The Rover Boys on the River | Page 3

Mountains,
and next made their way to that locality, in midwinter, and obtained a
box containing gold, silver, and precious stones, much to their
satisfaction.
After their outing in the mountains, the boys had expected to return to
Putnam Hall, but a scarlet-fever scare broke out and the institution was
promptly closed. This being the case, Mr. Rover thought it best to
allow his sons to visit California for their health. This they did, and in
the seventh volume of the series, entitled "The Rover Boys on Land
and Sea," I related how Sam, Tom, and Dick were carried off to sea
during a violent storm, in company with Dora Stanhope, already

mentioned, and her two cousins, Nellie and Grace Laning, two
particular friends of Tom and Sam. The whole party was cast away on a
deserted island, and had much trouble with Dan Baxter, who joined
some sailor mutineers. Our friends were finally rescued by a United
States warship which chanced to pass that way and see their signal of
distress.
After reaching San Francisco once more, the Rover boys had returned
to the East, while Dora Stanhope and the Lanings had gone to Santa
Barbara, where Mrs. Stanhope was stopping for her health. The scare at
Putnam Hall was now over, and in another volume of the series, called
"The Rover Boys in Camp," I related how Dick, Tom, and Sam
returned to the military academy again, and took part in the annual
encampment. Here there had been no end of good times and not a little
hazing, the most of which was taken in good part. The boys had made a
new enemy in the shape of a bully named Lew Flapp, who was finally
expelled from the school for his wrong-doings. Dan Baxter also turned
up, but when the authorities got after him he disappeared as quickly as
he had done many times before, leaving his father to his fate, as already
mentioned.
"I don't think we'll be bothered much with Dan Baxter after this," Tom
had said, but he was mistaken, as later events proved.
Rat, tat, tat! Rat, tat, tat! went the drum on the parade ground, and soon
the three companies which comprised the Putnam Hall Battalion were
duly assembled, with Major Larry Colby in command of the whole, and
Dick at the head of Company A, Fred Garrison at the head of Company
B, and Mark Romer leading Company C. In front of all stood Captain
Putnam, the sole owner of the military institution, and George Strong,
his chief assistant.
"The boys certainly make a fine showing, on this last day of our
encampment," said Captain Putnam to his assistant. "And a good deal
of the credit is due to you, Mr. Strong."
"Thank you for saying so, sir," was the answer. "Yes, they look well,
and I am proud of them, Captain Putnam. I believe our military school

will compare favorably with any in the land."
After the drill was over Captain Putnam came forward and made a
rather extended speech, in which he reviewed the work accomplished at
the academy from its first opening, as told by me in another series of
books, entitled "The Putnam Hall Series," starting with "The Putnam
Hall Cadets," down to those later days when the Rover boys appeared
on the scene. He also complimented the cadets on their excellent
showing and trusted they would all have a pleasant vacation during the
summer. This speech was followed by a short address by George
Strong, and then came a surprise when Dick Rover stepped forward.
"Captain Putnam," said he, "in behalf of all the cadets here assembled I
wish to thank you for your kind words, which we deeply appreciate.
"I have been chosen by my fellows to present you with this as a token
of our esteem. We trust it will prove to your liking, and that whenever
you look upon it you will remember us all."
As Dick spoke he brought into view a fair-sized package wrapped in
tissue paper. When unrolled, it proved to be a small figure of a cadet,
done in silver and gold. On the base was the inscription: "From the
Cadets of Putnam Hall, to Their Beloved Head Master, Captain Victor
Putnam."
After that Mr. Strong was presented with a set of Cooper's works and
the other teachers were likewise remembered. More addresses of thanks
followed, and then the battalion was dismissed for dinner.
"It's a fine wind-up for this season's encampment," said Tom, after it
was over. "I don't believe we'll ever have another encampment like it."
"And now, ho, for the rolling river!" cried Sam. "Say, I'm just crazy to
begin that trip on the houseboat."
"So am I," came from both of his brothers. But they might not