But Tom only looked wise and turned away.
When the students sat down to eat it was noticed that Dick's chair was vacant.
"Master Thomas Rover, do you know anything of your brother Richard ?" asked an under-teacher.
"Perhaps he is having a talk with Mr.Grinder," said Tom.
"Oh!" Then the under-teacher noticed that Mr.Grinder's chair was also vacant, and said no more.
While the boys were eating, Peleg Snuggers came to the door and looked carefully about the mess hall.
"You won't find them here, Peleg," said Tom to himself.

Then the man of all work disappeared, and the supper continued as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening..