"Not just yet—but he'll be on the way soon. I'll have to hurry, if I want to do something."
Tom led the way up a back stairs and to the room occupied that term by Tubbs and some other students. They met the dudish student, half dressed, going to the lavatory to wash up.
"Quick!" cried Tom. "I hope I can find the box."
"What box?" asked Dick, as he and Sam followed Tom into Tubbs' room.
"The box of candy he bought for Miss Ruggles. It was a dandy—but maybe we can improve it just a little," and Tom grinned broadly.
All looked around and presently found the box of candy on a dresser. It was tied up with a blue ribbon, but this Tom slipped off with ease. Inside of the box were chocolates and bonbons and some candied fruit.
"Hold the box, Sam," said Tom, whipping out his knife. "We've got to move mighty quick!"
On the instant he was at work with his pocket-knife, cutting the floor wax into various shapes to resemble candy. He took out some of the candied fruit and substituted the wax. Then he felt in his pocket.
"This will help," he said, bringing forth a soapstone slate pencil, which he cracked into tiny lengths. "The candy that lasts!" he cried softly, as he dropped the bits into the box.
"Rather rough on the girl," declared Dick.