come out with the weapons when the hour of arrest was over. Before the
hour was spent they were joined by others who in passing the open gate
saw them and were glad to wait to see the four delinquents pass out.

At length the clock in the old church-tower struck the four solemn
strokes. The hour of arrest was over, but the Trojans did not come.
They waited five, ten minutes, still no sign or sound of their coming.

"I believe I hear a stir. Yes, they are coming," whispered one, rubbing
his hands in glee.

"And I can tell exactly how they will act," commented another. "Otto
will be crying from shame and anger at having to carry the things back.
Cross will hide his eyes with his arm, and Henry will hold a high head
as much as to say, 'who cares.'"

"But why don't they come? The hour was out when we came," said a
newcomer.

At that moment the lecture-room door opened quickly and the stern face
of the principal appeared, and the boys joined in a stampede.

"Halt!" cried the professor. "Come here! Why are you boys loitering here
so long after school hours?"

The boys reddened, but no one spoke.

"Henry Strong, speak; what are you doing here?"

"We wanted--we thought--we--"