“That is true. But if they are not Mr. Callax and Mr. Shaff then I think I’ll allow the regular authorities to do the work,” answered the teacher.
The great bicycle race was the talk of Putnam Hall for several days and Joe Nelson was warmly congratulated over his victory. Pepper, Jack and Andy waited for the proposed “kick” from Paxton and Coulter, but it did not materialize.
“They know better than to make such a complaint,” said Andy, at last. But Jack guessed the truth.
“They found out we didn’t win,” said he, “so a complaint wouldn’t help them, so far as the outcome of the contest is concerned.”
Jack had already turned his sloop over to the shipbuilders to have the necessary repairs and alterations made, and now received word that the Alice would be ready for him on the following Monday afternoon.
“Now you can get ready for that race with the Ajax,” said Pepper, when he heard of this. “I hope you beat the Pornell craft all hollow.”
“I hope so myself, but I heard yesterday that Fred Century had his boat in A1 condition and was doing wonders with her.”
“Well, you’ll do wonders with the Alice, and I know it,” said Pepper encouragingly.
On Friday night Jack and Andy were called into Mr. Strong’s private room. The assistant teacher looked much worried.
“I have just received word from my relative in Malone,” he said. “It appears that Bart Callax and Paul Shaff were confined in a private sanitarium in Syracuse. But they escaped some time ago, and though the keepers have hunted everywhere for them they have not been found.”