They arrived at the hill at about eleven. But the hour for commencing school was nine. The doctor’s family and Messrs. Simmons and Long were quite anxious about the absentees. The school had not been opened. They were waiting for the return of the wanderers. And thus, when the wanderers at length returned, they found that their delay had resulted in giving them an additional holiday. For the school could not begin on that day. That was evident. And thus they found themselves blessed with another reprieve from study. Hurrah, boys! XVIII. _Great Excitement.--What is it?--Pat busy among the small Boys.--A great Supper, and a sudden Interruption.--The Midnight Knell.--General Uproar.--Flight of the Grand Panjandrum.--A solemn Time.--In the Dark.--Bold Explorers.--The Cupola, and the Abyss beneath.--The Discovery._ THAT afternoon Pat was very busy among the smaller boys. He asked them many questions about the noise in the attic, and found there was great terror among them. For the noises had been heard both on Saturday night and Sunday night by those who were in that building; and they were so terrified that they would not have staid there a third night if the other boys had not come back. A superstitious awe had settled down deep into their minds, and they conversed with one another on this subject in subdued whispers. Pat found them in this condition, and managed to make them still more terrified before he left them. Some of them were anxious to tell one of the teachers about it all; but Pat dissuaded them by declaring that it would be of no use, and that they would only be laughed at for their pains. Many of the other boys also, on coming back, felt a return of their former fear, and looked forward to the approach of night with some uneasiness. Pat made himself quite busy with these boys, too; and although he said nothing very directly, yet he made many mysterious hints that implied a great deal. He alluded to his own fearful position, with his bed in that very garret, separated by only a board partition from the dark haunts of the mystery. He spoke of his past experience; and it seemed as though, if he only chose, he could easily unfold a tale whose lightest word would harrow up their souls. Only he didn’t. The boys begged him to tell all. But Pat wouldn’t. He shook his head with deep and solemn meaning. And the boys looked on him with a profounder awe. And Pat, when he went up to his haunted chamber, was regarded as some poor victim on his way to his doom.