Confiscating Davey’s bat seemed to have given the teacher a new lease of life. He talked non-stop all afternoon with something close to enthusiasm. Mo had long since drifted off, but the rest of the class were in a state of panic. Enthusiastic Mudge was even worse than normal Mudge. The man would just not shut up. Davey sighed and scratched his head. Even Bella Ferosi, who was not only school captain but 6M’s most diligent student, appeared to be having trouble keeping up with Mudge as she furiously scribbled down notes. Sunil had had enough. He shot up a hand. ‘Yes, Sunil?’ Mudge looked a little peeved at being interrupted. ‘Uh, Sir, the bell went ten minutes ago.’ Sunil smiled so that his dimple showed. ‘I’d be happy to stay, but I have to get to coaching college.’ Davey rolled his eyes at his friend’s ability to suck up, and Sunil shot him a sly grin. ‘Look at that!’ Mudge exclaimed, glancing at the clock. ‘Yes, of course, Deep. Mustn’t hold you kids up from your extracurricular activities!’ He dabbed at the layer of sweat on his forehead and chuckled to himself.
