Augusta and the Spies
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#1: Augusta and the Spies Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 2:04 pm


I've split this from Augusta and the Handcuffs as it is a new story. Enjoy!
Carolyn


*chuckles*

Well, here's the first part...


Augusta and the Spies

Augusta was beginning to feel that life at boarding school was not so exciting as she had been led to believe. It was in vain her form-mates pointed out such thrilling incidents as the burglar and the handcuffs, and informed her that just to have her in a class ought to be exciting enough for anyone. But to Augusta these were merely everyday occurrences and nothing out of the ordinary at all.

“What we really want is a murder, or a spy, or an invasion – or something like that,” she explained wistfully.

“Well, there is a War on,” pointed out Mollie. “Surely that’s exciting enough even for you.”

“Yes, but we don’t get much out of it. I mean, we have rationing, and the gardens, and air-raids sometimes, but all that’s practically normal now. I can hardly remember a time when there wasn’t a War.”

“This School has had enough of the War, if you ask me,” It was Kathie’s voice that contributed this point. “What about the time Bill and Mrs. Maynard and that crew had to run for it from the Nazis? Or when Corney and her lot nearly got squashed by a German plane? Or when they got bombed crossing the Channel?”

“Yes, I know all that,” For these stories were common currency in the School. “But none of them have happened to me. Or any of us, for that matter.”

“Oh, well, I dare say something’ll turn up,” soothed Kathie vaguely.

“Mm,” Augusta’s voice was absent, and her friends looked at one another in alarm. “You know, I shouldn’t be surprised if someone at this very School wasn’t a spy.”

“Don’t be idiotic, Gus,” said Mollie scornfully. “Who would it be? The Abbess? Bill?” Augusta looked thoughtful.

“You never know,” she said mysteriuously. “It’s generally the people that look as though they aren’t spies that are them, if you know what I mean.”

“Well of course. They’re hardly going to promenade around wearing a hat that says “I’m a spy – catch me if you can!” are they?”

“No, I mean it’s always people like the Vicar, or the doctor, not sinister people, or ordinary people like… well, like you or me.” The other two exchanged significant glances but refrained from making the obvious comment, and Augusta continued. “I’ve read books about these things. In The Mystery of the Canary Feather it was a little old lady with flowers that was the murderer. She killed people by treading on their feet and there was a spike in her shoe that had poison in it and went right through into their foot. And in The Hedge that Rustled it was the Town Mayor and the police only realised it was him because he’d killed everyone else in the Town including the man who knew who the murderer was only he turned out not to be dead and…”

“But Gus, you can’t really think that Bill or the Abbess are spies! Why, Bill had to clear out of Austria because she went against Hitler.”

“Ah, but what if that was just a blind, to put people off, and really she was spying for him all the time?”

“But…..” Mollie’s mind was boggling like a jelly. She attempted to bring a sense of reality to the situation. “She can’t really be a spy, Gus. Or the Abbess.”

“Of course she’s not the Abbess,” said Augusta impatiently. “She couldn’t be. They’re together too often.”

“No, I meant the Abbess couldn’t be a spy,” Mollie said in exasperation.

“Why didn’t you say so, then? Anyway, I don’t see why she couldn’t.”

“Because…because…” Mollie racked her brains and was unable to come up with a satisfactory answer.

“Because of things like the Peace League,” pointed out Kathie, coming to her aid.

“I told you. It’s all a blind. Naturally if they organise something like that people would never believe they might be spies. It’s a cover, don’t you see?” By this time Augusta had succeeded in convincing herself that the random idea planted in her mind was in fact the truth. And her eloquence and method of reasoning had almost convinced Kathie and Mollie, despite the faint glimmering of ordinary sense that whispered to them that Augusta’s theories were pie in the sky.

“Gosh!” added Augusta in awed tones. “And we’re the only ones who know.” Her friends stared at her, aware that something, somewhere, must be wrong, but unable to put their fingers on the weak spot. Kathie made a final, desperate effort.

“All right, Gus,” she challenged. “We’ll believe you – if you can prove it!” Augusta tilted her chin.

“I will, too,” she accepted the challenge proudly


#2:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:23 pm


Shocked The mind boggles as to where this one is going!


#3:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 5:09 pm


Yay!!! Augusta is back! Bill or the Abbess as spies?! I wonder how Augusta will prove it... Looking forward to the next bit! More soon please Abi!


#4:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:24 pm


Oh, golly! Augusta does seem very good at causing trouble, even without meaning to!


#5:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:11 pm


The return of one of my favourite stories. This calls for a celebration. jester Trumpet popper


#6:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:30 pm


*half strangled from trying to repress giggles* Oh Abi, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease give us more of this! I'm dying to see how the Abbess and Bill react once Augusta's back to her usual tricks!
*also trying to work out how she'll prove it.* Cos they speak german maybe?!


#7:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:12 am


Marvellous!!!! Laughing

Augusta is so convincing it'll end up with Hilda and Nell believing it too!


#8:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:33 am


I know I've said it before, but I love Augusta - it's really good to see more of this.


#9:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:15 am


Hooray! More Augusta. I just love her logic!


#10:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 4:54 pm


Thanks Carolyn, for making the new thread! Here's the next part...


However, once she was away from her friends and able to think seriously, the task before her seemed somewhat daunting. How was she to prove that the Head of the School and her greatest friend – not to mention the Science mistress – were spies for Hitler? There was no doubt in her mind that this was the case, but she was a little anxious about how to go about proving it. Augusta, though, was inherently and incurably optimistic, and she was confident that an opportunity would arise in the near future.

Fate is a strange thing, and Augusta’s fate was generally more peculiar than most. Her chance came three days later when she found herself alone in the library, now Miss Annersley’s study. The Headmistress had been on her way to consult the Prefects about some small matter when she encountered Augusta having a hopping race against herself down the corridor. She decided (having heard various wild tales about Augusta’s antics) that this child needed a serious talking-to and correspondingly told her to go and wait in her study.

“Yes, Miss Annersley,” said Augusta meekly, and since her eyes were downcast the Head missed the spark of triumph that flickered into them. She passed on (down the corridor, that is, not into the next world) and Augusta bent her steps with all haste in the direction of the library.


#11:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:03 pm


*giggles at the thought of a hopping race against oneself* PLEASE say she told Miss Annersley that this was what she was doing!!
Yay! This is my 100th post! And now I'm off rollerskating with a bunch of 5-7 year olds... This could well be my LAST post! Shocked Shocked


#12:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:14 pm


Yay! More Gussie! More please though Abi!

And totally off topic - arent Marks and Spencer chocolate minibites the loveliest things ever?!


#13:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:29 pm


Augusta pushed the door open gingerly, as though she expected Hitler himself to spring out from behind the desk or peer in the window. But this did not happen, neither did a knife drop down and split her head, or a net entangle her inextricably. Slightly reassured by the lack of immediate danger, Augusta closed the door behind her and looked warily round the room. She hardly liked to go through Miss Annersley’s desk, but she hoped that by this time the spies had become complacent and that there would be all sorts of clues around the room. With a view to this, she advanced on the mirror, which she thought could easily be used to flash messages to other members of the enemy, who would be hiding in the bushes, or flying overhead in a plane disguised as a cloud, or something. Yes, that was definitely a piece of evidence against the suspects.

Encouraged by this success, Augusta passed on to the other items in the room – seemingly innocent, even the big chair fell under suspicion, although she eventually concluded that it was not an electric chair. However, the pretty Austrian clock was undoubtedly an instrument of torture, and the inkwell was almost certainly an advanced sort of thumbscrew. She also entertained grave doubts about the pen that lay on the desk, which she felt could easily conceal a small, intricate camera with which the Head could photograph important documents (with which, in disguise, she naturally came into contact at regular intervals). The wireless in the corner made her eyes gleam (Augusta loved technology), but she nobly resisted the temptation to take it to pieces, and thought that most likely there was a transmitter somewhere in a hidden cupboard behind the books, again in order to transmit messages to the enemy. It was probably fortunate that before she could begin the hunt for the secret cupboard the sounds of footsteps came tapping down the corridor.

