"I did not know that Polo knew any of the boys who go to that school," I said, much puzzled.
"I don't believe she does," Mr. Mudge replied, "but Terwilliger, the trainer there, is her brother, and he hasn't the best record that was ever known. He was a jockey in England, but outgrew that profession, and has been a little of everything since. He came over to this country on the Earl of Cairngorm's yacht. He was associated shortly after with a noted pickpocket called Limber Tim, and some months since was sent with him to the Island to serve a term of imprisonment for participation in a confidence swindle. All of which, you see, has a rather damaging look for your friend Lawn Tennis. What I would like to know is, how he ever came to get the position of trainer at the Cadet School."
"The boys seem to be very fond of him," I ventured.
"Naturally; it was his training which has just won the school this event. Did you notice that young swell, Fitz Simmons, give him a greenback as soon as the victory was assured. I have not been able to discover yet whether Terwilliger has renewed his friendship with Limber Tim. If he has, it is more than likely that they are the two unknown boys who introduced themselves into your school on the night of your party."
"Has Adelaide shown you her brother's letters?" I asked. "We think that the young man who leads the applause and Rosario Ricos's brother are the scamps."
"That supposition might be entertained provided it had been only a boyish caper; but the two robberies can hardly be attributed to these young gentlemen."
I groaned. So our poor Polo was beginning to be "shadowed." She had told us with such delight, a few days before this, that she had found her brother. He had been away from New York for two years, but had left no stone unturned on his return in his search for them. He had a kind friend who had secured him a fine position, and she was so happy. The good news had nearly cured her mother.
I was drawn from my reverie by Adelaide's announcement that the time had come for the one mile safety bicycle race for boys under fifteen, in which Jim was to take part. This was the great event of the day for us. There were two entries from the Cadet School--Jim and Ricos.