The hunting cap, whip, and red coat were hung up like a trophy
between two foxes' tails, which served the purpose of bell pulls. At
this moment, my topographical observations were disturbed by the arrival
of the scout with candles, and two strange-looking fellows in smock
frocks, bringing in, as I supposed, a piano forte, but which, upon being
placed on the table, proved to be a mere case: the top being taken off,
the sides and ends let down in opposite directions, and the cloth pulled
out straight, displayed an elegant dinner, smoking hot, and arranged
in as much form as if the college butler had superintended the feast.
"Come, old fellow," said Tom, "turn to--no ceremony. I hope,
Jem," addressing his scout, "you took care that no ~138~~ college
telegraph{27} was at work while you were smuggling the dinner in."
"I made certain sure of that, sir," said Jem; "for I placed Captain
Cook{28} sentinel at one corner of the quadrangle, and old Brady at the
other, with directions to whistle, as a signal, if they saw any of the
_dons_ upon the look out."
Finding we were not likely to be interrupted by the _domine_, Tom took
the chair. The fellows in the smock frocks threw off their disguises,
and proved to be two genteelly dressed waiters from one of the inns.
"Close the oak, Jem," said Horace Eglantine, "and take care no one
knocks in{29} before we have knocked down the contents of your master's
musical melange.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192