"That picture we had of it looked pretty good," was Fred's comment. "But, of course, you can't always tell by a picture."
"Not much!" vouchsafed Randy. "A building may look all right enough in a picture and still be about ready to tumble down."
The boys had left home in the middle of the forenoon, and expected to have their lunch on the train before reaching Haven Point.
"When lunch time comes I'm going to fill up," declared Andy. "No telling what sort of grub we'll get at the Hall."
"Father said they used to have first-class eats at Putnam Hall," declared Fred.
"Not always!" cried Jack. "At one time, while Captain Putnam was away, the food got so bad there that the cadets rebelled and left the school."
"Oh, that was before our fathers went to Putnam Hall," answered Randy. "I heard about that, too. But while our fathers were there, the food was very good, indeed."
After about half an hour's ride the train halted at a station, and among the passengers to get aboard were two youths with suitcases.
"Hello! what do you know about this?" cried Jack, surprised. "If there isn't Spouter Powell! I wonder what he is doing down here. He doesn't live in this town."
"And look at the fellow who is with him!" burst out Fred. "Did you ever see such a fat chap in your life?"