At last they conspired together and hit upon a plan that promised a dazzling victory.

They swore in the sign-painter's boy, told him the scheme, and asked his help.

He had his own reasons for being delighted, for the master boarded in his father's family and had given the boy ample cause to hate him.

The master's wife would go on a visit to the country in a few days, and there would be nothing to interfere with the plan; the master always prepared himself for great occasions by getting pretty well fuddled, and the sign-painter's boy said that when the dominie had reached the proper condition on Examination Evening he would "manage the thing" while he napped in his chair; then he would have him awakened at the right time and hurried away to school.
In the fulness of time the interesting occasion arrived.

At eight in the evening the schoolhouse was brilliantly lighted, and adorned with wreaths and festoons of foliage and flowers.