"We haven't had a guy since I was here," said Linda; "and we've never had one at home either. Oh, I do want to see it so much! I hope Miss Kaye's really going to make one. It will be the most delicious, glorious fun that ever was! I wish Wednesday would hurry up and come." The girls had raised a general subscription to provide the fireworks, which were ordered to be sent from a large shop in the town, but no one was allowed to buy anything privately, Miss Kaye naturally thinking that squibs and crackers were dangerous in young and unpractised hands, and that it was better not to run the risk of accidents. "We mayn't even get a box of coloured matches," grumbled a few of the third class, as they gathered in the playroom on Monday at half-past four, "and I'm sure there could be no harm in that, for you've only to strike them and hold them in your fingers." "Miss Kaye makes as much children of us as if we were all in the Kindergarten," declared Hazel crossly. "I wish we had some chestnuts at any rate; it would be so jolly to roast them on the bars." "You'll have some on Wednesday to roast in the bonfire." "Yes, but I'd rather have them now. There'll be plenty of things on Wednesday, and it's so slow to-day, there's nothing to do but hang about till teatime. I say, I have an idea!" And she stooped down and whispered something in Linda's ear. "Oh no, Hazel, we daren't!" cried Linda, her eyes wide with delighted horror; "you don't really mean it?" "Of course I do." "Mean what?" asked Nina, full of curiosity. "I don't think I'll let you know. It's a secret." "Yes, do. I'll never tell. Truly and honestly I won't." "Well, why shouldn't we slip out of the side door, and run down the road to that little shop at the corner of Valley Lane; we could buy some chestnuts there, and perhaps some fireworks as well. I have sixpence here in my pocket." "Oh, we should be caught!" "No, we shouldn't. If we manage well, nobody will see us, and it won't take ten minutes. There's plenty of time before tea. Who'll come?" No one spoke. The adventure was so serious that each girl felt rather doubtful about undertaking it, and shook her head. "Well, you are a set of cowards," said Hazel. "I wish Connie Camden wasn't having her music lesson; she'd go in a second. Linda, you might." "Don't, Linda," pleaded Sylvia. "It really isn't worth it. I shan't." "Linda isn't bound to ask your leave," said Hazel sharply. "She can do as she likes, I suppose. Come, Linda. It would be such a joke!" "I'm sure Marian wouldn't let me go," said Gwennie, "or go herself either. She's at her practising now." "All right! I don't want either of you, nor Jessie Ellis. But, Nina, you like a little fun, I know. Come with Linda and me." "I didn't say I would," faltered Linda. "Yes, you will, and Nina too. We three are the only ones in the class with an ounce of courage."