"It's no use," said Dick. "He has slipped us!"
"But we ought to notify the authorities," said Tom. "They will probably put a detective on his track."
"Yes; but a detective can't do any more than we can, up in this wild locality."
"He won't remain in the woods forever. He'll starve to death."
"Well, we can send the police a telegram from Cedarville."
This was done, and the Rover boys returned to Putnam Hall by way of the side road leaving past the homes of the Stanhopes and the Lanings. They found Sam and the girls very anxious concerning their welfare.
"We were afraid you had been shot," said Dora. "I am thankful that you escaped."
"So am I," put in Sam. "But it's too bad that Baxter got away. I wonder where he will turn up next."
They all wondered, but could not even venture an answer. Soon the boys left the girls and hurried to the academy, where their story, had to be told over again. Captain Putnam looked exceedingly grave over the narrative.
"You must be careful in the future, lads," he said. "Remember, you are in my care here. I do not know what your uncle would say if anything should happen to you."