“Here, you youngsters, take that candle on the mantel and inspect your room. The door is open, I see.”
Dick gave Brad a wink and picked up the candle, starting for the adjoining room. The maid had entered the first room and was waiting, candle in hand.
“You may go with Richard, Bradley,” said Zenas, seeing that Buckhart lingered behind.
“All right,” nodded the Texas youth.
As he stepped past the girl he gave a puff that extinguished the candle in her hand. Then he swiftly strode into the adjoining room, closing the door behind him.
Immediately the old professor began to call loudly for Dick and Brad to return.
“Come back here, you young rascals!” he shouted. “What are you up to, you scoundrels? Bring that candle instantly! How dare you do such a thing—how dare you!”
“I’m so frightened!” fluttered the girl, catching hold of Zenas. “’Ave you a match, sir? We might light the candle, sir.”
Dick opened the door and peered back into the room, discovering the girl clinging to the professor.
“Here! here!” he cried reprovingly. “What are you doing, Professor Gunn? You’re a married man. I didn’t think it of you! I didn’t think you would blow out the young lady’s candle and attempt to kiss her in the dark. It’s really scandalous! What would Mrs. Gunn say if she ever heard of this?”