“Now, what is this plan of yours, Pep?” questioned Jack, on the way back to Putnam Hall.
“Make Carey a prisoner somewhere and scare him into giving up the bracelet,” was the prompt answer. “I am sure we can do it, for I feel he must be a coward at heart.”
“But he will not be likely to have the bracelet with him.”
“That is true,” put in Andy. “But we can fix that by making him give up something else—his watch, for instance,—to be exchanged for the bracelet later.”
“I suppose it could be done,” mused Jack. “But it would be a ticklish proceeding, for he might have us arrested.”
“Not if we were masked. Hurrah, that is the way to do it! We’ll wear masks and gowns, and scare him out of his wits—make him think the Whitecaps or Klu Klux Klan are after him.”
This proposal suited everybody, and the three boys decided to carry out their plan as soon after the bicycle race as possible.
The day for the proposed race dawned cloudily and up to noon the cadets were doubtful if they would be able to go out—it looked so much like rain. But by one o’clock the sun was shining brightly and their spirits revived.
Ten cadets who had wheels were sent out ahead, to station themselves about two miles apart on the course. They were to keep tally of every rider and see to it that nothing was done contrary to the rules laid down.
The contestants lined up in front of the Hall in fine style. Then came a pistol shot, and off they went in a manner that elicited much cheering.
“Take it easy, boys, twenty miles is a long distance to cover!”
So the cries ran on as the bicyclists sped down the roadway, their safeties gleaming brightly in the sunlight. Everybody was in fine condition, and the race promised to prove a spirited one. Each racer wore a blue sweater with the letters P. H. on the breast.
Jack, Andy and Pepper started in a bunch, directly after the leaders. Not far away were Ritter, Coulter and Paxton. They kept close behind our friends for all of a mile.
“I guess they want us to set the pace for them,” cried Pepper.
“Well, we can do it,” answered Andy. “Pump up, fellows, we want to break some records to-day.” And he spurted ahead.
Jack and Pepper were not to be left behind, and they speedily caught up to the acrobatic youth. Than another mile was covered and they passed the first of the guards along the road.