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A TRAMP THROUGH THE SNOW
45

and kept their faces hidden. But if they weren't Jasniff and Merwell they were pretty good doubles."

"Jasniff and Merwell," murmured Dave, and his heart sank a little. Here was more underhanded work of his old enemies.

The farmer and the Rockville cadets were anxious to hear the particulars of the happening, and the Oak Hall lads told of what had occurred.

"I know those chaps," said Homer Opper. "They stayed here one night last summer. But they cut up so the boarders didn't like it, so my wife told 'em she didn't have no room for 'em, an' they left. They ought to be locked up."

"They will be locked up, if we can lay hands on them," replied Phil.

"They must have followed us to Squirrel Island, and spied on us," said Shadow. "Ben, you were right about seeing somebody. It must have been either Merwell or Jasniff."

"Have you any idea where they went?" asked the shipowner's son.

"No, they skated away behind an island and that's the last we saw of them," answered Mallory.

"Yes, and I reckon it's the last we'll hear of our things," returned Buster, mournfully. "But come on, let us see about getting back," he continued. "It's 'most time for supper now."