Then, a minute later, Ritter turned and hurried off by a back way, while the stranger turned to leave by the way he had come.
Andy was undecided what to do, and while he still hesitated the man came through to the front of the house.
"Hello!" he cried, as he caught sight of the three cadets.

"What are you doing here ?" "Perhaps we might ask the same question," returned Jack, as he saw that Andy did not know what to say.
"Have you been following me ?" demanded the man, suspiciously.
"Why should we follow you ?" asked Pepper.
"No reason at all, so far as I know.

I only asked the question," and now the man tried to speak as carelessly as possible.
"I saw you come in here a few minutes ago and I followed, because I want to speak to you," said Andy, shoving to the front and eyeing the fellow closely.
"What do you wish to speak about ?" "Haven't I met you before ?" At these words the man started, but quickly recovered.
"I don't think so," he answered slowly, looking Andy straight in the eyes.

"You see, I am a stranger in Cedarville." "Didn't I meet you in September, on the road back of Putnam Hall school ?" asked the acrobatic youth, sharply.
"In September ?" The man shook his head slowly.

"No, I wasn't here in September--I was in Boston." "You are sure about that ?" demanded Andy.
"Certainly I am sure," growled the man.