tting dead hungry," added Stuffer.

"Was there ever a time when you weren't hungry?" asked Pepper, with a
grin.

"Aw, now, quit it," cried the lad who had a reputation as an eater.
"Don't start so early in the term."

"I must confess I'm a bit hungry myself," said the young quartermaster.
"I had an early dinner."

When they got back to the school they learned that Andy had been put to
bed and that a doctor had been summoned. The acrobatic youth had been
much shaken up and it was thought best to make him keep quiet for a few
days.

"Better not say anything about his loss for the present," advised
Captain Putnam. "I will have a man sent out to make another search."

The accidents to Andy and to Major Jack put something of a damper on the
arrival for the term, and a jollification that had been scheduled for
that night was indefinitely postponed. Captain Putnam questioned the
cadets concerning the actions of Roy Bock and his cronies, and then sent
a stiff letter to the head of Pornell Academy.

When Reff Ritter heard about the accidents he shrugged his shoulders and
tossed his head.

"That's what they get for crowding us out of the carryall," he said to
Coulter and Paxton, who roomed with him.

"Yes, and it serves 'em right," grumbled Coulter.

"That's what!" chimed in Paxton.

CHAPTER V

THE FIGHT IN THE GYMNASIUM

It was not until two days later that Andy Snow felt like himself again.
No bones had been broken, but the acrobatic youth had received a shaking
up that was severe.

So far he had not been told of his loss, and when he asked for his
belongings he was much depressed by the news.

"Couldn't find them anywhere?" he repeated, to Pepper. "Oh, are you sure
you made a good search?"

"We certainly did, Andy," returned Pepper. "We went back the next day,
early in the morning."

"And you didn't find a thing?"

"Only this button and lead pencil, and this buckle."

"The pencil is mine, but not the button and the buckle." Andy heaved a
sigh. "Then I am out my watch and chain, the stickpin, and eight
dollars! Was there ever such luck!"

"Andy, was anybody near you when you had the tumble?" asked Pepper.

"Near me? Why, yes, there was a man on the road just ahead of me! I had
forgotten all about it until now."

"Who was he?"

"I don't know. A tall fellow, with a thin, leathery face."

"A farmer?"

"No, he looked more like a city man. He had on a regular sack suit and a
derby hat."