“Yes, sir, just what I was about to do, sir.” Nevertheless, Wattles first placed the robe over Tom’s knees, and tucked it about him carefully. Then, at last, he managed to get his wavering hands into the armholes of his coat, buttoned it tightly and seated himself at the extreme limit of the wide seat. “If you’d prefer to sit in front, sir, I fancy you’d find it quite a bit warmer.” “I’m all right, but don’t be an ass, Wattles. Slide over here and get some of this over you.” “Thank you, Mister Tom, but I’m very comfortable.” “You do as I tell you,” commanded Tom ferociously. “Mind you, Wattles, you and that pal of yours there may be able to get the best of me when I’m not looking for it, but I can lick either one or both of you in a fair scrap. Here, lay this across and sit on the edge of it.” “Yes, sir. And I’m quite certain you’d be a match for us both, Mister Tom, and no mistake.” “I’ll say so,” agreed Tom, mollified. “Just the same, Wattles, I’ve got to hand it to you for turning a neat trick. I suppose, though, Loring planned that, eh?” “No, sir,” replied Wattles modestly. “Mister Loring just said I was to bring you back. Beyond that, sir, I was obliged to proceed quite on my own. Sorry, sir, that the exigency of the occasion demanded a certain amount of coercion.” “Coercion! Is that what you call it, Wattles? Man, you’re a scream!” “Should I have said compulsion?” asked Wattles anxiously. “I’ll say you should!” Tom’s spirits were rising rapidly. Of course, he hadn’t meant to return to Wyndham; hadn’t wanted to, indeed; but the matter had been taken out of his hands, and, now that the die was cast, he would make the best of it. And, sitting there snuggled under the warm rug, with the old car hitting on all six, with the nipping air stinging his face, he listened to Wattles’s explanation of the events leading up to his present situation and felt that the best was mighty good! CHAPTER XVIII A NEW PLAY IS TRIED OUT Clif didn’t take Walter Treat into his confidence that night. Not that he didn’t thoroughly trust Walt’s discretion, but there was no sense in taking chances. He wanted to stay awake, and listen for sounds outside or in the Hall that would announce Tom’s surreptitious return; for Loring’s absolute confidence in Wattles’s powers of persuasion had ultimately convinced Clif that Tom would return; but after a heroic effort lasting some fifteen or twenty minutes he had to give it up, and when Tom’s fortunes again engrossed his mind, it was twenty-two minutes past seven on Friday morning. Clif made a record toilet, and was on his way to Number 34 before Walter was more than half dressed. Billy Desmond was alone in the room when Clif got there, but a mere glance at Tom’s tumbled bed told the story. “All right?” whispered Clif hoarsely.