It was now after six o'clock, and all descended to dinner. The meal over, Uncle John called the two lads into his own room. Motioning them to seats, he stepped out the door, and quickly turned the key in the lock.
"Now," he said from the outside, "we shall see whether you'll stay or not."
Hal and Chester looked at each other in dismay.
"Great Scott!" cried the latter. "What are we going to do now?"
Hal looked at his watch.
"After seven o'clock," he said. "We haven't much time."
He looked about the room, and his eye fell upon the telephone. Quickly he stepped forward and placed the receiver to his ear. After some questioning he turned to Hal with a smile.
"I guess it's all right now," he said.
"What are you trying to do?" asked Chester.
"You'll see," said Hal.