Disposing of the basket and what was left of the eating, they stole downstairs and then to the front of the Hall. They were just in time to see Captain Putnam walk towards his office. Beside him was Josiah Crabtree.
“Ran away!” the master of the academy was saying. “You are sure of this?”
“I am, sir,” answered the assistant teacher. “We hunted everywhere for them.”
“What made them do it?”
“They got scared, I imagine.”
“You did not mistreat them in any way, Mr. Crabtree?”
“No! no! On the contrary, I think I used them too good.”
“Oh, listen to that!” whispered Pepper. “What an old fraud he is!”
“Well, I will listen to the story in detail after the school has been opened,” said Captain Putnam, after a pause, and then he entered his office, while Josiah Crabtree passed on to one of the classrooms.
“Now come on, Pep,” said Jack. “Let us put on a bold front and face the music.”