It needed no great penetration to guess who it was to whom he owed his humiliation. So he armed himself with a ruler in one hand and the parcel in the other, and walked over to Herapath’s study.
The proprietors were at home, and had apparently expected the visit, for an elaborate barricade had been drawn across the door by means of the table, bedstead, and other furniture, so that Felgate, when he looked in, could barely see more than the heads of his young friends.
“Let me in,” he said, trying to push the door open.
“Awfully sorry; can’t come in,” said Dig cheerfully. “Herapath and I are having a scrub up. Come again presently.”
“Do you hear me, you two? Let me in at once.”
“Don’t you hear, we’re doing the place up?” said Arthur. “Go to some of the other chaps if you want a job done.”
“I want you two; and if you don’t let me in at once, I’ll force my way in.”
“Say what you want there; we can hear,” said Arthur.
Felgate made a violent effort to effect an entrance, but without avail. The stout iron bedsteads held their own, and the wedge inserted under the door prevented it from opening farther than to allow the invader’s head to peep in.
“I shall report you for this,” said Felgate.