“Yes,” answered Pepper. “But—er—would you mind helping me put that ladder back before we talk? We don’t want to be spotted if we can help it.” “Sure, I’ll help you,” cried the stranger, and soon he and The Imp had the ladder down and back to the shed. By this time Jack had recovered sufficiently to stand up. He was still a bit dizzy but his strength was coming back fast. “I am Pepper Ditmore,” said that youth to the stranger. “And this is my chum, Jack Ruddy. I am only a private at the Hall but Jack is an officer.” “And I am Bert Field,” said the stranger, and extended his hand, which both of the other boys shook. “I am just stopping in Cedarville for a day or two on business which—er—but that won’t interest you,” he added hastily. “It was a lark, eh, climbing into the belfry?” “Yes, we intended to take away the bell clapper,” answered Pepper. “Some of the other cadets dared us to do it.” “But how did you get locked in?” “We think one of the other cadets—who is down on us—followed us and fastened the trap door. I suppose he thinks we are up there yet.” “I want to thank you for what you did for me, Field,” said Jack, earnestly. “Oh, that’s all right.” “If you’ll—er—accept a gift, I’ll be pleased——” “No, thank you just the same, Ruddy. I don’t want a thing.” “But we’d like to do something for you—to show you we appreciate your coming to our assistance,” put in Pepper. “Maybe you’d like to visit our school?” suggested the young major. “Thanks, but I haven’t time just now. But tell me, do you know a man living in these parts named Jabez Trask?” went on Bert Field, eagerly. “No,” answered Jack, and Pepper shook his head. “Never heard of him?” “No,” said Pepper. “Too bad! I thought maybe you boys knew about everybody living in this neighborhood.” “Is it somebody you want to find?” questioned Jack. “Yes, but—er—well, never mind. Don’t you bother your head about it.” “The postmaster might be able to tell you where this Jabez Trask lives,” said the young major. “Why not ask him?” “Well,—er—I don’t want to ask too many questions in public,” stammered Bert Field. “You see I—that is—can I trust you with my secret? You’ve trusted me with yours.” “Certainly,” came from both of the Putnam Hall cadets. “Well then, I want to find this Jabez Trask without his knowing anything about it.” “Why, what in the world——” began Pepper, for he scented a mystery connected with the youth with whom he and his chum had just become acquainted. “I can’t explain it—or at least I don’t wish to, now,” answered Bert Field, quickly. “Please don’t say anything about it to anybody.” He pulled a silver watch from his pocket. “Phew! after ten o’clock! I’ll have to be going! Goodbye! Maybe we’ll meet again!” “Good-bye!” answered Pepper.