The announcement that Ritter was the fellow who had perpetrated the many thefts at Putnam Hall created strong excitement in the school.  But the matter was hushed up as much as possible by Captain Putnam, and the master saw to it that every cadet got back the things that belonged to him, and also squared matters with the teachers.

In due course of time Cameron Smith was tried for the robbery of Point View Lodge and was sent to prison for a term of years.  He admitted robbing Andy after the runaway, and the acrobatic youth got back from the pawnbrokers the things taken on that occasion.

After the excitement had passed, Jack, Pepper, Andy and their chums of the senior class buckled down to hard work for the rest of the term.  As a consequence, Jack graduated at the head of the class, with Joe Nelson, second; Andy, third; Stuffer, fourth; Pepper, fifth; Henry Lee, sixth, and Fred Century, seventh.

“I must congratulate you, Ruddy,” cried Captain Putnam, warmly.  “All through your term at this school you have made a record to be proud of.  And the other graduates have made fine records, too.  I shall hate to part with all of you.”

“And I shall hate to leave Putnam Hall,” answered the former major of the school battalion.  “I have had the time of my life since I have been here.”

“So have I!” put in Pepper.

“The best ever!” chimed in Andy.

“I shall never forget Putnam Hall, no matter where I go,” came from Stuffer.

“The best school there ever was!” added Joe Nelson.

* * * * *

And now, kind reader, let me add a few words more and then bring this story of “The Putnam Hall Mystery” to a close.  As I promised some years ago, when I gave you “The Putnam Hall Cadets,” I have now related in detail the most important events that transpired at the military school during the first years of its existence.  What took place there after Jack Ruddy and his chums left will be found set down in another line of books called “The Rover Boys Series,” starting with “The Rover Boys at School.”  In that volume you will not only meet the three jolly Rover brothers—­Dick, Tom and Sam—­but also learn more concerning the doings of Bart Conners, Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney, and again meet that dictatorial old teacher, Josiah Crabtree, and the bully, Dan Baxter, and his toady, Mumps.  The Rover boys went to Putnam Hall for a number of years, and had just as good a time as did Jack and his friends.

The graduation exercises at Putnam Hall were that year very elaborate, and many visitors were present, including the parents and brothers and sisters of the graduates, and Mr. and Mrs. Ford, and Laura and Flossie.

“Oh, I am so glad that you came out at the head of the class, Jack!” cried Laura, as she came up to shake his hand.

“Thank you very much, Laura,” he answered, and then, as he took her hand he looked full into her clear eyes.  “I’d rather have your congratulations than anything else,” he added.