The Putnam Hall Cadets: or, Good Times in School and Out

At first the two prisoners were furious, but when their fury subsided they became very humble, and both began to cry.

“We wanted only our rights,” whined one. “If I had a million dollars, I could take an air-ship to the North Pole or the moon, or anywhere.”

“He is certainly mad,” said Andy. “What a dreadful condition to be in.”

Late in the day the prisoners were taken to Cedarville, and George Strong telegraphed for a relative to come at once and take charge of them.

“They may be crazy, but they told me something which I think may be true,” said the assistant teacher to the boys. “They said they were watching around the school at the time you had the big snow house, and they saw three cadets run up on top and cave it in. I questioned them, and I am almost certain Coulter was one of the boys and Baxter another.”

“It would be just like that crowd,” exclaimed Pepper, bitterly. “If Baxter and Coulter were in it the other fellow must have been Paxton or Mumps, – I mean Fenwick, sir.”

“They said they were all big boys.”

“Then it must have been Paxton. That crowd always hangs together for mischief.”

As soon as they arrived at the Hall, Pepper tried to locate the bully and his chums. The only cadet he could find of the crowd was Coulter.

“So, Coulter, it was you who helped to cave in that snow house, eh?” he said, catching the cadet by the arm.

“Who – er – told you,” stammered Coulter.

“Oh, don’t deny it.”

“I’m not denying it,” was the bold reply. “What are you going to do about it?”

“That!” cried Pepper, and hit Coulter a stinging blow in the mouth, which loosened two front teeth. Then a regular fight ensued, and Coulter was badly whipped. Paxton also received a thrashing at the hands of Andy, while Baxter only escaped punishment by keeping out of sight excepting during school hours.

“Now, maybe, they’ll keep their distance for a while,” said Pepper. But he was mistaken, the bully of the Hall and his cronies were not subdued, and what they did in retaliation will be told in another volume, to be called “The Putnam Hall Rivals; or, Fun and Sport Afloat and Ashore.” In this book we will meet all of our friends once more, in games and adventures as exciting as any of the past.

George Strong felt much relieved when a relative from the West came to take the two crazy men away.

“I never want to see them again,” said the assistant teacher. But he did see them, and they did their best to cause him no end of trouble.

A week after the rescue of George Strong some of the cadets learned that Captain Putnam’s birthday was at hand. They asked the master of the Hall if they could celebrate, and he gave the desired permission. Money was raised among the cadets to present the captain with a fine set of encyclopedias, and of this gift Captain Putnam was justly proud.

“All things considered, you are doing very well,” said the master to his pupils. “I am proud of you, and happy to think that Putnam Hall is earning such a good reputation for itself.”

“I shouldn’t want to go to a better school,” said Jack. “It just suits me exactly.”

“So say I,” came from Pepper. “Of course we might do without Baxter and that crowd – ”

“Every school seems to have its bully,” put in Andy. “All we can do is to make him keep his place.”

“Don’t bother with Baxter!” broke in Dale. “Let us enjoy ourselves.”

Just then Stuffer burst into the dormitory, his face wreathed in smiles.

“Come to the mess-hall!” he called out. “Such a spread! I’m going to eat the meal of my life!”

“That settles it,” laughed Jack. “Hurry up, all of you. If Stuffer gets there first, there will be nothing left!”

And they rushed down the stairs pell-mell; and here let us leave them and say good-bye.

THE END