Part 43 (1/2)

”Does this train go to Oakdale?” he asked, of one of the hands.

”Yes, but it isn't a pa.s.senger train,” was the reply.

”Can't you take me along?” questioned Dave. ”I wish to get to Oakdale very much, and without delay.”

The train hand looked Dave over by the light of his lantern. He saw that the youth was no tramp.

”All right, get in the caboose,” he said. ”But it will cost you a smoke.”

”I haven't any cigars, but you can buy yourself some,” answered Dave, and pa.s.sed over a quarter of a dollar, which the train hand pocketed with satisfaction.

Soon the train was under way, and in less than half an hour they reached the siding at Oakdale, and there Dave jumped off. By his watch the lad saw that it was three o'clock Sunday morning. Without delay he struck off on foot for the school.

As he hurried on he wondered what he had best do on arriving at Oak Hall. Should he rouse up Doctor Clay and tell the master the whole story, or would it be better to say nothing and await developments?

”If I say anything there will be a great hullabaloo, but it won't prove anything,” he reasoned. ”Merwell and Jasniff will deny everything, and so will s.h.i.+me, and that fake doctor might take it into his head to sue me for slander. No, I'll fight my own battles, and see if I can't corner them on my own hook. But I'll tell Phil and Roger.”

Arriving at the school grounds, Dave wondered how he was going to get in without being observed. He tried all the doors, to find each locked.

”If I ring the bell I'll have to explain matters,” he said to himself.

”I'll see if I can't rouse up some of the fellows.”

He walked around to the window of No. 11, and threw several handsful of gravel up against the gla.s.s. At first there was no response, but presently the window was raised, and Roger's head appeared.

”Is that you, Dave?” asked the senator's son, in a low voice.

”Yes, Roger. Will you slip down and let me in.”

”Sure thing. Will the side door do?”

”Yes.”

No more was said, and the window was closed. Dave hurried to the door mentioned, and a moment later Roger opened it, and he entered. Then both hurried upstairs, making as little noise as possible.

”What kept you so long?” asked the senator's son, while Dave was undressing.

”I'll tell you and Phil in the morning,” was Dave's reply. ”I've got a yarn to spin you will hardly believe.” And then he went to bed. But it was a long time before he was able to drop asleep, and then his dreams were little short of a nightmare.

It was not until Sunday afternoon that Dave got a chance to tell his two chums the particulars of what had occurred. They listened with keen attention to all he said, and the face of each plainly expressed his amazement.

”That's the worst ever!” was Roger's comment. ”What were they going to do with you, Dave?”

”I don't know.”

”I believe it was some deep-laid plot,” said Phil. ”Your getting away spoiled it all.”

”For them, yes,--but not for me,” answered Dave, with something of a grin. ”I don't know what I escaped, but I am mighty glad I got away.”

”What about your bicycle?” asked the senator's son. ”Aren't you going to try to get that back?”