“Not at all,” answered Randy. “It was just like taking a bath before Saturday night comes around, you know,” and at this some of the cadets who were listening grinned.
Among the boys to listen to an account of what the Rovers and their chums had to relate was Henry Stowell, a lanky young cadet who, because of the peculiar broad mouth he possessed, often went by the nickname of Codfish. Stowell was a regular sneak, and had often been a toady of some of the bullies who had from time to time been cadets at the Hall. He was thoroughly disliked by a large number of the pupils. On more than one occasion the Rovers had done Codfish favors, and twice they had rescued him from those who would do the cadet harm. But though Stowell had promised to mend his ways, he had soon slumped in his habits and become just as much of a sneak and a telltale as ever.
“Those people ought to give you a big reward for saving their lives,” said Stowell. “They ought not to expect you to do that for nothing.”
“We weren’t out for any reward, Codfish,” answered Randy promptly.
“Oh, that’s all right,” said the sneak, pulling down the corners of his broad mouth. “Just the same, a reward comes in mighty handy, especially when a fellow’s pocket money is getting low.” Stowell’s allowance was small, and it was a notorious fact among those who knew him best that he was continually borrowing from those more fortunate than himself.
“That sneak makes me sick,” declared Andy, when he and his brother were by themselves. “I suppose if he had been there he would have said, ‘Give me ten dollars or I won’t haul you out of the lake!’”
“He certainly is a poor stick; and all of the lessons we’ve given him haven’t improved him any, so far as I can see,” answered Randy.
It was not until three days later that the Rovers had a chance to go over to Clearwater Hall. In the meantime, however, the young major had taken it upon himself to call up his sister on the telephone.
From Martha he learned that Mr. Stevenson had gone home. His side was still very sore and Jack’s sister said that he looked more haggard than ever.