After the boat races and the affair with Codfish matters at Colby Hall so far as they concerned the Rover boys and their chums moved along rapidly. The term was approaching its end, and all the cadets were anxious to make as good a showing in the examinations as possible. Through some of the younger cadets the Rovers learned what trouble Codfish had had in ridding himself of the signs that had been painted upon him. The small boys said that the sneak was terribly angry over what had occurred, but was afraid to open his mouth to any of those in authority.
“He’s afraid of that licking we promised him,” said Andy, and in that surmise the fun-loving youth was correct.
Of course baseball was not forgotten at Colby Hall this term. There were the usual games to be played between that institution and Hixley High, the Clearwater Country Club, Columbus Academy and Longley. Both Randy and Andy were on the team this year as substitutes, and as it happened they had little to do. The big game this year was won by Hixley and another game was won by the Columbus boys. Colby beat the Country Club and Longley received a great drubbing, the score being 14 to 3.
“That’s the time we put another one over on ’em!” cried Randy, in satisfaction. “I guess that will hold ’em for a while!”
He and his twin had managed to get into the game during the last three innings, and he had made a two-bagger while his brother had made a single which had brought in two runs.
As had been expected, there were no tears shed among those who knew him well when it was announced that Stowell was going to leave Colby Hall and had already entered for the next term at Longley Academy.
“It’s a case of good riddance to bad rubbish,” was Fred’s comment, and to this his cousins and his chums agreed.
During those days the boys saw the girls from Clearwater Hall twice. The girls’ school was to close a week before Colby Hall shut down, and this would send Mary and Martha home before their brothers and cousins.
“We’re going up to Valley Brook Farm first and take Ruth with us,” said Martha. “After that I don’t know exactly what we’re to do. What are you going to do, Jack?”
“Gif says he has a secret,” answered the young major. “He’s holding it back just as Spouter held his secret back last term.”