Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/88

74 "Evidently he did, and it must have been a task with such a heavy valise. His work around the rooms showed that he was a professional."

"I don't believe his name was Peter Snodgrass."

"Not at all, nor do I think those are his initials on that valise. Such rascals take every precaution to conceal their identity," added the senator.

Several times he was on the point of offering Dave some reward, but the boy showed plainly that he did not desire this, so Senator Morr said nothing on the subject. An alarm was sent out by mail and telegraph, offering a reward for the capture of the thief; but let it be added here that the rascal was not seen or heard of for a long time.

Dave remained in the town until nearly the end of the afternoon, and then, as there seemed to be nothing further to do in the matter, he and Roger Morr continued on their journey to Oak Hall. The unexpected happening had brought the boys close together, and each felt as if he had known the other for a long time.

"It's a feather in your cap, to have found that fellow," said Roger, as the train sped on its way. "We are not likely to forget it in a hurry."

"Oh, let us drop that," answered Dave. "Tell me about the school. I am anxious to know just what it is like." And Roger gave an excellent description of Oak Hall, and told of the teachers and the various courses of study. Then he