Edward Stratemeyer

“ The snow had swept up along one side of the little barn until there was an unbroken line reaching up to the very top.
"Well, I never!" ejaculated Jack, turning around suddenly to his chums. "Happy New Year, everybody!"
"Happy New Year!" came from the others, including Fred and the twins, who had just got up.
"Gosh! I forgot all about it's being New Year's," exclaimed Fred.
"This looks like a real New Year's Day, and no mistake," remarked Randy. "Look outside! Isn't it just like a picture on a New Year's card?"
"It is assuredly a spectacle to fill one with awe and reverence," came from Spouter. ”

“ All of the occupants of the big sleigh sprang out in the snow, and without waiting for an invitation to do so stalked into the Lodge.
The Germans were evidently in a bad humor, and they glowered at the cadets in a way that made them feel far from comfortable.
"What is it you want?" demanded Gif, not liking the manner of their intrusion.
"We want to come to an understanding," growled one of the Germans.
"You cannot play tricks behind our backs without taking the consequences," grumbled another.
"Maybe you think you're smart, but you'll find that we are smarter," added a third. ”

“ All had been sent to the field hospital to be treated, but now they were once more at the front in what were called their winter quarters.
"The Boches are watching us like a cat watches a mouse, and we are equally on the alert," wrote Dick Rover. "There have been no big battles, but sniping is going on constantly, and several of our men have been killed or wounded. We are all anxious to have the cold weather break up, so that we can go forward and finish this war. We feel that we can wallop the enemy, if only we have a chance to get at them."
"That's dad, all right," murmured Jack admiringly. ”

“ There seemed nothing to do but to leave the premises, yet the Rovers and their chums were curious to know who the Germans were and what their errand to Tony Duval's shack could be. Yet they had no excuse for lingering longer, so presently they took their departure, Werner and Glutts looking sourly after them as they walked away.
"Do you know, I'd give a good deal to know more about those Germans," remarked Jack, as they trudged along. "I wonder what they want here? They can't be hunters, because they haven't any hunting outfits." ”

“ When they opened the back door of the Lodge the snow came swirling in, almost blinding them.
"No use of you fellows trying it," announced Jack to Fred and Stowell.
"That's it," said Gif. "Four of us going out will be more than enough. You fellows can push the snow away from the door if you want to."
With their overcoats buttoned up tightly and their caps pulled well down over their ears, Gif, Jack and the twins sallied forth in the direction of the woodshed, which was about fifty yards away. They had all they could do to make any progress, and when the shed was gained they were almost winded. ”

“ At the beginning Glutts had a little the better of it, because the right side of the slide seemed to be more slippery than the other. He was the first to gain the top of the nearest rise and he shot over this while Jack's bobsled was still climbing the slope.
"Hurrah! Bill Glutts is ahead!"
"He said the Yellow Streak could beat any thing in this vicinity."
"Oh, do you really think Glutts will win?" questioned Ruth anxiously, as she turned to Dan Soppinger.
"Well, I should hope not!" answered Dan.
"If he does win there will be no holding him down," put in Ned Lowe, another chum of the Rovers. ”

“ He was quite certain he had brought down one of the bunnies.
"We can try, Andy," answered Gif. "It isn't late yet, and the snow isn't so deep but what it might be deeper."
Having divided the rabbits between them, so that each lad might carry some of the game, they moved forward, across the little clearing, and then through the woods for the best part of a quarter of a mile. During that time they saw several squirrels, but were unable to get a shot at the frisky animals.
"A squirrel is as quick as they make 'em," declared Gif. "You've got to act like lightning to catch 'em." ”

“ I hope we find everything at Cedar Lodge all right."
"Oh, it will be a lark to go on all alone!" cried Fred. "We don't want that fellow along. We can get along alone very well."
"I know what I want to do first of all," declared Andy. "I want to get a bite to eat. That sandwich I had didn't satisfy me at all."
"All right, we'll go to that restaurant I spoke about," said Gif. "Then we'll get our provisions and be on the way to the Lodge." ”

“ He swerved to his side of the road, and with not a second to spare, for almost instantly the Blue Moon shot past and continued down the slope toward the lake.
"We win! we win!" yelled Andy gayly.
"But the Yellow Streak is just behind us!" cried Spouter, looking back. "Here they come!"
"Yes, and on our side of the road, too!" cried Fred, in alarm. He turned his head still further around. "Glutts, get to your own side!"
"Aw, dry up!" cried the other cadet, in disgust. "You don't have to act as if you owned the whole road."
"You know the rules of the race," flung back Fred. ”

“ Jack hated to think of running away from Ruth, and Fred was equally sorry to leave May Powell behind, yet the thought of what was ahead brightened all of the lads considerably.
"We ought to have the time of our lives," declared Fred. "That is, if hunting is half as good as Gif Garrison said it was." ”

