Jennings' Little Hut by Anthony Buckeridge

Author:Anthony Buckeridge [Buckeridge, Anthony]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Children's books, Humour
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

10

Absent-minded Aunt

It was not until break the next morning that Jennings and Darbishire were able to discuss the new disaster in detail. Then, as soon as they were released from Mr Wilkins’ geography class, they made for the tuck-box room to talk the matter over. Fate, they agreed, was not even trying to be fair, for the last few days had brought far more than any average spell of bad luck.

They sat on Jennings’ tuck-box, eating the remains of his parcel while Darbishire recalled all the wise words of his father about troubles and sorrows which followed thick and fast upon, one another’s heels. Normally, they would have had no hesitation in reporting the broken pane to Mr Carter and offering to pay for the damage out of their pocket money. But things were not normal that week. The disasters of Sunday and Monday had reduced their reputation to its lowest ebb—and if this new misfortune were to come to light, anything might happen.

“It’s not only busting the glass, you see, Darbi,” Jennings pointed out, “but we went on playing after Mr Carter had told us to beetle off. If that gets into the headlines they’ll stop the whole school from having cricket practice after prep.” He sighed. “And it was such a good leg-drive, too!”

“And it was the first straight ball I’ve bowled this term,” added Darbishire. “Never mind, you got the Ashes—or the splinters, rather.” He polished an apple on his sleeve and fell silent, for his friend was deep in thought.

For some moments Jennings sat turning over in his mind what was best to be done. The Headmaster had little time for gardening during the term, and as the frame was in a far corner there was a chance that the damage would not be discovered for some days. But it was bound to be noticed sooner or later, and then the trouble would start. Who broke this? Why were you playing so near the garden? Why didn’t you move away when you were ordered to do so? And then the verdict—No boy is to practise cricket after evening prep.

Jennings could imagine it all and hear the hostile comments of his colleagues. And, after all, he would deserve them, for twice in one week is rather too often for a third former to bring a loss of privileges upon the whole school. Surely there must be some way out of the difficulty! If only the Headmaster could find an undamaged pane the next time he strolled round inspecting his vegetables. An idea took shape in Jennings’ mind and be broke the silence by saying: “Do you happen to know of any glass shops in these parts, Darbi?”

Darbishire looked puzzled. “Do you mean ones that sell glass or ones with masses of windows?” he inquired.

“I was just wondering whether we could buy a hunk without saying a lot about it.”

“Why, yes!” cried Darbishire, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. “What about the Linbury Stores in the village? They sell

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