seen the last of them, Gus," said Dave, when he
and the big youth had given up the chase.

"Do you really think so?"

"I feel sure of it."

"Maybe they took you for some officer of the law."

"I don't know as to that, but they were thoroughly scared. I don't
believe they will ever show their faces near Oakdale again."

"But they may write to Doctor Clay."

"I shouldn't worry about that, Gus. They will make themselves as scarce
as possible, for they will now know that Dodsworth Sadler is on the
lookout for them."

"Don't you think we ought to let Dodsworth Sadler know about this? I
might write him an anonymous letter."

"You won't have to, Gus. I'll write him a letter, telling of what I
heard. That won't bring you into it at all, and as I had nothing to do
with Blodgett and Volney, those fellows can't hurt me."

"Oh, Dave, what a head you've got for things!" cried the former bully,
admiringly. "I suppose you'll say you simply overheard the talk while
you were in Oakdale."

"Yes, and I'll add that when the swindlers found out I knew the truth,
they jumped on a freight-train and ran away."

When the two boys returned to Oak Hall, Gus Plum felt in better spirits
than he had for a long time. He returned the money to Dave and thanked
him over and over for all he had done. Dave penned the letter to
Dodsworth Sadler without delay, and it was posted early Monday morning.

"I hope I get a letter from my uncle to-day," said Dave to Roger. But no
communication came, for Dunston Porter had gone to Boston on business,
and did not return to Crumville for several days.

The weather was now clear and bright and the wind had swept a good
portion of the river clear of snow. As a consequence many of the boys
went out skating, while a few brought out the ice-boats they had
constructed.

Among the latter affairs was the _Snowbird_, built by two students named
Messmer and Henshaw. It was not a handsome craft, but it could make good
speed, and that was what the boys wanted.

"Come on for a sail, Dave!" called Henshaw, after school-hours on
Tuesday. "It's just grand on the river."

"I was going skating with Roger and Phil," was the reply. "Otherwise I'd
like to go first-rate."

"Tell them to come too," said Messmer, a lad who always liked to have
company on his rides.

The matter was quickly arranged, and Shadow Hamilton was also included
in the party. The ice-boat was rather crowded, but that only added to
the sport.