peared.

"What's up now? What are you in such a hurry for?"

"Get your overcoat and hat, and come on. We are going to the Stanhopes
for the night. Here, Tubbs, is some supper," and Dick passed over what
he had in the napkins, while Tom did the same.

"Thanks," said the rich boy. "But--but must I stay here alone?"

"I don't think we can take you along," answered Dick. "But you want to
be careful. Old Grinder is as mad as a hornet. He was going to cane me
for helping you two. Come, Sam, there is no time to waste. Tubbs, you
had better let Fred Garrison know where you are. He's all right."

In a moment more Dick, Tom, and Sam were in their own room and putting
on their heavy overcoats and their hats. They lost no time, and as they
heard Jasper Grinder coming up one flight of stairs they ran down
another pair leading into the kitchen.

Here the servants, directed by Mrs. Green, were putting away what was
left of the students' supper.

"Oh, dear!" burst out the matron, on catching sight of the boys. "What
do you want here?"

"Good-by, Mrs. Green," said Dick. "Tell the captain when he comes that
we were driven away from the school by Mr. Grinder, and that we'll
return as soon as we learn that he is back." And before the housekeeper
could answer they opened the kitchen door and ran outside.

It was a dark night and the air was filled with snow, some of which was
already sifting lazily downward. But they knew the way well, so the want
of light did hot bother them. They crossed the parade ground on a run
and made directly for the road leading to the Stanhopes' cottage.

"I reckon it will be quite a surprise for Mrs. Stanhope and Dora," said
Tom, after they had told Sam of what had happened in the school-room.
"They won't be looking for us."

"I know they'll treat us well," said Dick.

"To be sure they will--especially after all we did for them on the
Lakes," put in Sam. "But let me tell you, I am curious to know how this
thing is going to end."

"I think Mr. Grinder will get the worst of it," returned Tom
confidently. "He must know he was doing wrong to put you in that icy
storeroom and poor Tubbs in the stone cell. How did you make out with
Tubbs in the closet?"

"Oh, he became quite friendly, and we decided to let the past drop. I
promised I wouldn't call him Tubby any more."

"That's fair," came from Dick. "He isn't such a bad sort."

On and on hurried the boys. The road was a somewhat lonely one, with
sev