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50 In spite of lively scenes on the floor below, the noise was kept within a certain range. Neither the freshmen nor the sophomores desired to have their pranks interrupted by the college authorities, which would be sure to be the case if the fun grew too hilarious.

The noise seemed to be approaching the room of Sid and Tom.

"Here they come," whispered the country youth.

Sid nodded and there was a grim smile on his face. An instant later the door was tried.

"The beggars have locked it!" some one exclaimed.

"Break it in!" another added.

"Ask 'em to open first," counseled a third. "We've smashed so many now that we'll have a pretty bill to pay."

"Oh, blazes, give it your shoulder, Battersby," exclaimed a loud voice.

"Going to open, fresh?" called out a student on the other side of the portal.

"Nope!" cried Sid.

There was a moment's pause and then some one hurled himself at the door. The bolt held for a few seconds, but on a second rush there was a splintering of wood, the screws pulled out and the portal flew open, giving admittance to a crowd of sophomores.