"Try some of the other keys, Jack."
"I will," was the reply, and the young major hurried off, to return with several keys from other doors. But not one of them fitted the lock before him.
"Too bad!" he murmured.
"Major Ruddy!" came in the harsh voice of Josiah Crabtree behind him. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to Ditmore," answered Jack, boldly.
"Who gave you permission?"
"Nobody, I came as major of the battalion. When a cadet is placed in the guardhouse the major has a right to go and see him."
"Hum!" growled Josiah Crabtree. He took but little interest in the military side of the school and consequently did not know all the rules. "Well, I can do the talking here. You are excused."
"Mr. Crabtree, Ditmore tells me that he is very cold, and he has had no breakfast."
"Ha! So he is complaining, eh? Well, I'll attend to him. You may go."