CHAPTER XXVII 

LOOKING FOR CLUES 

Having sent their message to the Fords, the two cadets turned in the direction where the farmer had said the constable lived. 

"I don't think old Plodders will be able to do a thing," said Jack. "He'll look wise and ask a lot of questions, and that's all." 

A block had been covered when they saw the farmer and the constable approaching. On his breast Jed Plodders had pinned a bright, silver star, and he carried a policeman's club in his hand. 

"There they are!" cried Isaac Fasick. 

"Is them the cadets?" queried the guardian of the peace. 

"That's two of 'em. The other two said they'd stay an' watch the house." 

"Stop!" cried the constable, and pointed his club at the cadets. 

"Are you Constable Plodders?" questioned Jack. 

"That's who I be," was the stern reply. "Now then, out with it, young fellers. You broke into Mr. Ford's house, didn't you? Now, don't try to fool me, fer it won't wash! You broke into the house, and Mr. Fasick ketched you at it, didn't he?" And the constable cast what was meant for an eagle eye on Jack and then on Fred. He had made up his mind that he would surprise both of the boys into a confession. 

The two cadets stared in wonder at the constable, and then a smile came into Jack's face. The situation was so ludicrous he felt like laughing. Jed Plodders saw the smile and frowned deeply. 

"This ain't no laughing matter, you scamp!" he bellowed. "You broke into the Ford house an' tried to steal the silverware! Now don't try to deny it, or it will be the wuss fer you! You done it now, didn't you?" And he pointed his club at first one cadet and then the other.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. What was the destination to which the message was being sent?
2. Where was the message headed off to?
3. Where was the message going?
Q2:
1. Where are the cadets going?
2. Where are the cadets headed?
3. What direction are the cadets travelling in?
Q3:
1. How far did the cadets get before being discovered?
2. How far had the cadets travelled before they were found?
3. What distance had the cadets traveled before being discovered by the farmer and the constable?
Q4:
1. Who was wearing a policeman's uniform?
2. Who was disguised as a policeman?
3. Who had put on the clothing of a policeman?
Q5:
1. Is the constable trying to get the cadets to stop?
2. Does the constable make an attempt to stop the cadets?
3. Does the constable attempt to get the cadets to halt?
Q6:
1. What accusation is made against the cadets?
2. What are the cadets accused of?
3. What are the cadets believed to have done?
Q7:
1. Who caught the cadets?
2. Who were the cadets caught by?
3. What was the name of the man that caught the cadets red handed?
Q8:
1. Who attempted to supress a laugh?
2. Who was trying not to chuckle?
3. Who felt like laughing and was trying not to?
Q9:
1. What did the cadets attempt to take from Mr. Ford's?
2. What did the cadets break into Mr. Ford's to steal?
3. What were the cadets attempting to lift from Mr. Ford's?
Q10:
1. What was the constable pointing at the cadets?
2. What did the constable point in the direction of the two cadets?
3. What weapon did the constable wield in the cadets' direction?
