The tramping in the room overhead sounded quite clear now that the paneling was gone. It annoyed Porky, who was trying the best he knew to make his pounding heard.
"Why don't the geezers sit down?" he complained. And as though in answer, there was a sudden silence above.
"It won't be so funny if they have all gone away," said Beany, listening intently.
"You bet it won't!" said Porky, beating still harder.
"They are all there," said Beany. "If they had gone out, we would have heard the steps all turning in the direction of the door, which is over there behind you."
"Well, here goes!" said Porky, pausing a moment to rest. "I am going to give the wireless call for help."
Then while both boys almost stopped breathing, Porky slowly and distinctly tapped out the thrilling summons that turns great ships out of their courses to race across leagues of angry sea to help the perishing.
"S.O.S! S.O.S!" Over and over, carefully, slowly Porky rapped, pausing now and then to listen.
"No go!" said Beany despondently.
"Wait," whispered Porky; "they are stirring up there."