CHAPTER XXX 

THE ENEMY RUNS AWAY 

In a very few minutes Dave and his chums were on the way to find Merwell and Jasniff. As the party walked along Hooker Montgomery told more about his dealings with the rascally students. It was plain to Dave that the so-styled doctor had been nothing but a weak tool, and in a way the youth had to pity the poor wretch whom dissipation had so dragged down. 

In less than five minutes the party arrived at a small residence set well back in a garden. The walk was unshoveled, and they had to pick their way through the snow. When they rang the doorbell a tall, thin elderly woman answered their summons. 

"Good-evening, Mrs. Slater," said Hooker Montgomery. "I'd like to see Mr. Merwell and Mr. Jasniff." 

"They have gone," was the sharp answer, and Mrs. Slater looked as if she wished to shut the door in the faces of the callers. 

"When will they be back?" 

"They won't be back." 

"Will you kindly tell me where they have gone?" questioned Dave. 

"Who are you?" And the woman eyed Dave suspiciously. 

"My name is David Porter, and I wish to see Merwell and Jasniff very much." 

"Porter! Then you must be that young villain Link told me about--the one who made so much trouble for him out on the ranch!" exclaimed Mrs. Slater. "Well, you can't see Link, or his friend. They have gone, and they won't be back." 

"Have they gone to Rockville Academy?" 
was the walk clean?
The walk was unshoveled, 