“No! no!” came from both boys.
“We have made a rigid investigation,” returned Josiah Crabtree. “It is useless to deny it,” he continued. “But that is not the worst of it, in the eyes of myself and Captain Putnam.”
“Well, what is the worst?” asked Jack, curiously, and wondering what was coming.
“Both of you went down to the old boathouse to smoke and drink.”
“I deny that flatly,” said the young major.
“So do I,” added Pepper.
“Denials will do you no good. We have the evidence,” returned Josiah Crabtree, and once again his rather fishy eyes showed a gleam of triumph.
“What evidence have you?” demanded Jack.
“After we locked you up here, I suggested to the captain that we search your dormitory. This was done, and we have uncovered your secrets. The captain is amazed, and so am I. We did not dream that any cadet at this school would be guilty of such a thing.”
“Guilty of what?” asked Jack and Pepper, in a breath.