"Oh, he was in a terrible rage, and threatened to sue my father because, as he put it, we had driven him from earning a good living. I could hardly get him out of the house, and when he left he picked up a big chunk of ice and snow and hurled it through the sitting-room window at Sam. I believe the man isn't quite right in his head." "It certainly looks like it," was the captain's grave response. "Did Snuggers leave him in Cedarville?" "Yes. But Snuggers didn't know where he went after that, excepting that he called at the post office for some letters." "I hope I never have anything to do with him again," said Sam, with a shiver. "I do not believe he will bother you in the future," returned the captain. "When he comes to his sober senses he will realize fully how foolishly he has acted." As Sam was so much better and needed no care that Mrs. Stanhope and Dora were not willing to give him, Tom returned to the Hall with Dick and Captain Putnam, after supper at the widow's cottage. The sleigh ride to the school was delightful, for the road was now in excellent shape, while overhead the stars shone down like so many glittering diamonds. CHAPTER IX. A RACE ON THE ICE, AND WHAT FOLLOWED. After the events just narrated several days passed quietly enough at Putnam Hall. In the meantime the weather continued clear, and the boys took it upon themselves to clear off a part of the lake for skating. Then, one night came a strong wind, and the next morning they found a space of cleared ice nearly half a mile long. "Now for some fine skating!" exclaimed Tom, as he rushed back to the Hall after an inspection of the lake's smooth surface. "We can have all the racing we wish." "It's a pity Sam can't go out yet," returned Dick. Sam was back to the school, but his cold had not entirely left him. "Never mind; here are several new magazines he can read," returned Tom, who had been to town with Snuggers on an errand and had purchased them at the stationery store. "I would just as soon read now," said Sam. "The magazines look mighty interesting." Just then Fred Garrison came in, accompanied by George Granbury. They had been down to Cedarville to purchase some skates and a new pair of shoes for George. "Hullo, what do you think we saw in Cedarville!" cried Fred, as soon as he caught sight of the Rovers. "Lots of snow," suggested Tom dryly. "Yes--and more." "A mighty dull town," suggested Sam. "We saw Dan Baxter." "What was he doing?" "He was walking down the street. And who do you suppose was with him? Mr. Grinder!" "Grinder!" came simultaneously from Tom and Dick. "Yes, Grinder. And they seemed to be on good terms with each other," put in George. "I could hardly believe my eyes at first," went on Fred. "But there they were, as plain as day." "It's very odd," mused Dick. "What should bring them together?" Nobody could answer that question. "I don't believe they are up to any good," said Tom.