“But this is a pretty severe test,” whispered Halliday. “All the same, I believe you are a fine fellow, and I want to see you come through with flying colors.”
“You are so awfully good—not,” grinned Jack.
“Oh, but I am in earnest!” solemnly said Halliday.
“If you are ready to meet the test,” said the master solemnly, “you must permit yourself to be blindfolded.”
“Well, get into gear,” invited the freshman.
Then they securely blindfolded him, Halliday hovering near all the while.
“Now,” said the voice of the master, whom Ready could no longer see, “you are about to encounter a fierce and terrible monster. If you have the courage to attack this monster and conquer him, well and good. If you have not—the matter of nerve will be settled.”
“How am I to fight the monster?” asked Jack.
“With this deadly knife,” answered the master, putting something into Jack’s hand. “Are you ready?”
“I’m always Ready,” punned the freshman.