all stove wouldn't go bad," suggested Messmer. "It's mighty
cold in here."

"Let us settle down in some hay," suggested Phil. "That will keep us
warm, especially if we shut the doors and windows tight."

The baskets which had been brought along were filled with good things,
and these were speedily passed around. The boys fell to eating with
avidity, for the adventures of the evening had made them hungry. Then
Dave was called upon for a speech.

"I hardly know what to say, fellow-students," he began, after a cheering
and hand-clapping. "You have treated me royally to-night, and I do not
intend to forget your kindness. I am sorry that I am going to leave you,
but you all know what is taking me away----"

"We do, and we hope you'll find your folks," put in Phil.

"So say we all of us!" sang out Henshaw.

"If I am successful in my search perhaps I'll return to Oak Hall before
a great while," continued Dave. "In the meantime I trust you all have
good times, and that you may have no more trouble with our enemies. More
than this, as I expect to be away during the holidays, I wish each one a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

As Dave concluded there was a round of applause, and the club members
drank his health in lemon soda and sarsaparilla. Then some nuts and
raisins were passed around, and all prepared to return to Oak Hall.

"We've got to go in quietly, or else there may be trouble," said Phil.
"Remember, we don't know what Merwell and Poole will do."

There was no trouble, however, for which Dave was thankful, since he
wished to leave the Hall with a clean record. As soon as he reached his
dormitory he went to bed, and so did the other occupants of the
apartment. And thus his schooldays, for the time being, came to an end.

He was up bright and early and by nine o'clock was ready to enter the
sleigh that was to take him to Oakdale station. The boys gathered around
to see him off.

"I wish I was going with you," said Phil. "You must write me regularly."

"I'll do that, Phil. And you must tell me all about what happens here."

"Remember, Dave, I'll join you if I possibly can," said Roger. "Let me
know where I can telegraph or telephone you."

"Sure, Roger, and if you can join me I'll like it first-rate."

An hour later Dave was on the train and speeding towards Crumville. He
had sent word ahead when he would arrive, and at the station he found
the Wadsworth sleigh, with Caspar Potts and Jessie Wadsworth