It had been noised around that the cadets were to march to Lake Caboy and quite a crowd from the village and from the neighboring farms gathered to see them depart. The wagons were already on the way, loaded high with the baggage and the camping outfit. It had been decided that the march to the lake was to be made in two days instead of one, so that no cadet would get tired out from the tramp. The first night out was to be spent at a place called Hayville, and there the wagons were to await the arrival of the battalion. “Battalion attention!” called out Major Jack Ruddy, after breakfast was over and the drum had sounded again. And the companies formed in haste and the cadets stood as stiff as ramrods. Then Captain Putnam made a short speech, telling of the encampment, and stating he hoped all would pass off pleasantly. “Forward march!” was the next command from the young major, and then the drums sounded out, and off the battalion started across the campus. “By columns of fours!” came the next order. And so they passed out on the highway, with Captain Putnam and George Strong on horseback in the lead, and the young major following. The music came from two snare drums, a bass drum and three fifers, and could be heard a long distance away. The two companies made a fine appearance and the onlookers applauded vigorously. “Have a good time, boys!” said one of the teachers, who had been left behind, to superintend the alterations on the school buildings. “We’ll try to!” called back Pepper. “You keep out of mischief,” added the teacher, who understood The Imp’s fun-loving disposition only too well. On marched the boys, along the lake and then taking to a highway that led directly to Lake Caboy. As they passed farm after farm, the folks came out to look them over and give them a cheer. Dinner was had at a place called Dodd’s Corners, and after a brief rest the march was resumed towards Hayville. Here the road was not so good, and some of the cadets were glad when, at four o’clock, they came in sight of their resting place for the night. But here a great surprise awaited Captain Putnam and all of the others. The baggage train, consisting of four large wagons, was missing with all of their outfit. CHAPTER XI ON THE TRAIL OF THE WAGONS “Where are the wagons?” “Thought they were going to meet us here!” “Didn’t they come on the same road we took?” “If they missed the way, what are we to do for the night? We can’t stay out doors without tents.” Such were some of the questions asked and remarks made as the cadets came to a halt, broke ranks, and surrounded Captain Putnam and George Strong. “I cannot understand this,” said the head of the school, his face showing his concern. “I told the wagon men to come straight here.” “Did they know the road?” asked Mr. Strong. “They said they did, although none of them had been over it before. It’s straight enough.”