“Another visitor,” said Jack, looking up.
When the door was thrown open they expected to see Snopper Duke or one of the other professors, and they were, therefore, much surprised when Colonel Colby stepped into the room. The master of the Hall was alone.
“Attention!” called Jack sharply—for this had been arranged between the cadets earlier in the day—and thereupon all of the cadets leaped to their feet and saluted.
This action came somewhat as a surprise to the master of the school, and just the faintest flicker of a smile passed over his features. Then he closed the door behind him and came forward.
“I am very sorry to learn that all of you have been breaking the rules of this institution,” said Colonel Colby, in an even tone of voice. “Captain Rover, I would like to have your version of the affair if you care to make a report.”
“I don’t know that I can make much of a report, Colonel,” answered the young captain, his face flushing. “We brought the snowballs into the school, and that is all there is to it.”
“Well, what about sending that big snowball down the stairs on top of Professor Duke?”
“That was an accident, sir, and I was responsible for it,” broke in Andy.
“An accident? Professor Duke is quite certain it was done by design.”
“He is mistaken, sir,” continued Andy, and then in a few words related exactly how the accident had occurred.