ve Putnam Hall," answered the former major of
the school battalion. "I have had the time of my life since I have been
here."

"So have I!" put in Pepper.

"The best ever!" chimed in Andy.

"I shall never forget Putnam Hall, no matter where I go," came from
Stuffer.

"The best school there ever was!" added Joe Nelson.

* * * * *

And now, kind reader, let me add a few words more and then bring this
story of "The Putnam Hall Mystery" to a close. As I promised some years
ago, when I gave you "The Putnam Hall Cadets," I have now related in
detail the most important events that transpired at the military school
during the first years of its existence. What took place there after
Jack Ruddy and his chums left will be found set down in another line of
books called "The Rover Boys Series," starting with "The Rover Boys at
School." In that volume you will not only meet the three jolly Rover
brothers--Dick, Tom and Sam--but also learn more concerning the doings
of Bart Conners, Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney, and again meet that
dictatorial old teacher, Josiah Crabtree, and the bully, Dan Baxter, and
his toady, Mumps. The Rover boys went to Putnam Hall for a number of
years, and had just as good a time as did Jack and his friends.

The graduation exercises at Putnam Hall were that year very elaborate,
and many visitors were present, including the parents and brothers and
sisters of the graduates, and Mr. and Mrs. Ford, and Laura and Flossie.

"Oh, I am so glad that you came out at the head of the class, Jack!"
cried Laura, as she came up to shake his hand.

"Thank you very much, Laura," he answered, and then, as he took her hand
he looked full into her clear eyes. "I'd rather have your
congratulations than anything else," he added.

"Oh, Jack!" she murmured, and then she gave him a glance that thrilled
him through and through. Heretofore, they had only been friends, but
from that moment a deeper sentiment seemed to stir them both, and, years
later, when Jack became settled in business, pretty Laura Ford became
Mrs. Ruddy. In the same year, Pepper, who went into the insurance
business with his father, married Flossie; and all were very happy. Andy
remained a jolly bachelor, to visit one or the other of his chums, as
suited him. He went into business with Jack, and the firm prospered
greatly.

The fun, when the school broke up for the term, was of the
never-to-be-forgotten variety. Great