Augusta dropped the pen as though it had bitten her, and by the time Hilda Annersley entered the room her small pupil was standing by the desk, eyes modestly turned down, who curtseyed politely as she came in.


#14:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:55 pm


*giggles* Oh, Augusta! I also love the idea of her having a race against herself. And I was so hoping Miss Annersley would catch her, but I suppose that would have shortened the story a lot!


#15:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:50 pm


*tittering in silence* Yes, and?! What does Augusta say?!


#16:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:01 pm


Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Have a strange feeling that this is the one pupil that the Abbess is not going to get through to!


#17:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:05 pm


*wonders if Augusta may not 'get through to' Miss Annersley instead*


#18:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 9:26 pm


Would love to hear the conversation between Miss Annersley and Augusta.


#19:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:41 am


*wails pathetically* Abi, I really really want some more and so does everyone else. We'll give you lots of baileys/coffee/chocolate whatever you like if you write more.
Kathryn and I will even write your essays! Wink
Can generosity go further? Laughing Laughing


#20:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:49 am


When Augusta gets an idea, she always finds the evidence to support it. I wonder if she will try some tricky questions? she's sure to twist whatever is said! Lovely!


#21:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:20 am


Lisa_T wrote:
Kathryn and I will even write your essays! Wink
Can generosity go further? Laughing Laughing


Lisa, what have you let yourself in for?! *wonders what Kathryn's response to this will be*


#22:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:44 am


Lisa_T wrote:
*Kathryn and I will even write your essays! Wink
Can generosity go further? Laughing Laughing


*is highly tempted by this offer Wink *


#23:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:44 am


*Joins in the clamouring for more*


#24:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 2:00 pm


This is brilliant!

megaphone MORE PLEASE!!!


#25:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:01 pm


*joins in C_Rachel's demands* drummer Trumpet


#26:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 9:17 pm


Gah! There's no more. Abi, consider that offer withdrawn!
*stalks off in a huff*


#27:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:47 am


Love the story Abi, more please


#28:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:50 am


Oh Abi!!!! More soon please!!! Augusta is marvellous!!!


#29:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:19 am


Lisa_T wrote:
Gah! There's no more. Abi, consider that offer withdrawn!
*stalks off in a huff*


*runs after Lisa to huggle her* I agree, it's not fair, is it?


#30:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:39 am


Lisa_T wrote:
Gah! There's no more. Abi, consider that offer withdrawn!
*stalks off in a huff*


Drat! Was hoping for a couple of essays to be written there Wink

I have got more written but in my usual organised (hemhem) fashion have been and gone and left it at home. Sorrrrrrreeeeeeeee!


#31:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:05 pm


*raises eyebrow at Abi* What makes you think that'll get you off the hook? That's on a par with 'the dog ate my homework!'

KB!!! Come and give Abi a lecture. Preferably the justice-without-mercy variety!

What year are you in, Abi-what history are you doing? *might still offer the essays if Abi's nice soon* Laughing


#32:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:14 pm


Actually, it's funny you should say that because I just discovered Augusta in my bag after all Rolling Eyes So here is the next bit. I'm doing medieval, stuarts, and early twentieth century both British and Empire.


Miss Annersley sighed as she sat down at the desk. “Now, Augusta,” she began slowly. “I want to talk to you seriously, please. Pull up that chair and sit down and listen to me.” Augusta’s eyes widened and her one-track mind instantly conjoured up a number of possibilities (she had completely forgotten the hopping episode). Perhaps she was going to be offered a place in the spy ring. She’d always thought that she would make a good spy. Or perhaps Miss Annersley knew that she had guessed her guilty secret and was going to torture information out of her? She inspected the chair as carefully as she dared before sitting down.

“Yes, Miss Annersley?” she said in gentle tones, hoping vaguely to soothe the savage beast and put it off its guard. She was hoping for the best, but quite prepared for the worst, hastily devising an escape route in case the situation should become dangerous.

“I should like to know, please, exactly why you were hopping along the corridor just now?” Whatever Augusta had expected, it wasn’t this. She stared at the Headmistress blankly.

“Was I?”

“Don’t be silly, Augusta,” said the Headmistress in her most repressive tones. Augusta looked slightly repressed. With an effort she tore her mind away from the entrancing image of Miss Annersley disguised as Winston Churchill, photographing top secrets with her pen before dispatching them to Hitler in a plane disguised as a cloud. It was a difficult task, but after a moment her face lit up triumphantly.

“Oh, yes, I remember. I was having a hopping race against myself,” she explained seriously. Miss Annersley blinked slightly.

“And – why were you having a hopping race against yourself, Augusta?” she queried, with genuine interest. It was the pupil’s turn to blink. She hesitated.

“I don’t know,” she said eventually. “It’s sort of a fun thing to do, I suppose.” Then she looked at the Head meditatively. “Have you ever tried it, Miss Annersley? It’s much more fun when there’s two of you.” Miss Annersley’s face expressed her feelings at being asked to participate in a hopping race, but with a noble and heroic effort she composed her features into a mask of authoritative severity.


#33:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:19 pm


I have been feeling very sorry and miserable for myself over the past few days with an ear infection and laryngitis - now though I have a big grin on my face and I am trying not to laugh cos it will hurt!!!

Abi - truly inspired! Count me in as a member of the Gussie Fan Club!


#34:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:36 pm


*huggles Rachel again!!* Thank you!


“That is not the point,” she said very firmly. It was interesting how many of the mistresses had cause to say these five words to Augusta. “It is not permitted to do anything but walk in the corridor. Can you imagine what the School would be like if everyone hopped down the corridors?” Augusta considered this prospect and found it a fascinating one. Her agile mind summoned up pictures of Mlle Lachenais and Mr. Denny thumping along on one foot, while Miss Wilson took bets on who would win this particular race. She would have liked to suggest it, but felt that the idea was unlikely to be welcomed by Miss Annersley. So she tried to think about it from the Head’s perspective.

“Well, I suppose it might get a bit chaotic,” she admitted. “Yes, I quite see that. But I’m only one person, Miss Annersley.” That lady resisted the desire to point out that Augusta caused enough trouble for at least ten.

“The thing is, Augusta, if I permit you to do whatever you wish, I should have to do the same for the others, and that means there would be, as you say, complete chaos. You must see that I can’t allow it.” Augusta conceded the point.

“Yes, I suppose so.” She thought about it a little more. “Of course, I see what you mean,” she added reasonably.

“Good. Now, Augusta, I feel that many of your activities come about as a result of complete lack of thought as to the consequences. Do you think that may be the case?” Augusta pondered for a moment, then looked up, with a faintly surprised expression on her face.

“Yes, I suppose you’re right, Miss Annersley. I’m sure they would be better if I thought about them more. I mean, if I’d thought about the burglar I could have got the others up and we’d have caught Miss Wilson much more easily.” Miss Annersley’s lips twitched.

“That wasn’t quite what I meant. I want you to promise me that you will think seriously about whatever you are considering doing, and think what would happen if everyone were doing it. In other words, use your common sense about what is acceptable conduct. Will you promise that?”

Augusta nodded gravely.

“Yes, I promise I’ll do that, Miss Annersley,” she said. With relief, the Head dismissed her. There had been something slightly worrying in the way Augusta had been regarding her.


#35:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:38 pm


<snigger> She just gets better and better


#36:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:04 pm


Hilda in a hopping race...what a wonderful picture!
Isn't it amazing what a threat can do, Abi? Laughing


#37:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:34 pm


*puts nose in the air*

It was nothing to do with the threat.

Honest, it wasn't!


