This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall by Gordon Korman Page B

NET. Buffalo, New York. Three armed bank robbers were apprehended by a volleyball net which fell on them as they were being chased by police early this morning. Almost $500,000 was recovered. Police are still baffled about the origin of the net which, according to the report, dropped suddenly from the sky, entangling the fugitives. The net bears a tag reading Macdonald Hall.”
    Mr. Sturgeon looked up from the newspaper and met his wife’s eyes. “It would appear, Mildred,” he sighed, “that there is no end to these miracles.”
    * * *
    Under the bright Ontario sunshine and the briskly fluttering flag of Malbonia, Bruno Walton, Boots O’Neal and Elmer Drimsdale were solemnly decorated with that country’s medal of civic heroism. The entire faculty and student body of Macdonald Hall were present, as well as the girls from Miss Scrimmage’s Finishing School for Young Ladies, who cheered lustily. Standing on the platform were representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Macdonald Hall Board of Directors. In addition to the Malbonian medal, each boy received the RCMP Bravery Medal and the OPP Youth Award.
    Bruno looked down at his chest. Three medals gleamed on the front of his best navy blue blazer. He glanced at Elmer standing beside him, then past Elmer at Boots. Even in their moment of glory, Bruno reflected, The Fish had seen to it that he and Boots were separated.
    The ceremonies had just ended and the boys were making polite conversation with the officials when their attention was diverted by the arrival of yet another police car. It proceeded up the driveway and halted next to the platform.
    Boots poked Bruno. “New York State Police?” he whispered questioningly.
    Bruno shrugged. “Who knows?” They stared as two tan-uniformed State Troopers got out of the car, opened the trunk and took out a volleyball net.
    â€œI expect you’re wondering about that,” said Mr. Sturgeon’s voice behind them. “It was in the morning paper. It seems the net found its way to Buffalo just in time to capture three bank robbers.”
    Bruno spun around to face the Headmaster. “You’re kidding!” he exclaimed.
    Mr. Sturgeon shook his head. “I
never
kid.”
    Coach Flynn hurried forward to retrieve his volleyball net. “I don’t know how it got to Buffalo,” said one of the officers, “but it sure came in handy. Thanks a lot.” The two officers got back into their patrol car and drove off.
    As the crowd began to disperse, Mr. Snow, chairman of the Board of Directors, turned to Mr. Sturgeon. “William,” he said, “everyone has rewarded these fine boys except Macdonald Hall.”
    â€œQuite right, Jim.” The Headmaster turned to his students. “Elmer, what can the school do for you?”
    Elmer was in a daze: he had no idea why he had been awarded the three medals which now hung on his jacket. He was merely grateful that no one was about to expel him.
    â€œAsk for a new telescope, Elm,” suggested Bruno in a stage whisper. “Yours got all banged up in the — uh — excitement.”
    â€œWhat’s that? A telescope?” repeated Mr. Snow. “Granted. I will personally take you shopping for it next week. And what about our other two fine young heroes?”
    â€œWell,” said Bruno, trying to word his request with great care. “We’re pretty good friends, sir, Melvin and I. We’d like to room together.”
    Mr. Snow smiled broadly. “That’s certainly not an unreasonable request,” he said. “William, is there any reason why these two boys can’t be roommates?”
    Mr. Sturgeon sighed, then spoke slowly. “Not a reason in the world, Jim. I believe room 306 is vacant. They can move into it immediately.”
    * * *
    Boots crammed the last of his possessions into his suitcase. “Well,