"Yours truly,

"Barton Pelter."

"I guess that explains it," said Sam, after he, too, had read the
communication. "He didn't want to face us because of his relationship
to Jesse Pelter."

"I am glad that he doesn't uphold Jesse Pelter in his actions, Sam."

"More than likely he would be glad to come and see us in order to
thank us in person for what we did for him if it were not for his
uncle, and the fact that his uncle has aided him. You know the old
saying, 'You can't bite the hand that feeds you.'"

"I wonder if he is still in Ashton?"

"We might telephone to the hotel and find out."

Later on this was done, and the boys were informed over the wire that
Barton Pelter had left early that morning, taking his automobile with
him.

"Well, only one week more of the grind," remarked Sam one morning on
arising. "Aren't you glad that the closing day is so near?"

"I think I would feel a little better if I knew how I was coming out
with my examinations," returned his brother.