"I think Fred Garrison will go," said Sam. "He said he would let me
know as soon as he heard from his parents."

Captain Putnam had expected to begin the march to the Hall by half-past
eight, but there were numerous delays in packing the camping outfit, so
the battalion was not ready for the start until over an hour later.

The cadets were just being formed to start the march when several men
appeared at the edge of the field.

"There's them young soldiers now!" cried one. Come on and find the
rascals!"

"What do you want, gentlemen?" demanded George Strong, who happened to
be near the crowd.

"Who is in charge of this school?" asked one of the men.

"Captain Victor Putnam is the owner. I am his head assistant."

"Well, I'm Josiah Cotton, the constable of White Corners."

"What can I do for you, Mr. Cotton?"

"I'm after a feller named Dick Rover, and his two brothers. Are they
here?"

"They are. What do you want of them?"

"I'm goin' to lock 'em up if they did what I think they did."