Dick had expected to pay his respects to Mrs. Stanhope, but now
thought best not to disturb her. All the boys had a short chat
with Dora, and then set out on the return to school.

On the way the three boys discussed the situation, but could get
little satisfaction out of their talk.

"Something is in the wind," was Dick's comment. "But what it is
time alone will reveal."

And he was right, as events in the near future proved.





CHAPTER XIII

THE FIRE AT THE HALL


Sam had been right when he said that Dan Baxter was like his
father. Parent and son were thoroughly bad, but how bad the
Rover boys and their friends were still to learn.

On Saturday the cadets had a half-holiday, and some of them went
over to the lake to fish, Sam and Tom accompanying the party.

While the boys were waiting for bites they espied a large