"If I'm put back in that cell I'll die; I know I will!" "I have it," said Tom, struck by a sudden idea.

"Into the storeroom with you, quick! "But he may be coming after me!" said Sam.
"Never mind--I'll fix it.

Be quick, or the game will be up!" On tiptoe the three students hurried into the storeroom and Tom shut the door noiselessly.

Then he slipped the key he still held into the lock and turned it.
"Now groan, Sam," he whispered.

"Pretend to be nearly dead, and ask Peleg to bring Grinder here." Catching the idea, Sam began to moan and groan most dismally, in the midst of which Peleg Snuggers came up.
"Poor boy, I reckon as how he's nearly stiff from the cold," murmured Snuggers.