“You see, we can—”
“That will do,” returned the professor with another laugh. “If you are going to make a secret place the fewer who know of it the more it is of a secret. Keep it to yourselves.”
“Even from you?”
“From every one,” said the professor emphatically. “If you need any tools or anything get them quietly.”
The brothers lost no time, but at once set about making a place of concealment. Jim, who, of the three had the more genius for mechanics, taking the initiative in the work, studying carefully the artistically constructed paneling to settle upon a plan.
“Do you think it can be done so that it won’t be seen?” asked Tom.
“Yes,” decided Jim. “I think so. By taking off this moulding, we can saw through the edge of the panel, put on leather hinges, and I can make a spring catch. Then replace the moulding and it will never show.”
“That will be easy,” asserted Jo.
“Glad you think so,” retorted Jim. “It will have to be done as nicely as the original work.”