Part 9 (1/2)
”I wonder what he's going to talk about,” whispered Randy.
”Liberty Loan, or something like that, I suppose,” answered his twin.
He was right. There was a new drive on to raise money for the Government to be used for war purposes, and this gentleman, as a member of the local committee, had come forth to urge every man and woman in the audience to invest in Liberty Bonds.
”That is what my father was doing in and around New York before he went to war,” explained Andy to Walt Baxter. ”He made quite a success of it, too. He was on a whole lot of committees.”
”And he did a lot of work for the Red Cross, too,” added Randy.
While the lights were turned on the cadets had a chance to look around the showhouse. They thought that possibly some of the girls from Clearwater Hall might be present, but they were disappointed.
The talk about Liberty Bonds had come to an end, and several men and women were pa.s.sing through the audience trying to get subscribers for the bonds when half a dozen newcomers entered the moving picture theater. One of the number was in cadet uniform, and as he came down the aisle and took a seat on the other side of the showhouse, Jack caught Fred by the arm.
”Look who's here, will you?” he whispered excitedly.
”Why, it's Bill Glutts!” returned Fred.
”Exactly! And do you see who is with him?”
”No. I can't make out. Who is it?”
”Gabe Werner!”
”Gabe Werner! Are you sure, Jack?”
”Positive! I saw him full in the face just before he sat down.”
Soon the lights in the showhouse went out once more, and the moving picture performance continued.
CHAPTER VII
THE END OF THE TERM
”What can Gabe Werner be doing around here?” questioned Randy, who had heard the conversation between his two cousins.
”I'm sure I don't know,” answered Jack. ”He doesn't live anywhere in this vicinity, and I thought after he left the school he went home.”
”Evidently Glutts must have known about his being here, otherwise they wouldn't be together,” said Andy.
Jack stood up so that he might get a better view of the other side of the showhouse. He noticed several vacant seats directly behind those occupied by Glutts and Werner.
”I'm going to slip over there just as soon as the lights are turned down,” he said to Fred. ”If they are hatching out any mischief perhaps we'll hear something worth listening to.”
”I'll go with you,” was the ready reply.
The pair explained to the others what they were about to do, and then slipped out of their seats and made their way to the back of the moving picture theater. Then, when the lights were being turned out, they moved forward and slipped into two seats directly behind Glutts and Werner without being noticed by the two bullies.
The educational film was now being shown again, and this caused Glutts to give a snort of disgust.