"No, sir."
The teacher stepped out of the storeroom and made his way to the stone cell.
"He is gone too!" he ejaculated.
"Really, sir, did you say 'gone'?" cried Peleg Snuggers, in dismay.
"Yes. This is—ah—outrageous, Snuggers, Where can they be?"
"I'm sure I don't know, sir. Master Rover got out mighty quick."
"Look for them among the students, and if you find them bring them to me at once."
"I will, sir."
As soon as Peleg Snuggers had departed Jasper Grinder looked around the storeroom and the stone cell to learn if he could find any trace of the boys.
This gave Tom the chance to slip through the captain's private rooms and into the students' quarters.
"Well, how did you make out?" was Dick's impatient question. "You've been gone an age."
"Come with me and I'll tell you," said Tom, and taking his brother and several chums aside he related what had occurred.
"Keep them there all night, and on bread and water!" cried Dick. "It is awful. I'm sure the captain won't stand for it."
