And, I say, I've got a grand idea: I'm going to write and get my mater to invite you fellows to come too! It would be jolly to have a meeting there of the Triple Alliance, and I'm sure old Denson would let you go if we came back on Monday night." Both Mugford and Diggory were charmed with the idea.

"But d'you really think your mater would have us ?" they asked.
"Of course she will, if I ask her," answered Jack, and straightway sat down to write the letter.
By Wednesday evening everything, including the formal invitation and the doctors permission to accept the same, had been obtained, and for the two following days the Triple Alliance could talk or think of little else besides their projected excursion.

At length Saturday came, and as soon as morning school was over they rushed upstairs to change into their best clothes; and having crammed their night-shirts, brushes and combs, etc., into a hand-bag, hurried off to the railway station, in order that they might, as Jack put it, "be home in time for dinner." Just as they were getting into the train, who should come out of the booking-office but young Noaks.
"Hullo!" said Jack.

"He must be going home too; I hope he won't come in here." The new-comer, however, had no intention of making another attempt to force his society on the Triple Alliance; he passed them with a surly nod, and entered a compartment at the other end of the train.
Jack Vance lived in the suburbs of Todderton, about twenty minutes' walk from the railway; but for all that he managed to carry out his intention of being home in time for dinner; and the three boys, after receiving a hearty welcome, were soon seated down to a repast which came very acceptable after seven weeks of school fare.
"Jack," said Mr.Vance, "you know that house that was to let just on the other side of The Hermitage?
Who d'you think's taken it ?" "I don't know, father." "Why, that man Simpson, the uncle of your friend what's-his-name." "He isn't my friend," answered Jack.

"You mean Noaks.