He was just able to make out that the pair were Reff Ritter and Gus Coulter when they disappeared behind the trees.
"Now, what are those fellows up to ?" mused Joe, as he walked slowly to the mess-hall.

"No good, I'll venture." He sat down and commenced to eat.

Then, of a sudden, he uttered an exclamation.
"I've got it! That's it!" "What is it, Nelson ?" asked George Strong.
"Oh--er--nothing," stammered the cadet.

But when the teacher was not looking, he leaned over towards Jack.
"What is it, Joe ?" whispered the young major.
"Tell Pepper I just saw Ritter and Coulter sneaking into the woods." "You did!" Jack closed one eye.

"And you think----" "They may have learned about the barrels." "If that is so, we'll have to watch 'em," murmured Jack, and immediately passed word to Pepper, Dale and Andy.
The cadets could scarcely wait to finish their meal, and cut themselves short on cake and pears.