He punched Ted on the back. "Beg pardon—thought you were the easel, old chap!"
Ted punched back. "Awfully sorry—thought you were the sofa cushion!"
"Great Scott!" ejaculated Denis, with overdone dismay. "Won't be a minute—forgot—" and he strode from the room.
Nell sat down suddenly, and hid her face in her hands. She knew quite well that Denis was now crawling about under his bed in search of the stocking.
Presently he reappeared, and worked his way round to her. Ted was urging a political argument with the Atom. Under cover of it Denis began.
"Beastly stocking isn't there!"
"If it were, why would the lamp be out, you goose?"
"Never thought of that!" He gave a chuckle.
"It's under the table! It's not packed properly yet. Get Ted up to your room. I'll put it in mine."
"Right you are."