The unfortunate occupants of the "Main-top," who were still in the position of scapegoats, were hunted round the place by an indignant mob, and fled, vainly protesting their innocence, from one shelter to another, until they finally escaped from the playing field into the open country, where they hid behind hedges for the remainder of the afternoon.
"Look here," exclaimed Jack Vance, as the Triple Alliance were wending their way from the playground to the house, "there's only one thing to be done, and that is, we must set Miss Eleanor on old Welsby's track.
She'll make him alter his mind.

Some one must go and ask her .-- Acton, you're the man; you must do it!" "I'm shot if I do!" answered the dux, turning round to face the trio, and walking backwards up the path; "why should I go more than any other fellow ?" "Why, because you've got such a way with you," returned Diggory.
"She'd be sure to do it for you; why, the last time you spoke to her she gave you a lump of cake." Acton seized the speaker by the neck and shook him like a rat.
"You're the cheekiest little imp I ever came across," he said.

"I've a jolly good mind to give you a good licking, only I don't believe you'd care tu'pence if I did!" "Well, anyhow you've got to go," answered Diggory, calmly picking up his cap, which had fallen to the ground; "and if you're afraid to go alone for fear she should think it's another proposal, I'll come with you." After some further discussion it was agreed that the thing should be attempted.

The two boys found Miss Eleanor making cake, and the conference began by Diggory's having his ears boxed for picking plums out of the dough.

But no one ever appealed to Miss Eleanor without being sure, at all events, of a patient hearing, and the following morning Mr.Welsby informed the school that he had been led to reconsider his decision regarding the fifth of November, and that they might have their display as usual.
Accordingly, the fireworks were ordered, and arrived soon after breakfast on the morning of the fourth.