“A fire was kindled against my express orders,” said the master of the school. “I knew a storm was coming but I must confess I did not think it would blow quite so strongly. It was Providence that kept the entire camp from burning down. Dale Blackmore, come forward.”
At this command Dale stepped to the front.
“You assisted in gathering the wood for that bonfire, did you not?” asked the master of the school.
“I did sir,” answered Dale.
“Who else assisted at this work?”
“Captain Putnam, do you expect me to tell on the other cadets?” demanded Dale.
“Blackmore, this is a serious piece of business. The whole camp might have burnt up and some of the cadets with it.”
“I didn’t start the fire, and I don’t know who did.”
“Who gathered the wood beside yourself?”
“I did, for one!” said Pepper, coming forward a few steps.