“Yes, and look there!” exclaimed Andy. “If that isn’t the limit! Yes, it’s a trick all right!”
The acrobatic youth pointed to the tree to which the launch had been fastened. From a cord on the tree hung the hornets’ nest, now empty. Pinned to the nest was a bit of paper. The boys secured the sheet and read the following:
“Use this nest if you have to stay out all night.”
CHAPTER XXII
THE MISSING LAUNCH
As the cadets read the words on the sheet of paper their faces showed their deep chagrin and mortification. Had they been alone they would have considered the affair a trick on them and nothing more, but with the Fords along it was an entirely different matter.
“What is that? Let me see it,” said Laura, and took the paper from Andy’s hand. She read the words aloud.
“I must say I do not understand this,” said Mrs. Ford. “What has this empty hornets’ nest to do with the launch?”
“It means that a trick has been played on us,” said Jack, his face growing red. “I think it’s a shame to involve you in it—and I’ll tell those other fellows so, when I get the chance!” he added, half savagely.
“But what is it about?” asked Rossmore Ford.
“We may as well make a clean breast of it,” said Pepper to his chums, and then he related the particulars of the hornets’ nest and how it had been used during the Ritter feast. The girls laughed outright and Mr. and Mrs. Ford smiled.