The spectators above absolutely gurgled with joy, but they were careful not to betray their presence. Making a sign to the others, Mona motioned them to withdraw their heads.
"We've seen enough!" she whispered. "They might look up at any moment. Better beat a retreat now."
Four very satisfied girls climbed back over the ridge of the roof. They had gained exactly the information they wanted, and they meant to act upon it. They considered their action was a benefit to their Form.
"We've done it so quickly," said Mona, who was leading the way, "we shall have time to scoot downstairs, and be just innocently loitering about the playground before the Sixth have finished. They'll never guess!--Oh, I say, here's a go!"
"Why, if the wretched skylight isn't shut!"
This was bad news indeed. With consternation in their faces they crept closer, and tried to lift the skylight up. They pulled till their fingers were sore, but with no success.
"Somebody must have come along the passage and shut it," said Kitty. "It's a nuisance to have to give ourselves away, but I can't see anything for it but to knock and get the window opened."
"Someone's sure to be going along the passage," said Bess hopefully.
So they knocked quietly at first, and then thumped with energy sufficient to break the glass. There was no response, however; not even a solitary junior passed down the passage.
"The step-ladder's gone too!" squealed Bess.
At that moment the big school bell clanged loudly for afternoon call-over. Waxing absolutely desperate, the girls not only thumped on the glass, but shouted. To their intense relief their signals were heard, and the figure of Rogers, the upper housemaid, hove into view. Calling to them to keep clear of the window, she opened the skylight.
"Whatever are you doing up there?" she enquired tartly.
"Oh, Rogers, do be an angel, and fetch the steps quick!"
The expression on Rogers's face was not at all angelic.
"You've no business out on the roof, and you know it."
"Yes, that's why we want to come down," returned Kitty, "if you'll only let us. Do fetch those steps, please!"
Grumbling to herself, Rogers brought the step-ladder, and held it steady while the girls descended.
"I shall tell Miss Cartwright," she announced. "Larks like these are beyond a joke."