“I only hope he gets the rascal, whoever he is.”

“Wonder if it can be one of the cadets?” mused Andy.

“I don’t know.  It is either some cadet or else one of the hired help.  But it is an awful state of affairs,” answered Jack.

“By the way, Jack, how about the new election of officers?” said Pepper, a little later.  “Going to try for the majorship again?”

“No.  Why should I?  I’ve been major long enough.  I believe in giving the other fellows a show.”

“Who, for instance?”

“Well, I’d like to see Bart Conners made major.  He’s one of the best soldiers we have, and he keeps Company B up to the scratch.”

“Bart is all right.  But what about the other fellows?”

“Well, I am not so anxious about the captaincies.  Let the best fellows win.”

“I think Reff Ritter would like to be a captain or major.”

“He never will be—­he can’t get the support.  Why, hardly any of the cadets go with Reff any more.  Even Paxton seems to have dropped him.  About the only close friend he has is Gus Coulter.”

“Maybe the boys have dropped him because his father is no longer rich.”

“No, I don’t think that, for quite a number of the cadets are far from rich and yet they are considered good fellows.  It’s Ritter’s ways.  He is too domineering.  The fellows won’t stand for his bullying manner.”

“When does the election take place?”

“The tenth day of December—­a week from next Wednesday.”

“And you are sure you don’t want to run again, Jack?”

“Yes, quite sure, Pepper.  You can run if you want to.”  And the young major smiled broadly.

“Not for me!” cried The Imp.  “I’d rather have my fun.  And, by the way, I’ve got an idea for some fun with old Crabtree,” he added suddenly.

“What is it?” questioned Andy, eagerly.

Pepper closed one eye suggestively.

“Just you wait and see,” he answered.  “Crabtree is going to wake up to a big surprise some morning—­and when he does, well, maybe he’ll stop chewing his victuals for awhile!”

CHAPTER XVIII

A CURIOUS MEETING

As the cadets were good walkers it did not take them long to cover the distance to Cedarville.  They stopped at a shoe store, and at a candy store for some chocolates, and then started for the postoffice.

“I guess Jack is looking for a letter from his best girl,” remarked Pepper, with a grin.

“Maybe you’re looking for a letter yourself,” returned the young major.

“No such luck,” and The Imp heaved a deep sigh.  “None of the girls ever write to me.”

“Rats!” came from Andy.  “I saw you get a letter from Flossie Ford only a few days ago.”

“I am looking for a check from dad,” said Jack.  “I want it to buy Christmas presents with.”

“So early?”