The three chums had to stand no little chaffing and gibing when they were brought back to camp in practical custody of the farmer. It was not uncommon for the lads, on hikes and practice marches, to raid orchards and hen roosts, and punishment was always meted out to the offenders, while payment for the damage done was taken from their pay, and their comrades jumped to this as the explanation of the present predicament of Ned, Bob and Jerry. “But this accusation is unjust!” said Ned, when they were taken before their captain. “It’s all a mistake.” “Well, let’s hear about it,” said the officer somewhat wearily, for there had been several cases of raids on this march. Thereupon Mr. Martin told his story of having been informed by Kennedy of the alleged intentions of the motor boys. And he told of having seen them slide down from his haymow, one of them bearing unmistakable evidence of eggs on his person. “I know it looks queer,” said Ned. “It certainly does,” agreed the captain, grimly. But he was a just man and he listened to the boys’ story. He seemed somewhat surprised at the mention of the crooked-nosed man, but he made no comment, and when all was said he gave his judgment. It was to the effect that as the boys had affirmed on their honor as soldiers and gentlemen that they were telling the truth, he could not but believe them. At the same time it was evident that they had done some slight damage, and had put the farmer to some inconvenience in bringing them back to camp, and it was only fair that they should pay. Having already offered to make payment, they were very willing to do this. So the incident was ended, and the farmer, convinced that he was in the right, and jingling in his pocket a good price for the broken eggs, went back to his home. So, much to their regret, the boys lost trace of Crooked Nose, or Jim Waydell, as the farmer had called him. They could not look for the suspect again that night, and the next morning they had to march away with their comrades. “But when we get back to camp we’ll take a day or so off on furlough and come back here and see if we can land him,” declared Bob. “We’re not sure enough of his identity, on such casual glances, to cause his arrest on mere information. We’ve got to get him ourselves and find out more about him.” “We’re with you!” said Jerry, heartily. The practice march was a success from a military standpoint, though it showed up some weak spots in the organization. But that was one of the objects. For several days after the return of the army there were light drills to enable the boys to recover from the strenuous exercise. Then one evening Bob, in a state of some excitement, came hurrying into the Y. M. C. A. quarters, looking for Ned and Jerry. “What’s up now?” they asked. “Have you seen Crooked Nose again?” “No, but our company’s going to give a minstrel show, and the committee has asked me if we three will take part in it.” “A minstrel show?” repeated Jerry.