CHAPTER III.
DISCOMFITURE OF THE PHILISTINES.
On Wednesday afternoon, as soon as dinner was over, Acton summoned his followers to attend the council of war which was to decide what reprisals should be taken on the Philistines for the destruction of the snow man.

Every one felt the importance of a counter-attack, for unless something of the kind were attempted, as Acton remarked in his opening speech, "they'll think we're funky of them, and they'll simply come down here as often as they like, and worry us to death." "Couldn't we tell Mr.Welsby ?" suggested Butler, a timid small boy belonging to the "Dogs' Home." "Tell Mr.Welsby!" cried half a dozen voices in withering tones; "of course not!" It was well known by both parties that whenever the real state of affairs became known to their respective head-masters, the war would come to an abrupt termination; and the great reason why each side forbore to make any open complaint against the other was undoubtedly because every one secretly enjoyed the excitement of the campaign, and felt that a peace would make life rather dull and uninteresting.
"The thing that licks us," said Acton, "is what I was speaking about last week: somehow or other, they always seem to know just what we're up to, and it's no use our doing anything, because they're always prepared.
Some one's acting the spy.

I can't think it's any of you fellows, but I believe it's old Noaks.

You see his son's there, and for some reason or other he seems to hate every one here like poison.

Now, what are we to do ?" There was a silence, broken at length by Diggory Trevanock.
"I don't know what you think," he began, "but it seems to me it's no use making any plans until we find out who tells 'em to the Philistines.
I should say that Noaks is the fellow who does it, but we ought to make certain." "Yes, but how are we to do it ?" asked Acton, laughing; "that's just what I want to know." "Well, I've got a bit of a plan," returned the other, "only I should like to tell it you in private." "All right," answered the dux; "come on outside.