It was nearly noon when the boys came into their camp with the horse and wagon. The other searching party had come back a few minutes before, much discouraged.
“Good for you!” said one of the other searchers. “I’m glad we didn’t all fail.”
“Jack, don’t forget that we expect visitors,” said Andy, a little later.
“Of course!” exclaimed the young major. “Boys, I want you to put this camp into first-class shape immediately,” he added, and then proceeded to wash up and brush his hair before the one tiny mirror brought along from the Hall.
It was not long after this that a call sounded through the woods, and then the cadets saw two men and two girls approaching, each carrying a basket covered with a napkin. The party consisted of Mr. Rossmore Ford and his two daughters, and the family coachman.
THE CADETS SAW TWO MEN AND TWO GIRLS APPROACHING.
“So this is where you are stopping!” cried Mr. Ford, after the greetings were over. “An ideal spot, I must say, and one pretty well hidden from the carriage road. I take it that your teachers haven’t found you yet.”
“No, sir,” answered Jack.
“Would you mind telling me why you rebelled? I am very much interested,” went on the gentleman.