“And they’re going to stay, if what George says is true,” added Jack.

“Oh, it’s true enough,” declared the questioning lad.

“There they are!” suddenly exclaimed Bert Wilson, pointing toward a small building just outside of the school property.  It was a shack where “Pop” Swab sold soda and “pop,” from which he took his name.

“Yes, that’s them all right,” assented Tom.

“And some car they have,” added Jack.  “I wonder where they got it?”

“They won’t have it long, if they treat it as recklessly as that,” commented Bert, for the two lads having leaped into the auto, Sam threw in the gears so clumsily that the machine was stalled, with a grinding that did not augur well for the mechanism.

It was evident that the two cronies, having satisfied their thirst, were about to drive on, but Sam’s error made it necessary for him to get out to crank the car again.  This gave our friends a chance to come up to them.

Sam had his back to them, as he bent over to take hold of the crank, but something Nick said in a low voice caused him to turn around.  Then he saw Tom and the others.

There was something In Tom’s manner that caused Sam to take an attitude of defence, though our hero had no intention of coming to blows with the bully.

The oncoming party of lads came to a halt a short distance from the auto, and Sam, straightening up, surveyed them, a shade of wonder, not unmixed with apprehension, passing over his face.  Nick, sitting in the car, openly sneered.

“So you’ve come back,” spoke Tom cuttingly.

“Of course we have,” answered Sam, breathing a little easier, as he saw that he was in no immediate danger.

“And we’re going to stay,” added Nick with a laugh.

“You are?” Jack almost yelled.

“We certainly are,” was the answer.  “This is a free country, you know; and we’ve paid for our board.  See you later, fellows.  Crank her up, Sam!”

The brazen effrontery of the two amazed our friends.  They had not believed that the two cronies would come back.  And that they would dare remain, after what they had done, seemed incredible.

“Are you in earnest?” asked Bert, raising his voice to be heard above the thundering exhaust of the auto which Sam started.

“Of course we are,” declared Sam calmly, as he took his seat.  “What’s the matter with you fellows, anyhow?  Why shouldn’t we stay?”

“You know why you shouldn’t stay!” cried Tom, shaking his finger at Sam and Nick.  “After the mean trick you played on Bert and Jack, standing guard over them in the old mill, in league with that scoundrel Skeel—­giving Jack and Bert only bread and water—­after that you dare come back here and expect to be treated decently?  Well, you’re expecting too much, that’s all I’ve got to say!  We’ll make Elmwood Hall too hot to hold you!  You’ll live in Coventry all the while you’re here.  You won’t get a decent——­”