When the mocking voices of the sophomores had died away in the distance, and Ralph found himself alone, he set about trying to effect his escape. Had it been the dinner alone that was the inducement he might have taken it philosophically, and simply laughed at his predicament; but while he remained there, precious minutes were passing, and the story of his mysterious past waiting to be told. He struggled with the cord they had wrapped about his wrists. The sophs were far from being experts in tying up a prisoner, so that there was a chance for Ralph to work his hands free. Force would not accomplish it, but by manipulating his right hand he was presently able to draw it out of the bonds. There remained only the door between him and liberty. He examined this part of the structure, to find, as he suspected, that it was just as flimsy as the rest of the old cabin. Consequently, when he threw his weight against it, after several attempts, the door gave way with a crash. Striking a light, Ralph found that all this had only taken just fifteen minutes. It was now eight o’clock plus seven minutes; and he was free to go his way. Another thought came into his mind. Loyalty to his class struggled with this wild desire on his part to hasten to the home of Sam Smalling, so as to hear all he had to say. Was he not in duty bound to warn his fellows in some manner? From what words the sophomores who had captured him had let drop, it was evident that they knew where the spread was to take place, and that a raid was being organized, looking to the stealing of the dainties provided for the freshman dinner. Ralph thought it over, even as he was hurrying along. After all, it seemed up to him to do something to save his class the mortification of being made the laughing stock of the vindictive second-year boys, who were evidently abroad in force, bent on breaking up the spread. Now that he came to consider the matter, the place of secret meeting was in the same direction. No wonder his captors were positive that he had been heading for the rendezvous when overtaken with disaster. “I might go out of my way enough to meet some of the boys, and put them on their guard,” he said, finally. That was Ralph’s nature all over, ever ready to sacrifice his own interests in order to benefit those with whom he was associated. It was the spirit instilled in the souls of the Delta Pi members--loyalty first of all to the school, and next to one’s class. So Ralph made his way along cautiously. He was in mortal fear lest he be pounced upon at any moment by others of the prowling sophs, and held once more a prisoner. In this fashion he drew near the farm where stood the barn hired for the occasion by the freshmen. No doubt it was completely surrounded by a cordon of eager sophs, anxious to accomplish their work of retaliation, for the freshmen had effectually broken up their entertainment earlier in the season.