CHAPTER III
A NEEDLESS ALARM
"It's only Flopps!" exclaimed Jack, after a pause—made painful from the fact that the conspirators had to assume uncomfortable attitudes because of the sudden alarm.
"That's right, so it is," agreed Ward, looking over the top of a packing case, and seeing the gardener putting away some of the implements he had used that day. "He's all right."
"Hold on!" exclaimed Andy in a whisper, as he saw the others about to leave their place of concealment, to proceed with the hazing operations that were under way.
"What's the matter now?" demanded Frank.
"If he sees the way we're togged up he'll raise a row sure," explained Andy. "He won't know us, and he'll think we're black-handers or something like that. He'll bring every professor and monitor out on the run. Lay low for another minute and he'll go out."
"I guess that's right," admitted Frank. "Andy is getting sense in his old age."
Once more the four crouched behind the cases, and watched the gardener in the dimly-lighted basement. Having put away the rake, spade and hoe, Flopps proceeded to put out the gas he had lighted, and left.
"Clear coast," announced Andy, after an observation. "Now to make the Freshmen know what's what. You notified the other fellows, didn't you?" he inquired of his brother and chums.