"Good!" exclaimed Frank, bringing his hands together with aloud slap. "As soon as they start, we'll start!"
"I looked into the library before I came up," continued Leon, "and I saw that the key of the bookcase is in one of the doors."
"Isn't that lucky?" cried Frank, who was almost ready to dance with delight. "Everything seems to be working in our favor. Now, in order to save time, we had better pack our valises."
The manner in which the two boys went at this work showed that they were in earnest about it, and that neither of them had the least idea of backing out.
They had already selected the clothing they intended to take with them, and in half an hour after that the valises were packed and placed in the closet out of sight.
This done, the boys sat down to talk about the glorious life upon which they were so soon to enter, and to wait until the time came to leave the house, which would be when Leon's father and mother had started for the concert.
Darkness came on apace, and presently the boys heard Mr. Parker calling from the foot of the stairs, whereupon Leon went out into the hall and looked over the balusters.
"Does Frank want to go with us?" asked the lawyer.
"No, sir," shouted Frank, from his seat in the window. "I'll stay with Leon."