“Great hambones!” gasped Pepper. “Remain? Not for a thousand plates of ice cream!”
“He can stay away and he never will be missed,” added Andy.
The boys were on hand promptly on Saturday morning, and after an early breakfast they piled into the carryall and the stages, and with shouts and cheers set off for Datport. Not one of them dreamed of the strange adventures and odd discovery ahead of them.
The way to Datport was level for the most part and the three turnouts made good time, the boys singing and cheering as they passed through villages and by prosperous farms. Many cheered and waved their hands in return. They were beginning to be known far and wide as “those Putnam Hall soldier boys.”
“I see some of the old soldiers now!” cried Jack, as the turnouts approached the town where the reunion was to occur. And soon they reached a green where many old veterans were assembled. The cadets, in their neat uniforms, were given a warm welcome and soon made themselves at home.
“This is all right,” said Pepper, as a fine band struck up a patriotic air. “I am glad I came.”
“I want to see that balloon ascension,” returned Andy.
“Wouldn’t you like to go up, Andy?” asked Jack, by way of a joke.
“Sure I would,” was the quick answer.
“Do you really mean it, Andy?” asked Dale.