The Keeper of the Portal, Crick, conducted them to the door.
"The time has come to say farewell—for the present," said Mellor, as they all gathered round the door. "Don't forget that thou art pledged to us by the bonds of our noble order. In token whereof, give them the mystic wallop."
The bladders came down with a resounding thwack on the newly-made brethren, during which the Keeper of the Portal opened the door. Plunger and Harry darted through. Roars of laughter followed them, but they did not look back. They did not pause till they were well on the road to Garside.
"I say, Moncrief minor," said Plunger, drawing up breathless, "we've dropped in for a fine thing."
The same idea had occurred to Harry, but he was not so ready to admit it.
"How do you mean?"
"Why, we've joined hands with the enemy—the Beetles. There's no getting out of it."
"I suppose there isn't," answered Harry gloomily.
They walked on in silence for a few moments. Then Harry glanced round, as though half fearful that some one was following, and whispered:
"I say, Plunger."