But he did not finish the sentence, for there came a knock on the door—a pre-arranged signal in a certain code of raps, showing that one of their classmates stood without.
“Wait a minute,” called Tom, as he went to open the door.
His quick view through the crack showed the smiling faces of Teeter and Peaches, and there was an audible sigh of relief from Joe’s roommate. For Tom had fallen behind in his studies of late, and had been warned that any infractions of the rules might mean his suspension for a week or two.
“Gee, you took long enough to open the door,” complained Teeter, “especially considering what we have with us.”
“Don’t you mean ‘whom’ you have with you?” asked Joe, nodding toward Peaches.
“No, I mean ‘what,’” insisted Teeter with a grin as he unbuttoned his coat and brought into view several pies, and a couple of packages done up in paper.
“Oh, that’s the game, is it?” asked Joe with a laugh.
“And there’s more to it,” added Peaches, as he produced two bottles from the legs of his trousers. “This is the best strawberry pop that can be bought. We’ll have a feast as is a feast; eh, fellows?”
“Lock the door!” exclaimed Tom, and he did it himself, being nearest to it. “There may be confiscating spirits abroad in the land to-night.”