ne set of buildings to the other."

After this revelation from Spouter it was difficult for the Rover boys
and Gif to settle down once more to their essay writing and their
examinations. However, all did their best, and when the school term came
to an end each had made a creditable showing.

"I'll be proud to take this card home and show it," said Fred, as he
examined the pasteboard which had been handed to him.

Out of a possible 100 per cent. he had received 94 per cent. Jack had
passed with 92 per cent., Randy with 89 per cent., and Andy with 88 per
cent. This last figure was the one also reached by Gif. Spouter, who was
naturally a very studious person, had passed with the highest mark of the
class--96 per cent.

"Well, eighty-eight per cent. isn't as good as it might be, but it's a
good deal better than lots of the fellows made," remarked Andy. "And it's
a long way from the failure mark--below seventy."

Of course the boys had already talked over the telephone to the girls,
and then it leaked out that all of those at Clearwater Hall knew about
Big Horn Ranch and that Ruth was almost certain that she could go with
the Rover girls and May.

"If we all go together we had better charter a private car," remarked
Jack.

"Say, that would be something worth while!" put in Fred, with
satisfaction. "Let's put it up to our folks!"

Two days before the boys were to leave for home, Randy saw a messenger
boy deliver a telegram to Snopper Duke. The professor read the brief
communication and then Randy saw him stagger up against a chair in the
hallway as if about to fall. He rushed forward and caught the professor
by the arm.

"What is the trouble, Professor?" he questioned kindly, for he could see
that Snopper Duke was in deep distress.

"I--I---- Don't mind me, Rover," stammered the teacher. "It's a little
bad news, that's all. And coming on top of some other bad news I've
received lately I can hardly stand it," and with these words Snopper Duke
turned and went slowly upstairs to his room. Half an hour later he was
closeted with Colonel Colby and then drove away from the Hall; and that
was the last the Colby Hall cadets saw of the strange teacher during that
term.

"He's certainly got something on his mind," said Randy, in telling the
others of the incident. "And I must confess I'm growing really sorry for
him."

On the next day came another surprise for the Rovers. All of them were
out on the campus when they sa