for it."
"That's the talk."
"Vat's der madder mit tossing him a blanket up?" asked Hans earnestly.
"Think that's a good way to get square, eh, Hans?" laughed Sam.
"Dot's der vorst bunishments vot I know of," said the German boy with deep conviction. "Makes you feel like you vos going to preak abard alretty kvick!"
All of the boys knew that it would not do to try any more hazing for the next few nights. Even if the guards gave no alarm, Captain Putnam or one of the teachers might be on the watch to catch them.
On the following day it rained and the majority of the cadets were glad enough to remain under shelter. A few went bathing or fishing and the latter brought in quite a respectable mess of fish. Even in fishing the boys were rivals and a new tin cup was voted to the cadet bringing in the string that weighed the most.