“I thought there was something fishy about it,” commented Thad. “Never again do I buy a pig in a poke!”
“I’ll poke Ikey when I catch him,” said Bob.
“Here he comes now,” spoke Ted, in a low voice. “Don’t seem to see him until he gets close, and then we’ll grab him and make him shell out!”
So the five remained looking steadfastly in the window until the unsuspecting Ikey came close. Then Andy and Dunk made a quick leap and caught him.
“What—what is it?” asked the surprised student.
“We merely want your advice on the purchase of some more art objects,” said Andy, grimly. “You’re such an expert, you know.”
“Some other time—some other time! I’m due at a lecture now!” pleaded Ikey, squirming to get away.
“The lecture can wait,” said Dunk. “Look at that vawse for the holding of the rose petals from your loved one. See it there—now would you advise me to buy it? It’s much cheaper than the one you and your beloved Hashmi stuck me with.”
Ikey looked at the faces of his captors. He saw only stern, unrelenting glares, and realized that his game had been discovered.
“I—er—I——” he stammered.