The Putnam Hall Rebellion 1

The Putnam Hall Rebellion 1

The Putnam Hall Rebellion, by Arthur M. Winfield                                CONTENTS.   CHAPTER                                                           PAGE   I. Out on the Campus                                                 1   II. Pepper Plays a Joke                                             11   III. At Target Practice                                             21   IV. The Blank Cartridges                                            32   V. A "Rough House" at Putnam Hall                                   41   VI. The New Teacher                                                 51   VII. An Encounter on the Lake                                       60   VIII. Starching and Blueing                                         71   IX. What Happened at the Ice House                                  81   X. A Mix-up on the Road                                             91   XI. What Happened to Andy                                          101   XII. The Beginning of a Rebellion                                  111   XIII. Pluxton Cuddle's Proposition                                 121   XIV. In Which the Storm Gathers                                    131   XV. Words and Blows                                                141   XVI. Prisoners in the Dormitories                                  151   XVII. Andy Snow's Discovery                                        159   XVIII. On a Foraging Expedition                                    167   XIX. What Happened to Jack Ruddy                                   175   XX. The Escape from the Guardroom                                  183   XXI. How the Cadets Ran Away                                       191   XXII. Josiah Crabtree Is Worried                                   199   XXIII. A Discovery in the Woods                                    207   XXIV. The Rival Runaways                                           215   XXV. News of Interest                                              222   XXVI. After the Stolen Camp Outfit                                 229   XXVII. A Case of Tit for Tat                                       236   XXVIII. After the Tramps                                           243   XXIX. Something of a Confession                                    250   XXX. Back to School--Conclusion                                    262                               INTRODUCTION My Dear Boys: This story is complete in itself, but forms the fourth in a line known under the general title of "Putnam Hall Series." As I have said before, this series was started at the request of numerous boys and girls who had read some volumes of my "Rover Boys Series," and who wanted to know what had taken place at Putnam Hall Military Academy previous to the arrival there of the three Rover brothers. In the first volume of this series, called "The Putnam Hall Cadets," I related how Captain Putnam came to found the institution and also told of the doings of Jack Ruddy, Pepper Ditmore and their chums. The young cadets were whole-souled and full of fun, and enjoyed themselves to the utmost. In the second volume, entitled "The Putnam Hall Rivals," more of the doings of the cadets were chronicled, and the particulars were given of a queer balloon ride, and of an odd discovery in the woods. The third volume, "The Putnam Hall Champions," brought Jack and Pepper once again to the front, in a series of stirring athletic contests. They had some bitter rivals, and one of these played Jack a most foul trick, which came close to having a serious ending. Ever since the opening of the school the scholars had had much trouble with an overbearing teacher named Josiah Crabtree. When the Hall was left in charge of Crabtree and a new instructor named Cuddle, matters rapidly grew worse, until there seemed nothing for the lads to do but to rebel. How this was done, and what the rebellion led to, I leave for the pages which follow to relate. Once more I thank my young friends for the interest they have shown in my books. May this tale please you in every way.                   Affectionately and sincerely yours,                                                      Arthur M. Winfield.                        THE PUTNAM HALL REBELLION                                CHAPTER I                            OUT ON THE CAMPUS "Boys, we are to have target practice to-morrow." "Good!" cried Pepper Ditmore. "That suits me exactly. Just wait, Jack, and see me make half a dozen bull's-eyes, handrunning." "Why don't you make it a dozen, Pep, while you are at it?" answered Major Jack Ruddy, with a smile. "If Pep makes one bull's-eye he will be lucky," came from another of the cadets gathered on the Putnam Hall campus. "The last time we had practice, instead of hitting the target he almost killed a cow in the next field." "Hold on, Andy Snow!" cried Pepper. "I shot straight enough, but the wind blew so hard it sent the bullet the wrong way. Now if----" "What a pity the wind didn't