“Never mind, Texas,” laughed Mark, cheerfully. “They were welcome. I knocked out my man, which was what I went out for. And besides, we managed to outwit them in the end, leaving them deserted and scared to death on the opposite shore of the Hudson. You’ve heard of clouds with silver linings. I’m off duty and can play the gentleman all day, and not have to turn out and drill like you unfortunate plebes. And, moreover, nobody offers to haze me any more while I’m a cripple.”
“It’d be jes’ like ’em to,” growled Texas.
“That’s got nothing to do with the letter,” responded Mark. “There is some news in here that’ll interest you fellows, if Texas would only stop growling at the cadets long enough to give me a chance. Too much fighting is spoiling your gentle disposition, Texas.”
“Ya-as,” grinned the Southerner. “You jes’ go on.”
“I will,” continued Mark. “Listen.
“I got a letter from Fischer yesterday. Fischer is captain of your company, I think. He tells me that that rascally Benny Bartlett, the fellow from your town who tried to cheat you out of your appointment, but whom you beat at the examinations, turned up a short while ago with a brand-new plot to get you into trouble. It reads like a fairy story, what Fischer told me. He had a printer’s boy hired to accuse you of bribing him to steal for you the exam. papers. The superintendent believed him and you were almost fired.
“Fischer says he went out at night with that wild chum of yours, Texas, and the two of them held up the printer’s boy and robbed him of some papers that showed his guilt. Well, Mr. Mallory, I certainly congratulate you on your luck. You owe a debt of gratitude to Fischer, who ought to be your enemy really, since he was one of the hop managers you riled so.
“And now for the news I have. I write to tell you—and I know it will surprise you—that you are not yet through with that troublesome Master Bartlett.”
“Wow!” echoed Texas, springing up in surprise. “What does he know ’bout it?”
“Wait,” laughed Mark, by way of answer. “Wait, and you’ll see. Wicks is quite a detective.