"But that man is a robber—a highwayman! If you stand on the rules of the academy now, he will escape, and you may be reprimanded."
"I shall do my duty as sentinel, sir, reprimand or no reprimand."
The man in black was walking swiftly up the road toward the village, his cape flapping behind him in the wind like the wings of a bat. In a few moments he would disappear from view.
"Hang the luck!" grated Hodge, as he turned away in disappointment. "I'd given something to follow him up."
He was inclined to be angry at the sentinel at first, but his friendship with Merriwell had taught him that he should have forbearance when in the right, and should never hold a grudge when in the wrong. Sober reason told him the sentinel had done no more than his plain duty, so the feeling of anger was swiftly banished from Bart's breast.
"I will find Frank and tell him what is up," he thought.
As he walked swiftly toward the barracks, he was met by Wat Snell, who said:
"Hello, Hodge. I want to have a talk with you."
"With me?" asked Bart, in surprise.
Snell had not been friendly for some time, and, of late, he had ceased to speak to Hodge. This had not troubled Bart at all, but he was greatly surprised by this advance on the part of his enemy.