"Better not say anything about his loss for the present," advised Captain Putnam. "I will have a man sent out to make another search."
The accidents to Andy and to Major Jack put something of a damper on the arrival for the term, and a jollification that had been scheduled for that night was indefinitely postponed. Captain Putnam questioned the cadets concerning the actions of Roy Bock and his cronies, and then sent a stiff letter to the head of Pornell Academy.
When Reff Ritter heard about the accidents he shrugged his shoulders and tossed his head.
"That's what they get for crowding us out of the carryall," he said to Coulter and Paxton, who roomed with him.
"Yes, and it serves 'em right," grumbled Coulter.
It was not until two days later that Andy Snow felt like himself again. No bones had been broken, but the acrobatic youth had received a shaking up that was severe.
So far he had not been told of his loss, and when he asked for his belongings he was much depressed by the news.
"Couldn't find them anywhere?" he repeated, to Pepper. "Oh, are you sure you made a good search?"
"We certainly did, Andy," returned Pepper. "We went back the next day, early in the morning."
"Only this button and lead pencil, and this buckle."
"The pencil is mine, but not the button and the buckle." Andy heaved a sigh. "Then I am out my watch and chain, the stickpin, and eight dollars! Was there ever such luck!"
"Andy, was anybody near you when you had the tumble?" asked Pepper.
"Near me? Why, yes, there was a man on the road just ahead of me! I had forgotten all about it until now."
"I don't know. A tall fellow, with a thin, leathery face."
"No, he looked more like a city man. He had on a regular sack suit and a derby hat."
"I was thinking that possibly somebody robbed you while you were unconscious."
"Perhaps that is so, Pep. I'd like to see that man."
"Would you know him if you saw him again?
"I don't know about that. I didn't have much time to look at him. I was busy trying to escape being hit by the tree branches."
"You must have been lying on the road five or ten minutes before we found you," pursued Pepper. "If that stranger was a rascal he would have had plenty of time to go through your pockets. I don't see how riding could make you lose all those things at once."