Produced by Al Haines. [Illustration: "One dive, and then you must come out."] *THE ACADEMY BOYS IN CAMP* *BY S. F. SPEAR* LONDON, EDINBURGH, DUBLIN, & NEW YORK THOMAS NELSON AND SONS 1909 *CONTENTS.* I. The Roll-call II. A Costly "Yes" III. Off for Whaleback IV. In Camp V. The Swimming-pool VI. The Fog-storm VII. The Wreck VIII. Anemone Pool IX. A Day of Freedom X. Boys in a Trap XI. The Escape XII. The Missing Boys XIII. On Board the "Una" XIV. Tribulations XV. The Little Cabin XVI. A Wretched Night XVII. A Surprise XVIII. The Greeting XIX. Improving the Time XX. The Two Matches XXI. A Full Day XXII. Tents Down *LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.* "One dive, and then you must come out" . . . . . . _Frontispiece_ "It was a fellow about your size" He pushed open the door and fell upon Joe Away went the basket to the wreck "There, Ben, how does that sound?" he asked The two boys watched the sport Ralph put his hand in the outstretched palm of the teacher "Now! All together!" (missing from book) *THE ACADEMY BOYS IN CAMP.* *CHAPTER I.* *THE ROLL-CALL.* Groups of excited boys were gathered in the school-room of Massillon Academy one morning in June, near the end of the term. So busy were they with their conversation that the bell had sounded twice before they began to disperse, and even then the last words were exchanged as they went to their seats. "Order!" was the stern command from the teacher’s desk. Quiet at once followed, and the roll was called as usual, followed by morning devotions. Then Mr. Bernard came forward to the edge of the platform, and said quietly, "The leaves containing the lesson for the day have been torn from my ’Anabasis,’ and a rumour has reached me that all the class-books have been similarly mutilated. Let those who have thus lost portions of their books stand up." Fifteen boys, the entire class, sprang to their feet as if they had been waiting for the signal--some with a laugh, as if they considered it a good joke; others indignant; and all with an air of excitement and expectation, knowing that the offender was sure to be called to account. Mr. Bernard glanced from face to face with short, sharp scrutiny, and said, without further comment, "Be seated." Taking the large school ledger from the desk, he said, "I will call the roll. Let each boy answer on his honour. If you say ’No,’ I shall understand that you had nothing to do with planning or executing this mischief."