Bart opened the door and entered the room.
Vance stood irresolute in the corridor, wishing to do something to injure Hodge, but undecided concerning the course to pursue.
“He has secured the key from the office and entered Merriwell’s room,” muttered the actor. “I wonder what he is up to. I’d give something if I knew.”
Softly he stole along the corridor till he reached the door of the room. There he paused and listened. He could hear Hodge moving about inside.
“Wish I might get a peep through the keyhole,” thought Vance. “I believe he is up to something queer. If I had time, I’d bring Merriwell here, so that he might catch the fellow in there.”
He looked up at the transom.
“If I could get a peep through that!” he mentally exclaimed.
A moment later he was tip-toeing along the corridor, almost on the run. He had the key to his own room, and he quickly and silently unlocked the door and entered. Soon he came out, bearing a chair, and leaving the door of his room standing wide open.
“I may want to get back there in a hurry,” he muttered.
Reaching Merriwell’s room, he placed the chair before the door and quickly sprang upon it. Then, by standing on his toes, he was able to look through the transom glass.