Then Hans waddled off to his room.
It was not far from midnight when the boys arose and prepared for the fun. Kenneth St. Ives was on hand. He had provided some ice for Ephraim.
“When we all get behind the curtain that hangs before the alcove,” said Kenneth, “you come into the room, Gallup, stalk up to the bed and run this piece of ice around over the Dutchman’s face. If that don’t frighten him out of his wits, I’ve made a big mistake.”
“It’s a yell thot’ll wake ivrybody fer a moile he’ll be afther givin’ whin he fales th’ oice an’ sees Ephraim in the whoite shate,” chuckled Barney.
In pajamas and nightclothes, the boys tiptoed up to the door of Hans’ room, opened it softly, and listened.
Hans was snoring.
One by one, the young jokers slipped into the room and concealed themselves behind the curtain. The moon was up, and a broad strip of light came in by the window and made the room light enough for them to watch what was to take place.
With a sharp knife, which went the rounds, each boy cut a slit in the curtain so he could peer out.
When everything was ready for the appearance of the “ghost,” they were startled to hear Hans muttering:
“I know how to feex you. Vater—goot coldt vater; Oh, uf I don’d gif you a path, you vos a liar!”