“No.”
“Was the building on fire when you got there?”
“We didn’t see any fire.”
“Hum!” The master of the Hall mused for a moment. “How did the fire start?”
“It sprang up all at once,” said Pepper. “We got scared and started to run away. Then we found the door closed, and we had a big job getting out of the place.”
“That is a fine story to tell,” sneered Josiah Crabtree. “Captain Putnam, if I were you, I’d place them in a room by themselves, while we make an investigation.”
“But, Mr. Crabtree——”
“I am certain we shall learn a good deal,” went on the assistant teacher. And then he whispered something into the ear of the master of the Hall.
“If you think best,” said Captain Putnam. “Come with me, boys,” he added, to Jack and Pepper, and led the way to the school, and then to his private office.
“Captain Putnam——” began Jack.