“Ralph Baines,” the man said. His hands and face were scratched, and dirt spattered his pressed uniform. “Your grounds are thick with brambles. Quite a sorry mess. Almost wondered if I wouldn’t get through. But I’m a persistent chap.” He gave a short laugh. “Mr. Falstone, here, found me before I became too entangled.”

Leo squirmed a bit. “The forest is acting odd,” he said with a shrug.

“Yes, so we’ve noticed,” murmured Kat.

Baines went for his valise and pulled out some papers, handing them to MacLarren. “Things are hectic at the home office at the moment. But this should answer your questions.”

MacLarren looked up and said, “I thought this was an inspection. Not certain I understand what this means.” He handed the papers to Gumble.

She glanced through them and then said, “What’s this? They want us to return to London?”

“Immediately,” Baines said. “On the next train.”

“Impossible,” said MacLarren, folding his arms across his large chest.

“I shall remain here. The children will be perfectly safe with me.”

“B-but,” Gumble sputtered, “we are in the midst of difficult mentoring. And we’ve made a number of important discoveries for the effort. Why, just a week ago a seabird brought news about an enemy landing to Mr. Drake, and that gave Miss Bateson the chance to draw down a fogging spell to thwart it. As you must know.”

Baines lifted one eyebrow. “Fog on the coast. Pretty regular, I imagine. Yes, I’m sure you’re onto something,” he said, not sounding sure at all. “The home office needs to update you two on some of the latest intelligence, so they require you there for at least a week.” He checked his pocket watch. “I believe the next train leaves in an hour.” He glanced between the two teachers. “Well?”

MacLarren’s mouth dropped open, and Gumble’s eyes narrowed to slits.

“Now, see here—” Kat began, her hands on her hips.

“I am in charge, missy, and I caution you against any childish interruptions,” Baines said to her. He turned to Leo. “Please show me to a place where I might wash up. That forest, you know.”

Leo raised his eyebrows at the others as he led Baines away.

Kat followed Gumble up to her rooms, the two whispering as they left. Ame, Isaac, and Colin waited in the hall and exchanged confused looks and awkward comments. “Goodness.” “I can’t imagine.” “Has this happened before?” “Nothing like.” “What do we do?”

Ten minutes later, Baines and the five children stood in the hallway of Rookskill Castle as their teachers, small suitcases in hand, bid reluctant goodbyes.