“ But Jack finally made it, and was followed by Spouter and Gif.
Here, however, the view was no better than from below—the thickly falling snow hiding the landscape on every side. Night was coming on and it was growing colder, and the boys could not help but shiver.
"I guess the best thing we can do it to try to make ourselves comfortable for the night," remarked Jack.
"How can we make ourselves comfortable without anything to eat?" questioned Spouter.
"We've got the game. We can start a fire and cook some of that." ”

“ That afternoon the boys went hunting again, but on account of the heavy fall of snow did not go any great distance. They managed, however, to get two more rabbits, and also two squirrels, and two quail.
"Well, that's something, anyhow," declared Fred, who had laid one of the squirrels low. "A bird and squirrel potpie won't go bad for a change."
"Right-o!" cried Andy.
"Say, Gif, what's the matter with trying our hand at fishing through the ice?" questioned Jack. "The deep snow ought not to interfere with that sport." ”

“ When the call for volunteers came, Dick Rover and Sam had lost no time in enlisting. At first Tom Rover had been unable to get away. But now the business in New York City had been left in reliable hands, and all three fathers of the boys were in the trenches in Europe doing their bit for Uncle Sam. They had been in several small engagements, and so far had come through unwounded.
"But there is no telling if they will come through every time," was the way Fred expressed himself anxiously.
"Right you are," answered Jack. ”

“ When we get back to Colby Hall I won't forget it."
"Well, you turn over a new leaf, Henry, and join the right crowd, and you'll get along much better," answered Jack. "It will never do a fellow any good to train with chaps like Glutts and Werner or with fellows like Nappy Martell and Slugger Brown."
They found quite a little snow on the river and had often to plough across the drifts on their skates as best they could. But there were many long, cleared spaces, and here all of the cadets made good time, for even Stowell was a fairly good skater. ”

“ Andy and Randy had not yet come upstairs. Neither could resist the temptation to have a little fun, and after supper they had gone outside and begun to snowball Shout Plunger, the school janitor, and Bob Nixon, the chauffeur.
"It's all in fun, you know," explained Andy, as he let fly a snowball at the old janitor, who was always called Shout because he was so deaf.
"Hi there! you stop that!" roared Shout. And then, when they continued to snowball him, he came after them with a wooden snow-shovel. ”

“ I don't know as that will be very pleasant," grumbled Glutts. "Have you fellows got enough for all hands to eat?" he demanded eagerly.
"We've got some provisions," answered Fred cautiously. "We shot nine rabbits to-day," he added proudly.
"Nine rabbits!" exclaimed Werner. "How did you do it?"
"They must have driven the poor rabbits together in a bunch and then slaughtered them," was Glutts' comment.
"We did not!" cried Fred.
"I'm sure we'll get all the rabbits we want when we reach Tony Duval's place," continued Werner boastfully. ”

“ In the morning Jack was the first to arise and he was speedily followed by Gif and Spouter.
"Might as well let the others sleep for a while," said the oldest Rover boy. "They were pretty well tired out, Fred and Andy especially."
"Sure, let 'em sleep as long as they want to. Our time is our own, and there is no use in hurrying. Just the same, I bet Fred wakes up pretty quick when he smells boiling coffee and pancakes." ”

“ The turnout drove directly to the front of the shack occupied by Tony Duval.
"Hello! there are those men again," cried Gif.
All looked and saw that he referred to the Germans they had met on the road when looking for Cedar Lodge. The newcomers paid no attention to them, but leaped out of the sleigh and entered the Duval shack.
"I must go," said Tony Duval abruptly. "And I want you to go, too, and never come back here again," he added, and then hurried away.
"Who are those men?" questioned Jack, turning to Werner and Glutts. ”

“ CHAPTER X THE RESCUE
"There's a man left in there!"
"He says his leg is caught fast!"
"Help! Help!" came more faintly from the interior of the burning car. "Help, or I'll be burnt to death!"
Only a few passengers seemed to hear these cries, for most of the men who had come from the other train were gathered near the car which was still standing. The Rover boys and their chums listened in horror to the call for assistance. Jack was the first to leap forward. ”

“ You, Andy and Randy, fire as soon as you catch sight of the wolves. I'll reserve my shot for any beast that tries to enter."
"Wait!" called out Randy suddenly. "When you shoot at the wolves be sure to aim low. Otherwise the shots may carry through the storm and hit Gif or Jack."
The door was opened cautiously by Fred, Stowell being too frightened to assist. Those ready to fire saw several of the wolves in a bunch less than fifteen feet away. The beasts had found some scraps of food which had been thrown out of the bungalow and were pawing for more in the snow. ”

“ Martha had knit a bright sweater for her brother, and Mary had done the same for Fred, and the girls between them had likewise knit sweaters for the twins.
"We sure are the lucky kids," remarked Andy, when all of them were looking over their gifts. "This sweater suits me to a T. And, my! just wait until I get on those hockey skates. There won't be a thing in New York or on Clearwater Lake that will beat me."
"I see you doing some tall skating to-day," replied his twin, with a grin. "What you will need is a snow shovel if you want to get anywhere." ”

