"We will carry him up to one of the spare bedrooms," said Captain Putnam. "And, Mr. Strong, see to it that we get a doctor here as soon as possible. Tell him it is a case of snake poisoning, and ask him over the telephone what we had best do."
Nick Pell was carried upstairs. By this time he had ceased to move and lay like a log in the hands of those who supported him.
Many had heard him mention Tad Sobber and all looked at the bully inquiringly. Sobber was deadly pale, but managed to keep up a bold front.
"I am not to blame," he said, in answer to a question from one of the teachers. "I didn't put the snake in Pell's desk."
"Did you bring the snake into the school?"
"Certainly not," answered the bully shamelessly. He made up his mind to keep out of "hot water" even if it was necessary to lie to do it.
A hurry call was sent to Doctor Fremley of Cedarville and he came as quickly as his mare could bring him. Only the teachers and the physician were allowed in the bedroom with Pell, so the cadets did not know what took place.
"It's as plain as day," said Dick to his brother and his chums. "Sobber got the snake and put it in the box. That is why Pell said he was to blame."
"But Sobber told a teacher he did not bring the snake into the Hall," answered Songbird.
"I do not believe him," came from Tom.