"I'll show you in a minute. Now, then, old boy, want to see the light? Does you want to come out for a little time?"
Page spoke soothingly as if he were addressing a small cat.
"Shall I let him come out?" he went on, mockingly; "shall I let him have a little taste of fresh air and sunlight, poor thing?"
He listened as he spoke for some sign of Merriwell and it bothered him a little that he got no reply.
Ford looked on in wonder.
"Don't be so long about it!" he exclaimed. "Open up the thing if there's any way to do it, and let's see what you've got."
"All right, then; don't be frightened if he should run out suddenly," answered Page.
He put his hand on the knob of the secret door, and threw it open; then he stepped back, smiling broadly.
"There isn't anything there!" exclaimed Ford.
"What!" and Page got down on his knees and thrust his head into the fireplace.