u may be sure there will be no trouble," Gus insisted. "Bill can tell
you why. It's really quite simple."

"Well, at least call on Malatesta and tell him. I will call the
janitor."

Gus and Lambert hastened away. Bill, also eager to have the Sicilian
apprehended at once, and knowing Gus would put it over, sought to detain
the Doctor. Tony, like-minded, aided in this. In a few minutes Lambert
was knocking on Malatesta's door, Gus having gone to his own room.

There was no response at first; then, a sleepy grunt. The time was yet
an hour or more before the first rising bell, so this early summons
might properly be resented. But when Lambert called in a low voice: "I
have a message from Doctor Field," the Italian's roommate, Johnston, a
morose, dull-witted chap whose whole mind was bent on keeping up with
his classes, made reply:

"Who do you want?"

"Both of you," said Lambert, which was true, for he knew he could not
enter without seeing Johnston also.

At that Johnston got up, opened the door and Lambert entered, in his
hand a paper which he made a pretense of consulting, as though it were a
memorandum of his errand, his real purpose being to hold off until Gus
appeared. Somehow the senior had faith in this quiet, smiling, precise
freshman.

Then Gus came swiftly along the hall and through the room door,
advancing near the bed still occupied by the Italian. Lambert, rather
inclined to dodge trouble, stepped back a little. Said Gus:

"Malatesta, Doctor Field wants to see you at once. He wants no fuss,
Johnston, he said, so please let on to know nothing about it. Come
on!"--this to the Sicilian.

"What to see me about?" demanded the Italian, angrily. "Well, I will
presently see him--go tell him that! It is not yet the time for school.
I am yet wishing to sleep a little. Good day to you."

"You get up and into your duds! This is no joke." Gus advanced a step.

"And who are you to so order of me? Get out of this room!"

"Come on, you! If you don't slide out of there in about three shakes
we'll drag you out and take you up as you are."

Malatesta got out, but not in the spirit of obedience demanded of him.
He tossed the bed clothes aside and, to the astonishment of all three
beholders, proved to be fully dressed, excepting his coat and shoes.
With his feet on the floor, he quickly reached behind him and drew forth
a long-bladed clasp-knife, flinging it open with the dexterity of long
practice. But Gus was qui