Once only was the silence broken, by Maxton chasing young "Rats" from the gymnasium into the big school, shouting, "I'll lick you, you little villain!" but with this exception, our two friends had the place to themselves.
It was a raw, cold night; every one seemed, very naturally, to be keeping indoors, and there were no signs of any members of the secret society being abroad.

Jack Vance and his companion trotted softly up and down, endeavouring to keep themselves warm.

At length, when their patience was wellnigh exhausted, there was a sound of footsteps, and Diggory was descried coming through the archway leading to the playing fields.
"Well," cried his two chums, in low, eager tones, "what have you heard ?" The answer was certainly one they had least expected,-- "Nothing." "Nothing! what d'you mean ?" "Why, they didn't come; there wasn't any meeting.

I waited and waited, until I saw it was no use staying any longer; so then I gave it up as a bad job." "Did the note really say to-night ?" "Yes: I went down just before tea to see if it was still there, and I brought it away with me.

Here, look for yourself." As he spoke, Diggory produced the slip of paper from his waistcoat pocket.