be spent for liquor, cigars, and for several packs of
cards. All of these things were to be smuggled to the hermit's den
Pender had discovered.

"We can get enough to last us during the encampment," said Flapp. "And
then we can have a good time whenever we wish, and Captain Putnam will
never suspect what is going on."

It did not take the cadets long to reach Oakville, a pretty place
located among the hills. There were a dozen stores, a blacksmith shop,
two churches, and perhaps fifty houses. Beyond were farms in a state of
high cultivation, showing that the inhabitants of that section were
thrifty people.

"This town is about as slow as Cedarville," observed Pender, as they
walked up the single street. "How folks can idle their lives away in
such a place is what gets me."

"They don't know anything of the joys of city life," returned Flapp.
"Some of these people have never seen the inside of a real theater."

As might be expected, the unworthy cadets lost no time in entering one
of the taverns located in Oakville, and here Flapp treated. Then, after
cigars or cigarettes had been lit, they proceeded to buy the things
desired for the den.

"Laying in quite a stock, ain't ye?" said the tavern keeper.

"Oh, we are getting this for the whole crowd," replied Pender
carelessly. "But, say," he added suddenly.

"What is it?"

"We don't want you to say anything about our buying this stuff."

"All right, I'll be mum," answered the tavern keeper.

From the tavern they proceeded to the general store, where they
purchased the packs of cards and a few other things.

While they were making their purchases two girls came in with a market
basket between them. One was tall and thin and the other short and
rather stout. Yet the girls looked very much alike and were noticeably
pretty.

"Fine girls," whispered Flapp to Rockley, nudging his companion in the
ribs.

"Yes," was the answer, and Rockley began to smile openly on the new
arrivals. As the girls did not appear to notice this, he drew closer
and tipped his cap.

"Fine day after the storm," he said smoothly. "Yes, very," said the
taller of the girls, and turned away.

"I suppose you belong in Oakville," put in Lew Flapp, to the smaller
girl.

"Yes," answered the girl, and turned away to join her companion.

"We are up to the camp on Pine Island," went on Rockley, following the
girls up. "Have you ever been there?"

"Once," said the taller girl, and began to pu