"And you didn't know a thing about being robbed, then?" queried Ben.
"No, all I knew was that I was cold and as weak as a sick cat," was the answer.
A hunt was made for the robber, and the students spent several hours in searching around the spot. Nothing was found, and the local authorities were notified.
This robbery, coupled with those that had gone before, aroused the whole community. Many felt that they were no longer safe in their homes, and a meeting was held in Oakdale and a reward of two hundred dollars put up by the citizens for the capture and conviction of the offenders.
"I will get a private detective to look into this," said Dr. Clay and did so. The detective, a quiet-looking individual named Merivel, arrived the next day and went to work immediately. But the task proved too much for him, and inside of a week he gave it up.
"I reckon I am out my machine and my valuables," said Roger, who was around once more and as well as ever. "But I do wish I could lay hands on the rascal who went through me!"
The days slipped by, and again Dave and his chums devoted themselves to their studies. It was now growing colder and there was a suggestion of snow in the air.
"It won't be long before we have snow and ice," said Sam. "Hurrah for some fine skating!"
"And snowballing," added Buster. "Don't forget the fun we had last year."
"How we did pelt Pop Swingly!"