Will and Foster had both served on the committee that had purchased and hidden the canes, and when Peter John brought his unwelcome tidings that the rival class was aware of the place where the canes had been stored, it was difficult for them to determine whether anger or chagrin was uppermost in their feelings. At all events they both were greatly excited, and Will said as he hastily rose from his chair: "How did they find it out?" "I don't know. I didn't hear them say," replied Peter John. "Did they find out that you were there?" "No, they left before I came out of my room. The door was partly open and I didn't dare stir hand or foot." "Lucky for you, Peter John." "Yes. I know it." "What are they going to do?" inquired Foster, who up to this time had been silent. "They've gone over to get the canes." "Gone!" exclaimed Will aghast. "Yes. That's what Goodman said." "How many went, do you know, Peter John?" demanded Foster. "He said three." "Do you know who they were?" "No." "When did they start?" "Goodman said they went about an hour ago." "Which road?" "I don't know." "Why didn't Mott go?" "I don't think he knew anything about it before these fellows came and told him." "What did he do after they told him?" "He slapped his legs and laughed." "You say he went away with those fellows that told him about it?" "Yes." "Did they say anything about any other canes--" began Will. But he was sharply interrupted by Foster and abruptly ceased. "I didn't know there were any others," said Peter John. "Are there? Where are they?" "We haven't any time to waste here," said Foster, hastily donning his sweater and putting a cap on his head. "Peter John, you go back to your room, and if you hear of anything more go straight to Bishop with the word." "I'd rather go with you fellows." "Not this trip. You'll have to be on the lookout here. Somebody must do it and you're the one, Peter John. Come on, Will," he added, calling to his room-mate and instantly departed from the room. Ignoring Peter John, Will hastily followed Foster, and together the two freshmen ran to Hawley's room. There a hurried consultation was held, the result of which was that it was decided that Foster and Dana should secure a car and drive swiftly to Coventry Center by one road, two other classmates were to drive to the same destination by another road, while Will and Hawley were to go on foot across the country and strive to arrive at the minister's house by the time the others had done so. In this way it was believed that every avenue of approach or retreat would be covered, and that even if the sophomores had been first on the scene they would still be unable to get away with their booty before they would be discovered, and at least followed.