So the four culprits, who had expected trouble, got off a great deal better than they deserved. CHAPTER XII Fifth Form Justice Easter was coming--Easter with its birds and flowers and hope of summer. Already there were hints of plans for the holidays, though these had not yet absolutely crystallised into shape. The mere mention of one of them had been enough to send Merle dancing round the house, but, as she had overheard by accident, and was strictly pledged not to reveal the secret to Clive, for the present she restrained her ecstasies and kept her lips sealed. Meantime there was plenty to be done at school. The term-end examinations were due, and Miss Mitchell, who had been rather disappointed with Christmas results, was urging everybody to make heroic efforts. Mavis and Merle had missed much on account of the mumps, and when they attempted some revision they were absolutely appalled at the amount that had to be made up. They did their most creditable best, and toiled over text-books till heads ached. On the evening before the first examination they were sitting in Dr. Ramsay's study giving a farewell grind to several rather rusty subjects, when Clive walked in. "Hello, kid! You're not allowed in here! We're working!" warned Merle. Her young cousin grinned. "I know! And you've got to stop it. I've been sent to tell you to shut those books up at once!" "Did Mother say so?" "She did. She says you've done enough, and you'll only muddle yourselves if you go on any longer." "We shan't pass!" sighed Mavis. "Yes, you will! Listen to the Oracle and he'll give you a tip or two. A little bird told him, look up Keltic words in the English language, and the life and works of William Cowper, and the products of Java and Borneo!" Merle giggled. "How clever you are all of a sudden! What do you know about our exam subjects?" Clive winked solemnly, first with one eye and then with another. "Perhaps I'm in communication with the occult!" he remarked. "Don't people go to clairvoyants and crystal-gazers and astrologers when they want to get tips about the future? I'm your wizard to-night." "All right. Tell us our fortunes." Clive reached over for the pack of Patience cards that Merle had left on the table, and shuffled them elaborately. "The wizard is now ready to wizz. I may mention that my fee is only a guinea. You mustn't laugh or it might break the spell. Will you please to choose a card, look at it, and put it back in the pack." "O Fate! wangle me a decent fortune!" chuckled Merle, selecting at random. It was the six of spades, and her cousin shook his head gravely.