Page 49 (1/2)

"Now, if Professor Braithwope could handle whatever is going on in the pilot’s bubble? I’ hoell he dances the support bea his nose andbunny noises Bumbersnoot was not amused

The headmistress said, "He will require supervision"

Sophronia nodded and pointed to the squeak decks "I was thinking you could take out the two up top They have guns, so they are a bigger risk Are you prepared for that?"

The headmistress nodded "I think so Physical attacks were never hts--that’s why I stay inside all the ti a little ad It was as if Mademoiselle Geraldine were an entirely different person "Headmistress, you really are a remarkable actress"

Madeht have been great, you know, quite great But there’s e work"

Sophronia was startled "Than the theater?"

"Oh erous, the West End Have you ever spent any length of time in the company of dramatic artistic types?"

"Not unless you count Lord Akeldao" Much to Sophronia’s disappointment, she didn’t elaborate

So Sophronia returned to the plan "I thought I would go after the dining hall contingent We need to cut off the head--then chaos should result That shouldthe sooties much easier"

The head hall is where most of the enemy is! I can’t let you do that You’re only a student"

"Ah, but I have the chicken" Sophronia gestured at the exploding poultry, which was currently reclining on her bed in the wicker chicken version of a seductive pose Sophronia grinned at her own thoughts--she was beginning to give it a personality

Madeht be treating Sophronia as an equal, but she still harbored remnants of teacherly concern "You should take Professor Braithith you How about you supervise the professor and the bubble while I handle the squeak deck?"

Sophronia considered "Then we all hit the propeller room and free up some sooties? Recruit them to our cause"

The headmistress contemplated the nuroup I think you were right with the first plan--the dining room and squeak decks must be first"

The discussion continued on toward dawn, at which juncture two of the three conspirators felt like they had a plan What Professor Braithwope thought was anyone’s guess He had given up on Bu through Sophronia’s dresses

Sophronia’s eyes were heavy lidded

Mademoiselle Geraldine yawned behind her hand

Nevertheless, they persisted until the headmistress pointed out that Professor Braithwope had curled up inside the bottom of Sophronia’s wardrobe, on top of her shoes, and fallen asleep He looked, as was the custo, Sophronia shut the wardrobe door Best to keep out as ht as possible