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 CHAPTER XVIII

A NEW PLAY IS TRIED OUT

Clif didn't take Walter Treat into his confidence that night. Not that he didn't thoroughly trust Walt's discretion, but there was no sense in taking chances. He wanted to stay awake, and listen for sounds outside or in the Hall that would announce Tom's surreptitious return; for Loring's absolute confidence in Wattles's powers of persuasion had ultimately convinced Clif that Tom would return; but after a heroic effort lasting some fifteen or twenty minutes he had to give it up, and when Tom's fortunes again engrossed his mind, it was twenty-two minutes past seven on Friday morning. Clif made a record toilet, and was on his way to Number 34 before Walter was more than half dressed. Billy Desmond was alone in the room when Clif got there, but a mere glance at Tom's tumbled bed told the story.

"All right?" whispered Clif hoarsely.

"Guess so", Billy chuckled. "He's gone to wash. All I know is that he was in bed when I woke up, and I had the dickens of a time getting him out. He's still half asleep."

Tom staggered in a moment later, looking rather haggard, and very, very sleepy. His greeting to Clif was a wan smile, but while he struggled into his clothes