Aram breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s a fine idea! Do you think he will consent?”
“We can try, anyway,” said Garabed.
The four boys went up to their dormitory on tiptoe. They hastily tossed to one side their articles of clothing, and pulled out books and newspapers helter-skelter, covering them over with a cloth. The most important publications they hid under their zoubouns, which made them look like some sort of grotesque creatures with strange humps and deformities on back and chest.
Monsieur Bernier gazed at them in astonishment, as they entered his room.
“What is all this?” he asked.
Ghevont explained the situation briefly, and asked if he would be willing to take care of their books until all danger was past.
Monsieur Bernier consented without hesitation; he was heartily glad to render this service to his young friends, and they appreciated his kindness.
The next morning before the boys had finished dressing, the president entered the Sophomores’ dormitory.
“Open your trunks,” he said; “some of you are in possession of books forbidden by the government, and it is necessary for me to find out which boys are guilty.”