“You don’t s’pose they could have backed out; do you?”
“No, Bob Chapin said they were hot for the trick, and rose to it like a hungry trout to a fly. Oh, they’ll be here.”
“Then I wish they’d hurry. I’m getting a cramp in my leg, crouching down so long.”
“That’s nothing. I know I’ll have rheumatism or housemaid’s knee, or something like it, for sitting on the damp ground. But think of it! They’ll be suspended, and you’ll be back on the nine!”
“Yes, that makes it worth while.”
“Hark! I think I hear something!” cried North suddenly.
They peered out. Two dark figures could be seen coming cautiously around the base of the statue.
“That’s them!” whispered Mersfeld.
“No, that’s McNibb, and one of the janitors is with him. He’s too early! He’ll scare ’em off!”
“Jove! It looks so. I wonder—”