Now it happened that the boys, struggling to remain unseen, had huddled into this very box.
“The case is heavy, Tyler. I can’t stir it. Just see what is in it.”
Mr. Tyler, alert to obey, dragged forth the case with the assistance of the insurance agent and when it was tipped up and Peter and Nat tumbled out on the floor three more astonished men never were seen.
the three men stepped forward
“How did you two boys get here?” questioned Mr. Tyler severely. “What are you doing?”
Nat, thoroughly terrified, looked helplessly at Peter. He couldn’t have answered had he tried. Peter himself was a good deal taken aback. He glanced at his father for some hint as to how to proceed, but Mr. Coddington’s face was a study in conflicting emotions and furnished no clue. Therefore, after waiting a moment and receiving no aid in his dilemma, Peter replied simply:
“We are eating our luncheon.”
“Eating your lunch! And who told you you might come here for such a purpose?”