#38:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:26 pm


Amazing! I jsut love Augusta's logic. Can you imagine her in one of those philosphical discussions about reality? You know, the ones that go: 'It may be that I am the only real person and you are all figments of my imagination' and get more heated and rowdy the more people join in.

Lovely, Abi! Looking forward to more.


#39:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 6:12 pm


That was brilliant!!! Augusta is absolutely fantastic!!! I can't wait for the next installment!

*still giggling over the image of the teachers having hopping races and betting on who's going to win*


#40:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 6:52 pm


*loved the image of the staff having races down the hall.

*worries that Gus using her common sense will not have the outcome that the Abess is hoping for.


#41:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:15 pm


That was great, even Miss A stumped by Augusta.


#42:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:00 pm


*mops streaming eyes* That was simply wonderful! Augusta is a fantastic character!


#43:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:56 pm


*And it's Richard O'Sullivan here with the 5.20 from Plas Howell, and in the lead is Sally-go-round-the moon, in second place The Abbess and in third Bill, and they round the Main Stairs and.....*

You get the idea! Laughing

More please!


#44:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:12 pm


*chants for more Augusta......*


#45:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:30 am


More please Abi - I can't wait to see how much trouble Augusta causes when she starts using her common sense.


#46:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:43 am


*joins in chant*


#47:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 5:50 pm


Ellie wrote:
More please Abi - I can't wait to see how much trouble Augusta causes when she starts using her common sense.



Oh dear god!!!! Augusta using her common sense.........
The mind boggles! Shocked Shocked


#48:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:14 pm


It does indeed Vikki. I wonder where Augusta is going to find some common sense?


#49:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:43 pm


For some reason, I'm more worried about when she does use her common sense (hereafter known as cs in small letter to avoid confusion) than when she doesn't!


#50:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:44 pm


That's exactly what I was saying KB!!!! Wink


#51:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:48 pm


I realise that. I was just making my point clear without having to resort to 'I agree with Vikki', which gets rather monotonous after a while.


#52:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:20 pm


Well, I quite like the sound of it......... Laughing Laughing


#53:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:57 am


Don't want to have to write the words 'I agree with KB and Vikki' - but I do! More please!


#54:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:02 am


What's wrong with agreeing with us, Lesley?! Evil or Very Mad


#55:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:58 am


Only as you said earlier - it was monotonous!


#56:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:05 am


Okay, as long as it wasn't anything personal. Wink


#57:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:10 am


Not at all - sorry if you thought that Embarassed


#58:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:17 am


It's okay. Kiss *huggle*


#59:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:55 pm


Goodness, I hope the results live up to your expectations! I'm sorry there isn't any more yet, but I have a presentation to do tomorrow which I haven't quite started writing so really don't have time to write any more Augusta at the moment! And I've started another drabble.....aaarrrggghh!!


#60:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:10 pm


Oh, golly! Good luck with it all, Abi!


#61:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:46 pm


Love the Gussie story, Abi, hope the presentation goes well.

More as soon as you can, PLEASE!!!


#62:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:59 pm


Phew, did the presentation, I think it went all right! Now I have to write two essays before Monday....shouldn't be too hard! Anyway, here's the next part of Augusta. I can't believe I'm writing drabbles when I have so much work to do!


Augusta hastened back to find her friends and inform them of the new developments in the situation

“Quick, you two!” she gasped. “Come over here.” She drew them into a corner and poured out her story in breathless, excited whispers. “And I’ll bet that window seat is hollow, so they can put the bodies in it,” she suggested ghoulishly.

“But Gus,” protested Kathie weakly, “You don’t know these things. You’re only guessing.” Augusta looked outraged.

“Guessing!” she spluttered. “Guessing! I’ve just told you, I’ve got proof. Loads of it.”

“It’s not proof, though,” said Mollie, “You don’t know the pen’s a camera, or that the inkwell is a thumbscrew.”

“Of course I do,” snapped Augusta. “I saw them. You don’t think they’d leave things around undisguised, do you? You have to have the sort of mind that notices these things.”

“A suspicious mind, you mean?” Mollie enquired lightly. Augusta snorted.

“If my mind was suspicious I’d probably think you were a spy by now,” she retorted. “And there was one other thing that made me absolutely certain.” She paused tantalisingly but the others refused to rise and simply sat there until Augusta, making the best of a bad job, leant forward and proclaimed in her most blood-curdling whisper, “Lying in the corner of the desk there were six clean white handkerchieves!” Kathie and Mollie stared at her open-mouthed. Neither of them had had cause to make use of this resource of Miss Annersley and to them this was as bizarre as it was to Augusta.

“Does that mean something bad?” asked Mollie rather uncertainly. “Maybe the Abbess has a cold?”

“Only she doesn’t,” pointed out Augusta truthfully. “I’ve just been talking to her. She was trying to put me off her track by talking about hopping races and things. But I managed to lull her suspicions by promising to use my common sense.” Kathie gave a snort of laughter.

“Bad luck for your spy-catching campaign then,” she suggested.

“No, not at all,” said Augusta calmly. “Surely it’s common sense to try to catch spies? You see,” she added with triumph, “The Abbess thought just the same as you, so now I’ve put her off her guard. She thinks she’s quite safe.” Kathie was becoming a little confused. She decided to abandon this line of argument and revert to the topic of the handkerchieves.

“So what have the handkerchieves got to do with it all?”

The glint returned to Augusta’s eye.

“Ah, yes. Well, I’ve thought about this and I think my explanation is the only possible one. It’s not normal to have six clean handkerchieves lying around on a desk. There must be some purpose for it. So what I think is that they’re a way of communicating with the enemy.” Augusta’s voice took on its familiar sinister tone. “What they do is to write on the handkerchieves, and put them in their pockets and then they go out and pretend to drop it and the enemy picks it up. Or pretends to hurt itself and the Abbess gives them a handkerchief. You see, it’s a perfectly simple way of passing on top secrets.”

“But…” hesitated Kathie. Once again she was in that position of feeling certain that Augusta’s logic was leading her astray but being unable to find any proof of her inaccuracy.

“But…” added Mollie, staring at Augusta rather as a rabbit stares at a snake about to pounce on it. Augusta smiled on them both placidly.

“You see,” she said. “You can’t argue with the handkerchieves.” They couldn’t. The argument seemed irrefutable. No longer could Mollie and Kathie hold out against the damning logic of Augusta. At last they succumbed. To them, as to her, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson were dangers to the country and must be stopped.


#63:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:48 pm


*loving Augusta's logic!!!!!* ROFL ROFL


#64:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:52 pm


I love Gussie's logic. And the other girls trying to figure out just what is wrong with it.


#65:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:46 pm


*giggles wildly* I also love Augusta's logic! I wonder if the girls to whom Miss Annersley will give those handkerchiefs when they're upset will then also become part of Augusta's grand scheme...


#66:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:08 pm


Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Love the fact that the girls just succumb because, although they know there's something wrong with the logic, they can't quite work out what!!


#67:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:19 pm


Wonderful. Supurb logic, how do you do it?


#68:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:39 am


Because she's very skilled!


#69:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:16 am


More Abi!
*starts chanting*


#70:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:31 am


Go Gussie!

Go Gussie!

Go Gussie!


I love the way this girls mind works!


#71:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:44 am


Rachel wrote:

I love the way this girls mind works!


Don't we all!


#72:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:52 am


Love Augusta's logic and use of her common sense. Will the two together be explosive?


#73:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:53 am


All I can say is I wouldn't like to be in a debate with Gussie.

Actually, I can also say that I want more story - please Very Happy


#74:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:10 am


Wonderful Gussie! More please.


#75:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:11 am


*agrees that more would be wonderful*


#76:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:47 am


Chelsea wrote:
All I can say is I wouldn't like to be in a debate with Gussie.


Really? I would LOVE to have a debate with her!


#77:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:23 pm


Fun yes, but you assume that your competitors are following some rudiments of normal logic! It's hard to debate with someone who is using their own, made up, logic system.


