"Steal their thunder," advised John. "Let's hurry back, and report at once to the doctor."
"Good idea," spoke Jack.
They made good time back to the academy, and arrived a little before eleven.
"Dr. Mead says I'm to mark down just the time you come in," said
Martin, the monitor.
"That's right," agreed Jack. "Is the doctor in his study?"
"I believe he is."
"We want to see him," went on Jack.
"Been fighting." said Martin to himself. "My, my! What boys they are!
Always into something!"
"Come in!" called the head of the Academy in answer to Jack's knock on his door, and the three lads entered.
"Ah, Ranger! And Smith and Anderson. Well, what can I do—Ha!
Fighting, eh!" and the tone that had been a genial one became stern.