They unlocked the door, and there stood Andy and Stuffer, each with some supper done up in a napkin. Andy also had a candle and some matches. Dale had told them where to come.
“Had a time getting this here,” said Stuffer, after the candle had been lit.
“Old Crabtree is nearly crazy, thinking you have run away from the Hall,” said Andy. “He and Snuggers have been hunting all over for you. They even sent word to Cedarville.”
“Well, let Crabby worry—he deserves it,” grumbled Pepper. “Say, it’s mighty good of you to bring this,” he continued.
“Here are a couple of new magazines, too,” said Stuffer, handing them over. “I got them from the library. They’ll help you to pass away the time.”
Andy and Stuffer did not dare to remain upstairs long, and soon left, and then the door was locked as before and Jack hung his handkerchief over the keyhole. The curtain to the window was drawn down tightly, so that the candlelight might not be seen by anybody outside.
Several hours went by and the academy became quiet. Both boys had read for awhile and also taken several naps. Then Pepper started up.
“Jack, I’ve an idea!”
“What now, Pep?”
“Let us go downstairs after old Crabby is to bed and play some trick on him.”