#78:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:49 pm


Well, on that front, Rachel would stand a very good chance against Gussie....... Wink Laughing


#79:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:51 pm


*hides in the corner to await Rachel's reaction


#80:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:15 pm


Would love to see a debate between Gussie and Rachel. Sureal wouldn't describe it! Laughing


#81:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:18 pm


Maybe Gussie would meet her match in Rachel, but I don't think that many people would escape from a debate without being completely bamboozled.


#82:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:13 am


Looks forward to the debate!
Also to more Augusta.
Who will drop what handkerchief?


#83:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:23 am


More please


#84:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:29 am


*agrees with Sue* More, please!


#85:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 11:42 am


I have the rest of this story all mapped out in my mind... think Joey disguised as Hitler now... But am writing essays maniacally so haven't written any more as yet. Sorry!


#86:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:03 pm


Oh, dear, I can just picture it!


#87:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:05 pm


*wondering if Joey's disguise will include the moustache*

*eagerly awaiting the next installment and therefore hoping Abi's essays get written quickly!*

*sending essay writing bunnies to Abi*


#88:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:43 pm


*g*
*also wondering about the mustache*
*sends essay bs after C_R's*


#89:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 8:38 am


Hopes Abi hasn't forgotten this in the rush of writing essays.


#90:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:00 am


How could she - we keep reminding her!


#91:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 2:51 pm


I haven't and I've even written some more but haven't got round to typing it up yet.....half an hour or so maybe...


#92:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:06 pm


Augusta looked at her companions gravely. The fate of nations rested upon their shoulders.

“So, what shall we do about it?” she queried.

“We’d better tell someone – Colonel Black, perhaps,” suggested Kathie, who had succeeded in retaining some common sense. Augusta looked doubtful.

“He wouldn’t believe us,” she pointed out with great truth.

“No, that’s true,” said Kathie slowly, “but what else can we do?” Augusta pondered the question for some time.

“We could simply confront them,” she said dubiously. “But they might murder us and hide us away in that window-seat of theirs.”

“But surely they wouldn’t actually kill us,” breathed Mollie.

“Spies do,” said Augusta absently. “No, we must think of something cunning. So we can catch them red-handed.”

“Set a trap,” said Mollie promptly. Augusta stared at her blankly. Visions of cheese and wire floated into her mind.

“We’re trying to catch a couple of spies here,” she said, “Not bruise their toes.”

“Not that sort of trap, idiot,” said Mollie acerbically. “I mean make them do something so that we can catch them. Murder someone, or something. Only maybe not to actually murder someone,” she added as an afterthought.

“Oh, that sort of trap.” Light dawned on Augusta. “Yes, that’s a good idea,” she approved, “if we can think of a trap.” At this point, however, even her ingenuity ran out, and there was silence, broken at last by the bell for afternoon lessons.

The three were distrait that afternoon. Kathie was still trying to reconcile the idea of the Head and Senior Mistress with her new knowledge of them as dangerous spies. Mollie was trying to live up to her position as producer of the idea by coming up with a good trap, while Augusta was also attempting to devise a means of laying the criminals by their heels.

By the time they were free again none of them had had any inspiration. It looked as though the plan might have to stop before it had even started.

But that night, the Great Idea came to Augusta.


#93:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:17 pm


Oh Dear! Will the Abess and Bill live to tell the tale!

Please enlighten us soon.


#94:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:33 pm


It was, Augusta told herself, a clever plan, and one that surely could hardly fail to have the desired effect. She considered waking her friends then and there, but remembered her promise to Miss Annersley and decided that a schoolful of girls all waking each other up with ways of catching spies, although desirable in some ways, would perhaps not be very subtle. So she refrained, instead lying back and thinking out the somewhat complex details of the plan. Indeed, it grew more complex the longer she considered it, so perhaps it was a good thing when she finally dropped off to sleep.

The morning came (as mornings are, sadly, apt to do), and Augusta tried to communicate the good news to her friends without alerting the rest of the dormitory to the fact that there was something unusual in the air.

“What are you hopping about like that for, Gussie?” questioned one Claire Danvers, another member of the form and the dormitory, with what Augusta felt was undue interest.

“I’m not hopping about,” she said with dignity. “I had a…er… a bit of a twitch.”

“A twitch?” Claire looked disbelieving. “A twitch that makes you look like a puppet and a rabbit in pain all at the same time?”

“Yes,” elaborated Augusta, inventing freely, “The one in my face is called Chris Twitch, and the one in my arms is…er… Jolly Mean.” By this time Kathie had discerned that something was on her friend’s mind, and aware of the result that such a state of affairs could have, hastened to still her tongue.

“Shut up Gus. Isn’t it your bath now?” Augusta gasped aloud, snatched up her sponge bag, fled from the dormitory, fled back in again and picked up her towel, then skidded back out of the dormitory on the end of her towel. There was a sudden silence after she had gone. The Claire rolled her eyes. Kathie shrugged her shoulders and returned to her bedmaking, and Mollie glanced at her and tidied her drawers with vigour.

At breakfast they seated themselves on either side of her and demanded to be told what it was that was consuming her thoughts to the exclusion of all intelligence. Augusta said that there were too many people around and they might warn you-knew-who. They suspected that she was trying to keep them in suspense, but admitted that she did have a point.

It was not until the morning break that they managed to get away privately.

“I’m not really sure I should tell you,” said Augusta tantalisingly. “It might be dangerous.” Kathie and Mollie were tantalised but had discovered that with Augusta the best thing to do was to pretend you couldn’t care less. Kathie shrugged her shoulders.

“All right,” she said carelessly, “it doesn’t really matter to us, does it, Moll?”

“No, we don’t care whether you tell us or not,” agreed Mollie, who felt that she would burst if she didn’t find out soon.

“You will when you hear,” said Augusta certainly. “I’ve thought of a plan to catch them. What we have to do is this……….”


#95:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:37 pm


What do they have to do?! Come on Abi, don't keep me in suspense like this!!!

More very soon please!!! Augusta is fantastic (as I'm sure I've said before and will very likely say again!).


#96:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:31 pm


*hangs by very weak fingernail* Yes? YES? What's the plan?


#97:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:15 pm


*chants at Abi*
More Gussie soon please!!!


#98:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:56 pm


*wonders what the plan is.

*might have a Chris tick of her own in her eye.


#99:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:59 am


*begins a gentle and unobtrusive chant for more*


#100:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:18 am


Oh, oh... I just read all of this (and previous parts)... it's hysterical! I love it!

*adds a quiet voice to KB's chant*


#101:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:46 am


argh rofl lmao like something on laughing gas. *chants tunelessly to self*


#102:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:18 pm


*fetches Matey for Pim*

Sorry still no more Augusta - I'm still working! I'ts killing me, but I have an essay and a presentation for Thursday and two essays and a presentation for Friday, none of which I have started!!!

Heeellllpppppp!!!!!

James I/VI anyone?


#103:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 3:52 pm


*huggles Abi and hopes RL will permit the production of more Gussie soon!!*


#104:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:50 pm


*echoes Vikki's sentiments*

*sends essay and presentation bunnies to help Abi*


#105:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:55 pm


sends *huggles for Abi*

Just exactly why do you think I need Matey? *scared* Shocked


#106:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:32 pm


Abi!!!! Forget silly essays and stuff - we need to know if Hilda and Nell are going to survive Gussie's efforts! Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing


#107:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:00 pm


*hopes Lesley will write notes to Abi's teachers to explain the non-existence of said essays and stuff*


#108:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:07 pm


Yeah course I will - I'm sure they'll take a lot of notice of me! Laughing

(Tongue so firmly in cheek I can't sthepek proper!)


#109:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:09 pm


In that case, poor Abi!


