Part 48 (1/2)

By Wednesday the storm cleared away, and the air became clear and bracing. Word was sent in from Rockville that, unless another storm followed, the ice on the river would be cleared off for the game of hockey as scheduled.

”Well, we must get into practice,” said Dave, and that very afternoon a portion of the river near the Oak Hall boathouse was sc.r.a.ped clear, and the seven got to work, under the eyes of Mr. Dodsworth and Andrew Dale.

”Rockville will do its best to win,” said Roger. ”If for no other reason than to wipe out the football defeat.”

”And we must do our best to down 'em!” cried Dave.

”I am going for a sleigh ride to-morrow,” announced Phil. ”I've hired a big sleigh from Oakdale, and I want the whole bunch to go.”

”Bully for Phil!” cried Ben. ”A sleigh ride will suit me first-rate.”

”Where will you go?” asked Shadow.

”I thought of going to Hopperville and back. That is about as far as we can go between four o'clock and ten. I'll telephone to the Hopperville Hotel to have supper ready for us.”

”Phil, you're a brick!” cried Roger.

”Will the doctor let us go?” asked Ben.

”Yes, I asked him before I hired the sleigh.”

The thought of a sleigh ride was a pleasant one, and Phil had little difficulty in making up a party of eight, including Roger, Dave, and Ben.

”It will be moonlight,” said Dave. ”And that will make the riding extra fine.”

It was a merry crowd that climbed into the big sleigh on the following afternoon. The turnout was filled with straw, so that they might keep warm, and was drawn by four good horses.

”Now then, let her go!” cried Phil, and the driver cracked his whip, and they were off, the envy of all the students who had been left behind.

The road to Hopperville lay through Oakdale and Rockville, and as each town was pa.s.sed the boys set up a cheer and blew the horns that had been brought along. Some folks cheered them in return, and just as they were leaving the town where the military academy was located, some cadets rushed from around a corner and pelted them with s...o...b..a.l.l.s.

”Never mind!” yelled Roger, as he dodged. ”You'll get yours next Sat.u.r.day!”

It was dark by the time Hopperville was reached and all of the boys were glad enough to jump out of the sleigh and go into the hotel to warm up before sitting down to supper. The horses and the turnout were taken around to the stables.

The hotel was located on a corner, and across the side street was another hotel--a resort that did not bear a particularly good reputation. It had a bar attached to it, and it was whispered that sporty men often went to the resort to gamble.

The reading-room of one hotel faced the other, and as Dave, Roger, and Phil entered one apartment they noticed that the one across the way was lit up, and that the window curtains had not been lowered. Then Dave gave a sudden cry of surprise.

”Look at that man over there, Phil!”

”Why, it is Doctor Montgomery!” answered the s.h.i.+powner's son.

”Montgomery!” cried Roger. ”I thought he had cleared out from these parts.”

”I am going over to talk to him,” said Dave.

”Want us to go along?” came from both of the others.

”You might as well.”