Then off the whole party started, Andy holding Jack by the arm and thus giving him some support.
"Where did Ritter go ?" asked Jack, as they sped over the hill in the direction of the farmhouse mentioned.
"I think he went up the lake, in the direction of the Saldy farm," answered Andy.
The Darwood farmhouse set back from the road, among some cedar trees.
Rushing up to the back door, the boys pounded vigorously.
"Who is there ?" demanded a man's voice, and then Mr.Darwood showed himself.
"Please let us in, we are nearly frozen!" cried Jack.
"Hello! been in the water, eh ?" cried Samuel Darwood.

"Come right in and I'll stir up the fire!" and he stepped aside that the cadets might enter.
When Pepper deposited his burden in a chair it was seen that Gus Coulter was in a bad way.

His eyes were closed, and he was shaking as with convulsions.
"Here, we'll strip off some of his wet clothes and rub him down!" cried Andy.

"And can you get something hot to drink, Mr.Darwood ?" "Sure I can," cried the farmer.

"But I'll pile some wood on the fire first!" he added.
[Illustration: "CATCH HOLD!" JACK CRIED, AS HE SWUNG ONE END OF THE SWEATER TOWARD THE UNFORTUNATE YOUTH.
_The Mystery of Putnam Hall._ (Page 259)] He was as good as his word, and soon the fire was roaring, and the kitchen got thoroughly warm.