Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE BINKY IS NAUGHTY Morning school came to an end at last. Mister Grim rapped on his desk. 'Attention, all of you!' he said. 'Dinner will be in ten minutes' time. Anyone who is late or who has dirty hands or untidy hair will go without.' Winks groaned. 'It's awful,' he said to Peter when Mister Grim had gone out. 'There's never enough dinner for everyone, so Mister Grim just says, "Here, you, your hair is untidy," or "Here, you, your nails aren't clean," and about a dozen of us have to go without our dinner.'

'What a dreadful school!' said Peter. 'Why don't you run away?' 'How can we?' said Winks. 'You've seen the high wall round the grounds, and all the gates are locked. I wish I could get out of here; it's a horrid place, and I really would be good if I could escape.' 'Would there be room for him in the wishing-chair, do you think?' whispered Mollie to Binky. 'He's so nice. I'd like to help him, Binky.' 'So would I,' whispered back Binky. 'Well, we'll see.' Mister Grim stood at the door of the dining-

hall as each brownie walked in. Every so often he pounced on one and roared at him. 'Here, you, you haven't washed behind your ears! No dinner! Here, you, why aren't your nails scrubbed? No dinner!' And when Binky tried to slip past him he roared: 'Here, you, why haven't you brushed your hair? No dinner!' 'I did brush it,' said Binky indignantly, 'but

it's the kind of hair that won't lie down.' 'No dinner today for untidy hair, and no dinner tomorrow for answering back' said Mister Grim. 'Oh, I say, that's not fair,' said Binky. There was a little time before afternoon

school. Peter, Binky, Mollie and Winks had a meeting in a far corner of the grounds. 'Now listen,' said Winks. 'What about a bit of magic to get yourselves free?' 'Oooh, yes,' said Binky, looking very cheerful. 'That's an awfully good idea of yours, Winks. I'd forgotten about my wand. I'll be very naughty- and then we'll see what happens.' They all went in to afternoon school feeling rather excited. What would happen? It would certainly be fun to see Binky being very naughty! Mister Grim began firing questions at the class. 'Hands up those who know why brownies have long beards. Hands up those who know the magic word for "disappear". Hands up those who know why green smoke

always comes out of chimneys of witches' houses. Hands up...' He didn't even wait for anyone to answer so the brownies just shot up their hands at each question and then put them down again and waited for the next. Peter and Mollie thought it was the silliest class they had ever attended! 'And now- can anyone ask me a question