im he looks as black as ink."

It was customary at Ronleigh to have what was called a half-term
holiday. This was usually given on a Monday, to enable those boys who
lived within a short distance of the school to spend the week end
at home; while, in the winter or spring terms, the boarders who remained
at the school usually devoted the greater portion of the day to a
paper-chase.

"I shall go home," said Jack Vance to his two chums; "Todderton's only
about half an hour's ride from here on the railway. And, I say, I've
got a grand idea: I'm going to write and get my mater to invite you
fellows to come too! It would be jolly to have a meeting there of the
Triple Alliance, and I'm sure old Denson would let you go if we came
back on Monday night."

Both Mugford and Diggory were charmed with the idea. "But d'you really
think your mater would have us?" they asked.

"Of course she will, if I ask her," answered Jack, and straightway sat
down to write the letter.

By Wednesday evening everything, including the formal invitation and the
doctors permission to accept the same, had been obtained, and for the
two following days the Triple Alliance could talk or think of little
else besides their projected excursion. At length Saturday came, and as
soon as morning school was over they rushed upstairs to change into
their best clothes; and having crammed their night-shirts, brushes and
combs, etc., into a hand-bag, hurried off to the railway station, in
order that they might, as Jack put it, "be home in time for dinner."

Just as they were getting into the train, who should come out of the
booking-office but young Noaks.

"Hullo!" said Jack. "He must be going home too; I hope he won't come in
here."

The new-comer, however, had no intention of making another attempt to
force his society on the Triple Alliance; he passed them with a surly
nod, and entered a compartment at the other end of the train.

Jack Vance lived in the suburbs of Todderton, about twenty minutes' walk
from the railway; but for all that he managed to carry out his intention
of being home in time for dinner; and the three boys, after receiving a
hearty welcome, were soon seated down to a repast which came very
acceptable after seven weeks of school fare.

"Jack," said Mr. Vance, "you know that house that was to let just on the
other side of The Hermitage? Who d'you think's taken it?"

"I don't know, father."

"Why, that man Simpson, the uncle of