or an Indian!" muttered Pepper. Nevertheless, he
wrapped the blankets around him and then felt considerably warmer.

The morning passed slowly, and at noon Pepper was given a bowl of soup
and several additional slices of unbuttered bread. The soup was hot and
good, and he wished there was more of it.

"Mr. Crabtree says that is all you can have," said the waiter who served
him.

"Crabbed Crabtree!" muttered Pepper, and said no more.

In the middle of the afternoon, directly after school was over, Josiah
Crabtree appeared. This time he was accompanied by George Strong.

"Ditmore, we have come to have a talk with you!" cried Crabtree. "And
let me say at the start that I want the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, as they say in court."

"Are you going to try me for my life?" demanded The Imp.

"I am going to try you on a very serious charge," snapped Josiah
Crabtree.

"Do not be too hasty, Mr. Crabtree," put in George Strong, mildly.

"Mr. Crabtree, if you want to know about the teeth, let me confess that
I took them and hung them up where they were found," said Pepper.

"Ha! so you are willing to confess, eh?"

"I am. I did it for fun--but I suppose you don't see the fun," added
Pepper, dryly, so dryly in fact that George Strong had to turn away to
hide a sudden smile.

"It was a low, contemptible trick!" returned Josiah Crabtree. "But I
must say I do not think it quite as bad as your other doings."

"My other doings?" asked The Imp, somewhat mystified.

"Mr. Crabtree, do not be hasty, I beg of you," put in the under teacher.

"Ditmore, how did you get the teeth?" demanded Josiah Crabtree.

"It was very easy, sir, if you must know. I went into the vacant bedroom
next to your room, climbed from one window to the other, and the trick
was done."

"Were you alone?"

"Yes, sir, absolutely alone."

"Have you been alone when visiting the other rooms in this building?"
demanded Josiah Crabtree, sharply.

"Mr. Crabtree----" began George Strong, but the head teacher motioned
for the assistant to be silent.

"I--I don't understand," stammered Pepper.

"You have shown your expertness in visiting rooms during the night, and
without awakening anybody," went on Josiah Crabtree, coldly. "Some time
ago other rooms were visited in this building, and various things were
taken--some things of great value--things which have not been returned.
Now, Ditmore----"

"Mr. Crabtree, stop!" cried Pepper,