“As to-day is Sunday I shall not inquire into the cause that led to the fire last night,” said the master of the school, when the cadets had assembled. “But an investigation will be made to-morrow morning.” This announcement was received with interest, and during the remainder of the day the cadets discussed the matter freely among themselves. “You keep quiet about our smoking,” said Ritter to Sabine. “I—I didn’t start the fire,” faltered Sabine. “I—er—I put out my cigarette as soon as you left me.” “Don’t you dare to shove this thing off on me!” said the bully fiercely. “You are as much to blame as I am.” This remark fairly terrorized the weak-kneed cadet and he promised not to say a word about smoking. The investigation was started directly after breakfast on Monday morning. The entire school was assembled for the purpose and Captain Putnam showed that he meant to get at the bottom of the affair. “A fire was kindled against my express orders,” said the master of the school. “I knew a storm was coming but I must confess I did not think it would blow quite so strongly. It was Providence that kept the entire camp from burning down. Dale Blackmore, come forward.” At this command Dale stepped to the front. “You assisted in gathering the wood for that bonfire, did you not?” asked the master of the school. “I did sir,” answered Dale. “Who else assisted at this work?” “Captain Putnam, do you expect me to tell on the other cadets?” demanded Dale. “Blackmore, this is a serious piece of business. The whole camp might have burnt up and some of the cadets with it.” “I didn’t start the fire, and I don’t know who did.” “Who gathered the wood beside yourself?” “I did, for one!” said Pepper, coming forward a few steps. “So did I,” added Andy and Fred. “Anybody else?” questioned Captain Putnam, gazing around at the assemblage. “I was going to, but I didn’t do it, after you said you didn’t want a bonfire,” said Coulter. “Snow, you admit you helped to gather the wood. Did you kindle the fire?” “No, sir.” “What have you to say, Ditmore?” “I didn’t start any fire.” “Century, how about you?” “I didn’t start the fire, Captain Putnam.” “Somebody had a can of carbide. To whom did that belong?” “That was mine, sir,” answered Fred. “I—er—I was going to show some of the fellows a new way to light a fire, by mixing the carbide with some water and generating acetylene gas.” “Didn’t you light the gas?” “No, sir.” “You are positive?” And now Captain Putnam’s voice was stern. “I have told you the truth, Captain Putnam,” answered Fred, and looked the head of the school squarely in the eyes. “Ahem! When you retired, what did you do with the can of carbide?” “I was going to put it back on my bicycle, where it belongs, but I forgot it and left it by the pile of brushwood.” “Open?” “Yes, sir.” “Rather a dangerous thing to do.” “I know it, sir, and I am sorry I did it.” “Major Ruddy, who was corporal of the guard when the fire started?”