Harris - Mr Bambuckles Remarkables on the Lookout

Vex is gone! We have to find him.

But how? He could be anywhere.

Well have to track him down.

Thats impossible.

Not if we work together!

The class in room 12B are in trouble. Can they find Vex before its too late?

Mr Bambuckle and Miss Frost were two remarkably different teachers. Their outlook on education and life in general was polar opposite. While Mr Bambuckle valued learning, individuality and fun, Miss Frost was far more concerned with discipline, procedures and efficiency.

On the final morning of school camp, a letter found in the empty tent of a runaway student had divided the teachers opinions. And, as is often the case when opposites are put together, things got tense.

Mr Bambuckle, mentor of the students in room 12B, stood to one side of the smouldering camp fire. He whistled a bright tune, his mood as light as the morning breeze. He knew the missing student, Vex, was experiencing something quite significant. Miss Frost, on the other hand, smirked cruelly as she studied the letter.

The students sat on logs that surrounded the fire. They were exhausted by the camps activities, and nervous about the imminent showdown between the two teachers.

Theres something magical about the crisp country air, said Mr Bambuckle, retrieving a cup of coffee from one of the inside pockets of his jacket. Its been a rather splendid camp, and I should think the students are ready to return to school.

Miss Frost folded the piece of paper. The diamond bobby pin in her hair glinted. Theres no time for caffeine, she whispered icily. Not when youre about to be fired . Ive been looking forward to this moment, and Ive got you right where I want you.

The students gasped. The assistant principal was clearly not beating around the bush.

Fired? said Mr Bambuckle calmly. On what grounds would that be?

Probably the camp grounds, said Slugger Choppers, a large boy who was known more for his size than his wit.

He means on what terms , said Albert, correcting his classmate.

During school term, said Slugger.

Silence! said Miss Frost. Your foolish teacher knows exactly why hell be dismissed. Vex Vron has run away its right here in the note and there is a heavy penalty for educators who cannot supervise the children under their care.

Mr Bambuckle, as only he could do under such circumstances, chuckled. You are quite right, dear Miss Frost. It seems Vex has run away from camp, which is a most serious matter.

Then why are you laughing?

Because, said Mr Bambuckle, I do believe Vex is discovering a thing or two about himself and having a jolly good time in the process.

This is nonsense! You give me no other choice but to inform the principal, said Miss Frost. Her breath misted up the morning air. Mr Sternblast will fire you on the spot.

I cant see any spots, said Slugger. I thought he was going to get fired on the camp grounds during school term.

She means terminate his contract immediately, said Albert.

Termites on his contract? said Harold McHagil, who was occasionally hard of hearing. I didnt know termites ate paper.

Be quiet, silly children, said Miss Frost, swiping open her mobile phone. I must call the principal.

Mr Bambuckle sipped his coffee. You may want to reconsider speaking with Mr Sternblast.

Miss Frost narrowed her grey-blue eyes. And why would I do that?

To keep your job, of course, said Mr Bambuckle. I couldnt live with myself if you got fired. Youre simply too much fun!

Miss Frost knew enough about Mr Bambuckles mysterious ways to hesitate. Despite his whimsical, carefree nature, he was renowned for his cleverness. She lowered the phone. Explain yourself.

For someone who loves protocols as much as you do, Im surprised you havent considered section 17-M of the staff handbook.

Miss Frosts legs turned to jelly for the briefest of moments. She regained her composure and looked at the teacher, speechless.

Mr Bambuckle continued. As youre well aware, Miss Frost, section 17-M of the staff handbook states that executive members of staff shall bear full responsibility when present at excursions and camps.

If it were possible for Miss Frosts pale complexion to become whiter, it would have done so at that precise time.

The students watched their beloved teacher, waiting for him to elaborate.

I do believe, continued Mr Bambuckle, that you are an executive member of staff the assistant principal. And as this is a camp, Mr Sternblast would no doubt hold you accountable for Vexs disappearance. It would be you who lost your job, not me.

The facts stabbed Miss Frost like an invisible sword. How could she forget such an important rule? She wobbled backwards and slumped on a log between Victoria Goldenhorn and Evie Nightingale.

That was Scarletts seat, said Evie quietly. Until you expelled her, that is But its okay, you can sit there if you like.

Kindly get Miss Frost a drink, dear Slugger, said Mr Bambuckle, changing the topic. He knew it would be unhelpful to dwell on the fact that Scarlett had been expelled the day before. I should think a sip of Himalayan tea would do Miss Frost a world of good.

For the first time in her ambitious career, Miss Frost was at the mercy of the rules she so dearly cherished. If news got back to Mr Sternblast that a student had run away from camp, she would be held accountable, and it would most certainly spell the end of her time in the teaching profession. She was trapped and she knew it.

While Evie had experienced great torment at the hands of Miss Frost, her time with Mr Bambuckle had taught her the value of kindness. She put an arm around the shell-shocked woman and patted her on the back.

Only Mr Bambuckle noticed a single strand of Miss Frosts silver hair turn amber at Evies touch.

Slugger handed Miss Frost a steaming cup of tea. I hope you like it, he said. I brewed it myself teacher taught me.

Mr Bambuckle cleared his throat. Dear Miss Frost, you have no need to fear for your job.

Still stunned, Miss Frost managed a sip of tea. And why is that?

In room 12B we value loyalty. Vex will be found before word gets back to Mr Sternblast. Your position at the school is quite safe.

But what about his parents? said Miss Frost. They will contact the school the second Vex doesnt return home on time. You cant keep something like this quiet.