“Hi! give me that cane!” cried the schoolmaster, as he whirled around.

“I shall not,” answered Tom, and began to run down one of the aisles to the door.

Instantly Jasper Grinder made after him.  But the boys had gathered in a crowd, and it was with difficulty that the man could get through.

As Tom ran for one door Dick ran for another, and it was not long before both met in a hallway leading to the mess hall and the dormitories.

“Dick, what shall we do next?” questioned Tom.  “We can’t stay here, that’s certain.”

“We’ll get out,” answered Dick.  “I think Mrs. Stanhope will keep us all night.”

“And if she won’t, I know the Lanings will,” said Tom, with a grin.

“We must let Sam know,” went on Dick.  “He can go along.  I shan’t come back until Captain Putnam returns.”

“Right you are.”

Up the stairs they rushed, and into the dormitory where Sam and Tubbs were in hiding.

“Sam!” called Dick, and the youngest Rover at once appeared.

“What’s up now?  What are you in such a hurry for?”

“Get your overcoat and hat, and come on.  We are going to the Stanhopes for the night.  Here, Tubbs, is some supper,” and Dick passed over what he had in the napkins, while Tom did the same.

“Thanks,” said the rich boy.  “But—­but must I stay here alone?”

“I don’t think we can take you along,” answered Dick.  “But you want to be careful.  Old Grinder is as mad as a hornet.  He was going to cane me for helping you two.  Come, Sam, there is no time to waste.  Tubbs, you had better let Fred Garrison know where you are.  He’s all right”

In a moment more Dick, Tom, and Sam were in their own room and putting on their heavy overcoats and their hats.  They lost no time, and as they heard Jasper Grinder coming up one flight of stairs they ran down another pair leading into the kitchen.

Here the servants, directed by Mrs. Green, were putting away what was left of the students’ supper.

“Oh, dear!” burst out the matron, on catching sight of the boys.  “What do you want here?”

“Good-by, Mrs. Green,” said Dick.  “Tell the captain when he comes that we were driven away from the school by Mr. Grinder, and that we’ll return as soon as we learn that he is back.”  And before the housekeeper could answer they opened the kitchen door and ran outside.

It was a dark night and the air was filled with snow, some of which was already sifting lazily downward.  But they knew the way well, so the want of light did hot bother them.  They crossed the parade ground on a run and made directly for the road leading to the Stanhopes’ cottage.

“I reckon it will be quite a surprise for Mrs. Stanhope and Dora,” said Tom, after they had told Sam of what had happened in the school-room.  “They won’t be looking for us.”

“I know they’ll treat us well,” said Dick.