ts thanked the farmer for his information, and lost no time in
following his directions. Soon they came out on the other highway, and
then started forward as rapidly as their somewhat weary legs would
permit.

When they reached the vicinity of Colby Hall Jack found, by again
consulting his watch, that they were almost three-quarters of an hour
late.

"Let's see if we can't slide in without any of the teachers seeing us,"
suggested Andy.

"Oh, I don't know that we've got to do that, Andy," returned Jack. "We
haven't done anything wrong."

"Well, we are late, and you know some of the teachers won't stand for
that."

"We had permission to go hunting, and we couldn't help it getting lost
up there in the woods," answered his twin.

They were just about to enter one of the side doors of the Hall, when it
was flung open and they found themselves confronted by one of the
younger teachers, accompanied by Professor Lemm. They stepped to one
side to let the teachers pass.

"Yes, as I remarked before, Tompkins, unless you have strict discipline
in that class----" Asa Lemm was saying, when, of a sudden, he happened
to glance at the cadets and recognized the Rovers. "What are you doing
here? Where have you been?" he demanded, coming to an abrupt halt.

"We've been out hunting, sir," answered Jack.

"Hunting, eh?" And as was usual with him, Asa Lemm drew down the corners
of his mouth.

"We had permission from Colonel Colby to go," put in Randy.

"Ah, well, in that case----" Asa Lemm paused for a moment. "Did he say
you could stay out as late as this?" he added suddenly.

"We had permission to stay out until supper time," answered Jack.

"Don't you know it is an hour after that time now, Rover?"

"Three-quarters of an hour, Professor. We might have been on time, only
my cousin here slipped on the rocks and hurt his ankle, and that has
delayed us a little."

"Humph! always some excuse! You boys have got to learn to be on time.
You'll never get through life unless you are punctual. I shall mention
the fact of your being late to Colonel Colby. Now go in at once, and if
you are too late to get anything to eat, it will be your own fault;" and
thus speaking, Asa Lemm moved on with the other teacher.

"Oh, but he's the sourest old lemon that ever grew!" was Andy's comment.

"You never said anything truer than that, Andy," answered his twin.

CHAPTER VII

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING

"Say, fellows, did you ever hear