#110:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:34 pm


Abi, don't forget that you have to relax sometimes - otherwise your brain gets tired and inefficient anyway Rolling Eyes


#111:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:03 pm


Yes. we wouldn't want you going down with 'brain fever' a la ML, would we now?! Cos then we'd get no story at all... Twisted Evil Laughing Wink


#112:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:07 pm


Until she miraculously recovered (probably thanks to the Red Sarafan) and we got twice as much!


#113:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:00 am


Well we can always hope!! Laughing Laughing


#114:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:13 am


Catherine_B wrote:
Abi, don't forget that you have to relax sometimes - otherwise your brain gets tired and inefficient anyway Rolling Eyes


My brain is always tired and inefficient when I'm working.... I don't think it likes work. It's happier when it's writing Augusta... or reading... in fact, anything but work. I'm trying to write my CV as well and don't seem to have anything to put on it. Oh well, if I'm still alive by the weekend there will be more then.


#115:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 4:57 pm


Glad to see more of Gussie. Hope the essays and preparation for the presentations are going well.


#116:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:53 pm


Abi wrote:
Catherine_B wrote:
Abi, don't forget that you have to relax sometimes - otherwise your brain gets tired and inefficient anyway Rolling Eyes


My brain is always tired and inefficient when I'm working.... I don't think it likes work. It's happier when it's writing Augusta... or reading... in fact, anything but work. I'm trying to write my CV as well and don't seem to have anything to put on it. Oh well, if I'm still alive by the weekend there will be more then.


Your brain knows what's best for you Abi! You should listen to it!! Wink


#117:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:35 am


Abi!

If you haven't finished all those essays and presentations by now, it's not worth bothering. Come and write this for a far more appreciative audience instead!


#118:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:50 am


What a good idea, Rachel!


#119:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:46 pm


*screams* I've done two essays and a presentation now - just one of each left to go. The weekend. I'll post more at the weekend.


#120:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:03 pm


*eagerly awaiting the weekend!*


#121:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:04 pm


Aww, good luck with them Abi *huggles*

*remembers she has an essay she should be getting on with...*


#122:  Author: ToriaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:52 pm


I'm loving this Abi, I can't wait until the weekend.


#123:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:39 pm


*looks innocent*
The weekend starts on Thursday evening, right? Wink


#124:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:35 am


As far as I know, yes... Wink


#125:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:03 pm


Actually, I was thinking Monday morning... Wink


#126:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:06 pm


Ok Abi, you post on Monday morning.




























But you can TELL me tomorrow what is happening with Gussie! Wink


#127:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:20 pm


*lol* ok! It's deal! Actually I should be able to post on Sunday... I hope.


#128:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:22 pm


*sighs, and starts counting the minutes until Sunday......*


#129:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:24 pm


*impressed by Vikki's restraint*


#130:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:56 pm


I know!! Good isn't it? Wink


#131:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:05 pm


I don't know how you're doing it! Shocked


#132:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:16 pm


*whispers*
(Neither do I!!)


#133:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:21 pm


Then you won't know how to go on doing it! bawling


#134:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 1:33 pm


Well, you won't have to any more, because here is some more story...


Kathie and Mollie gasped as the daring plan was unfolded to them. Then they gasped again as the full implications of it began to dawn on them. It was a scheme that surpassed the bounds of imagination. Surely there were few people who could have dreamt up such a thing. A glorious vision rose before their eyes – as they handed over a gang of notorious spies to the astonished and admiring police the head of Scotland Yard showered them with praise, and even the King sent a letter of congratulation. There were a few moments of breathless silence before Kathie, who now objected to all Augusta’s proposals as a matter of principle, opened the attack.

“It’s a frightfully good idea, Gus, but how in the world are you going to get old Black up here?” Augusta’s resolve was only strengthened by opposition.

“Oh, leave that to me,” she said casually, “I’ll tell him Bill’s gone mad and started chucking bottles of acid round.” Mollie wrinkled her nose, wondering whether her friend was jesting.

“I don’t think he’ll believe you,” she objected.

“No? Well, I’ll say she’s lying on her deathbed and can’t die with an easy heart until she’s seen him,” suggested the conspirator facetiously “he’s awfully keen on her. Do you remember how he grinned at her that time they thought our fireworks were bombs?”

“Gussie!” Kathie sounded scandalised.

“What? He did! ‘Of course madam, quate understand. No offence taken, madam,’” she went on in ridiculous imitation of Colonel Black’s booming tones. Mollie giggled. Kathie pretended not to giggle. Augusta dragged the conversation back to its original topic. “Anyway, are we all agreed that that’s our plan?” Kathie and Mollie looked at her, at each other, then back at Augusta. They nodded.

“That’s the plan!” they chorused.


#135:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:35 pm


Here's a teensy bit more...


There was about a week before the Plan could be put into action, since that was the evening of the half-term fancy-dress party. But before then preparations must be made – and they must be made in the deepest, darkest secret. It was decided that Augusta’s gardening trousers should be pressed into service, but the matter of an authentic-looking jacket was more difficult. The obtaining of a swastika or two also proved a severe problem. They were hardly things that were readily available. In the end they manufactured them themselves and concealed them in their sponge bags until such a time as they would be required.

It took them some days to get hold of a jacket, but Augusta’s resourcefulness did not fail them. She had somehow scraped a wide acquaintance among the less desirable juvenile population of Howells village, including both natives and evacuees. No-one quite knew how she had managed it, and certainly the staff had no idea that she was on speaking terms with a large proportion of the children who lived around. In any case, it proved invaluable now. Augusta scoured the entire village for a suitable jacket, and many and varied were the specimens that were presented for her inspection. Eventually she selected one that had been supplied by a small boy who explained that it had belonged to his big brother until he grew out of it, whereupon it was offered to the household’s evacuee, who had refused it with decision. Therefore it passed into the use of Augusta, who carried it back to School with as much care as though it was a precious jewel of incomparable value, and enormous triumph.


#136:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:41 pm


Priceless Abi, I can't wait to see what this plan involves.
(I'm beginning to worry about the effect that Augusta is having on me - I just found myself wondering if she could possibly be right Exclamation )


#137:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:18 pm


*giggles*
Thank you Abi!!!! Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing


#138:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:20 pm


*giggling* and VERY intrigued. Is it too soon to start chanting? I'm just in the right frame of mind for a good chant Very Happy


#139:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:01 pm


Oh, golly, I'm very worried now!


#140:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:48 pm


Would now be a good time to mention that Abi told us Hamshire CBBers what Gussie's plan is?

No? Ok.

<skipping merrily on my way>


#141:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:55 pm


No, it wouldn't have been! *runs after Rachel to throttle her and serve her up to Carolyn for dinner*


#142:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 2:46 am


*hands KB the barbecue sauce*


#143:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:06 am


Avalanche buries gloaters and cannibals alike while Kathy asks ever so politely what Augusta will do next.


#144:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:20 pm


*wonders if Vikki would like to take part in the meal*


#145:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 2:28 pm


No thanks honey, I was just being helpful and pasing things for you!


#146:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:21 pm


KB wrote:
No, it wouldn't have been! *runs after Rachel to throttle her and serve her up to Carolyn for dinner*


You are so nice to me KB, thank you for dinner.


#147:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:45 pm


Waiting, sort of patiently, for next installment!


#148:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 2:40 am


Also w-a-i-t-i-n-g.

Likewise wondering what it will take to get Some People to change their Unfortunate Habits, when even avalanches fail to stop them.

Idea Perhaps they might abstain for Lent?


#149:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:35 am


Carolyn P wrote:
You are so nice to me KB, thank you for dinner.


You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!


#150:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 6:46 pm


Two lovely installments. Thank you.

Also wondering exactly what Gussie's plan is.


#151:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:37 pm


Augusta's plan revealed!


A jacket having been procured, most of the preparations were set in place. Half-term came and the fancy-dress party was scheduled for the Monday evening. The three spy-catchers had a few days of anxiety when Augusta seemed to be catching a cold, but fortunately she managed to beat it down.

