“Come on, fellows! We’ve got ’em!” yelled Bascome, scrambling to his feet. “Upset things, and then capture Holly Cross. There he is!”

With a yell his cronies sprang to obey the sporty freshman. They fairly tumbled over each other until they filled the room. Then, with a bang, the door by which they had entered slammed shut behind them, fastening with a strong spring lock on the outside.

“All ready with the camera, Sid!” cried Holly.

“All ready,” answered Sid.

Then, for the first time the freshmen seemed to realize that only a small number of sophomores were present—four, who were ensconced behind a table, and near an open door.

“Welcome to our banquet, freshies!” cried Tom.

Holly Cross caught up the effigy of a sophomore and tossed it at Bascome. The freshman leader, taken by surprise, clasped the figure in his arms, and Phil yelled:

“Let ’em have it, Sid!”

There was a blinding flash, and a dull boom, as the flashlight powder exploded, and it was followed by a gasp of fear from the freshmen. Then Holly switched on the electric lights, which had been turned off, and addressed the huddled group of freshmen.