everybody at the military academy
was eager to get all the details possible.

"It's the worst calamity that ever happened around here," said Will
Hendry, the stoutest boy in the school, and who was generally called
Fatty. Hendry had started to leave the school grounds shortly after
the others had gone, but had been stopped by Captain Dale.

"It looks to me as if it was the work of German sympathizers," said
Major Ralph Mason, who was the cadet at the head of the school
battalion. Ralph was the oldest student at the Hall, and one who was
greatly liked by everybody.

"Ralph, what do you think about our getting into this war in Europe?"
questioned Randy. During off hours the young officer was always
addressed by the Rovers by his first name, although during school
hours and when on parade they invariably addressed the young major by
his official title.

"I'm glad we've got into it at last," returned Ralph Mason. "My father
thinks we should have gotten into it long ago. I only wish one thing,"
he added wistfully.

"And I know what that is!" cried Jack. "You wish you were old enough
to volunteer for the army or the navy!"

"If we were all older what a grand company of volunteers the
Government could get out of Colby Hall," said Randy. "I'll wager more
than half of the fellows would want to go."

"I'm certain fellows like Codfish wouldn't want to go," remarked Fred.

He referred to one of the younger boys, Henry Stowell by name, a lad
who was a good deal of a sneak and who in time past had been a toady
to Brown and Martell. On account of the great width of his mouth,
Stowell was usually called Codfish.

"If you fellows will keep a secret, I'll tell you something," remarked
Ralph Mason, lowering his voice. "I just heard of this a while ago."

"What is it, Ralph?" questioned Jack quietly.

"Will you fellows keep it to yourselves until it becomes public
property?" asked the young major anxiously.

"Sure!" was the prompt response.

"I overheard the talk quite by accident while I was in the library.
Colonel Colby was talking to Professors Grawson and Brice. He stated
that he intended to leave the Hall under the management of Captain
Dale."

"You mean Colonel Colby is going away?" questioned Fred. "Where to?"

"He has offered his services to the Government."

"Hurrah for the colonel! I knew he'd do something like that!" cried
Randy.

"Do you know whether his offer has been accepted?" questioned Jack.

"Of c