On Sunday evening she gathered her cronies for a final run-through of the Plan.

“Now, the party starts at half-past four,” she began, “so we’ll get changed at the same time as everyone else. But we have to change a lot quicker than them and get out of the dormitory. Kathie, you grab your hockey stick then hide on the corner by the library. Mollie, you run to the library and get Colonel Black here. Then you hide somewhere in there – I’ll take them there. Kathie, when you hear us go in you follow and wait outside the library in case things get dangerous.”

“And what exactly will you do, Gus?” asked Mollie with interest.

“I’ll wait for them to come downstairs and tell them I need the papers immediately. I’ll keep them talking until Colonel Black comes and he can arrest them.” She made it sound so easy.

“And…if they start murdering us, or something?” Mollie’s feet were, if not cold, certainly a little chilly.

“That’s what you two are there for. Kathie’s got her hockey stick and you can use a chair or something. We’ll lock them in a cupboard till the Colonel comes.”

Mollie sighed in martyred fasion.

“All right. But don’t blame me if it ends in death,” she said sepulchrally.

* * *

Meanwhile, not very far away, Jo Maynard was putting the finishing touches to her costume. She had been delighted when Hilda Annersley invited her to the party, and had consulted Anna who assured her that she could put the children to bed herself. So Jo, chuckling to herself, decided to give the School a shock and appear as Hitler. She had even manufactured for herself a small toothbrush moustache. The costume looked very effective (except, of course, that Hitler was reported to be a small man, but that didn’t really matter). Even Jo’s face was surprisingly changed after the addition of a hat (which had the added advantage of concealing her hair) and the moustache.


#152:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:54 pm


*g* And how are Hilda and Nell dressed? Goebbels and Himmler?

Come on, Abi! You can't leave it there!


#153:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:58 pm


Be calm, be calm...


So on Monday afternoon, arrayed in her Hitler costume, Jo set out for the Chalet School. The hands of the School clock stood at twenty-three minutes past four as she swung in through the imposing front door and turned into the corridor that led to the library, where she was to meet Hilda and Nell before they all went along to the party together.

* * *

Colonel Black had received an urgent telephone call requesting him to come to the School at once. Hastily he flung on a jacket, hurried outside and jumped into his car. At precisely twenty-six minutes past four he rang the bell at the front door of the School.

* * *

The Head and Senior Mistress had donned their fancy-dresses and admired one another.

“I wonder what Jo will come as,” mused Nell. Hilda shrugged her shoulders.

“I have no idea,” she replied, “something unusual, if I know anything about Jo.” They came to the library and she suddenly halted.

“There’s someone in there,” she said in a low voice.

“Jo?” suggested Nell, just behind her. Hilda deemed this comment unworthy of a reply, and in the silence that followed strange noises could be heard. Thumping and banging. Voices. Someone shouting as though from a long distance away. A laugh.

As Hilda turned the handle of the library door the School clock struck once, for half-past four.


#154:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 2:36 pm


Abbbbbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! You can't leave it there! *bouncing up and down in frustrated curiosity*


#155:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 2:44 pm


Come back Abi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More please!!!!

*wondering if Bill and the Abbess are dressed as Hitler too...*


#156:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 4:53 pm


Abi - Please don't stop there - we need to know if anyone has been killed!


#157:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:47 pm


*trips over rather small cliff, before realising it was actually quite a bigcliff and hurtling head-first dowards*

Aaaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


#158:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:50 pm


Oh for goodness sake! *throws KB a rope* Very Happy


#159:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 9:13 pm


*grabs rope*

*wishes pim had kept hold of one end*


#160:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:19 pm


Oops... *shouts from the cliff top* ARE YOU ALRIGHT DOWN THERE?

*kicks self for being careless*


#161:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:58 pm


Abi honey, how the heck do you come up with these things? Shocked


#162:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:30 am


*waves hand impatiently* Never mind KB! She's done that much diving off cliffs that if she's not made out of india rubber, she ought to be! Let's concentrate on getting Abi back!!!


#163:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 2:22 pm


Well I'm here but although I've actually finished this story on paper I haven't written any more up and won't be able to until Sunday because the paper is at home and I'm going to Cambridge straight after my class. Sorreeeeeee! Embarassed


#164:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 3:42 pm


hammer ABIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! hammer again just for good measure.

*goes off to get a giggle fix elsewhere*


#165:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:13 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
*waves hand impatiently* Never mind KB! She's done that much diving off cliffs that if she's not made out of india rubber, she ought to be! Let's concentrate on getting Abi back!!!


Gee, thanks, Lisa...


#166:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 8:10 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
*waves hand impatiently* Never mind KB! She's done that much diving off cliffs that if she's not made out of india rubber, she ought to be! Let's concentrate on getting Abi back!!!


*Now suffering from mental image of bouncy, rubber KB*


#167:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:56 pm


*shakes Abi*


#168:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:02 pm


*What are the Abbess and Bill dressed as???*

*Has Jo been caught by the girls???*

*Is Colonel Black going to take the joke???*


ABI!!!!!!!!!! COME HERE AND WRITE SOME MORE!!! Crying or Very sad typing Screen of Death


#169:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:38 pm


Abi, how can you calmly tell us you've written more without typing and posting it NOW!!! Evil or Very Mad


#170:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:50 pm


I've just read straight through from page 6, building the excitement and suddenly I'm straight over the cliff! Ah, well!

Abi, did Elisabeth Peters model Augusta on you. The logic is so .... words fail me ..... so, Augusta!

*Settles down to wait, rubbing bruises with arnica*


#171:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:08 am


What do you mean, PatMac?
*wondering if PatMac means Elizabeth Peters, and if so, where Augusta comes into it*


#172:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:14 am


*is also slightly confused by PatMAc's question. I like the humour in Elizabeth Peters, but Augusta is a sort of composite of all the weird kids in childrens books (William, Jennings etc) as well as a chunk of my own imagination. What did you mean Pat?


#173:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:17 am


Maybe PatMac is thinking of the kind of logic Ramses employs when he wants to get round Amelia? But even so, not even Ramses is as machievellian as Augusta is proving to be...


#174:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:02 pm


Well, now we're back at last I shall finish this...

It was nearly ten past four. Kathie and Mollie were in Augusta’s cubicle helping her to put the final points to her costume. Kathie finished painting the moustache on Augusta’s face and replaced the cap of her pen. Augusta surveyed herself in the mirror with pride.

“I look just like him, don’t I?”

“Ye-e-es,” said Mollie doubtfully. Kathie said nothing. Outside the cubicle someone was calling.

“Gus! Come out and show us your costume! You haven’t even told us what you’re going to be yet.” Augusta parted her curtains. There was a sudden silence in the dormitory. Then,

“Gosh! Hitler!”

“Jolly good, Gussie!” applauded Claire. Augusta smiled complacently then seized her friends hands and drew them outside.

“Come on you two. We’ve got things to do.” As the dormitory door closed behind them the three ran to perform their various jobs. Kathie hastened to fetch her hockey stick, then repaired to the corner to which she had been assigned. Mollie tore down the stairs to the study, where she lifted the telephone and requested Colonel Black’s number. There were a few moments tense waiting while the phone rang, then she heard his voice barking out at the other end of the line.

“Oh, Colonel Black – this is the Chalet School. We have an emergency. Could you come up here immediately, please?” Colonel Black demurred, but Mollie was so urgent that at last he agreed to come to the School with all possible haste.

