Night was coming on by the time they gained the nearest farmhouse.  Here they found three men, to whom they explained the situation.  All of the men smiled grimly.

“If he went into the woods it would be a hard job to trail him,” was the comment from Farmer Mason.  “If he ain’t careful he’ll lose himself so completely he’ll never git out, b’gosh!”

“Well, I don’t know but what that would suit me,” responded Tom dryly.

The search was begun, and several others joined in.  It lasted until night was fairly upon the party and was then given up in disgust.

“It’s no use,” said Dick.  “He has slipped us!”

“But we ought to notify the authorities,” said Tom.  “They will probably put a detective on his track.”

“Yes; but a detective can’t do any more than we can, up in this wild locality.”

“He won’t remain in the woods forever.  He’ll starve to death.”

“Well, we can send the police a telegram from Cedarville.”

This was done, and the Rover boys returned to Putnam Hall by way of the side road leaving past the homes of the Stanhopes and the Lanings.  They found Sam and the girls very anxious concerning their welfare.

“We were afraid you had been shot,” said Dora.  “I am thankful that you escaped.”

“So am I,” put in Sam.  “But it’s too bad that Baxter got away.  I wonder where he will turn up next.”

They all wondered, but could not even venture an answer.  Soon the boys left the girls and hurried to the academy, where their story, had to be told over again.  Captain Putnam looked exceedingly grave over the narrative.

“You must be careful in the future, lads,” he said.  “Remember, you are in my care here.  I do not know what your uncle would say if anything should happen to you.”

“We will be on our guard in the future,” answered Dick.  “But I am awfully sorry we didn’t catch him.”

“So am I. But perhaps the authorities will have better luck,” and there the talk came to an end, and the boys retired for the night.

CHAPTER V

FUN AND AN EXPLOSION

Several days slipped by, and the boys waited anxiously for some news from the authorities.  But none came, and they rightfully surmised that, for the time being, Dan Baxter had made good his escape.

On account of the disastrous ending to the kite-flying match, many had supposed that the feast in Dormitory No. 6 was not to come off, but Sam, Tom, Frank, and several others got their heads together and prepared for a “layout” for the following Wednesday, which would be Dick’s birthday.

“We’ll give him a surprise,” said Sam, and so it was agreed.  Passing around the hat netted exactly three dollars and a quarter, and Tom, Sam, and Fred Garrison were delegated to purchase the candies, cake, and ice cream which were to constitute the spread.