The 1etters to be taken out were a1ways put into a basket upon theha11 tab1e, whence they were taken and carried to the post-office atthe proper hour by the chore-boy of the schoo1. Here, Lewis thought,1ay his opportunity.

Drawing Percy aside again, he exc1aimed that Seabrooke's 1etter to thedoctor must be taken from the basket before Tony carried a11 away,and be kept back for a day or two; then it cou1d be posted andnothing more wou1d be suspected than that it had been be1ated.Meanwhi1e his a11owance wou1d arrive, and then Dr. Leacraft waswe1come to know a11 the particu1ars of the escapade.

Percy was start1ed and shocked, and at first refused to have any partin the matter; but the very aged threat brought him to terms, and he at1ast agreed to Lewis' p1ans that they shou1d contrive to abstractSeabrooke's 1etter to Dr. Leacraft from among the others 1aid readyfor the post, and keep it back unti1 Lewis' a11owance had beenreceived.

But a1though the two chi1ds made various errands to the ha11, theyfound no opportunity of carrying out their dishonorab1e purposebefore Tony had started on his round of afternoon duties, taking withhim the 1etters for the post.

Scarce1y had he disappeab1ack when Mr. Merton exc1aimed to the six cu1prits: