"Yes, and I'll add that when the swindlers found out I knew the truth, they jumped on a freight-train and ran away."
When the two boys returned to Oak Hall, Gus Plum felt in better spirits than he had for a long time. He returned the money to Dave and thanked him over and over for all he had done. Dave penned the letter to Dodsworth Sadler without delay, and it was posted early Monday morning.
"I hope I get a letter from my uncle to-day," said Dave to Roger. But no communication came, for Dunston Porter had gone to Boston on business, and did not return to Crumville for several days.
The weather was now clear and bright and the wind had swept a good portion of the river clear of snow. As a consequence many of the boys went out skating, while a few brought out the ice-boats they had constructed.
Among the latter affairs was the _Snowbird_, built by two students named Messmer and Henshaw. It was not a handsome craft, but it could make good speed, and that was what the boys wanted.
"Come on for a sail, Dave!" called Henshaw, after school-hours on Tuesday. "It's just grand on the river."
"I was going skating with Roger and Phil," was the reply. "Otherwise I'd like to go first-rate."
"Tell them to come too," said Messmer, a lad who always liked to have company on his rides.
The matter was quickly arranged, and Shadow Hamilton was also included in the party. The ice-boat was rather crowded, but that only added to the sport.
"Hold tight, everybody!" cried Henshaw, as he raised the sail. There was a good, stiff breeze, and in a minute the _Snowbird_ was bowling along in grand style, the students shrieking their delight as they passed their numerous friends on skates.
"Come along and race!" cried Roger, to Sam Day.
"Give me a tow and I will," was the merry reply.
"Be sure to return when you get back!" called out Ben Basswood, and this remark caused a general laugh.
"Do you remember the ice-boat race we had with the Rockville cadets?" said Messmer.
"Yes, and the accident," replied Dave. "We don't want to run into anything again."
"I say, fellows, let us visit that cabin on the island!" cried Roger. "Maybe we'll find out something more about Pud Frodel and that other fellow."
The senator's son referred to a cabin located on a lonely island some distance from Oak Hall. Here it was that the lads had discovered the two robbers with whom Nick Jasniff had been associated, and had given to the authorities the information which had led to the rascals' capture.