deal, if vigorously
applied.

Tom could not help but grin. Dick was almost as tall as the
school-teacher, and probably just as strong, and the idea of a caning
appeared ridiculous in the extreme.

Caning was not allowed at Putnam Hall, but evidently Jasper Grinder
meant to take matters in his own hands.

"Richard Rover, come up here," he thundered.

"What for, sir?"

"To receive the punishment you so richly deserve."

"Mr. Grinder, you haven't any right to cane me. It's against Captain
Putnam's rules."

"I don't care for the rules--I mean, you have acted in such an
outrageous manner that I must do whatever I think necessary to uphold
law and order."

"I am willing to stand whatever punishment Captain Putnam sees fit to
inflict. But I shall not take a caning from you."

"Won't you? We'll see."

As Jasper Grinder spoke he leaped from the platform and strode rapidly
toward the spot where Dick was standing.

The eldest Rover did not budge, but remained where he was, eying the
enraged school-teacher determinedly.

"Don't you dare to strike!" he said warningly, as the cane was raised
over his head.

"I will!" cried Jasper Grinder, and was about to bring the cane down
with all force when Tom caught it from behind and wrenched it from his
grasp.

CHAPTER VI.

NEWS OF AN OLD ENEMY.

Dick had not intended that the cane should hit him. He was prepared to
dodge. But he wanted to make certain that Jasper Grinder would really
try to carry out his ill-advised threat.

"Hi! give me that cane!" cried the schoolmaster, as he whirled around.

"I shall not," answered Tom, and began to run down one of the aisles to
the door.

Instantly Jasper Grinder made after him. But the boys had gathered in a
crowd, and it was with difficulty that the man could get through.

As Tom ran for one door Dick ran for another, and it was not long before
both met in a hallway leading to the mess hall and the dormitories.

"Dick, what shall we do next?" questioned Tom. "We can't stay here,
that's certain."

"We'll get out," answered Dick. "I think Mrs. Stanhope will keep us all
night."

"And if she won't, I know the Lanings will," said Tom, with a grin.

"We must let Sam know," went on Dick. "He can go along. I shan't come
back until Captain Putnam returns."

"Right you are."

Up the stairs they rushed, and into the dormitory where Sam and Tubbs
were in hiding.

"Sam!" called Dick, and the youngest Rover at once ap