“Are those men going to work here, Peleg?” demanded Jack, sternly.
“Why don’t you ask Mr. Crabtree? He brung—no, bringed, no brang ’em.”
“Are they here to keep the peace?” asked Andy, suddenly.
“Mr. Crabtree said as how I wasn’t to say nuthin’ about it,” stammered the general utility man.
“Then he brought them here for that purpose?” demanded Jack.
“Yes—but don’t let on as how I told ye!” whispered Peleg Snuggers. “He an’ Cuddle got scart, I reckon, and Crabtree said he was goin’ to git some special policemen to keep the peace.”
“Well, if that isn’t the limit!” cried Pepper.
“The next thing you know he’ll be marching the whole school down to the Cedarville lock-up,” came from Dale. “That is—if he can!” he added significantly.
“Now please don’t let on I said a word about it!” pleaded Peleg Snuggers. “If ye do it may cost me my place.”
“We won’t utter a syllable,” answered Jack. “Remember that, fellows,” he added, and the others nodded.