“None of our boats were out last night. I am sure of that,” said the head of the newly organized military academy. “To think that any of our cadets would be guilty of setting fire to your boathouse is ridiculous, Captain Dale.”
“I did not say that they were guilty,” answered the captain briefly. “We are simply trying to get at the bottom of this affair. I am sure if one of your buildings were burned you would like to find out who did it.”
“I think this is simply a move on Colonel Colby’s part to bring Longley Academy into disrepute,” said the master of the institution frigidly. “It is an outrageous proceeding! I warn you not to make this matter public. If you do, you may find yourselves confronting a suit for damages.”
“I am not saying anything in public,” returned Captain Dale, and a few minutes later took his departure.
Of course the cadets talked the matter over freely among themselves. A few thought that some of their athletic rivals might have committed the crime, but the majority were of the opinion that it must have been done by outsiders, and possibly by those who in years gone by had been dismissed from the Hall. The actual damage did not amount to more than two hundred dollars, and Colonel Colby said he would have the boathouse repaired just as soon as the present school term came to an end.
At last, much to the cadets’ satisfaction, the examinations were at an end. All of the Rovers and their friends had acquitted themselves creditably, passing with from ninety-two to ninety-six per cent. Of the three cadets at the Hall who did not pass, one was Henry Stowell. But to this that sneak gave little consideration.
“Why should I break my head to pass when I’m going to leave Colby Hall for good in a couple of days?” said Codfish to the few who would listen to him. “No more of this institution for me! I’m going to a first-class place this fall,” and he stuck his nose up in the air.
“We’ll miss you, Codfish,” remarked Andy, who chanced to hear these words. “We’ll miss you just like a fellow misses the toothache or a corn on his toe.”
“Huh! Don’t you talk to me, Andy Rover,” grumbled Codfish. “I know you!” and then he hurried away without anything more to say.