“I’ve got a note for Major Ruddy,” said one of the cadets, a lad named Wilbur who had only been at the school a short while. “That gentleman who stopped at the refreshment place gave it to me.”
“What’s it about?” asked Ritter, abruptly.
“I know,” said Paxton quickly. “I’ll tell you about it later.”
As soon as the encampment grounds were reached Wilbur went off to deliver the note to Jack. Paxton called Ritter and Coulter to him, and the three walked away to a spot where nobody could hear them.
“That note to Ruddy is an invitation for the Ruddy crowd to go on a picnic with the Fords,” said Paxton. “I overheard the Fords mention it when Mr. Ford was writing the note.”
“When and where?” demanded Ritter.
“They are going up to Butterfly Island day after to-morrow, directly after breakfast. They’ll take lunch along and stay there until supper time. They’ve invited Ruddy, Ditmore, Snow and Blackmore to participate.”
“Butterfly Island, eh?” mused the bully.
“Yes. Say, why can’t we go up there too and spoil the fun?” went on Paxton.
“That’s the talk!” added Coulter.