in alone, but I think after he left the stable he was joined
by another fellow down on the corner."

The Centertown livery-stable keeper had not noticed where Crapsey and
his companion had gone, but thought they had made their way to the
railroad station. It was learned that a train bound for New York City
had left Centertown about an hour later. All came to the conclusion
that Ward Porton and Tim Crapsey had taken this. The train had been
stalled some hours along the road, but had finally reached the Grand
Central Terminal of the metropolis.

"Well, this proves one thing--that Porton and Crapsey got as far as
New York City with the miniatures," said Dave, when he heard the
news.

"Yes, and New York is such a large place, with so many people in it,
that it will be almost impossible for the authorities to trace them
there."

"That's it, Roger--especially when you remember that this happened
some time ago, so that by now the thieves may be in Chicago, San
Francisco, or in London, Paris, or some other far-away place."

At last came the time when Dave and Roger were to go in for the
examination which meant so much to them. They had worked hard, and Mr.
Ramsdell had assisted them in every way possible; yet both were rather
doubtful over the outcome of the affair.

"It isn't going to be like the examinations at Oak Hall," said our
hero. "Mr. Ramsdell admitted that it would be stiff from the word
go."

"I know that," answered the senator's son. "It seems that several
years ago they were a little lax, and, as a consequence, some fellows
slipped through that had no right to pass. Now they have jacked the
examiners up, so that the test is likely to be fierce."

"Oh, Dave! what are you going to do if you don't pass?" cried Jessie,
when he was ready to leave home.

"If I don't pass now, Jessie, I'll simply go at my studies again and
keep at them until I do pass," he answered.

The examination which was held in the city was divided into two parts,
one taking place from ten to twelve in the morning, and the other from
two to five in the afternoon. There were about thirty students
present, and as far as possible each was separated from any friends he
might have on hand, so that Dave sat on one side of the hall in which
the examination occurred and the senator's son sat on the other.

"Well, how did you make out?" questioned Roger of Dave, when the two
went out for their midday lunch.

"I don't know exactly, Roger," was