shift the target to meet the bullet," cried Paul Singleton. "Now when I shoot----" "You're too fat to shoot, Stuffer," interrupted a youth who spoke with a strong Irish accent. "Sure, if you had to crawl up on the inimy, like in war, you'd tip over on your nose!" And at this sally from Joseph Hogan a laugh arose. "I'd rather be fat than skinny," retorted Paul, whose waist measurement exceeded that of any other cadet of the Hall. "Where are we to do the practicing?" asked another boy, who was somewhat of a newcomer, having been a pupil at the Military Academy for less than a term. "I understand we are to go to Rawling's pasture, Fred," answered Jack Ruddy. "Captain Putnam is going to make the test a very thorough one, too, for he says all of the students here ought to be first-class marksmen." "Well, I'd certainly like to know how to handle a rifle," answered Fred Century. "I've used a shotgun, in the woods, but never a rifle. I'm afraid I'll make a rather poor showing at first." "Many of the fellows will," returned the young major. "It isn't given to everybody to become a good shot, no matter how hard a fellow tries." While the others were talking, a big, broad-shouldered youth joined the gathering. He was Dale Blackmore, the captain of the Putnam Hall football team, and a general leader in all kinds of athletic sports. "Talking about the rifle practice, eh," said Dale. "I just heard the other fellows talking of it, too. One of 'em said he was going to show your crowd how to shoot," and he nodded toward Jack Ruddy. "Who was it?" questioned the young major. "Reff Ritter." "Oh, that bully makes me tired!" cried Pepper Ditmore. "Every time anything is going on he tries to push himself to the front--and nobody wants him--at least I don't want him." "Nor I," came from Andy Snow and Paul Singleton. "Sure, an' I doubt if he's any better shot nor Major Jack," remarked Hogan. "Not half as good, Emerald," interposed Pepper quickly. "Jack's a soldier through and through. If he wasn't the fellows wouldn't have elected him major." "Perhaps Reff Ritter is a good marksman," said Jack. "He has made some fair scores and he may have been practicing up for this contest. Who was he talking to, Dale?" "Oh, his usual crowd of hangers-on, Gus Coulter, Nick Paxton, Billy Sabine, and that bunch. Coulter thinks, too, that he can make a big score." "Well, I'll bank on Jack--and on Bart Conners," said Pepper. "Bart is a good shot and always was." "Say, here comes Reff Ritter now," whispered Andy, as a youth with a somewhat sour-looking countenance put in an appearance. "Gus Coulter is with him." "Hello, Reff!" sang out one of the boys, Dave Kearney by name. "I hear you are going to wax us all at target practice to-morrow." "Who told you?" demanded Reff Ritter, coming to a halt. "Oh, I heard it." "Yes, Reff and I are going to make star records," came from Gus Coulter. "Perhaps you think you can shoot better than Major Ruddy and Captain Conners?" questioned Andy Snow. "We can," came from Reff Ritter promptly. "When it comes to handling a rifle I don't take a back seat for anybody." "Must have been practicing a tremendous lot lately," was Pepper's comment. "Never mind what I've been doing," growled Reff Ritter. "I'm willing to bet anybody here a new hat that I come out ahead to-morrow." And he gazed around with a "you don't dare to take me up" look. "I'd take that bet," answered Pepper dryly. "Only a new hat would do me no good--since I have to wear the regulation cap here. Just the same, Reff, my boy, you won't come out ahead of Jack and Bart, and I know it--and neither will you, Gus." "Huh! just wait and see," grumbled Coulter. "You fellows think that because you have won a few races and things like that you can win everything," said Reff Ritter, sourly. "Well, to-morrow you'll find out differently. After the shooting is over you'll see where I and Gus and Nick Paxton stand." And with this remark he strutted off, arm in arm with Coulter. "Say, but he is in a bad humor," observed Andy Snow. "Somebody must have brushed his fur the wrong way." "He has been behind in his lessons for over a week," answered a boy named Joe Nelson, a quiet and studious lad. "Yesterday Captain Putnam called him into the office for a talk. When Reff came out he looked pretty glum." "Must have gotten a strong lecture," said Pepper. "And lectures don't agree with such fellows as Ritter." "Do they agree with you, Pep?" asked the young major of the school battalion, with a twinkle in his eye. "Me? Not much! I'd rather write a composition in Latin than face the captain for a lecture! But, just the same, you can be sure Ritter didn't get it harder than he deserved." "There is nothing like blowing one's own horn," observed Fred Century. "And certainly Reff Ritter knows how to do that to perfection." "Time for drill, boys!" cried Jack Ruddy, as a bell rang out. "Now, do your best on the parade ground, even if you don't know how to hit the target." And off he ran to get ready to assume command of the Putnam Hall