CHAPTER XXVI.
AN INDEPENDENT LEADER.
Since the Topovers and the other hard boys had behaved themselves so well, all precautions were relaxed; for the principal knew that barred windows were a standing temptation for them to escape. The students were allowed all the liberty it was practicable to give them. The bars had been removed from the windows of the restless spirits, as soon as they showed a spirit of subordination.
All the students retired at whatever time they pleased, provided that it was before ten o'clock. All lights were to be put out at that hour, and one of the instructors always passed through the halls of the dormitory at this time. The boys were required to lock their doors; and, when it was found that the door was locked and the light put out, that was sufficient evidence that the occupant of the room had gone to bed.
Tom Topover had instructed his gang to lock their doors, and put the keys in their pockets. If they succeeded in reaching the old wharf, which was the place appointed, without being seen, they would be safe. They passed out of the dormitory one at a time, and crept very cautiously to the meeting-place.
It was evident that Tom had opened the subject to Bent Fillwing and Jack Dumper before he said any thing to his former comrades. But he was careful not to say a word of the details of his plan to any one. He had caught this idea from the principal, and the officers of the steamer. They never said what they were going to do, and always insisted on blind obedience. He had followed their example, as well for the sake of prudence as in order to preserve his power over his companions. He believed in "sealed orders," and he kept his own counsel.
Nim Splugger had entered readily into the spirit of the enterprise, whatever it might prove to be; but Kidd and Pell were sorry a dozen times before they reached the old wharf. They would have turned back, if they had learned to bear the ridicule of Tom and Nim.
"Now what is all this about, Tom?" asked Bent Fillwing, who had been the terror of the town in which he lived before he came to Beech Hill.
"You will find out all about it in due time," replied Tom.
"But I want to find out now," Bent insisted.
"I can't tell you a thing now. All you have to do is to obey orders," replied Tom serenely, as though he believed it was all right.