"You may retire to Classroom Three, Major Ruddy, until called." Jack bowed and withdrew and walked to the classroom named.

It was empty and he threw himself down on a seat and gave himself up to his reflections.
Fred was next called, and he was followed by Pepper.

Both told practically the story related by Jack.

In the meantime George Strong, the second assistant teacher, was sent off to summon Coulter and Paxton.
He was gone the best part of a quarter of an hour, and when he came back his face was a study.
"Captain Putnam, I have just made a discovery," he said.

"I would like to speak to you alone." "Alone ?" queried the head of the school, somewhat astonished.
"Yes, sir, alone." "Very well, then, come into the next room," answered Captain Putnam..