Aunt's up in her room, layin' on the finishin' touches." Into the parlor they slipped.

A fire was burning in the old-fashioned open fireplace, and it was plain that Mrs.Cobb had "spruced things up" to receive company.
"Two of us can git behind the organ in the corner here," said Tad.
"The other feller can hide under the sofa." As the sofa was a long, old-fashioned affair, and any one hidden beneath it could command a view of the entire room, Frank decided to conceal himself there.
This was barely settled when there came a sharp rap on the door.
"Git under cover quick!" hissed Tad.

"That must be one of 'em!" Tad and Hans made haste to squeeze in behind the organ, and Frank crept under the sofa.
"Shimminy Gristmas!" muttered the Dutch lad, "uf id don'd peen britty tight blace here den I ton't know somedings." "It is all right," returned Tad, who had obtained a position where he could peer out.

"Keep cool, and let your hair curl." Pretty soon Nancy fluttered downstairs, and then Frank heard the high-pitched voice of Professor Jenks in the hall.

A moment later, the widow entered the parlor.
"Oh, dear!" she simpered.