Jo and Phil were having a serious talk. Then Jo said something and they shook hands. What was all that about?

Charlie said to the others, “Lads, we need to cut and run. I think Hoppy has realized that the fire in the chimney is just a smoke bomb.”

Vaisey was on cloud nine all day after seeing Jack.

And Flossie said, “Why, ladeez, toying with that boy Ben has perked me up, y’all.”

But Jo was a bit funny. Sort of thoughtful, which is unusual in someone so violent.

The next day when I got into Dother Hall, Flossie and Vaisey came scampering out. Jo wasn’t with them. Vaisey said breathlessly, “Jo went and gave herself up to Sidone!”

Flossie said, “Yeah, she told us all last night that she was going to do it. She said it wasn’t fair that everyone was suffering and that she was going to tell Sidone everything and take her punishment like a man.”

I said, “But she’s not a man.”

Flossie said, “No, but she has an Inner Man, doesn’t she? He can take the punishment.”

Bob went clanking by. I think he’s trying to grow sideburns. He said, “Peace out, dudes.”

We didn’t see Jo until break. She came to the café looking very downcast. She sat down and said, “Whatever anyone tells you, never, ever tell the truth. It’s not worth it. The rest of you are free but . . . my life is over.”

Vaisey said, “Sidone hasn’t expelled you, has she?!”

Jo said, “No, no, it’s far worse than that.”

Vaisey put her arm round her. “What is it, Jo? You can tell us. We can help.”

Jo said, “No, this is something I simply have to do myself, alone.”

Flossie said, “What?”

Jo said, “I’ve to assist Bob in his duties.”

Dear God!! That is harsh.

Jo has to start her new duties immediately. We saw her going off with Bob. He was clanking along, saying, “OK, dude, we’ll start with my new insulation idea. I’ve been collecting egg boxes for some time and I want us to Sellotape them to the windows in the dance studio to keep the heat in. I’ve seen egg boxes used at Glasto—very cool.”

Jo wearily said, “But then it’d be dark all the time, Bob. In fact, it would be pointless having windows. We might as well brick them up.”

Bob said, “Hmm, good point, let’s keep thinking out of the box—egg box–wise.”

When I got back to Dandelion Cottage, the kitchen was full of Wellington boots covered in mud and a bird’s nest (probably going to be made into some sort of hat. Or it might already be a hat). Oh and the usual moss and a jam jar with some sort of newts in it.

I shouted out “Helloooo” and Dibdobs shouted from upstairs, “Hellloooo, Lullah, we’re all in the bath getting the mud off.”

That must be a sight, Dibdobs and the lunatic twins in the bath together!