“You bet I will,” called Ken to the already disappearing Murray.
The three cooped-in boys looked askance at Ken.
“Wull, I'm not much stuck—” Raymond began glibly enough, and then, becoming conscious that he might betray an opportunity to Ken, he swallowed his tongue.
“What'd you say?” asked Ken, pretending curiosity. Suddenly he began to jump up and down. “Oh, my! Hullabelee! Schoodoorady! What a chance! You gave it away!”
“Look what he's doing!” yelled Trace.
“Hyar!” added Weir.
“Keep away from those pipes!” chimed in Raymond.
“Boys, I've been laying for you, but I never thought I'd get a chance like this. If Murray only stays out three minutes—just three minutes!”
“Three minutes! You idiot, you won't keep us in here that long?” asked Weir, in alarm.
“Oh no, not at all.... Puff, I think you can stand a little more steam.”