Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/257

Rh wouldn't be down here at this hour of the night," whispered Phil.

"I've got a scheme," whispered Dave in return. The adventures of the night had sharpened his wits. "I'll try to get him into the storeroom yonder. If he goes in, slip into the hall and lock the door on him."

"How will you do it?"

"Wait and see."

Dave tiptoed his way around the building, and pausing at the window of the storeroom began to rattle the blinds and the sash. At first this did not attract Job Haskers' attention, but presently he arose and tiptoed his way into the storeroom to see what it meant.

Phil was watching the assistant master, and as silently as he could he sneaked up, closed the door, and turned the key. Then he ran outside and gave a low but clear whistle.

It was a signal that the coast was clear, and like so many cats the students ran into the Hall and scampered to their dormitories. Some were already partly undressed, and in a very few minutes all were in bed and safe.

As soon as Dave heard the other boys enter the building, he followed, and then of course, the rattling at the window ceased.

"Queer what that was," murmured Job Haskers to himself. "There isn't any wind to-night."