"What is it, Mr. Crabtree."
"You will take charge of the other new pupils, while I take charge
of the one who has broken our rules on his very arrival."
"Hold on!" cried Tom. "What are you going to do with my brother?"
"That is... none of your business, Master Rover. You will go with
Mr. Strong."
"He didn't fire the cracker. "I did that! And I'm not ashamed of
it. I wasn't a pupil when I did it, and I'm not a pupil now, so I
can't see how you can punish me for breaking one of your rules."
At this there came a titter from the cadets gathered around.
Hardly any of them liked Josiah Crabtree, who was dictatorial
beyond all reason. The head assistant flushed up.
"You are a pupil here, and I will show you that you cannot break
our rules with impunity, and be impudent to me in the bargain!"
cried Crabtree. "Come with me!" And he caught Tom by the arm,
while Dick and the others were led off in another direction.
"Surely, this is a fine beginning," thought Tom as he walked
along. He was half inclined to break away, but concluded to await
developments.
"Are you going to take me to Captain Putnam?" he questioned.
"We do not permit cadets placed under arrest to ask questions.
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