battalion. The bell had hardly ceased to ring when there followed the rolling of a drum, and out on the school campus poured the students, in their neat military uniforms, and with their guns and swords polished to the highest degree. Major Jack Ruddy was at the head of the battalion, which consisted of Companies A and B, under the commands of Bart Conners and a youth named Henry Lee. "Battalion attention!" commanded Major Jack, after the rattle of the drum had ceased. "Shoulder arms! Forward, march!" And then the drums beat, the fifes struck up a lively air, and the cadets began a march around the school grounds. To those who have read the previous volumes of this "Putnam Hall Series," the lads mentioned above will need no special introduction. For the benefit of others let me state that Putnam Hall Military Academy was a fine institution of learning, located on the shore of Cayuga Lake, in New York State. It was owned by Captain Victor Putnam, a retired army officer, who, in days gone by, had seen strenuous military service in the far West. It was modeled somewhat after West Point, our great national school for soldiery, but, of course, on far less pretentious proportions. The school building proper, located not far from the lake, was of brick and stone, and contained many classrooms, a big mess hall, a business office, library and sitting room, and, on the upper floors, many dormitories. Besides this building there were a gymnasium, a boathouse, a barn, and half a dozen minor structures. The location was ideal, exactly suited to such a school as Captain Putnam had established. Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore were chums, hailing from the western part of New York State. Jack was a little the older of the two and was inclined to be studious. Pepper was full of fun, and on this account was often called The Imp, a nickname that did not bother him in the least. When Jack and Pepper first arrived at the school, as related in the initial volume of this series, called "The Putnam Hall Cadets," they found that no regular military organization had yet been effected. After some time spent in drilling and studying, the cadets were permitted to ballot for their own officers, with the result that Jack became the major of the battalion, Henry Lee captain of Company A, and Bart Conners captain of Company B. Jack wanted Pepper to try for an official position, but The Imp declined, stating he thought he could have more fun as a private. At that time there was an overbearing lad at the school named Dan Baxter. He bribed Coulter and some others to vote for him, but nevertheless was defeated. Baxter was now away on a vacation, and Jack and his chums wished he would never come back. It was not long before Jack and Pepper made many friends, including Andy Snow, who was an acrobatic youth, used to doing marvellous "stunts" in the gymnasium; Dale Blackmore, of football fame; Hogan, whose Irish wit was delightful to listen to; Stuffer Singleton, who much preferred eating to studying, and Joe Nelson, the best scholar the Hall possessed. But if Jack and Pepper made many friends, they also made many rivals and not a few enemies. Baxter was gone, but Reff Ritter remained, and what sort of a fellow he was we have already seen. As Andy Snow said, Ritter frequently imagined that he "was the whole show." His particular cronies were Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton, while he had something of an admirer in a small lad named Fenwick, usually known as "Mumps," who was a contemptible sneak, as had been proved on more than one occasion. The organizing of the school had been followed by hard studying, yet not a few adventures had fallen to the lot of Major Jack and Pepper, and some of their chums. In the middle of one of the terms George Strong, the second assistant teacher, disappeared. He was found a prisoner in a hut, being kept there by two insane relatives, and to rescue him proved no easy task. The assistant teacher's ancestry dated back to Revolutionary times, and he told the boys of a treasure buried in that vicinity by some relatives. How the treasure was unearthed had been told in detail in "The Putnam Hall Rivals." With the coming of summer, the attention of the cadets was given largely to sports in the field and on the water. Jack's uncle presented him with a fine sloop, the _Alice_, and in this the young major sailed several races, as related in the third volume of this series, entitled "The Putnam Hall Champions." The cadets also held a great bicycle race and a hill climbing contest, and they likewise had a bowling match with the team of a rival school, Pornell Academy. At that time Fred Century was a student at Pornell, but he became disgusted at the way his fellow students acted, and at the treatment he received from Doctor Pornell, and left that institution of learning and came to Putnam Hall. As the time went on Reff Ritter became more and more jealous of Major Jack's popularity. A contest in the gymnasium was arranged between the two, and then Ritter, with a wickedness which he was wise enough to keep to himself, dosed the young major with some French headache powders, putting the stuff in Jack's drinking water. As a consequence, Jack, while on the flying rings, became dizzy and then unconscious, and would have hurt himself seriously had he not been caught as he fell. He was put to bed and was sick for some time. It was discovered that he had been dosed, but, so far, the perpetrator of the vile deed had managed to keep his identity a secret. Jack and Pepper suspected Ritter, but not being able to prove the rascal guilty, could do nothing.                                