“We don’t want to stay here,” said Pepper. “It’s a beastly place and we’ll catch our death of cold.”
“You shall stay here.”
“I protest!” cried Jack.
“Ruddy, it will do no good, I tell you. And let me tell you something more. Your conduct is unworthy of an officer. After this, you shall be a private, nothing more.”
“You are going to take my majorship away from me!” gasped Jack.
“Yes.”
The boy’s heart sank within him. This was the unkindest cut of all.
“It’s dirt mean!” cried Pepper. “Jack, for two pins I’d write home about this.”
“Yes, and leave Putnam Hall,” added the deposed major.
“You two boys will behave yourselves!” roared Josiah Crabtree. “If you make any more trouble I’ll show you a thing or two!”