Augusta, in the meantime, had run down to the Splashery to put on her climbing boots, which they had decided would most resemble footwear that Hitler might be likely to sport. She snatched them up and pulled them on hastily. Unfortunately they turned out to be Kathie’s, which were two sizes too large. Precious moments were lost while she tore them off, hunted for her own and put them on. At last she had tied the laces and was clumping along the passages towards the library. She crossed the entrance hall and turned into the passage opposite. As she did so she glanced back over her shoulder, then stopped in horror at the sight that met her eyes. The front door was opening slowly. Through it came a figure that was known to every man, woman and child in Britain. A figure that her country was fighting against in the cause of justice and truth. And he was here. In this very School. Adolf Hitler himself. Movement returned to Augusta’s limbs, and she turned and fled along the corridor to the library, attempting to run on tiptoe in an effort to reduce the sound level. As she took a corner on one foot she almost crashed into Kathie, skulking around and wishing she had never got herself involved in this.

“Where’ve you…” Kathie got no further but found herself being dragged headlong down the passage. Augusta thrust the library door open, shoved her in and closed the door behind them.

“Quick,” she panted, almost unable to speak. She waited a moment to catch her breath, then continued urgently, “It’s Hitler. He’s here. He’s coming here. We’ve got to catch him.” She looked around wildly, then jumped across the room and flung open the door of a large cupboard. “Moll, you stand behind this door and when we’ve got him in slam it and lock it. Kathie stand there so you’re hidden when the door opens. I’ll hide – oh, behind this chair. When he comes in, Kathie you shut the door and then help me to shove him in….” Her voice died away as footsteps thudded along the passage. Time seemed to slow down painfully as the three crouched in utter silence.

Then the footsteps stopped. The handle began to turn, and the door opened.


#175:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:06 pm


And now what????!!!!!!!!! Abiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii *clings precariously to cliff edge trying not to fall off whilst giggling helplessly*


#176:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 2:52 pm


*watches pim with interest and debates whether to post more story or to give pim a little push and watch her fall to the ground*


#177:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:03 pm


Give her a push by all means, but make sure you post more once you've allowed your bloodthirsty instincts an outlet! Wink


#178:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:19 pm


if yyou have to decide then that must mean you have more ready to post, so do so instead of teasing us!!!!!


#179:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:23 pm


Oh, sorry, I was madly trying to catch up with all the other drabbles becasue I was really behind before the board was taken down so I'm hoping to catch up before the influx!


Jo was mildly surprised when she entered the library to find that the room was empty, but guessed that the Head had been somehow delayed. It was not an unusual thing to happen. What she did not expect was to find, as she turned to close the door behind her, a small girl in a Scarecrow fancy-dress, who took one look at her before emitting a high-pitched screech and slamming the door. Before Joey could say a word she was pounced on from behind and dragged to the floor by her hair.

Kathie had been growing increasingly nervous as the door opened apparently in slow motion. However, when it was flung back again and she was exposed the one terrified glance she had thrown at the newcomer confirmed her worst fears. She lost her head completely and hardly realised that she was screaming as she blindly followed Augusta’s instructions.

Augusta, seeing that there was now no hope of concealment, sailed into the attack and snatched at ‘Hitler’s’ hat. As it came down it brought with it a coil of hair. Augusta took a firm grip and hauled as hard as she could. The false Hitler gave a yell to rival Kathie’s and fell to the floor.

“Quick! Give me a hand to get him in the cupboard!” shrieked Augusta, “Moll! We need you!” Mollie sidled into the open, leaving the cupboard door open. Augusta was manfully hanging on to the plait, while Jo attempted to free herself. Had she not also lost her head things might have gone badly with her captors. By this time Mollie had entered into the spirit of the thing and grabbed one of Jo’s madly kicking legs and she and Augusta began to drag her towards the cupboard.

“Help us Kathie! He’s getting away!” Augusta’s voice was barely audible through her effort. That young lady stepped forward, tripped over Jo’s other ankle and fell heavily on top of the young Mrs. Maynard, successfully cracking her over the head with her hockey stick as she did so. Jo, winded and slightly stunned, ceased to struggle, and with shouts of triumph and one last, heroic effort, the three small girls succeeded in imprisoning her in the cupboard. There was a breathless silence during which they all sank to the floor in attitudes of complete exhaustion.

A moment later the door opened again to reveal the maid, Megan, and Colonel Black hovering just behind her.

“Colonel Black…” Megan’s voice trailed away. With an effort Augusta rose to her feet and beamed proudly at the gentleman.

“Oh, Colonel Black,” she said, “We’ve caught Hitler.”

Silence.

Then Kathie and Mollie came to back their friend up and all three talked at such a rate and volume that he was unable to decipher what any of them were saying. To add to the confusion, Jo in the cupboard had recovered her breath and was thumping on the door and demanding to be freed in most unladylike tones. At this dramatic moment the door opened again, although they were all so engaged in their own activities that they did not notice.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Miss Annersley’s curt tones cut across Augusta’s high-pitched babble, Mollie’s excited explanations and Kathie’s less piercing but equally loud helpful comments. Even Jo in the cupboard fell silent for a moment. Then, apparently having deduced the state of affairs, she banged again.

“Hilda! Is that you? Nell! Let me out of this, someone!” Miss Annersley gasped.

“Jo!” She strode across the room and turned the key in the lock. The door flew open and she received Jo into her arms with such force that the two of them collapsed onto the carpet. “Really, Jo,” she expostulated, slightly breathlessly. Mrs. Maynard scrambled to her feet and assisted her erstwhile Head to hers with an apology.

Poor Colonel Black was feeling bewildered. First he was summoned to deal with an emergency (which seemed to be a non-existent one, so far as he could tell). Then he arrived to be greeted by three lunatic children dressed as Hitler, a Scarecrow and a Sheep, who claimed to have caught the wicked leader of Germany. To top off the whole mad experience, in had come the dignified Head of the School and its Senior Mistress dressed, if you please, as some sort of nun and a Chef respectively. The emergence from the cupboard of that peculiar young Mrs. Maynard (whom he could easily recognise, since her hair had come down and her moustache was hanging precariously by one corner) had merely been the gilding on the lily. Colonel Black put his hand to his head. Miss Annersley caught the movement and turned to him.

“Colonel Black,” she began, almost at a loss for once, “there seems to be some sort of… misunderstanding here.” She felt quite safe saying that.

“Misunderstanding!” exploded Jo. “I should say there was! These kids…”

“Yes Jo, we’ll deal with that later,” interposed the Head quickly.

“I was told there was an emergency,” boomed Colonel Black, who was rapidly coming to the conclusion that he had been made a fool of and consequently was feeling irate.

Augusta stepped forward. Things had not gone entirely according to plan, but she had not last sight of the original aim of the adventure. Their spectacular capture of Hitler had turned out to be a damp squib, but she still had one card left to play. She pointed dramatically at Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson and cried in ringing tones,

“Arrest those people! They’re spies!”


#180:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:29 pm


*snickers*
*giggles*
Oh, lovely Abi! Poor Jo! That should satisfy the anti Jo brigade. What does Colonel Black to do Hilda and Nell- and what will they do to Augusta?

MOOOOORE!


#181:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:32 pm


Well, I like Jo - I didn't mean to get her into trouble, and she didn't really do anything to deserve it, but somehow she seemed the most suitable person to be locked up in a cupboard!


#182:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:36 pm


*picks self off floor from laughing so hard.

*awaits more story.


#183:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:14 pm


Fab-u-leuse! *giggles madly* Now what?! Tell us plllleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaasssssssssseeeeeeeeeeee


#184:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:17 pm


tomorrow..................i'm going home now. I'm starving - I had no lunch - GUESS WHY NOT????????????????


#185:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:35 pm


Abi wrote:
tomorrow..................i'm going home now. I'm starving - I had no lunch - GUESS WHY NOT????????????????


Can't think why you didn't have any lunch Abi... Confused


#186:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:11 pm


*giggling wildly over Augusta's latest exploits!*

*very eagerly awaiting tomorrow!*


#187:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:48 pm


Oh wonderful!!! Looking forward to next installment! Laughing


#188:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:58 pm


*laughing hard*

But why was Jo wearing a moustache, have I missed something here?


#189:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:39 am


Jo was dressed up as Hilter for the party.


