Lemm," announced Jack, as he allowed
his cousins and their chums to read the letter.

"He's certainly a sweet-natured man," was Andy's comment. "He's real
charitable and kind, isn't he?" and this brought forth a smile from the
others.

"What do you think he'll do?" questioned Fred.

"I don't believe he'll do anything," answered Jack. "Fellows who write
such anonymous communications are usually cowards. Old Lemon belongs in
the class with Slugger, Nappy & Company."

The heavy snowstorm cleared away as rapidly as it had come, and the wind
blew the snow from large sections of the lake, so that the cadets could
once more enjoy themselves skating.

"Let's skate up to Clearwater Hall and see the girls," suggested Jack at
the first opportunity; and this was agreed to readily by all of the
crowd.

They found the girls of Clearwater Hall on the ice, watching out for
them, and soon the cadets and the girls were enjoying themselves
thoroughly.

"You must tell me all about the fire and about how Professor Lemm
happened to leave the Hall," said Ruth, as she skated away with Jack.

"I'll do that," he answered. "But you must keep a good part of what I'm
going to tell you a secret--at least for the present," he added, and
then gave the particulars of the joke which had been played on the
disliked teacher. Then he told of what had occurred at the gymnasium.

"Oh, Jack! do you really think Slugger and Nappy and that little Codfish
set the gymnasium on fire?" cried the girl.

"I think they did, Ruth--although, of course, it was by accident."

"What dreadful boys they must be getting to be," sighed the girl.

She had quite a few things to tell about happenings at the Hall, and
also mentioned what she intended to do during the Christmas holidays.

"I wish you were coming down to New York," said Jack. "I'd like first
rate to have you meet my Sister Martha and my Cousin Mary."

"Perhaps I shall get down there some time, Jack. Are you going to stay
at home during all of the holidays?"

"No. We have been planning to stay at home about a week, and then, if we
can arrange it, we want to visit Snowshoe Island and do a little hunting
before school opens again."

"Then you're going to accept old Uncle Barney's invitation!"

"That's the idea, Ruth. You don't mind, do you?" and the oldest Rover
boy looked anxiously at his companion.

"Not at all. In fact, I'm rather glad to hear of your going to the
island. It may give you a cha