Of course there were exceptions; where would there not be in a crowd of nearly a hundred?  There were pupils there who were morose by nature, those who seldom or never smiled, and there were likewise half a dozen of the Dan Baxter order —­ bullies and worse.  We shall see more of all these characters as our tale progresses.

“I wonder if Tom is going to get any supper?” said Dick to his younger brother.

“If they don’t give him any, I’ll raise a kick, Dick.”

“So will I.”

“Silence at the table!” came in the sharp tones of Josiah Crabtree, who presided over the particular board at which the Rovers had been placed.

“I was only wondering if my brother was going to get any supper,” returned Sam boldly.

“Silence!  I will take care of that.”

In the midst of the meal a newcomer appeared at the doorway to the messroom.  It was Dan Baxter.

“Well, Baxter, how is this?” asked Mr. Strong, the teacher nearest to him.

“I — I was carried to Bar Landing,” answered the bully sheepishly.

“Bar Landing?  Then you were on the afternoon boat from Ithaca?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How did you come to be carried past Cedarville?”

“I — er —­ fell asleep on the trip.”

“Indeed!  Well, when next you travel you had better try to keep awake,” was George Strong’s comment, and a titter passed along the table, which made Dan Baxter very angry.

“Sit down here.  Alexander, help Baxter to some supper.”

“Yes, sah,” came from the waiter; and no more was said.  Presently Baxter caught sight of Dick at the table opposite, and he looked daggers at the youth.  “He’s got it in for me,” thought Dick; and he was right.

The supper at an end, the pupils were allowed two hours to themselves —­ one hour outdoors if they wished it, or both hours in the reading room, which was well supplied with books and all of the best magazines.  The newcomers went out in a bunch, and Captain Harry Blossom accompanied them.

“I’ll show you the gymnasium, if you wish to see it,” he said.

“I would like to know something about Tom,” replied Dick.  “Where have they placed him?”

“Undoubtedly in the guardroom.”

“Where is that?”

“Do you see that window over there?” and Captain Harry pointed with his hand.

“Yes,” came from Dick and Sam together.

“Well, that’s the window to the place.”

“I wonder if I can’t talk to my brother?” went on Dick.

“It’s against the rules to talk to a prisoner.”

“Well, I’m going to talk anyway,” said Dick with a recklessness which was unusual to him.  “I want to find out just what they are doing with him.”

“I guess I had best leave this crowd,” remarked the young captain of Company A.

Dick was about to ask why, when Sam nudged him on the arm.  “Let him go,” whispered the younger brother.