at in the future he
Will win success and fame,
And go down in our history
A noble----"

Bang! came the report of a gun, and the shot was so unexpected that
Songbird forgot what he was going to say, and all those at the feast
sprang to their feet. Bang! came a second report.

"What does that mean?" cried Stanley. "Who is firing a gun this time of
night?"

"I think I know what it means!" exclaimed Dick, leaping for the door.
"Come on, if you want to save the _Dartaway_!" he went on, to his
brothers.

CHAPTER XV

A PERILOUS FLIGHT

Without waiting to get a hat or an extra coat, Dick dashed through the
long corridor and down the broad stairs of the dormitory and Tom came at
his heels.

"What's the matter?" cried Spud, grabbing Sam, just as the youngest
Rover boy was about to follow his brothers.

"I'll tell you when we get back," answered Sam. "Don't stop me now,
please, I may be wanted."

"Want any help?" put in Songbird, who for the moment had forgotten what
he was about to recite.

"I don't know--but I guess not."

"We'll go along anyhow," came from Max, and took after Sam, while
several others did the same.

In the meantime Dick and Tom had gained the lower hallway of the
dormitory. The door was fastened, but the key was in the lock and they
soon had the portal open and they leaped outside. Then both started in
the direction of the gymnasium shed.

"See anybody?" cried Tom.

"No, it's too dark," answered Dick. "But that must have been Abner
Filbury's gun."

The two reports from the shotgun had aroused many in various buildings
around the campus, and windows were being raised and heads thrust out.

"What's the trouble?"

"Who fired those shots?"

"Is it a joke?"

"There go two of the Rovers!"

"Are they up to some trick?"

"More than likely. You can't keep Tom Rover quiet."

So the comments ran on, while Dick and Tom sped in the direction of the
shed. As they came closer they received a sudden challenge from the big
doorway.

"Hi! don't you dare to come back here, or I'll shoot you!" The words
were uttered by Abner Filbury, who stood there, shotgun in hand and
lantern by his side.

"Don't shoot!" ordered Dick. "It is I, Dick Rover! What's the trouble?"

"Oh, so it's you, Mr. Rover!" returned the janitor's son, with a sigh
of relief. "I was afraid them pesky rascals was a-coming back."

"What rascals?"

"The fellers as got at the airship wh