“Yes,” and Tom nodded. “Maybe they think we’re out, and they’re bringing back our chair.”
“Or the clock,” added Phil.
Tom arose, and tiptoed toward the portal. Before he reached it, there came a cautious knock on the panel.
“Shall we answer it, or pretend we’re not in?” he breathed to Sid. Then, without giving the latter time to answer, a voice called, in a hoarse whisper:
“I say, Tom, are you and the bunch in there?”
“It’s Dutch!” spoke Phil, in his natural tone. “Come on in, you old scout! What’s all the secret society business about, anyhow?”
Tom opened the door, and Billy Housenlager and Holly Cross stood revealed.
“Don’t yell so!” cautioned Dutch. “We’re going to haze that big chap—what’s his name?” and he turned to Holly.
“The one from California,” explained the centre rush.