CHAPTER XXV 

MUMPS IS TAUGHT A LESSON 

The cadets stared blankly at each other. Only two of them were undressed; the others had all of their clothing on. 

It was time for the head assistant to go the rounds, to see that all was right for the night. Should he be allowed to enter the dormitory he would certainly "smell a mouse," and perhaps knock all of their plans for a feast in the head. 

"Off with your clothing, all of you!" whispered Tom. "I'll manage this affair. Pretend to be asleep." 

"But, Tom, it's my fault--" began Dick, when his younger brother cut him short. 

"Into the bed--I'll be all right, Dick." 

Satisfied that Tom had some plan in his head for smoothing matters over, the other boys disrobed with marvelous rapidity and crept into their beds. While this was going on the knocking an the door continued. 

"Boys, open the door!" said George Strong. "Open the door, do you hear?" 

"Answer him!" whispered Tom to Larry, whose bed was nearest him. "Pretend you have just awoke," and he flung himself on the floor, with one of a pair of big rubber boots in each hand. 

"Oh--er--Mr. Strong, is that you?" 

"Yes, open the door." 

"Why--er--is it locked? 

"Yes." 

At once Larry tumbled from his bed, unlocked the door and stood there rubbing his eyes. "Excuse me, Sir, for not hearing you before." 

"I want to know what the meaning is of the noise in here?" said George Strong severely, as he gazed around the dimly lit apartment, for the lamp was turned low. "You boys are--gracious me! What's this?" 
What were they afraid Mr. Strong would smell?
a mouse