“ With their belongings over their shoulders, the six cadets had just been marched out of the Lodge when there came an unexpected interruption. Glancing toward the river, Jack saw a body of men approaching. They were at least eight or ten in number, and the man in the lead was William Pollock.
"Look! look!" whispered the oldest Rover boy to the others. "There is that Secret Service agent, and he has an armed posse with him."
"Grab the guns and make for the Lodge," suggested Randy. ”

“ It was great sport for the boys to divest themselves of their heavy overcoats and caps and then get to work preparing the Lodge for occupancy. All of the bedclothes had to be shaken out and warmed, and they also had to get out some linen which had been packed away. Gif, assisted by Andy and Randy, did this, and meanwhile Jack, Spouter, and Fred brought out the dishes and other things and set the table and also began to boil water for some hot chocolate, which they had decided to have, along with some smoked beef and cheese sandwiches and some doughnuts that had been brought along. ”

“ They had now reached the shelter of the forest, and here, after a little talk, it was decided that the twins and Fred should return to Cedar Lodge at once, taking Codfish with them, while Jack, Gif, and Spouter took a roundabout course leading to the rear of Tony Duval's shack.
"We've got to be careful," announced Jack. "For all we know, those Germans may be desperate characters."
"And on the other hand they may be the most innocent fellows in the world," added Spouter. "Remember, not all the German-Americans in this country are unpatriotic." ”

“ Plum pudding and all?" questioned Fred, with a gloomy look settling over his face.
"We can't deny them anything that we have ourselves, Fred," replied Jack.
"I don't think Glutts or Werner deserve it!" exclaimed Randy. "I think as soon as this storm clears away they ought to be sent about their business. It isn't so very far to that Tony Duval's place, and with their horse and sleigh they ought to be able to make it somehow."
Randy had scarcely finished speaking when the door to the bedroom the two bullies occupied was flung open and Werner strode into the living room. ”

“ To get there you go from here to Portview, and then along the coast to a place called Timminsport. From Timminsport you have either to take a sleigh or else hike to the camp, which is about five or six miles away. There is an old fellow, named Jed Wallop, who lives near the property in a little shack some distance from the bungalow. If we want him to, he will get a sled and drive us to the place, and he will also assist us in getting settled, and in getting what stores we may need—that is, provided you fellows can really go. ”

“ We'd have one sweet job finding a place to go to if the train became snowbound," said Andy.
"They generally manage to keep this road open, no matter how bad the storms are," declared Gif. "You see, the hunters are coming and going all the time, as well as the lumbermen and the folks that live in and around Timminsport and Enwood. They don't like to be cut off from the rest of the world, even for a day or two."
"I hope we don't have to wait for that other train when we get to Enwood," said Spouter. ”

“ There were two dozen all told, and these were divided by Randy, four crackers to each cadet.
"We'll clean a couple of the rabbits and see what we can do about broiling them over the flames," said Gif. "Now you fellows can show what you can do," he added, with a grin. "It's all well enough to work when you've got the tools to work with, but quite another story when you've got next to nothing."
Water was obtained by melting a quantity of the snow, and soon they had the first can of hot cocoa ready. In the meanwhile several of the lads were broiling the rabbits as best they could. ”

“ Tony Duval realized that he was outnumbered and that the boys from Cedar Lodge meant business. He grumbled a good deal and talked in a whisper with Werner and Glutts. In the meanwhile, Codfish hurriedly gathered together his few belongings, and presently announced that he was ready to leave.
"Now, one thing more," said Gif, turning to the two bullies. "Don't you dare to show your faces anywhere near Cedar Lodge again. If you come on our property, you come at your own peril." ”

“ Several others were seriously wounded, and these were speedily put out of their misery by a second shot from Gif and Spouter.
"Hurrah! Seven rabbits!" exclaimed Fred, running forward. "That's what I call a pretty good start."
"Come on, let us go after the others! Leave these where they are," cried Jack, and plunged into the wood where he had seen several of the rabbits seeking refuge. He managed to bring down one of them, and Randy brought down another. The others got away.
"Nine rabbits is by no means a bad haul," was Gif's comment, after the boys had brought the dead game together. ”

“ If them Germans are traitors to this country, or anything like that, I want to know it," answered the old hunter decidedly. "I'm too old to enlist for the war, but I ain't too old to do my duty by Uncle Sam."
"We might combine business with pleasure," remarked Jack. "We can take our guns and game bags, and also a substantial lunch. Then if we see any signs of game going or coming, we can take our time about getting back here."
"One thing that brought me over was this," went on Jed Wallop. "I heard one of you young fellers sayin' you wanted to get a crack at a silver fox. ”