It was a lonely road and a less courageous boy might have been frightened. It was cold and quiet and he walked a full mile without meeting a soul. Then, as he was passing Mike Marcy's orchard, two figures sprang out in the darkness.
"Dave!"
"Hello, so it is you, Phil, and Roger! What brought you out again?"
"We came to find you. We were afraid you had gotten into trouble with Mike Marcy," answered Phil.
"Where in the world have you been?" asked the senator's son. "We reported that you had lost your watch, but didn't expect you'd stay away so long."
"Well, I've had troubles enough," answered Dave, with a faint smile, and as the three hurried for the academy he told his tale from beginning to end.
"Well, if this doesn't beat the Greeks!" exclaimed Phil. "Say, these robberies are getting serious."
"Are you going to tell Dr. Clay?" asked Roger.
"Certainly. I haven't done anything wrong, so why shouldn't I tell him?"
"I guess you are right. But I shouldn't disturb him to-night. It will be time enough to go to him in the morning."