ring with a cameo in it, but it looked tight and hard to
get off.

"Might try his other pockets," mused the thief. Then a distant shouting
came to his ears.

"Somebody is after him," he muttered. "I reckon it's time I cleared out.
It won't do for me to be seen in this neighborhood."

He looked around for an instant. Then he walked to the roadside, ran in
among the trees and bushes, and disappeared from view.

CHAPTER IV.

A FRUITLESS SEARCH

"Hello, Pepper!"

"How are you, Fred?"

"My, here's the old bunch back again!"

"Well, Henry, did you have a good time during the summer?"

"How about that trip out West, Bob? Did you kill any bears or Indians?"

"Getting high-toned, hiring a carriage to bring you."

So the cries rang out, as the three-seated carriage driven by Amos
Darrison rolled up to the front of Putnam Hall. A crowd of cadets had
rushed forward to greet the newcomers.

"Where is Andy Snow?" asked Pepper, as he leaped to the ground.

"He went past on horseback like a streak!" cried Bob Grenwood. "Some of
the fellows just went off to tell Captain Putnam about it. What did it
mean?"

"Tell you later, Bob. Just now somebody had better go after Andy. That
horse was running away with him."

A hubbub arose, in the midst of which Captain Putnam, the owner of the
school, appeared. He was a fine-looking gentleman, with a face that was
at once kindly and firm.

"What is this I hear about Andrew Snow?" he said anxiously. "A horse ran
away with him?"

In as few words as possible Pepper and some of the others related the
particulars of what had happened to the carryall. Just as they were
finishing, Peleg Snuggers came up on the other horse.

"This is very unfortunate!" murmured Captain Putnam. "We'll have to
follow poor Snow at once. Mr. Darrison, will you drive me?"

"Why--er--yes, but it will take time, Captain Putnam, an' my wife wants
me to----"

"I'll pay you for your time, sir," interrupted the owner of the school
quickly.

"Yes, sir? all right, sir. Jump in an' we'll go right after the
runaway."

"Can I go along?" asked Pepper.

"I'd like to go, too," came from Stuffer Singleton.

"So would I," added Bob Grenwood.

"Very well, you three cadets can go along," replied the captain. "It is
possible you may be needed--if poor Snow has been hurt." He turned to
Jack. "How do you feel, Major Ruddy?"

"Oh, I guess I'll be all right after I have rested up," answered Jack,
with a fa