CHAPTER II                           PEPPER PLAYS A JOKE As there were a great many students to take part, it had been arranged that the whole of the next day should be devoted to rifle practice. The cadets were to march to Rawling's pasture directly after breakfast, and each youth was to carry his lunch with him, as well as his rifle and some rounds of ammunition. "Now, young gentlemen," said Captain Putnam, when the quartermaster of the battalion had distributed the cartridges. "Kindly remember that your cartridges have bullets in them. I want no loading or firing without permission. A rifle, thoughtlessly discharged, may do great harm, and there will be no need of loading your guns until you are called upon to fire at one of the targets." "Have we--we all got to do the--the firing?" asked Fenwick, the school sneak, in a trembling voice. "Certainly," answered Captain Putnam. "I'll wager Mumps is afraid to shoot with bullets," whispered Pepper to Andy Snow. "He always handles his gun as if he was afraid it would go off." "He's as much of a coward as he is a sneak," answered Andy. His face broke into a sudden grin. "I've got an idea," he whispered. "Let me in on it quick," returned Pepper, scenting fun. "I've got a pack of firecrackers, left over from last Fourth of July----" "Andy, how could you keep them all this time?" cried The Imp, reproachfully. "Why, a pack of firecrackers means dead loads of fun. Let me have them, please." "What, the whole pack? Not much! I want some fun myself, sometime. I'll let you have a dozen crackers, though." "All right--I'll make them do." "Want to play a trick on Mumps?" "Yes, keep your eye peeled for fun." This talk took place half an hour before the boys were to start away from the school. Having procured the firecrackers, Pepper sought out the school sneak and found him talking to Billy Sabine, a cadet who was at times a sneak and then again quite a good fellow. Mumps had his gun over his shoulder and Sabine had his firearms across his elbow. Without being observed, The Imp lit the long stems of two firecrackers and dropped one down the barrel of each weapon. "Hullo, you fellows!" he cried, hurriedly. "Have you heard the news?" "What's that?" asked both of the others, while a small crowd began to collect. "Somebody has sticks of dynamite, and some of the stuff was put in some of the guns," went on Pepper innocently. "You want to look out, or your gun may explode and blow you to bits." "Gracious me, is that possible!" ejaculated Mumps, and turned pale. "I didn't know----" began Sabine, and then glanced at the muzzle of his weapon. "I declare, what makes that smoke? And look, your gun is smoking, too!" he added, to Mumps. "It's the dynamite----" began Pepper, and backed away as if in terror. "Oh, dear, do you really think so?" quaked Mumps. "If I thought---- Oh!" Bang! went one of the firecrackers, and both Mumps and Sabine let out yells of fear. Bang! went the second cracker, and now both cadets threw their guns from them and ran toward the school building. "It's the dynamite! We'll be blown to pieces!" screamed Mumps. "Somebody wants to kill us!" roared Sabine, and put his hands to his ears, as if to keep out the sounds of some awful explosion. And then both boys disappeared around a corner of the Hall. As they did this The Imp rushed forward, cleaned the guns of the exploded firecrackers, and threw the burning bits of cracker paper in some bushes. "What a joke!" cried Andy, who has witnessed the scene, and he and a number of others laughed heartily. "They'll be afraid to touch the guns after this," was Emerald's comment. "Sure, they'll think the old Nick is after bein' in 'em, so they will!" "Here they come back!" called out Dave Kearney. "And look, they've got old Crabtree with them!" "If Crabtree is coming I think I'll dust out!" murmured Pepper, and lost no time in disappearing. Josiah Crabtree was the first assistant teacher, and he was as cordially hated by the majority of the cadets as George Strong, the second assistant, was beloved. Crabtree was a fine scholar, but he was headstrong and sarcastic, and continually "picking" at those under him, no matter how hard they studied or how well they behaved. "What is this I hear about dynamite?" he demanded, as he strode up and glared at the assembled boys. "Dynamite?" asked Andy innocently. "Did you say dynamite, Mr. Crabtree?" "I