modeled his school somewhat after that famous government
institution. When the school was first organized the Rover boys did not
go there, but a number of other bright and lively lads did, and what
these cadets accomplished has already been related in a line of stories
called "The Putnam Hall Series," starting with "The Putnam Hall Cadets."
These lads had some awful quarrels with the head assistant, Josiah
Crabtree, and they were glad when the Rovers appeared and made it so hot
for Crabtree that he had to leave. George Strong was now first assistant
in place of Crabtree, and the cadets found him a teacher after their own
heart.

"Hurrah! here are the Rovers!" was the cry from the campus. "Welcome
back!"

"Boys, I am glad to see you again," came from Captain Putnam, as he
appeared at the front door and shook hands. "From what I have heard you
have had rather strenuous times during the past vacation."

"That is true, Captain," answered Dick. "I am glad to get back here."

"So am I glad," came from Tom and Sam, and all shook hands. Then the
boys were told to go to the mess hall, where a hot supper awaited them.
Here Mrs. Green met them with her round, ruddy and smiling face.

"It's wonderful stories I've heard of you," said the matron. "I declare,
you'll have to go into a museum!"

"Not until after supper anyhow," answered Tom, dryly. And then everybody
present laughed.

The supper over, the boys went up to their dormitory, and here as many
of the cadets as could crowded in, to talk over the doings of the past
vacation. Larry Colby had spent the time on the coast of Maine, and
George Granbury had been to the Thousand Islands and to Montreal.

"Yes, Crabtree is in Canada," said George. "I met him in Montreal, and I
can tell you, he looked seedy enough."

"Well, he deserves to be seedy," was Dick's comment. He could not forget
how the former teacher had endeavored to hypnotize the widow Stanhope
into marrying him, so that he could gain possession of the money she was
holding in trust for Dora.

Of course all the boys wanted to know about Dan Baxter, for he had been
a leading character at the Hall for many years. Some shook their heads
at the idea of the former bully reforming.

"It will be the greatest surprise I ever heard of," was Larry's comment.

"He'll do it--mark my words," said Dick.

"Let us hope so," said George.

"Well, it would seem that Putnam Hall is not to suffer for the want of a
bully," came