midnight
The Tennessee Shad 's vigilance redoubled . He began to note the air of mystery and solemnity which hung over the two roommates , their frequent whisperings and the moments of intense excitement when , with locked arms and heads close together , they drew surreptitiously away from their fellows for secret conclave . When presently Greaser Tunxton , a solitary youngster who ranked high among the polers and high markers with a curious penchant for chemistry , began to be seen in their company , the Tennessee Shad 's vigilance became acute . One night , when after hours he was returning from a midnight spread in King Lentz 's room , his ear detected unmistakable signs of activity behind Skippy 's door across the hall . A quarter of an hour later two stocking-clad forms stole past his open door and slowly down the treacherous stairs . The Tennessee Shad followed . * * * * * Below , the door of Greaser Tunxton opened cautiously and as cautiously closed again .