Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/170

152 "All right, go ahead, Roger," came from several.

"I've got an idea," said Dave. "If you'll spare me, I'll go with Roger. Perhaps we can capture those chaps."

"Hurrah! Just the thing!" cried Polly Vane. He rarely took part in the discussions, but to have the room mussed up ruffled him greatly.

The bottle of ink was taken down and placed in a corner, and the majority of the lads set to work to clean up the dormitories. In the meantime Dave and Roger slipped off, and hid themselves in two dark corners of the hall.

They had not long to wait. But a few minutes had passed when they beheld Macklin and Gus Plum sneaking towards dormitories No. 11 and No. 12. Each tiptoed his way to one of the doors and tried to peep through the keyhole.

"Now is our time," whispered Dave. "You take the sneak and I'll tackle Gus Plum."

"Can you manage him? He's pretty big."

"I think I can. Come."

Both moved forward like shadows, and a few seconds later Gus Plum and Macklin found themselves caught from behind and hurled against the doors.

"Open up, fellows!" cried Dave, and as the doorknob was turned, the barrier flew open and Gus Plum pitched headlong, with Dave on top of