“But how are you going to learn about their plans?”
“You know that the fellows in the first class hold their regular meeting to-night, I suppose? Well, Jones and I are going to hide in the room and listen to what that committee, who have been to the city to-day, have to say about the matter.”
Charley Porter was really astonished now. He looked at Enoch as if he could hardly believe that he had heard aright, but he did not speak.
“I want to go down to the room now,” continued the spy, “and as soon as the meeting is over I will come back—the very minute. I’ll take care to see that you don’t get into any trouble on my account.”
The guard walked carelessly to the head of the stairs, took a survey of the hall below, and came back to Enoch before he spoke.
“I wouldn’t do it for a million dollars,” said he. “Don’t you know that you will surely be left out in the cold when you get into the first class if you are caught in that room? I have heard it said that the school is made so very unpleasant for black-balled boys that they can’t stay in it. They are glad to get out and go home as soon as they can.”
“I know all about it,” replied Enoch. “But if I am willing to take the risk it doesn’t make any odds to you, does it?”
“None at all. You’re sure that you will come back as soon as the meeting is adjourned, are you? Go on, then; but you had better take a friend’s advice and think twice before you go into that room.”
Enoch, who had repeatedly told himself that nothing except detection should turn him from his purpose, gave the guard an assuring nod, and having satisfied himself that the way was clear, darted down the stairs that led to the next lower floor. There was a guard there, but Enoch stood in no fear of him. The fact that he had passed the sentry on his own floor, was taken by all the guards and patrols in the building as evidence that he had left his dormitory by permission of somebody who had a right to give it. So long as he kept clear of the teachers and remained in the building, he could move about without fear of being questioned.
When Enoch reached the lower floor he saw at a glance that there was not a single instant to be lost. There were a good many boys in the hall, and the number was being rapidly augmented by first-class fellows, who were coming out of their rooms to attend the meeting. Jones was there, pacing restlessly up and down, and awaiting Enoch’s arrival with no little impatience. His face was pale, and he rubbed his hands together so nervously that it was a wonder he did not attract attention.