Suddenly there was a sound like thunder, and at the instant a hideous demon face glared out before them, with eyes of fire, wide-open mouth, fearful fanglike teeth, and a forked tongue. From the lips of this creature seemed to come the words:
“If there be one unworthy among you, let him confess it and accept this last opportunity to escape with his life. All who enter will be tested, and the unworthy shall receive no mercy.”
“We are worthy, faithful friend,” declared Frank Merriwell. “The only unworthy one is the freshman, who is to be offered as sacrifice on the altar of hilarity.”
“Do you google?” asked the fiend.
“Whenever we cannot goggle,” soberly answered Merry.
“For which?”
“Because why.”
“Is it also?”
“It is likewise.”
After this apparently foolish series of questions and answers the fiery face vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and a door swung open before them, permitting light to shine in from a room beyond, and they were invited to advance.