fun with those Ku Klux things. They must be about done, and I reckon
will be packed off out o' the house before long."

Walter nodded assent; they stole unobserved from the room, flew up to
their own for the key, hurried to the sewing-room of their mothers, and
finding there two disguises nearly completed, sufficiently so for their
purpose, arrayed themselves in them, slipped unseen down a back
staircase, and dashing open the nursery door, bounded with a loud whoop,
into the midst of its occupants.

Children and nurses joined in one wild shriek of terror, and made a
simultaneous rush for the doors, tumbling over each other in their haste
and affright.

But fortunately for them, Mr. Travilla and Calhoun had come in from the
grounds, were on their way to the nursery, and entered it from the hall
but a moment later than the boys did by the opposite door.

Mr. Travilla instantly seized Dick, (Calhoun doing the same by Walter),
tore off his disguise, and picking up a riding-whip, lying conveniently
at hand, administered a castigation that made the offender yell and roar
for mercy.

"You scoundrel!" replied the gentleman, still laying on his blows,
"I have scant mercy for a great strong boy who amuses himself by
frightening women and helpless little children."

"But you're not my father, and have no right, oh, oh, oh!" blubbered
Dick, trying to dodge the blows and wrench himself free, "I'll--I'll sue
you for assault and battery."