did. There was an explosion out here. These boys' guns----" "Why, these guns are all right," said Dale Blackmore, picking them up. "I guess Fenwick and Sabine got scared at nothing." "They certainly did," added Andy, and then, getting behind the teacher, he doubled up his fist and shook it threateningly at Mumps and Billy. Now, if there was one thing both the younger cadets feared it was a whipping, and this suggestive attitude of Andy made each of them quail. They both realized that if they told on Pepper they would be punished for it. Each took his gun rather sheepishly. "Fenwick, what have you to say?" began Josiah Crabtree. Just then the welcome rattle of the drum was heard, calling the battalion to get ready for the march. "I--I guess it was a--a mistake," faltered the sneak. "Can I go and get in line, please sir?" he added. "I--er--I suppose so--since this is no time to investigate," answered Josiah Crabtree; and off ran Mumps and Sabine, and the others also departed. "Well, what did Crabtree say?" asked Pepper of Andy, when he got the chance. "Didn't have time to say much--the drum call broke in on his investigation. I hope, for your sake, Pep, he doesn't take it up when we get back," added the acrobatic youth. It was a beautiful day for the outing, and the cadets certainly presented an inspiring sight as they marched from the campus and turned into the country road leading to the pasture where the rifle practice was to be held. Captain Putnam was on horseback, along with George Strong and an old army officer named Pallott, who was to assist in showing the boys how to hold their rifles while shooting and how best to take aim. Behind this little cavalcade came Major Jack with his sword flashing brightly, and followed by Company A and Company B. To the front were the two drummers and two fifers, making the welkin ring with their martial music. "Hi, you look fine, so you do!" sang out an old farmer, as he drew up by the roadside with his wagon to let them pass. "You're a credit to this section. If I had the money I'd send my son Jock to train with you, yes, I would!" And he waved a grimy hand after them. A little later the cadets heard the honk honk of an automobile horn and soon a big touring car came into sight. It contained Roy Bock, Bat Sedley and several other students from Pornell Academy. As soon as Bock saw the young soldiers he stopped his machine. "Hello, look at the tin soldiers!" he sang out. "Going to hunt mosquitoes?" "No, we are going to hunt somebody who knows how to bowl," retorted Pepper, who was near. "Huh! We can bowl right enough and don't you forget it," growled Bock. "Yes, but you can't beat Putnam Hall," retorted Dale; and then the cadets passed on, leaving the bully of the rival school in anything but a happy frame of mind. "Those tin soldiers make me sick," said one of the students in the touring car. "We ought to get square with them for taking our trophies away," said another. "They did that because we stole their cannon and flagstaff," added another. "I don't see how Fred Century can train with them," added a youth named Carey. "We'll square it up with them some day," came from Roy Bock. "Just wait till I think of something good. I've got it in for Jack Ruddy, Pepper Ditmore and that crowd, and don't you forget it!" "I've got it!" cried another boy. "The whole crowd is away from the school to-day. Why can't we visit the place on the sly and turn things topsy-turvy?" "Somebody must be left behind," answered Will Carey, who was far from brave, as my old readers know. "That doesn't matter--we can keep out of the servants' way--or get them out of ours," answered Roy Bock. His crafty face became fixed for a moment. "That's a good idea. Let us visit Putnam Hall by all means and fix things up! When those tin soldiers get back they won't know what to make of it!" "Well, we don't want to get caught at this," said Carey. "Are you afraid?" demanded Bock. "No, but----" "No 'buts' about it," said a youth named Grimes, who hated Major Jack and his chums greatly. "I'm for visiting Putnam Hall to-day. We couldn't have a better chance, with the captain and his cadets away." The touring car journeyed along slowly and the students from Pornell Academy talked the matter over carefully. Just as they came in sight of the Hall they saw a buggy drive away from the entrance and turn in the direction of Cedarville, the nearest village. "There goes the head teacher, a fellow named Crabtree," said Bock. "The fellow driving him is Peleg Snuggers, the general helper. Boys, outside of some help that doesn't count, the coast is clear!" "I've got a scheme," said Grimes. "Let us hide the auto in the woods, and then disguise ourselves as tramps by rubbing dust on our faces and putting on the old auto dusters. Then we can sneak up to the school building and the gym., and learn how the land lays." "Yes,--and turn things inside out," answered Roy Bock, with a gloating look. "Oh, won't they be surprised when they get back to-night!" The suggestion to