"Anyway, we'll have to talk over this again," exclaimed Hackett. "Nat would certainly be glad if you fellows could go. How about meeting in your barn, Somers?"
"Come over day after to-morrow, and bring Nat with you," replied Bob.
"You can just bet I will," said Hackett. "My eye! How I hope we can arrange it!"
The Rockville steamer was still sending up a stream of sparks, but the excitement was now entirely over. The boys accordingly took leave of each other, and set out for home.
CHAPTER III
OFF TO THE WOODS
Early next morning the grounds about the high school were crowded with students. The building presented a sorry appearance, with its broken windows and smoke-begrimed walls. An odor of half-burned, water-soaked wood came from within.
Bob Somers produced a copy of the Kingswood "Times," and passed it around. The paper stated that the fire had been caused by an overheated furnace, and that the damage would amount to over five thousand dollars.
Professor Hopkins approached a group, among whom were Dave Brandon and several other members of the Rambler Club.