“You can come ashore and look at the school if you wish,” said Jack.
“No, thank you, we don’t care to do so,” was the hasty answer; and a moment later the sloop veered off, and was soon out of speaking distance.
“Well, they are a queer pair and no mistake,” murmured Jack. “Did you notice how one kept his hand over his forehead?”
“And how the other had his cap pulled far down over his eyes,” added Andy.
“Sure, an nayther of ’em looked roight sharp to me,” put in Hogan. “I’d not like to be spendin’ much toime in their company.”
“I believe they are up to something,” said Jack. “I’d like to know what it is.”
“Perhaps we’ll find out later,” answered Andy. And they did find out, in a manner that was as thrilling as it was astonishing.
CHAPTER III
A CASE OF BRIBERY
When the boys got back to the boathouse they found Pepper Ditmore awaiting them.
“Dashed off that bit of writing as soon as I could,” said he. “My, but wasn’t it mean of old Crabtree to make me do it! But wait, I’ll get square on him!”