And Vaisey is dying to see Jack again. He waved at her when she saw him on his cross-country run. We had to practically resuscitate her, she was so pleased.

And yesterday, Phil sent Jo a note about his latest idea. He is tunneling out of ordinary school. It sounds like that old film, where prisoners in a camp dig a tunnel so that they can get under the fence and out to freedom.

Jo told us, “He’s dug about two feet already. And he’s only been doing it for two days.”

I said, “How many feet is it to the school fence?”

And she said, “I don’t know. How many feet is there in half a mile?”

So if he keeps going at this rate he’ll be at the fence in about ten years.

I hear a far-off hooting. Probably Connie out hunting. Using the hunter’s moon.

I could go and see my little feathery owlet friends. At least they are always glad to see me. Well, they blink a lot.

When I opened the barn door, Lullah and Ruby started cheeping. Ooooooh, they are so sweet. I am going to give them a big cuddle.

But then I remembered what Bob had said yesterday. It was raining in the dorm and when Bob came to adjust the tarpaulin he was wearing a rain hat.

And I innocently said to him, “Bob, where did you get your rain hat, and do they do them in small sizes because I could get some for the owlets when they start going out hunting.”

It was like I had suggested slavery for owls.

He said, “That is totally uncool. They are wild creatures and should be left to groove as wild creatures.”

I said, “They do groove as wild creatures. I clap when they swivel their heads. I love them.”

Bob was really grumpy about it.

“They are not pets. If they start thinking they are human beings, they can never fit in with the owl community.”

Maybe he’s right, I shouldn’t spoil their owliness. Especially as I’m not going to be here for much longer to look after them. Maybe I should try and be more owly myself?

There, this is good. I am bringing out my inner owl, which has been peeking out for some time. I’ve got my legs tucked up underneath my coat and my hat pulled down and my hair tucked under it. Good, now I will put my hands in my pockets so that my arms look like little wings.

Blimey, it’s hard to keep your balance. The owlets are looking at me and cheeping.

Then I nearly fell off my pretend perch because a boy’s voice said, “I thought I might find you here.”

Oh Jumping Jehosophat and Lawks, it’s Charlie.

I tried to stand up but my legs were caught in my coat and I fell backward.

Charlie loomed over me and he was laughing so much he couldn’t say anything.

Because my hands were trapped in my pockets, I couldn’t even help myself up.