Part 18 (1/2)
”We ought to have a speech!” cried Ben. ”I move Dave Porter be called upon to speak.”
”Second the motion!” cried several others.
”Give us something on 'How to Learn Without Studying,'” suggested Shadow.
”Or 'How to Do Algebra While You Sleep,'” said Ben.
”Or 'How to Make Haskers Reform,'” suggested Luke.
”Don't ask him to speak on the impossible,” broke in Plum. ”You'll never get Jobey to reform--it isn't in him.”
”I'm too full to make a speech,” said Dave, with a smile. ”Besides, we don't want any noise up here, or we'll be spotted sure.”
”I know what we ought to do!” cried Phil.
”What?” asked a chorus.
”Pay old Haskers back for the mean way he treated us. Can't we do something to him while he is asleep?”
”We sure can!” answered Roger. He looked at Dave. ”What shall it be?”
Dave thought for a moment, and then a broad grin overspread his features.
”I wonder if we can manage it,” he said, half to himself.
”Manage what, Dave?” asked several, eagerly.
”I think we can do it--if some of you fellows will furnish a stout line. Several fis.h.i.+ng lines twisted together will do.”
”But what do you intend to do, Dave?”
”Make Job Haskers think there is an earthquake,--that is, if he is in bed and asleep, and we can get into his room.”
”Oh, he must be asleep by this time,” said Sam.
”And here is a stout cord. I used it for flying my big kite,” added Ben.
”Then, come on, and we'll give Job Haskers a surprise. But don't make any noise, or we may get caught.”
CHAPTER XII
AN EARTHQUAKE FOR JOB HASKERS
The door to the hall was cautiously opened, and the boys looked out. The coast appeared to be clear, and Dave tiptoed his way out, followed by his chums. A faint light was burning, as required by the school regulations, and this kept the students from b.u.mping into anything.
All knew the location of the apartment occupied by Job Haskers, and it did not take them long to reach the door to it. Here they paused to listen intently.
”He is in there and asleep,” whispered Dave.
”Yes, and snoring,” added Roger. ”That shows he won't wake up very easily.”