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 from sight, and footsteps went softly across the boards, were muffled on the rug, and sounded again by the door. The door was opened, and for a moment Ned mentally pictured the boy peering anxiously out into the dim hall. Then the door closed again, and after a short silence Laurie's bed creaked. To prove to the other that his return had not been made unknown, Ned sat up in the blackness and thumped his pillow, striving to express disapprobation in the thumps. Across the room the faint stirrings ceased, and silence reigned again.

Ned smiled grimly. Laurie had probably thought that by being so quiet he could get in without his brother's knowing it, but he had shown him! Then Ned's satisfaction faded. What the dickens had Laurie been doing out at this time of night? It must be twelve, or even later! If he had been up to mischief—but of course he had; a fellow didn't climb into his room by the window unless he had something to hide. Even being out after ten o'clock was a punishable offense! Ned began to worry. Suppose some one had seen Laurie. Why had Laurie