"Have you been alone when visiting the other rooms in this building?" demanded Josiah Crabtree, sharply.
"Mr. Crabtree——" began George Strong, but the head teacher motioned for the assistant to be silent.
"I—I don't understand," stammered Pepper.
"You have shown your expertness in visiting rooms during the night, and without awakening anybody," went on Josiah Crabtree, coldly. "Some time ago other rooms were visited in this building, and various things were taken—some things of great value—things which have not been returned. Now, Ditmore——"
"Mr. Crabtree, stop!" cried Pepper, and his eyes flashed with sudden fire. "I know what is in your mind now! But don't you dare to accuse me! Don't you dare!"
"I want you to tell me the truth."
"I have told you all I know. I took the teeth as a joke, and I put them where they could easily be found."
"And about the other things——" The head teacher paused suggestively.
"I know no more about the other things that have disappeared than you do. Do you think I'd rob myself and my best friends?"
"In a case of this kind a person might rob himself just to throw the public off the scent."