This they did, but arrived at the school without finding anything but a coat-button and a yellow lead pencil. Then they walked past the school in the direction of Cedarville.
"Might as well give it up," said Bob. "It's getting too dark to see very good, anyway."
"Yes, and I'm getting dead hungry," added Stuffer.
"Was there ever a time when you weren't hungry?" asked Pepper, with a grin.
"Aw, now, quit it," cried the lad who had a reputation as an eater. "Don't start so early in the term."
"I must confess I'm a bit hungry myself," said the young quartermaster. "I had an early dinner."
When they got back to the school they learned that Andy had been put to bed and that a doctor had been summoned. The acrobatic youth had been much shaken up and it was thought best to make him keep quiet for a few days.
"Better not say anything about his loss for the present," advised Captain Putnam. "I will have a man sent out to make another search."
The accidents to Andy and to Major Jack put something of a damper on the arrival for the term, and a jollification that had been scheduled for that night was indefinitely postponed. Captain Putnam questioned the cadets concerning the actions of Roy Bock and his cronies, and then sent a stiff letter to the head of Pornell Academy.
When Reff Ritter heard about the accidents he shrugged his shoulders and tossed his head.