"Baxter is going to buy a pair of skates, too," said Sam, on the
way. "I heard him telling Mumps about it."
"Well, we don't want Baxter for company," answered Tom. "He can
go alone."
It did not take the lads long to reach Cedarville, but once at the
hardware store considerable time was lost in getting just the
skates desired.
"It's queer Baxter hasn't shown up," said Toni, when they were
ready to leave.
"Perhaps he went elsewhere for his skates," suggested Sam.
The hardware shop was at the end of the village street, and as
they passed a number of places of business Tom suddenly caught his
brother by the arm.
"There is Baxter now -- just entering that tavern!" he exclaimed
in a low voice.
"The tavern!" repeated Sam. "Why, it's against the regulations to
enter a drinking place!"
"I don't care -- I saw Baxter go in," returned Tom. "He was with
a tall man."
"If Captain Putnam hears of this, Baxter will be sent away, or at
least punished."
"Perhaps, Sam; but I shan't tell him."
"No; we're no tale-bearers. Let us go up to the side windows of
the tavern and see if we can see them."
This was agreed to, and the two boys hurried up to first one
window and then another.
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