"Are you going to give him his breakfast?"
"Yes—when he deserves it—not before."
"How about keeping him in such a cold room?"
"That is my affair."
"If he gets sick will you take the blame?"
"Major Ruddy, I am not here to be questioned by you!" snapped the dictatorial teacher.
"Pepper belongs to my command and he is my personal friend. I don't think you have any right to starve him and keep him in a cold room in such weather as this. I shall complain to Captain Putnam as soon as he gets back, and, in the meantime, complain to Mr. Strong."
"I am in charge while Captain Putnam is away."
"Then, if Pepper takes cold from this, you'll be to blame, and you'll foot the doctor's bill," answered Jack, and walked away.
He spoke so sharply that Josiah Crabtree became worried, and, a little later, Pepper was served with a cup of black coffee and several slices of bread without butter. It was a meager meal, but it was better than nothing, and The Imp disposed of all there was of it. Then a servant appeared with a couple of blankets used by the cadets when in camp.