"They'll hang------" began Morse, about to perpetrate the old joke of
"hanging separately," when Bruce laughingly interrupted with the remark:

"Now that'll do you. There's a five spot fine for using that classic
so early in the season. But you know what I mean. It won't do to have
class dissension."

"No, you're right. But maybe it will work itself out."

While Bruce and Morse went their ways, Tom and his chums, talking
excitedly, went to Tom's room. He had some new rods and a gun he
wanted to exhibit, but, most of all, he wanted to give his friends the
whole history of the summer's adventures.

"Now go ahead," invited Joe Rooney, when they were all seated, more or
less comfortably, on the beds and chairs in the room of the three
chums. "Let's have the whole yarn."

And Tom began, telling the story of the secret of the old mill. He had
not proceeded far ere there came a knock on the door.

"Come!" invited Tom, after a moment's hesitation, during which he
recalled that, as the term had not officially started, there could be
no danger from prowling monitors, or suspicious professors. The door
opened and Bruce Bennington entered.

"Hello, Bruce, old stock!" greeted Tom, rising and holding out his
hand. "Glad to see you! Here, some of you fellows get up and give one
of our betters a seat."