then disappeared.

Fred closed the door again, and he and the others gathered around Jack,
who was panting from his unexpected exertions.

"Gosh, but he looked mad!" was Randy's comment. "What was it all about?"

In as few words as possible the young captain explained the situation so
far as he was able.

"Brassy must have gone over to Clearwater Hall and there got the idea
that you were queering that proposed party," was Fred's comment. "Well,
I'm glad if the girls are wise to what is going on."

"Better chew this over in the morning," admonished Andy. "The thing now
is to get into bed and put out the lights. One of the professors may be
up here any minute."

This advice was considered good, and with lightning-like rapidity the
room was placed in order and the others retired again, leaving Jack to
undress and go to bed as quickly as possible. A little later one of the
monitors came through the hall, but none of the Rovers was disturbed.

It was not until two days later that the Rovers heard the particulars of
what had occurred at Clearwater Hall. Then they learned that, unknown to
any of the girls, one of the teachers had been delegated by Miss Garwood,
the head of the academy, to make a quiet investigation concerning the
proposed sleighing party. And when this teacher had found out who were on
the committee of arrangements, Miss Garwood had forbidden any of the
young ladies to participate. When this became known, Brassy Bangs had at
once concluded that Jack--and perhaps some of his relatives and
friends--was responsible for what had occurred. The party had been called
off.

"I'm glad it's called off," said Jack.

"So am I," returned Fred. "But, believe me, Jack, Brassy will have it in
for you after this."

"Possibly."

"You didn't hear anything about what girls intended to go, did you?" put
in Randy.

"I heard Jennie Mason, Ida Brierley, and Nettie Goss mentioned. That's
all," answered Jack.

He would have given a good deal to have known what was the real attitude
of Ruth and May toward the party. But, as before, neither he nor Fred
felt inclined to make any direct inquiries.

"It almost looks as if Brassy had expected Ruth to go with him," murmured
the young captain to himself, when he was alone that night. And it must
be confessed that the thought made him feel quite gloomy.

After this incident matters ran along smoothly for a week or more at the
Hall. During that time the snow commenced to melt