"This is certainly a mystery," Dave said to Roger. "What do you make of it?"
"Oh, I shouldn't worry too much," answered the senator's son, hopefully. "Your father and sister are probably traveling in some out-of-the-way place in Europe where the letters and cablegrams haven't reached them."
"Waiting is very hard, Roger."
"I know it must be. I suppose you want to know what your father and sister are like."
"That's it, and I want to be with them, too," answered the former poorhouse youth.
Dave wanted to find Ben, to get a book the latter had been reading. He was told that Ben was down to the gymnasium and so strolled in that direction. The building was almost deserted, not more than half a dozen students being present.
In one corner was Gus Plum and not far away Jasniff lounged on a bench. Between the pair stood Frank Bond, his face having a white and scared look upon it.
"Please, Plum, I don't care to do such things," Frank was saying. "I'd rather you'd excuse me."
"You'll do what I want you to do!" answered Plum, brutally. "You can't back out now."
"But I don't want to——" began the small boy, when of a sudden the bully of Oak Hall caught him by the ear.