Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations
- That night Kate drops into the boys' room alone. Constance is sleeping. "Drowsiest kid I've ever met" (15.3), Kate remarks.
- As the three kids talk, they realize that the lessons they're learning, which all lead to "logical conclusions" like "You must work longer hours to have more time to relax," and "You must have war to have peace" (15.5) (um, 1984, anyone?), are connected to the hidden messages Mr. Curtain has been sending.
- They conclude that they need to become Messengers ASAP so they can learn more.
- They get ready to send a report to Mr. B via Morse code but have to wait—Mr. C is out on the plaza, gazing at the bridge again. He'll see their flashlight message if they try to send it now.
- Kate goes back to her room (via the ceiling), and eventually Reynie and Sticky send the message by flicking their light switch on and off (Kate has the only flashlight).
- The adults on the mainland send back a message indicating the kids are doing excellent work, that they should be careful, and that they should get some sleep.
- Reynie and Sticky go to bed after sharing with one another just how anxious this business makes them.
- The next day, Sticky, nervous and exhausted, falls asleep in class, much to the delight of Martina Crowe, who outs him and gets him in trouble with Jackson, who's running the class.
- Kate defends him and also gets reprimanded, but then she gets revenge by secretly tying Martina's shoelaces together. With her toes. (Remember how agile she is?) Martina falls leaving class and everyone laughs.