“Yes,” answered Pepper. “But—er—would you mind helping me put that ladder back before we talk? We don’t want to be spotted if we can help it.”
“Sure, I’ll help you,” cried the stranger, and soon he and The Imp had the ladder down and back to the shed. By this time Jack had recovered sufficiently to stand up. He was still a bit dizzy but his strength was coming back fast.
“I am Pepper Ditmore,” said that youth to the stranger. “And this is my chum, Jack Ruddy. I am only a private at the Hall but Jack is an officer.”
“And I am Bert Field,” said the stranger, and extended his hand, which both of the other boys shook. “I am just stopping in Cedarville for a day or two on business which—er—but that won’t interest you,” he added hastily. “It was a lark, eh, climbing into the belfry?”
“Yes, we intended to take away the bell clapper,” answered Pepper. “Some of the other cadets dared us to do it.”
“But how did you get locked in?”
“We think one of the other cadets—who is down on us—followed us and fastened the trap door. I suppose he thinks we are up there yet.”
“I want to thank you for what you did for me, Field,” said Jack, earnestly.
“Oh, that’s all right.”
“If you’ll—er—accept a gift, I’ll be pleased——”