This suggestion was accepted with some reluctance, as both boys were
anxious to take part in the adventure. Acton's word, however, was law,
and eventually Diggory was chosen by fate to be his companion.

Directly after tea all the boys paid a visit to the shed; the door was
securely locked, as also was the one leading into Locker's Lane, and it
seemed impossible for the Philistines to carry out their evil designs
upon the fireworks.

"I believe it's all bunkum," said Acton, as they strolled back towards
the house. "However, we'll come down as we said, and just see if
anything happens."

Three boys, at all events, did very little work that evening, for it was
impossible to concentrate one's mind on Caesar or on French verbs with
such an adventure looming in the near future. How would the Philistines
get at the fireworks? Would they change their minds, and instead of
drowning them apply a slow match and blow up the shed? or would it,
after all, turn out to be only a false alarm, raised by the boy Crump
for the sake of the promised shilling?

These and other thoughts filled the minds of the trio as they sat
frowning at the books in front of them. The clock seemed to go slower
and slower, until they really began to wonder whether it had stopped.
At length the long hand reached the half-past. Mr. Blake yawned, put
down his paper, and said, "Put away your work, and pass on to supper."

Acton and Diggory, both tingling with excitement, lingered behind until
the rest had left the room; then, when the coast was clear, they slipped