HATCHING A PLOT, AND WHAT CAME OF IT
"Nothing could be better. Let Percival be the victim!"
Scarcely were the words out of Harry's lips than Viner come up to Baldry with the notice he was expecting. It was a hectograph copy, announcing that a meeting of the more important members of the Third Form would be held in the Forum at half-past six prompt to consider a matter of pressing importance.
Baldry thanked Viner. Viner smirked and retreated.
"Viner's in the know, that's certain," said Baldry, when he was out of earshot. "Viner's a crawler."
Harry had no great reason to like Viner. It was he who had gone behind him on the day that he had entered Garside, so that Newall might push him over his back. From that incident the quarrel had arisen between Stanley and Newall, and other troubles had followed in its train.
"You're right there; but now what's to be done?"
"Oh, that's easy enough. We've only got to rub out 'Third Form' and put in 'Fifth,' and then send it on to Percival; and there you are."
With the aid of a knife and some hectograph ink this alteration was soon made. The next question was how to get it to Percival without arousing suspicion. As they were considering this point Baldry caught sight of Hibbert crossing the ground.
"There's our messenger," he exclaimed. Then he shouted, "Hibbert, Hibbert!"