hide the touring car and disguise themselves was quickly put into execution, and then, with great caution, the six students from Pornell Academy leaped a side hedge and made for the gymnasium. Here they spent nearly half an hour in "fixing things up" to their satisfaction. Then they entered the school building by a side door, and while three went to the library and classrooms the others ascended to the dormitories. They took care to keep out of the way of all the hired help, although to do so taxed their ingenuity to the utmost. "Now, I reckon we have done something toward squaring accounts," remarked Roy Bock, as he led the way back to the touring car. "Even the servants won't be able to straighten things out. When those folks get back they won't know their own school!"                               CHAPTER III                            AT TARGET PRACTICE "Here we are! Now to make nothing but bull's-eyes!" It was Pepper who spoke, as the Hall cadets came to a halt in Rawling's pasture,--a lot containing nearly a hundred acres which were almost as smooth as a barn floor. It had taken the battalion almost an hour to march there, and the students were allowed half an hour in which to rest up previous to beginning the contest on the three ranges which had been established in the pasture. The ranges were of one hundred yards, two hundred yards, and three hundred yards, the last named distance being deemed sufficiently great for the light rifles the cadets used. Had they had arms of greater caliber, Captain Putnam would have made the long range five hundred yards. "I don't expect to make very much of a score," said Andy Snow. "I am not much of a shooter. Now if it was a contest in the gym.----" "Andy would win all the medals," finished Jack, with a laugh. "I'd rather have a fishing contest," put in Stuffer, who loved to go out with his rod. "Sure, and what's the matter wid an eating contest, Stuffer?" inquired Hogan, with a broad grin. "I'm after thinking you'd take the head prize there--and all the others, too!" "Huh, you needn't talk," grumbled Stuffer. "I notice you can do your share when we sit down in the mess hall." "That's one thing I like about Putnam Hall," declared Fred Century. "A fellow always gets enough to eat--at least I do. Now at Pornell Academy the meals were very uneven. The dinners were usually good, but some of the suppers were woefully slim." "If the meals were slim here I'd rebel," answered Pepper. "So would I!" cried Stuffer. "I'd raise the biggest kick you ever heard of." How true their words were to become we shall see later. The shooting soon began--at a distance of one hundred yards, and for two hours there was a steady crack! crack! of the rifles. Each cadet had three shots at each target. A bull's-eye counted five, so a perfect score would total up to forty-five. On the short range, Jack managed to make three bull's-eyes, thus scoring 15. Pepper got 13 and Andy 11. Much to his own delight Reff Ritter got 15, although one of his shots barely touched the bull's-eye. Coulter received but 9, much to his disgust. The other cadets ranged from 10 to 5,--the five being made by Mumps, who was almost afraid to discharge his weapon. "Wouldn't Mumps make a fine soldier!" whispered Pepper to Jack. "If he saw the enemy approaching he'd run for all he was worth." "If he didn't get too frightened to move," added the young major. "He certainly is both a coward and a sneak." At the two-hundred yard range Jack made 14, while Pepper finished with 13, the same as before. The long-range shooting was not to take place until after lunch. "I don't know whether to call it my unlucky thirteen or not," said The Imp. "It's not so good as your score, but it's better than some others." "It is certainly lucky," answered Andy, who had made but 9 on the middle range. "If you do so well on the long range you'll be one of the leaders." "Reff Ritter made 14," put in Joe Nelson. "He and Jack and Bart Conners are tied for first place so far." "Coulter had dropped behind, and Paxton's score isn't much better than Mump's," came from Dale Blackmore. "I've got two elevens," said Fred Century. "I don't think that's so bad for a fellow who hasn't used a rifle for some years." Lunch was had in the shade of a number of trees growing at the edge of the pasture. While the cadets were eating many of them stacked their rifles and hung their belts and cartridge boxes on the weapons. Jack put aside his sword and also the gun and cartridge holder he had been using. There was a small brook nearby, fed by springs, and in this many of the boys washed their hands and faces before eating. While the meal was still in progress Gus Coulter motioned to Reff Ritter and Nick Paxton, and the three drew away from the crowd and into some bushes behind the trees. "I've got an idea," said Coulter, in a low voice. "I don't know if we can work it or not, but if we can--well, somebody will be surprised, that's all." "What's your idea?" demanded Ritter. "I was hanging around when Bob Grenwood, the