#190:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:41 am


*dries tears of hysterical laughter!!*
Thanks Abi!! More please!!!


#191:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:47 am


Abi, that's magnificent! I'm feeling rather sorry for the three girls...


#192:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:52 am


That Augusta!

*eagerly awaits response of the accused Laughing Laughing Laughing *


#193:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 7:59 am


*giggles* Oh, thank you, Abi -- that was fabulous! Laughing


#194:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:08 pm


*pointing out that it's now tomorrow!*


#195:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 6:19 pm


It's fairly late into tomorrow as well - more please!


#196:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 7:49 pm


ABI! *wails* Come on! We're waiting- we're camping!!! And you said you'd written it all!
*goes off to sulk*


#197:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:09 am


*runs after Lisa to huggle her but agrees that Abi is very nasty to break a promise like that*


#198:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 2:05 pm


So sorry I didn't reply yesterday - I went to Windsor with my friend and bought lots of books and saw the changing of the guard and bought a dagger. SO here is the end - actually I'm not sure it's very good, but here it is anyway!


There was a stunned silence. Colonel Black looked from the Abbess and the Chef to Hitler minor, then back again, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Joey’s jaw dropped and she stared wildly at her two good friends. Those ladies stared equally wildly at their accuser, who was now being staunchly backed up by her two friends. Characteristically it was Jo who first recovered the power of speech.

“What…on…earth? What are you talking about?” she demanded. There was a slightly hysterical tone to her voice.

“They’re spies,” reiterated Augusta firmly. “We’ve got proof.”

“We’ve been investigating,” Mollie piped up, gaining courage by the fact that no-one had been murdered yet. “It’s true.” By this time Miss Annersley had recovered from her shock and was looking every inch the Headmistress – and even more severe than usual in her religious robes.

“Colonel Black, I do apologise for this ridiculous scene. I can assure you that I shall deal with these children with the utmost severity. I am afraid you have been put to great inconvenience.”

“I…ah…no problem, madam. I…ah…” he snuffled and snorted through his moustache, unsure of quite what to say.

“Let me show you out,” suggested the Head. She led the way out of the room, pausing only to caution its other occupants not to leave it. As the door closed behind them she began to attempt an explanation, which was not an easy task since she probably had less idea than the Colonel what was going on, except for the fact that Augusta had had a bad effect on the situation. However, she succeeded in appeasing him, and at last she was able to make her way back to the library.

In her absence, Miss Wilson had made an attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery. So far all she had discovered was that Augusta was convinced that she was a spy and refused to believe otherwise. As the door opened she turned to her friend with relief.

“Hil – Miss Annersley!” she exclaimed. “Come and explain to these children that we are not spies.”

It took Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson and Joey Maynard half an hour to convince Augusta of the fact. By this time Gillian Linton had been deputed by the waiting School to discover whether the three of them had been consumed by fire or merely fallen down the stairs and broken all their legs. Miss Annersley told her to begin the party and that they would join them later. Augusta, Kathie and Mollie were sent up to bed, and the three adults eventually arrived at the party at half past five.

The next day the three juniors were summoned to the library. Here they learned that they were stupid children and that they had been very wrong to waste the country’s resources (by this the Head meant Colonel Black) in such a ridiculous enterprise. They were told that they could have done serious damage to all sorts of things and that Miss Annersley considered them no more sensible than Mrs. Maynard’s triplet daughters. Kathie and Mollie were informed that they should have known better and that if they couldn’t do better than to follow someone else blindly they would have to be separated. Their sentence was to forfeit all privileges for the rest of the term, to write a letter of apology to Colonel Black, and to spend as much spare time as they could in the gardens where they would be helping instead of hindering their country. Augusta was told that she was possibly even more stupid than the other two, and that she must learn to think straight and not to invent things or jump to conclusions. She had led her friends into creating chaos and being disrespectful to their elders, and even if the situation had been a real one she should have informed someone in authority. She was to have the same punishment as the others, with the added disadvantage that she was to move down to the Upper Second for two weeks in the hope that this would teach her to behave in a more fitting manner.

So it was a much sadder and wiser little trio that came out of this experience. Even Augusta spent at least three days feeling quite subdued. By the end of term the effect had mostly worn off, but never again did she let her imagination run riot in quite the same way.

Of course, there were still other ways…


#199:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:48 pm


ROFL! Good last line, Abi. That means more!!!!

I'd love to have heard Hilda and Co trying to convince Augusta, though...
*giggling*


#200:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:54 pm


Brilliant Abi!!!!!!!!

ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL


#201:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 6:47 pm


Oh Abi that was wonderful.


#202:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:21 pm


Abi that was great! Wish I had been party to the 'explanation' and love the last line!


#203:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:54 pm


Abi!!!!!!! that's marvellous!! More please!!

I'm a little worried sabout the comment about buying a dagger though........


#204:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:16 am


That last line is magnificent! Please don't tell us that will be the end of Augusta!


#205:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:11 pm


Wellll........ I had thought of a little something to do with Matron's dog and the Christmas Play...... shall I write it?


#206:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:59 pm


Need you ask?!
hammer Abi for asking silly questions!
Er- what dog?! Is this the one from the RTW spinoff?!! Shocked Shocked


#207:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:02 pm


only if you want to avoid an untimely death!

Of course you should write the story - if you have the time and inclination


#208:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:57 pm


What a silly question! Of course it must be written!


#209:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:56 am


Yes please Abi


#210:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 3:46 am


Definitely Abi!!!!!


#211:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:23 am


Hurrah! That was fantabulous Abi ROFL


#212:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 4:42 pm


That was brilliant!
When do we get the next bit?


#213:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:04 pm


Um......when I've written a bit more of it than two paragraphs! Also, writing essays might be kind of a good idea!


#214:  Author: NicoleLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 4:53 am


Absolutely brilliant, Abi.

I laughed so much that my neigbour popped his head around the door to make sure I was all right Laughing Laughing

Would love to see more of Augusta when you've got time. (Not that I mean to put any pressure on you, you realise) Wink


#215:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 7:20 am


Abi wrote:
Um......when I've written a bit more of it than two paragraphs! Also, writing essays might be kind of a good idea!


*sigh* I suppse so. But when you've done them... *hopeful*


#216:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 4:07 pm


In the Easter holiday (starting on Saturday) I'll have loads of time, but in the time before then I have to write four 2000 word essays, so I don't think I'll ba around much at all till then!


#217:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 4:15 pm


So may we look forward to more Augusta as an Easter holiday treat?


#218:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 4:16 pm


Wonderful Abi, I know I'm a bit behind, but what a glorious scene that was when Joey was locked in the cupboard.
I am sooo glad that Augusta went to the CS, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next.


#219:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:32 pm


Abi, that was brilliant! Loved the line about the amount of time it took to convince Augusta that they weren't spies!!


#220:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:30 pm


Abi - I would quite happily settle for two paragraphs! Come on, you know you want to start a nice shiny new thread really Wink


#221:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:51 am


Carolyn P wrote:
So may we look forward to more Augusta as an Easter holiday treat?


Sounds good to me!


#222:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:07 pm


Yes, you may!


#223:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 2:06 am


Oooh! Yay!!!
*waits eagerly for more*


#224:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:55 pm


Wow, Abi, Bravo. I've finally read all the Augusta stories, and I can't wait for the next!


#225:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:47 pm


*wonders whether it's time to poke Abi for more*


#226:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:08 pm


Easter hols here don't start for another week!

So hope to see new Gussie next Saturday!!!


#227:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 4:21 pm


I have written a couple of thousand words but we can't use our computer at home so I'm on one in our public library which means I can't do word files......hopefully this evening or tomorrow evening there will be more though!


#228:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 8:37 pm


Have just caught up with all the Augusta drabbles! Abi, you're a genius! They're all hysterically funny! Thank you for writing them! Very Happy

Looking forward to the next story!

 




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