d
never happened before. Suddenly Gif made a dash forward.

"Let's pound it out of him!"

"That's the talk! We'll make him tell!"

"Pull him down and sit on him!"

"Pull off his shoes and tickle his feet! He's got to tell!"

"Poke him in the ribs!"

"He got a letter this morning. I'll bet the news is in that!" shouted
Gif. "It's in his pocket now!"

All attempted to pounce upon Spouter, but he was too quick for them, and,
dashing across the room, he shot into Fred's bedroom, banging the door
after him. Then, as the others followed, he ran out into the corridor and
then sped for his own room, where he locked the door behind him. Then he
hid the letter in a place where he was sure none of his chums would find
it.

"Well, this takes the bakery!" announced Randy, after all of them had
pounded on Spouter's door in vain. "What do you suppose it means?"

"It's simple enough," remarked Jack. "Spouter is going to invite us on
some sort of outing this summer, but he doesn't want to tell us yet what
sort it's to be."

"He spoke about mountains and rivers and horseback riding," said Randy.
"That looks like some sort of outdoor affair," and his eyes glistened.

"Come on out, Spouter, and let us love you a little," called Fred through
the keyhole.

"You go on down and I'll meet you downstairs," was the reply. "And
remember, you're not to know another word about this until vacation
comes."

"Going to take us away in a submarine, Spouter?" demanded Andy.

"No, he's going to take us in an airship to the south pole," declared his
twin.

"Never mind where I'm going to take you," answered Spouter. "You just
keep calm until vacation time comes, and then you'll learn fast enough in
what direction you're going to travel. And, believe me, we'll have some
outing, or else I'll miss my guess."

And with this statement the Rover boys and Gif had to be content.

CHAPTER XI

THE ELECTION FOR OFFICERS

"Company attention! Shoulder arms! Forward march!"

Boom! Boom! Boom, boom, boom!

The drums rang out clearly on the morning air and the Colby Hall
battalion swung into line on a march that carried it around the school
buildings and then to the lake shore. Here Colonel Colby and Captain Dale
inspected the three companies. Then the retiring major, Ralph Mason, was
called on for a little speech which brought forth many cheers, and after
this the command was dismissed.

It was the day for the election, and there was t