“You?” cried Browning. “I’ll wager something you put this job up.”
“Guilty,” laughed Frank.
“Boys,” thundered Bruce, “as punishment, we ought to hold him and turn a quart of that punch down his throat.”
“Mercy!” cried Frank. “Shoot me if I am to die, but do not torture me to death!”
By this time those who had hidden in other rooms realized something violent had happened, and were trying to get in. Bruce pulled his captive from the door and admitted them. They set up a howl for vengeance when they learned how they had been hoaxed.
Mrs. Henderson came upstairs and begged them to be quiet, but she was unceremoniously conducted to the head of the stairs, informed that a collection for her benefit would be taken up soon, and instructed to remain below.
While the students were debating over the punishment that should be meted out to the captives, Sidney Gooch suddenly cried:
“Fellows, I’ve been robbed! My watch is gone!”
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A POOR JOKE.