"More likely a rat. Oh, girls! it may gnaw our cloaks; mine is under there, I know."
"Well, let us drive it out."
"Oh! oh! oh! I'm afraid!"
"I'm not; I'm going to see what is under there."
My heart ceased to beat. Should I live to the next centennial, I shall never forget that moment.
The girl who had spoken last stooped and looked under the bed; this motion was followed by a thrilling shriek.
"There's a man under the bed!" she screamed.
The other girls joined in; a wild chorus of shrieks arose, commingled with cries of "Robber!" "Thief!" "Burglar!"
Urged to desperation, I was about to roll out from my hiding-place and make a rush to get out, hoping to pass unrecognized by covering my face with my hands, when two or three dozen young men swooped into the room.
"What is it?"