quartermaster, was giving out the ammunition for the shooting after lunch, on the three-hundred yard range. I heard him say that he had brought along a case of blanks by mistake. He said they looked a good deal like the cartridges that had bullets in. Now if we could get hold of that case of blanks----" "We can do that easily enough," interrupted Nick Paxton. "The case is right over yonder, on a rock." And he pointed with his hand. "I reckon I know what you mean," said Reff Ritter, a wise look coming into his face. "You mean for us to get the blanks and substitute them for the regular cartridges some of the fellows intend to use." "Exactly. Can we do it?" "I don't know. But it's a great scheme. I'd like to put it up Ruddy's back--and up Ditmore's back, too." Ritter bit his lip in thought for a moment. "Let's see if we can get hold of that case of cartridges anyway." With great care the plotters stole through the bushes and up to the rock upon which rested the case containing the blank cartridges. All of the other cadets were busy lunching and nobody noticed them as they hauled the box out of sight. "The cover is loose, anyway," reported Ritter. "Guess I'll take a few out, just for luck," and he appropriated about a dozen blanks. "Take out the top layer," suggested Coulter. "Then Grenwood won't be so apt to notice that the box has been trifled with." And he and Paxton did so. Then the cover was slid into place once more and the case was restored to its original position. The blanks certainly looked like full cartridges, being tipped with silvery paper. "Now to do some substituting," said Reff Ritter. "That's the hardest part of the job. Some of the fellows are hanging around those cartridge belts and boxes." "Maybe we can get them to walk away," suggested Coulter. "Get them interested in something, you know." "I have it!" cried Ritter. "Nick, you walk down in the woods on the other side of the brook and yell like mad. Say you saw a big snake, or something. That will draw the crowd, and then Gus and I can get in our work with the blank cartridges." "I'll do it," answered Nick Paxton, and hurried around through the bushes and across the brook. He had been gone about five minutes when the cadets at lunch, as well as Captain Putnam and the others, heard a great yelling. "Help! help! A snake! A snake!" "What's that?" exclaimed half a dozen, and then, as the yelling was continued, a rush was made in the direction of the brook. "Now is our chance," said Ritter to Coulter, and then the pair stole out of the bushes and in the direction of the stacked arms and the cartridge belts and boxes. "What's the matter, Paxton?" demanded Captain Putnam, who was the first to arrive at the spot from whence the cries for help emanated. "A snake, sir!" answered the cadet glibly. "Ugh! He ran right between my legs!" And Paxton pretended to shiver. "A snake!" cried several. "Where is it?" "Why didn't you kill it?" "Yes, a snake, and--and I guess it was a rattler, too. It was about that long," and Nick Paxton held his hands as far apart as possible. "I couldn't kill it for I didn't have a thing in my hand. I--er--I looked for a rock, but the snake was too quick for me." The news that a snake was around--and that it might be a rattlesnake at that--alarmed many of the cadets, and some of them recrossed the brook to the open pasture. But others, and Captain Putnam, began a hunt for the reptile, but, of course, without success. "We may as well give up the search," said the master of the Hall, after a hunt of ten minutes. "If it was a rattlesnake it has managed to get away." "What was you doing here, Paxton?" asked Andy. "Why I--er--I came over to look for--er--for ferns," stammered the youth who had played the trick. "Ferns? Didn't know you were interested in ferns," observed Joe Nelson, who was something of a collector of plants himself. "Oh, I do a little collecting now and then," answered Paxton, and then walked off, to escape being questioned further. Half an hour later the noonday rest came to an end and the target practice was again taken up. In the presence of his pupils Captain Putnam took several shots at the long distance target, making a bull's-eye each time. Then he and the old army officer who had been hired showed the boys how to fire to the best advantage. Reff Ritter was one of the first to shoot at the three hundred yard target, and much to his chagrin got only three fours--a total of 12. Coulter got but 9, and Paxton 7. When Jack stepped to the front with the rifle and cartridge box he had been using Reff Ritter winked suggestively at Coulter and Paxton. "Now we'll see something rich!" whispered Coulter. "Hush! you want to keep this to yourself," warned the bully of the Hall. "Now, Jack, a bull's-eye!" said Pepper to his chum. "Right in the middle of the eye, too," added Andy. "I'll do what I can," answered the young major, modestly. With great care he took aim at the target and pulled the trigger. There was a crack and a flash and then a moment of breathless waiting.