tigation was held. Several other cadets
were called upon to testify, and it was proved that Peter Slade was
entirely to blame for what had occurred.

"You should not have attacked him, Richard," said the captain to Dick.
"But under the circumstances I cannot blame you. You may go."

For his misconduct Peter Slade was confined in the "guardhouse" for
three days. The black eye Dick had given him did not go away very fast
and when he came out and resumed his place among the students he was a
sight to behold. That he was very angry at the eldest Rover boy is
easily imagined.

"I'll fix him some day," he muttered.

"Dick, you want to watch Slade," said Tom, one day, on passing the bully
in the hallway.

"I guess you had better watch him yourself, Tom."

"I am going to do that, don't fear. What did the captain do about your
mussed-up uniform?"

"Made Slade pay for having it cleaned."

"Did he do it?"

"He had to do it--Captain Putnam put it on the bill to his folks."

"That was right."

"Of course it was. But I understand it made Slade as mad as hops. Oh, he
surely has it in for us," went on Dick, and there the subject was
dropped.

CHAPTER XXVII

ON THE LAKE

Almost before the boys knew it winter was gone and spring was at hand.
The ice on the lake disappeared like magic, and the hills back of Putnam
Hall took on a fresh greenness pleasant to behold.

With the coming of warm weather the cadets spent a large part of their
off time outdoors. Some took up rowing, and among the number were Sam
and Tom. Larry Colby had become the owner of a fair-sized sloop, and he
frequently took some of his chums out for a cruise up or down the lake.

"Do you know what I'd like to do?" said Dick one day. "I'd like to visit
that old Sobber homestead and see how it looks."

"I've often thought of that," answered Sam. "Wonder how we can manage
it?"

The matter was talked over in Larry's presence, and the cadet who owned
the sloop said they might make the trip in that craft, provided the
master of Putnam Hall would give them the desired permission.

"We'll ask Captain Putnam at once," declared Dick.

Permission was granted to leave Putnam Hall early on the following
Saturday morning, provided the weather was clear, and it was arranged
that the party should consist of the three Rover boys, Larry, Fred and
Songbird. The captain said he preferred that they come back Saturday
night, but they could remain away over Sun