"Wow! Listen to that! He's as considerate as old Job Haskers used to be," exclaimed the senator's son. And then, picking up a pillow, he shied it at Phil's head. Another pillow was sent at Roger in return; and in a moment a so-called "Oak Hall pillow fight" was in full progress in the room, pillows, blankets, books, and various other objects flying in all directions. Then Phil got Roger down on one of the beds and was promptly hauled off by Dave, and in a moment more the three youths were rolling over and over on the floor. Suddenly there sounded a knock on the door. "Hello! Who is that?" cried Dave; and at once the three youths scrambled to their feet, readjusting their clothing as they did so. "Oh, Dave, such a noise!" came from his sister. "What in the world are you doing in there?" "We are only bidding Phil good-bye," answered the brother, sweetly. CHAPTER XVIII THE CIVIL ENGINEERING EXAMINATION As the days went by, and Dave and Roger continued to prepare themselves for the examination which was rapidly approaching, the authorities did all they could to locate Ward Porton and his confederate. Diligent inquiries were made concerning the identity of the man who had occupied the room at Lamont with the former moving-picture actor, and it was finally discovered that he was Tim Crapsey, a fellow already wanted by the police for several crimes. "It's queer that a fellow like Porton should throw in his fortunes with a man like Crapsey," was Roger's comment. "From all accounts Crapsey is a thoroughly good-for-nothing fellow with a great liking for strong drink." "That shows Porton's real disposition, Roger," answered Dave. "If he were any kind of a clean-minded or decent fellow he wouldn't want to put up with such a vile fellow as this Tim Crapsey is represented by the police to be." "If Crapsey is already known to the police they ought to be able to locate him sooner or later." "Those slick criminals have a way all their own for keeping out of sight of the police." Dave paused for a moment. "Do you know I've been thinking of something. Maybe this fellow, Crapsey, simply used Porton as a tool." "I don't quite understand, Dave." "Why, in this way: when they heard about the miniatures, and Crapsey heard how much Porton looked like me, and how intimate I and the Wadsworths were with the Basswoods, it may have been Crapsey who concocted the scheme for getting possession of the miniatures. And if he did that, it is more than likely that he will be the one to dispose of the pictures or send in an offer to return them for a certain amount." "You mean and cut Ward Porton out of the deal?" questioned the senator's son, quickly. "He may not cut Porton out entirely. But the chances are that he'll let Porton have as little of the returns as possible. A professional criminal like this Crapsey isn't going to let an amateur like Porton in on the ground floor if he can help it."