"This way to the Dorms. No admittance till February," said the third door.
"And it's only May now. We cannot possibly wait that long." Notta took off his hat and made the door a polite bow. "Besides," he explained to Bob, who was slowly spelling out the words on the fourth door, "Dorms stands for dormitories and dormitories stand for sleep. Who wants to sleep?"
"King Theodore the Third," said the fourth door.
"Whew!" whistled Notta. "Another King! Come away, Bob Up, I don't trust these king chaps at all."
"The Queen," announced the plate on the fifth door proudly, "Adora the First. No one without a title need apply."
"Well, we may not be earls, but we're early," chuckled Notta, winking at Bob.
They hurried curiously to the sixth door. "Push!" said the plate.
"But would that be wise?" ruminated Notta, rubbing his forehead anxiously. "Let's try the last door, Bob."
"Don't try me too much or I'll fall on your head," wheezed a disagreeable voice. "Haven't you anything better to do than go trying poor hard-working doors?"
After a talking sign, Notta and Bob should not have been surprised. But they were—simply astonished—and for a moment could do nothing but stare.