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I want to talk the matter over with Captain Putnam first," answered the young officer. Captain Putnam looked very grave when Jack reported the loss of the gold watch and chain. "You are certain you left them on the stand when you went to sleep?" he questioned. "Yes, sir. Pepper Ditmore saw me put them there, and Dale Blackmore saw it, too." "And you have looked everywhere for them?" "Yes, sir."
"My, but he's a cheerful beggar!" muttered Dale. "Imagine him at the head of the school," observed Pepper. "Ditmore, did you hear me?" snarled the teacher. "I want you to keep quiet." "All right, Mr. Crabtree; sorry I spoke," answered The Imp, cheerfully. "Then remember to keep your mouth closed after this." "Ahem! how am I to eat if I keep my mouth closed?" asked Pepper, innocently. "Ha!
Have you any proof against Ditmore?" "You heard how he acknowledged taking the teeth." "And he said it was a joke and I believe it was that and nothing more. There is a wide difference between an innocent joke and a premeditated crime. Take my advice and say no more until you have consulted with Captain Putnam." "Ha! you are against me just as the cadets are against me!" stormed Josiah Crabtree.
"You you brute!" he gasped. "You dirty brute!" "Hi, don't you call me a brute!" roared Ritter. "You are a brute!" put in Pepper. "No fair-minded chap would kick a fellow when he was down." "Ditmore, you keep out of this," grumbled the bully. "I'm going to see that Andy has fair play," returned Pepper.
Why didn't you come on the boat with us?" "I got in last night," answered Andy Snow. "How are you, anyway?" And he shook hands cordially. "Oh, I'm as fine as a new-tooth comb," answered Pepper Ditmore, with a grin. "Ready for study and fun." "Especially fun, I'll wager. How about it, Jack?" "Oh, Pepper usually manages to get his share," came from the young major of the Putnam Hall battalion.
"I believe it was you, Ditmore!" he went on, turning an ugly look on Pepper. "That's one for tampering with our bicycles, Ritter," retorted Pepper. It was a chance shot, taken on the spur of the moment, but it told. Reff Ritter started and turned pale. "Who er told you I er tampered with your bicycles?" he stammered. "Never mind who told me, Ritter.
"You are quite sure Ruddy started the quarrel?" questioned Captain Putnam, gravely. "Yes, sir." "And he told the other cadets that your father was dishonest?" "Yes, sir. That is what made me so mad. But I didn't hit him until he attacked me," added Ritter, hastily. "Who was present at the time?" "Pepper Ditmore and Fred Century were with Ruddy, and Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton were With me."
"What is wrong?" "You know well enough, Ditmore. You took my er my set of teeth! You have made me the laughing-stock of the whole school! You shall suffer for it!" "Who says I took the teeth?" "John Fenwick saw you place them on the chandelier! Oh, you need not deny it." "Mumps! Well, he always was a sneak!" answered Pepper. "He is a nice, manly youth."
"Well, we couldn't get him," answered Jack. "Maybe Constable Plodders will be more successful." "I hardly think so, Ruddy. So you left Snow and Ditmore at the Lodge?" "Yes, sir. We thought Mr. Ford would like them to remain until he got there, or sent somebody." "I see." Captain Putnam mused for a moment. "I don't see that I can do anything. You had better go and get your supper.
"But it wouldn't be fair to make Jack suffer for something like that," went on Pepper, bound to stick up for his chum. "Ha! you dare to talk back to me, Ditmore! Go to your room at once, and stay there until to-morrow morning." "But, Mr. Crabtree " "Not another word. Go to your room. And you, Ruddy and Ritter, report to me and to Captain Putnam at the private office at once."
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