“Then you’ve been hired by Mr. Crabtree and Mr. Cuddle?”
“That’s it.”
“Where are they?”
“That ain’t none of your business,” answered the strange man, roughly.
“It is my business,” returned the young major, warmly. “You send for Mr. Crabtree at once.”
“I ain’t a-going to do it. I was told to stay here and watch these doors. Now you jest keep quiet and mind your own business.”
“Supposing we break down the door?” asked Pepper.
“The first boy who tries it, will get a good licking, and he’ll be tied up in the coal cellar in the bargain.”
“Are you alone?” asked Fred Century.
“Not much I ain’t! There are ten of us here and outside, and we are actin’ under orders from the teachers. They are going to show you that you can’t run this school during Captain Putnam’s absence.”