Tom left the pasted copy of the trust deed with Mr. Royse, and the two cadets reached West Point just in time not to be reported. They saw nothing of Captain Hawkesbury, and it became known that night that he had left the Academy on a two days furlough.
“Probably he and Doolittle have gone off to try and stop the exposure,” Sam said.
“It looks that way,” Tom admitted.
Tom was so excited by what he had just gone through that he did not sleep well that night. Nor did he give the proper attention to his lessons the next day. He made a failure and was given some demerits. Events occurred rapidly during the next few days. Mr. Royse was busy, sending telegrams and letters, having lawyers in other cities look up records, and in communicating with the railroad company.
Captain Hawkesbury returned to West Point glummer than ever, and “as mean as they make ’em,” to quote Sam Leland. He seemed to be eagerly looking to catch Tom in some violation of rules, that he might punish him. But Tom refrained from taking part in any pranks during those perilous times, though several of his chums took chances.
Then came the climax.
Mr. Royse sent Tom a telegram which read:
“Restitution will be made. Railroad company has in trust large sum of money owing on land. This will come to your mother and you. Can also force Doolittle and Hawkesbury to pay back all they wrongfully took. Charges to be preferred against Captain Hawkesbury, of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.”
“Whew!” whistled Tom, as he showed this to Sam. “Things are certainly happening!”