“Stop! stop!” roared Josiah Crabtree. “Don’t! Help! There is a wild beast in the room!” And he ran around, with the monkey following. Presently the animal leaped on his shoulder, and then Josiah Crabtree let out a yell as if a dozen wild Zulus were on his track.
The noise aroused the whole school. Doors were flung open, and teachers, hired help, and cadets came forth into the hallways.
“What’s the trouble?”
“Is there a fire?”
“I heard somebody say robbers!”
“It’s Mr. Crabtree!” shouted Pepper. “Somebody must be trying to rob him. Come on, let us catch the thief!” And on the instant the cadets stormed forward, towards the teacher’s apartment, and George Strong and Captain Putnam followed.
“Oh, dear! Scat, I tell you! Let me alone. Don’t pull my hair! Oh, will somebody take him away!” came from the room. “This is simply awful! Who put this beast here?” and so the cries ran on.
“Something is surely wrong,” cried Captain Putnam. “Stand back, young gentlemen, or you may get hurt.”
He flung open the doorway, and as he did so, Josiah Crabtree, robed in his nightdress, leaped out, with the monkey on his shoulder.
“Have you gone crazy?” asked Captain Putnam. And then he added: “Where did that monkey come from?”