“I am doing my best to find out something about the robbery,” said Colonel Colby. “But so far all my efforts have been in vain. I intend, if the articles are not recovered by the time the school session comes to an end, to pay for everything that has been stolen.” And that was all the master of the Hall could say.
It must be admitted that both Jack and Fred felt quite proud when the first regular parade of the battalion took place that spring. The cousins had, of course, sent home word of the election and had received permission to purchase new uniforms. Both looked spick and span as they marched out at the head of their respective commands. It was a clear, warm day, and Colonel Colby announced that the cadets could parade through Haven Point to Clearwater Hall and return if they so desired.
“Hurrah! That’s the stuff!” cried Fred.
And so it was arranged, and one of the teachers telephoned over to the girls’ academy, to let those at that institution know what they might expect. Then one of the cadets telephoned to Felix Falstein, the owner of the Haven Point moving picture theater.
“Falstein always hangs out his flags for us,” said this cadet. “And he’ll do it this time, I’m sure.”
Colby Hall now boasted of a drum and fife corps of twelve pieces, and they made merry music as the battalion marched away in the direction of Haven Point. All but three or four of the cadets were in the best of spirits.
“I think marching over to Clearwater Hall is punk,” declared Brassy Bangs, with a snarl. “Why can’t they march some place worth while or just go around the town and let it go at that?”
“I guess Jack Rover wants to show off before those girls,” grumbled Paul Halliday.
“I wouldn’t go if I could get out of it,” growled Brassy.
“Oh, don’t squeal,” returned his crony quickly. “If you do they’ll only laugh at us and make us go anyway.”