"I am not to blame," he said, in answer to a question from one of the teachers. "I didn't put the snake in Pell's desk."
"Did you bring the snake into the school?"
"Certainly not," answered the bully shamelessly. He made up his mind to keep out of "hot water" even if it was necessary to lie to do it.
A hurry call was sent to Doctor Fremley of Cedarville and he came as quickly as his mare could bring him. Only the teachers and the physician were allowed in the bedroom with Pell, so the cadets did not know what took place.
"It's as plain as day," said Dick to his brother and his chums. "Sobber got the snake and put it in the box. That is why Pell said he was to blame."
"But Sobber told a teacher he did not bring the snake into the Hall," answered Songbird.
"I do not believe him," came from Tom.
"Nor do I," added Sam. "He's a bad egg, if ever there was one."
The poisoning of Nick Pell cast a damper over the whole school, and neither the teachers nor the pupils could settle down to lessons. The doctor remained with the sufferer for two hours, and when he went away he looked very grave.
"He is by no means out of danger," announced the physician. "But let us hope for the best. I think his parents ought to be notified."
