“We can’t do it—the hall is too narrow.”
The cook came closer, and the two cadets turned back and tried to crouch out of sight in a doorway. The boys’ hearts were, figuratively speaking, in their throats.
But just as the cook was almost on them she paused and turned back.
“Oh dear, I meant to bring that clean apron down!” the cadets heard her murmur, and then she passed out of sight.
“What a lucky escape,” gasped Pepper.
“Don’t stop any longer—get up to the trunk room before it is too late,” urged his chum, and together they sped on as if a ghost was at their heels. Having arrived there they shut the door and pulled a trunk in front of it, first, however, lighting the candle, that they might not break anything.
It took some time to transfer all the food to the dormitory below. The quantity made all the boys smile, and Stuffer’s eyes fairly glistened.
“This is the best yet,” said the youth who loved to eat. “Say, isn’t it most dinner time?”
“I wish Bob Grenwood was in this room,” said Jack. “I’d appoint him quartermaster once more—to divide the rations.”
“Make me quartermaster,” pleaded Stuffer.