"What we want to do is to give him an experience that he won't forget as soon as he might a licking."
It took some argument for Frank to bring his loyal friends around to his view of the case, and they were not fully satisfied until he himself had mapped out a plan that promised good sport and success.
In accordance with this plan Frank did not leave his room on the following day. There were lectures and recitations to be attended to, but he cut them and did not even show his face at the window.
Meantime the other fellows were busy in making preparations for the serious work of the night.
Most of these preparations were done in one of the rooms of the society, but a little took place elsewhere; for example Baker and Diamond arranged to meet as if by accident in front of Miller's cigar store.
They chose an hour when Miller was certain to be behind the counter. He was there, and after the two students had said good-morning, as if they had just met for the first time during the day, Baker remarked, in a loud voice:
"I got up so late this morning that I had to run to lectures after breakfast without a smoke and I haven't had time for one since. I guess I'll burn a cigar. Will you join me?"
"Thanks," responded Diamond, in the same tone, "I will."
Accordingly they entered the store and Baker called for cigars. Miller set a couple of boxes on the counter while the students made their selection.
"I never smoked this brand," remarked Baker, "but it looks pretty good."