He was white and shaken, but had sustained no injury beside the temporary loss of breath. In a few minutes he was as good as ever. But by this time the tramp had made good his escape.
Presently Teddy came up with the constable and a careful search of the woods was made. But it was all to no purpose.
“Hard luck, old scout,” condoled Lester, “but that flying tackle of yours was a dandy.”
“That knee of his was better,” mourned Fred. “It knocked me out good and proper.”
“You threw an awful scare into him, anyway,” laughed Bill. “I’ll bet he’s running yet.”
“He can’t always get away with it,” prophesied Teddy. “That’s twice. The next time will be the third time and out.”
They got back to the school tired and vexed. But their thoughts were turned in another and a welcome direction by a tip given them by Slim Haley on their return.
“Big feed on,” he whispered. “Ned Wayland’s uncle sent him a ten-dollar gold piece for his birthday, and Ned has blown nearly all of it for a spread in the dormitory to-night.”
“Best news I’ve heard since Hector was a pup,” exulted Teddy.
“Ned’s the real goods,” said Fred. “I wish he had a birthday every month.”