Nothing more was said in the study that evening, and when Eric went down he didn't even bid Duncan goodnight.
"Charlie," he said, as he stole on tiptoe into Wildney's dormitory.
"Hush!" whispered Wildney, "the other fellows are asleep. Come and sit by my bedside, and I'll tell you what we're going to do."
Eric went and sat by him, and he sat up in his bed "First of all, you're to keep awake till twelve to-night," he whispered; "old Rowley'll have gone round by that time, and it'll be all safe. Then come and awake me again, and I'll watch till one, Pietrie till two, and Graham till three. Then Graham'll awake us all, and we'll dress."
"Very well. But how will you get the key of the lavatory?"
"Oh, I'll manage that," said Wildney, chuckling. "But come again and awake me at twelve, will you?"
Eric went to his room and lay down, but he didn't take off his clothes, for fear he should go to sleep. Dr. Rowlands came round as usual at eleven, and then Eric closed his eyes for a few minutes, till the head-master had disappeared. After that he lay awake thinking for an hour, but his thoughts weren't very pleasant.
At twelve he went and awoke Wildney.
"I don't feel very sleepy. Shall I sit with you for your hour, Charlie?"
"Oh, do! I should like it of all things. But douse the glim there; we shan't want it, and it might give the alarm."