“What? What’s going on?” I ask him. “I can’t see.” I stand up to get a better look.

“Is that a goat?” Pru says, incredulous.

It does appear to be a goat—in the Darkwood dining hall. Running between the tables and benches, streaking here and there, the animal seems to be thoroughly enjoying itself. Most of the student body is cheering, laughing, and pointing. Some kids are standing up on benches and chairs. I’d venture a guess that this is the first time in Darkwood history that livestock has been let into the cafeteria. But who did this? And why?

Then I notice Jake, wearing that same slick blazer he had on yesterday, surrounded by several other seniors. They’re trying to corral the goat, rather unsuccessfully. “Here, boy!” Jake calls out. “This way! No—you can’t eat eggs Benedict! Bad goat! Bad!”

Jake’s cracking up, obviously having the time of his life, and he’s not the least bit concerned that whoever is responsible has broken about fifty school rules by inviting this farm animal here.

“Who did this?” a voice barks. We turn to watch Headmaster Ransom stride into the dining hall, looking even angrier than he did when Archer made that ridiculous speech last night.

“It was me, sir,” Jake pipes up, holding back a grin.

Ransom stares Jake down. “And why, may I ask, did you bring this ruminant animal onto campus?”

Pru and Ollie are barely stifling their laughter. Maude, Theodora, and Ansel exchange looks. I glance over at Tessa, who’s watching all this unfold without saying a word. She seems mesmerized by the sight of the frisky goat. A small smile creeps over her lips, and I swear she looks almost pleased and proud of Jake. But I can’t imagine why Jake would do this. It’s funny, and I’m sure he’s amused to have pulled off such a great prank, one that’ll likely go down in the Darkwood annals. But is it really worth all the trouble he’s going to get into?

I notice that Archer has walked in, just in time to see his buddy facing off with Ransom. Archer skips to his friend’s side, clapping his hands a couple of times to get the goat’s attention. The goat’s trying to eat the hem of a girl’s skirt, and she’s attempting to shoo him off.

“It wasn’t only Jake’s idea,” Archer tells Ransom. “We both thought it would be hilarious to invite a goat to breakfast. Goats love pancakes, don’t they?”

“Right now he’s loving pima cotton!” The girl in the skirt scowls at him. Jake and Archer manage to pull the goat away from her. Annoyed, she flops back into her seat.