“Did he take the key?” asked Bert.
“I don’t know; I guess so. It’s all right, though; I don’t mind staying here.”
“Don’t you worry,” cried Lanny, “we’ll get you out.”
They hurried into the house and upstairs. The second floor was deserted. Every key they could lay their hands on was tried, but none fitted. From beyond the door Small begged them not to trouble, assuring them that he was quite resigned.
“One for all and all for one!” cried Lanny, undismayed. “Keep up your courage. We’ll get a ladder.”
“Bully!” said Bert.
“But I don’t want—” began Small. It was quite lost, however, for the others were already halfway down the stairs. Luckily the room was on the back of the house, out of sight of the rink; although it is probable that Waters was much too busy playing hockey to notice what might be happening at the house. It was only a minute’s work to carry the long ladder from the basement and set it up outside Small’s window, one end in a rhododendron clump and the other against the sill. Small viewed it doubtfully.
“I don’t want to climb down that thing,” he demurred. “I might fall.”
“Hurry up,” Bert commanded. “They may come back. Get your sweater and cap.”
“But—but I tell you——”