"
"I guess you are right," said Chester slowly, after a moment's
hesitation.
"I know I am," said Hal, and so the matter rested.
It was nearly eight o'clock, as Hal perceived by a glance at his watch,
when the heavy sound of tramping feet became audible in the hall.
"Room 257," came a voice from without.
There was a loud rap on the door.
"Who's there?" called Hal, thinking to keep up the deception.
"Open the door in the name of the law!" came back the response.
From an adjoining room Mrs. Paine, Mrs. Crawford and Uncle John were
startled by the pounding on the door, and looked into the hall just as
the above conversation through the door took place. Uncle John
immediately stepped forward.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
The French officer turned upon him.
"None of your business," he replied. He turned and rapped on the door
again. "Open the door," he commanded, "or I shall break it in."
"Hold on there!" said Uncle John. "I have the key to the door. Tell me
what you want with those young men and I'll unlock the door.
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