“What is it?” returned the assistant teacher.
“You are wanted in the office, sir—a gentleman to see you.”
“Who is it?”
“Gave the name of Simon—Andrew Simon.”
“Really! My old friend Simon!” murmured the teacher. “Snuggers, I will go below at once. We can continue this search at another time.” And down the stairs went Josiah Crabtree and the general-utility man after him.
“Phew! but that was a narrow escape,” murmured Jack. “If they had gotten in here our cake would have been dough.”
After that the boys found the time hanging heavily on their hands. They talked the situation over in a low tone, but could reach no satisfactory conclusion.
Presently it grew darker and began to rain, the storm keeping up far into the night. This made a noise on the roof, so they could talk with but little danger of being heard.
At supper-time they partook of some more of the eatables in the basket and then prepared to make themselves comfortable for the night. They were resting on the bed when they heard a low whistle at the door.
“Hullo!” came in Andy’s voice.