"Let's have it, Jack," Miss Belcher urged. "Don't be keeping all the fun to yourself."
"Whist a moment! I was thinking what to do with you three. The door's in line with the window, and he'll spot anyone that crosses the room."
I pointed to the window-skirting. "Not if one crossed close under the window, sir—hands and knees."
"Good boy! Can you manage it, Lydia? Keep close by the wall, tuck in your tuppeny and slip across."
She nodded. "And where after that?"
"Under the bed or behind the far curtain—which you will: and no tricks, this time! The near curtain will do for the Rector. Is that your hat, sir—there beside you, on the bureau?"
"No: I left mine in the next room. This must belong to Whitmore."
"Better still! Pass it over—thank you. And now, if you please, we'll exchange coats." Mr. Rogers began to strip.
The Rector hesitated, but after a moment his eye twinkled and he comprehended. The coats were exchanged, and he, too, began to steal towards the window.
"This will do for me, sir," said I, pointing to a cupboard under the bookcase.