Several bodies flung themselves against the door, and to the surprise of the freshmen, who were headed by Bascome and Delfield, they found that the portal was not locked. It opened easily--so easily, in fact, that several of the lads fell to the floor, and the others rushed over them. There was a scene of confusion, and this probably prevented the attacking freshmen from seeing that only four sophomores were present. The first year lads caught sight of the table, with its glistening array of silver and glass, and they took it for granted that they were in the banquet place of their enemies. "Come on, fellows! We've got 'em!" yelled Bascome, scrambling to his feet. "Upset things, and then capture Holly Cross. There he is!" With a yell his cronies sprang to obey the sporty freshman. They fairly tumbled over each other until they filled the room. Then, with a bang, the door by which they had entered slammed shut behind them, fastening with a strong spring lock on the outside. "All ready with the camera, Sid!" cried Holly. "All ready," answered Sid. Then, for the first time the freshmen seemed to realize that only a small number of sophomores were present--four, who were ensconced behind a table, and near an open door. "Welcome to our banquet, freshies!" cried Tom. Holly Cross caught up the effigy of a sophomore and tossed it at Bascome. The freshman leader, taken by surprise, clasped the figure in his arms, and Phil yelled: "Let 'em have it, Sid!" There was a blinding flash, and a dull boom, as the flashlight powder exploded, and it was followed by a gasp of fear from the freshmen. Then Holly switched on the electric lights, which had been turned off, and addressed the huddled group of freshmen. "Gentlemen, I hope you enjoy your call," he said. "As for us, we have to leave you, as we are already a little late for the banquet. This is only a sample of what we will have, and as a sort of memento of this auspicious occasion, let me inform you that we have a flashlight photograph of you in your most interesting poses. Bascome, smile a little, if you please--that's it--look pleasant. That will do. You may lay aside the rag doll now." With a strong expression the freshman president cast aside the effigy, and yelled: "Fellows, we're stung! But we can prevent these four from going to the banquet, anyhow! Get at them!" He leaped across the table, followed by several of his fellows. "Too late! Sorry to leave you!" cried Tom, as he and his chums glided through the open doorway behind them, Sid taking the camera with him. The door was hastily pulled shut, and bolted, barred and locked, just as the group of infuriated freshmen threw themselves against it. "Trapped!" Tom heard Bascome shout from the other side of the portal. "Try the other door!" "That's locked, too," came the despairing cry. "We're caught!"