CHAPTER II 

NEWCOMERS AT THE ACADEMY 

"Dan Baxter has escaped!" repeated Dick. "That is news indeed. Does your father give my particulars?" 

"He says it is reported that the jailer was sick and unable to stop Dan." 

"Humph! Then they must have had some sort of a row," put in Tom. "Well, it does beat the nation how the Baxters do it. Don't you remember how Arnold Baxter escaped from the hospital authorities last year?" 

"Those Baxters are as slick as you can make them," said Frank. "I've been thinking if Dan would dare to show himself around Putnam Hall." 

"Not he!" cried Larry. "He'll travel as far can and as fast as he can." 

"Perhaps not," mused Dick. "I rather he will hang around and try to help his father out of prison." 

"That won't help him, for the authorities will be on strict guard now. You know the stable door is always locked after the horse is stolen." 

At this there was a general laugh, and when it ended a loud roll of a drum made the young cadets hurry to the front of the parade ground. 

"Fall in, Companies A and B!" came the command from the major of the battalion, and the boys fell in. Dick was now a first lieutenant, while Tom and Sam were first and second sergeants respectively. 

As soon as the companies were formed they were marched around the Hall and to the messroom. Here they were kept standing in a long fine while George Strong came to the front with half a dozen new pupils. 
Who was that?
Dan Baxter 