“If they didn’t run away where are they?”
At that moment came another knock on the office door.
“Come in,” said the captain, and Jack entered, followed by Pepper.
“Well, I never!” murmured Josiah Crabtree. “Where did you come from, you young villains!”
“Gently, Mr. Crabtree,” interposed the captain.
“Mr. Crabtree, I am not a villain and I don’t want you or anybody else to call me one,” said Jack, hotly.
“Ha! don’t talk to me!” spluttered the assistant teacher.
“Mr. Crabtree, I will examine the two young gentlemen in private,” said Captain Putnam, decisively. “I will thank you to take charge of the classes for the present. I will send word when I wish to see you again.”
This was a strong hint that he was not wanted, and with rather bad grace the assistant teacher retired.
“Now, Ruddy, tell me your story,” went on Captain Putnam. “Tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”