“I didn’t come over for that alone,” said Tom. “I have a message to Phil’s sister. Say, how do you get into the female department of this shebang, anyhow? What’s the proper method of procedure? Do I have to have the password and a countersign?”
“Pretty nearly. It’s like the combination on a safe. The first thing you will have to do is to go and interview Miss Philock.”
“Who’s she?”
“The preceptress; and a regular ogress into the bargain. If you pass muster with her first inspection, you’ll have to answer a lot of categorical questions covering your whole life history. Then, maybe, she’ll consent to take a note from you to the fair damsel.”
“Can’t I see her?” asked Tom in some dismay, for he had counted on meeting Madge Tyler.
“See a girl student of Fairview after dark? Why, the idea is preposterous, my dear sir! Perfectly scandalous!” and Frank gave a fair imitation of an indignant lady teacher.
“Well, I’ll have to send word in,” decided Tom, “for I didn’t bring a note.”
“Do you know her personally?” asked Frank.
“Who—Miss Philock or Phil’s sister?”
“Phil’s sister?”