"You heard how he acknowledged taking the teeth."
"And he said it was a joke—and I believe it was that and nothing more. There is a wide difference between an innocent joke and a premeditated crime. Take my advice and say no more until you have consulted with Captain Putnam."
"Ha! you are against me—just as the cadets are against me!" stormed Josiah Crabtree. "I know I am right. But we can wait, since you insist." He turned towards Pepper. "I'll corner you yet, you young rascal!" he cried bitterly.
And the two teachers passed out of the cell-like room, the door was again locked, and Pepper was left a prisoner as before.
CHAPTER XXII
THE MYSTERY GOES ON
When nightfall came and Pepper still remained a prisoner, both Jack and Andy commenced to worry about their chum.
"It's a shame to keep him in that cold room," said the young major.
"Wonder if we can get him out on the sly?" returned the acrobatic youth. "I'd be willing to run quite a risk to set him free, so he could sleep in his own bed to-night."