“Nobody would stand for starving!” cried the lad who loved to eat.
After Jack had finished, several other cadets were interviewed. Then Captain Putnam wanted to know the whereabouts of Ritter and his crowd.
“We can take you to them,” said Dale.
“That will not be necessary, Blackmore. You may go to their camp and tell them that I want them to return to Putnam Hall at once.” And somewhat against his will, Dale departed on the errand.
“What are we to do?” asked Andy.
“Break camp and return to the school, now,” Captain Putnam turned to Jack. “Major Ruddy, you will give the necessary orders.”
“Gladly, sir—now that you are back, Captain Putnam,” cried Jack.
“Are you really glad that I am back, Ruddy?”
“Yes, sir—and I know the others are glad, too. We didn’t run away just for the fun of it,” he added, earnestly.
“It may give my school a black eye.”