“But he’s soft as mush,” said Ready. “He never takes any training, and a kid can handle him.”
“Now,” said Frank, in a peculiar manner, “I have a fancy that he is not so easy as you think, and I’ve been told that he’s onto the usual event in the Pass of Thermopylæ, and has a counter trick in store for the sophs.”
“Oh, has he?” exclaimed Ready warmly. “Well, we’ll have to look out for Mr. Rolf Boltwood.”
“I have a plan,” said Frank, still with a queer twinkle in his eyes.
“Unfold it, oh, mighty one!” urged Jack.
“Why not fool the freshmen completely by causing Boltwood to fail to put in an appearance? We’re all looking for the thing to come off right to-night, and we don’t want any one to spoil the plans.”
Ready placed his forefinger gently on his forehead and seemed buried in profound thought.
“Is it worth the trouble?” he asked.
“Of course. You don’t know what sort of a game he may have planned. Thus far, I think, he has not revealed it to any one, fearing it might get out in some way. If you delay, it may be too late. I think it is understood that he is to be the leader of the freshmen on this occasion. If he vanishes, somebody else will take his place, and all will go merrily as a marriage-bell.”
“I believe you are right,” nodded Ready. “Somehow, I rather fancy the adventure. Who is with me?”