CHAPTER III 

SOMETHING ABOUT A RUNAWAY 

While Dale and Andy ran off to get the water, the other boys gathered around Jack. The young major still lay with his eyes closed, breathing faintly. 

"He got a bad crack on the head," remarked Fred Century. 

"He certainly did," whispered another cadet. "If he doesn't come around what shall we do?" 

"How did the team happen to run away?" questioned Amos Darrison. 

"Some fellows from Pornell Academy threw things at us," explained Pepper. "We'll have an account to settle with 'em for this," he added grimly. 

"Wonder how poor Snuggers made out?" 

"Here he comes now," was the answer, and looking back toward the highway, the cadets saw the driver of the carryall approaching on a swift limp. 

"Did ye stop 'em?" he gasped. "Oh, dear, what a bust-up! But it wasn't my fault--you boys can prove that, can't ye?" 

"We can, Peleg," answered Pepper. "Much hurt?" 

"I got a nasty twist to my back when I tumbled. Say, what's the matter with Major Ruddy?" And the general utility man forgot his own pains as he gazed at the motionless form of Jack. 

The cadets told him, and in the midst of the explanation Dale and Andy came back with a bucket of water and a tin dipper. The major's face was bathed, and a little water was put into his mouth, and with a gulp he opened his eyes and stared around him. 

"Oh, my head!" he murmured. "Who hit me?" 

"You were in the carryall smash-up, Jack," answered Pepper. "You got a bad one on the head." 
who ran off to get water?
Dale and Andy came back with a bucket of water and a tin dipper