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132 help to carry it down." And it did, and then Hans felt better.

As night came on the boys prepared their beds and then gathered around the campfire and talked, and told stories. All were in the best of humor, and they talked of their old schooldays at Putnam Hall, and of the jokes played on the other boys, and on Josiah Crabtree, and on Peleg Snuggers, the general utility man.

"Those were certainly great days," said Fred, almost sadly. "I wish they could come back."

"Well, we've got to look ahead, not backwards," answered Dick.

"How some of the fellows have changed," went on Fred. "Just think of what a bully Dan Baxter used to be!"

"Yes, and now he is a real good fellow, and doing well as a commercial traveler," said Tom.

"It's too bad that Tad Sobber can't turn over a new leaf."

"Maybe he will, some day," came from Sam.

"I don't believe it is in him," answered Dick. "He is not like Dan Baxter was. Dan got awfully hot-headed at times, but Sobber is a regular knave—one of the oily, sneaking kind."

"Have you seen him since his injunction against the Stanhopes was dismissed in court?"