“I got scared when you didn’t come to your senses,” he said. “I didn’t mean to do nuthin’ but knock you into the road an’ take the things.”
“Well, that was enough,” said Andy, grimly. “But I must say I am thankful I wasn’t killed.”
“These men are all rascals,” said Rossmore Ford. “They are petty thieves, and they have terrorized the women and children for several miles around. We’ll see to it that they all get what they deserve.” And it may be added here that every one of the tramps was sent, later on, to jail. At the camp were found ample proofs of how they had been robbing not only henroosts and sheepfolds, but also houses and barns. The butcher and the farmers were glad to see the rascals rounded up, and the deputy sheriff was proud of the part he had played in the affair.
“We’ll look out for your things,” said the deputy to Andy. “And as soon as we get them we’ll let you know.”
It was not deemed necessary for the cadets to help get the tramps to the Cedarville lock-up and so, after bidding the men good-bye, the boys started off in the direction where the new camp of the school runaways was to be located.
“I’ll wager Reff Ritter was mad when he found the horse and wagon and all those things gone,” said Pepper.
“He’ll do his best to find our new camp,” answered Jack. “Perhaps he’ll want to fight next.”
“If he does, I reckon we can give him all he wants,” said Andy.
The sky was much overcast and it looked as if it might rain at any moment. This caused the cadets to increase their speed, and soon they were past the spot where the first camp had been located.
“Hello, look there!” cried Pepper, presently, and pointed among the trees.
“It’s Gus Coulter!” answered another cadet “What is he doing here?”
“They must be looking for us already,” exclaimed Jack.
All ran up to Coulter, to learn that he was alone—some others who had been with him having scattered to look for the new camp of the crowd under the young major.
“See here, Coulter, I want to talk to you!” cried Jack, grabbing the cadet by the arm. “Come here, boys!” he added, to his friends.
Thus caught alone, Coulter was much frightened and when the young major began to talk to him he trembled in every limb.
“About a certain talk you had with Reff Ritter.”