Archer began an account of the conversation.
“Did you give us away?” interrupted number two.
“Wait till I am through, can’t you?” responded Sam. “No, of course I didn’t.”
“Shut up, Lordie, and let him tell it!” commanded the other. “We want it all.”
Archer finished his repetition, omitting nothing.
“You’re the right stuff,” declared the one called Lordie. “Just like the old sneak to try to get it out of you because you’re new. Last year he got little Roberts fired for nothing at all. He thinks he’s the whole institution—faculty, trustees, and all.”
The door opened abruptly. Number three rushed in and closed the door softly behind him. “Look out! he’s coming again!”
Numbers one and two dived for the bedroom. Number three settled into a chair and opened an Anabasis which lay on the top of a pile of books on the table. There was a gentle tap at the door.
“Come in!” called Archer. Mr. Alsop entered.
“Visitors again so soon?” he asked, seeking to cover his suspicion with an air of pleasantry. “You seem to have made friends early, Archer.” He glanced at the book which lay open on the lap of number three. “I didn’t know you took Greek, Taylor.”