There had been a good deal of anxiety the night before when Jack had failed to return and all sorts of reasons were assigned for his absence.
Then late at night Dick’s car was returned by a constable who said he had found it in the road just outside the town of Riverton and, recognizing it and knowing that there had been inquiries made about it, had brought it back.
This did not explain Jack’s absence, however, and many telephone messages were sent to various parts of the town, enquiring for him.
Mr. Brooke reported his having been to the office and others remembered having seen him but where he had gone and why the car had been abandoned were puzzles that no one could solve.
When Jack himself appeared at the last moment and announced that he was ready to begin his examinations there was a general rejoicing but the mystery was as deep as ever for the boy would not answer any questions at the time, merely repeating that he had been detained but was glad that he was no later.
Then he set to work upon the first of his papers and no one disturbed him for two hours when he went outside and said to Percival who had finished his paper:
“Somebody did not want me to take this examination but I am taking it and that is all there is to say about it.”
“But where have you been, Jack?”
“Up in the hills, miles away from here. I stayed with a hermit who might have been Rip Van Winkle himself during a part of the night and set out for Hilltop some time after sunrise, just making it in time.”
“Yes, but Jack, what did you do it for?” and Dick showed that he was greatly puzzled as well as distressed. “Didn’t you know that the boys would be worried?”