Ned stood up to switch off the lights. But it was too late. A key grated in the lock, the door was suddenly thrown open, and there stood Proctor Thornton, a grim smile on his face.
“Well, young gentlemen, you seem to be having a good time,” he said. “You will kindly give me your names and go to your own rooms. Hopkins, Baker, Slade—report to me to-morrow morning, and we will visit Dr. Cole together!”
[CHAPTER XVI]
A COLLISION
Astonishment and chagrin were plainly written on the faces of the midnight revelers. The proctor stood looking at them with a mocking smile. It had been some time since he had made such a “haul” as this—captured so many violaters at once.
For themselves the boys said nothing. There was nothing they could say. They had been “caught with the goods,” and there had been so little warning that none of the food could be slid under beds or desks—gotten out of the way in the fashion best adapted to the circumstances.
“Remember, Slade, Baker, Hopkins—report to me directly after chapel in the morning,” the proctor went on. “I have the names of the others, and their cases will be considered separately. Leave now!”
Ingloriously the guests slunk away, the proctor watching them go. Then, with a curt nod to Bob, Ned and Jerry, he left them to clear away the remains of the feast—though there was not much uneaten, as may well be imagined.
As the echoes of the proctor’s feet died away down the corridor, Jerry shut the door and turned to face his companions.