On account of Philip's being locked up some of the "chores" which he had been accustomed to do fell to the father and son. So it happened that when it was twenty minutes to eight Mr. Sprague said: "I feel sleepy. I think I shall turn in now."

 

"I am sleepy too, pa," said Oscar. "I wonder how Philip feels."

 

"You can sleep with him if you want to," said Mr. Sprague jocosely¹.

 

"Thank you, dad. You're very kind, but I don't care to sleep on the floor. I guess the young beggar will feel pretty sore in the morning."

 

"It's his own fault," said Nahum grimly.

 

"All the same you'd better let him out to-morrow. I don't care about doing his chores right along."

 

"I'll see about that. Whenever he will get down on his knees and beg my pardon he can go free."

 

By nine o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Sprague and Oscar were in bed, and by half-past nine all were fast asleep. The whole family were good sleepers², and it may be added for the senior Sprague that he was a good snorer also.

 

Philip posted himself at the window. About five minutes after the time agreed upon he saw in the moonlight his two boy friends approaching, bearing between them a long ladder.

 

His heart leaped within him. They had not forgotten him after all.

 

He stood at the open window and waved his hand.

 

"There he is, Albert!" said Arthur Burks. "I guess he's glad to see us. We'll soon have him out of there."

 

The two boys came under the window and called up softly:

 

"Has old Sprague gone to bed?"

 

"Yes," answered Phil. "I hear him snoring."

 

"I hope they are all fast asleep," said Albert. "Here, Arthur, you just hold on to the ladder while I raise it."

 

"Do you think it is tall enough?" asked Arthur.

 

"I'll risk it."

 

The two boys worked till they had the ladder raised and leaning against the window.

 

"Will you dare to get out of the window and get down?" asked Arthur.

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