"I'm sorry I've got to wait until twelve o'clock," said Ben, in an equally loud tone. "But if that is the rule of this club, why, I'll have to obey."
"Those other good things won't arrive until quarter to twelve," said Roger.
So the talk ran on until the boys were undressed and ready to retire. Then the lights were put out and all became quiet.
In the darkened hallway Babcock was on guard. Soon he came in with a broad grin on his face.
"You've fooled 'em completely," he whispered. "They have arranged to call up the doctor and old Haskers at exactly half-past eleven, and they are going to pounce in here just a few minutes after twelve,—when they expect everything to be in full blast. Plum says he will help smash down a door, if it is necessary."
"Well, it won't be necessary," answered Dave, dryly.
As soon as all was quiet, the good things were brought forth and all the invited guests lost no time in "making themselves at home," as Buster Beggs expressed it. Growing boys always have tremendous appetites, and it did not take long for the larger portion of the cakes and pies to disappear.
"Ah!" sighed Sam Day, at last. "I must let up, I am too full for utterance."
"I can't eat another mouthful," said Polly Vane, as he finished a chocolate éclair. "It was delicious, though."