Hardly were the boys in the room than there came a loud knocking on the door.
"It's Mr. Strong!" gasped Sam. "What shall we do now? It looks as if we were a caught!"
CHAPTER XXV
MUMPS IS TAUGHT A LESSON
The cadets stared blankly at each other. Only two of them were undressed; the others had all of their clothing on.
It was time for the head assistant to go the rounds, to see that all was right for the night. Should he be allowed to enter the dormitory he would certainly "smell a mouse," and perhaps knock all of their plans for a feast in the head.
"Off with your clothing, all of you!" whispered Tom. "I'll manage this affair. Pretend to be asleep."
"But, Tom, it's my fault—" began Dick, when his younger brother cut him short.
"Into the bed—I'll be all right, Dick."
Satisfied that Tom had some plan in his head for smoothing matters over, the other boys disrobed with marvelous rapidity and crept into their beds. While this was going on the knocking an the door continued.