A sense of pride filled Vinnie as she finished telling her story. It was the first time she had spoken at length to a group of such size. ‘Thanks for listening, guys,’ she said.

Mr Bambuckle took the last marshmallow out of the packet. ‘I’m certain everyone would agree with me that you’d be craving this.’

The class nodded wholeheartedly.

Mr Bambuckle gently tossed the marshmallow across the camp fire. It sailed through the tips of three – maybe four – flames, before landing in Vinnie’s hands.

‘It’s perfectly cooked!’ she exclaimed, popping it into her mouth.

‘A most wonderful roasting method, refined by generations of mountain women in Eastern Europe,’ said the teacher.

Albert shook his head in wonder. ‘You learn something new twice every day.’

Snap!

‘What was that?’ said Evie, looking startled.

Somewhere in the dark, it sounded like a fallen twig had been broken in two.

Snap!

‘There it is again,’ said Evie, chewing her fingernails.

Dodger fluttered down from the evening sky and landed on Mr Bambuckle’s shoulder, twittering a message.

The students sat frozen around the fire, their ears straining through the dark. Something was moving behind the cover of the trees.

Crack!

‘The speckled-dagger vulture,’ whispered Albert.

‘If there’s one thing to say,’ said Mr Bambuckle, seemingly unaware of the tension, ‘it’s that kindness is a most underrated possession.’

Scarlett, who was feeling as anxious as Evie, frowned. ‘There’s something lurking in the bush and all you can think about is kindness?’

‘Yes, kindness,’ said the teacher. ‘That and teamwork … and barnacles.’

‘Barnacles?’ said Evie, her teeth chattering. ‘As in –’

Snap!

Mr Bambuckle simply smiled. ‘Miss Frost, do kindly join us.’

The students tensed up as Blue Valley School’s assistant principal stepped into the light of the fire. She was dressed smartly in a white outfit and accompanied by a stylish camping bag, having no doubt come straight from her office at school. Her long silver hair was brushed up into her trademark bun, and the diamond bobby pin that held it in place flickered in the orange light of the fire. Despite her model looks, she put goosebumps on the arms of the children.

‘How long have you been listening to us?’ asked Ren.

Miss Frost raised a finger to remind Ren not to call out. ‘Long enough to know you are wasting precious learning time with ridiculous stories.’

Vinnie’s shoulders slumped. She had poured her heart and soul into sharing her tale.

Albert put his hand in the air.

‘It had better be good,’ said Miss Frost. Her voice was an icy whisper.

‘How did you manage to find us?’ said Albert. ‘This camp site doesn’t seem to be on any of the maps I’ve studied.’

Miss Frost’s breath was misty against the evening sky. ‘Let’s just say I’ve decided to embrace technology.’ She pulled out a small GPS monitor from her bag and rattled her car keys, adding, ‘I tracked you here – the bus. Your teacher’s position at Blue Valley School is under constant review, and I’m here to ensure this camp meets all the required outcomes.’

The callous teacher flicked a cold glance in Scarlett’s direction. It was clear that she hadn’t forgotten about the time she’d been zapped to Ecuador by a computer program.

The students’ mouths gaped open. It was one thing to have Miss Frost do a spot check at school, but an entirely different thing to be ambushed at camp.

‘We are always the better for your company,’ said Mr Bambuckle cheerily.

Miss Frost dismissed the compliment with a flat reply. ‘You have broken occupational health and safety rule 756-H.’

Mr Bambuckle slapped his thigh and laughed. ‘I’d forget my head if it wasn’t screwed on. I know the rule well.’

‘Then perhaps you’ll tell me what the rule is.’ Miss Frost was playing it cool, and she was enjoying having power over the teacher.

‘Rule 756-H states that no food may be thrown over a fire.’

Miss Frost’s lips twitched. She hadn’t expected a correct response. ‘In any case, you broke the rule. I could have you fired for this.’

Mr Bambuckle laughed. ‘A most wonderful pun! I see what you did there … fired! Your jokes are really … hot!’

Miss Frost was not impressed. She straightened her skirt and frowned at the teacher.

‘You’ll be the flame of my heart if you can match me,’ added Mr Bambuckle.

Miss Frost’s frown turned into a glare.

‘Do play along,’ sang Mr Bambuckle. ‘My puns will soon be extinguished without your blazing input.’

The students were shaking violently, desperately trying to contain their laughter.

‘Rule 756-H is a serious matter,’ said Miss Frost, her voice stopping any shakes in their tracks. ‘I will have to report this to Mr Sternblast.’

Mr Bambuckle was anything but fazed by the threat. ‘If I had indeed broken the rule, then I agree, it would be a most serious matter.’

‘You threw food over a fire,’ said Miss Frost. ‘Case closed.’

‘Not over the fire,’ said Mr Bambuckle, ‘through the fire. I believe there is a distinct difference.’

Miss Frost’s lips quivered ever so slightly. She had been caught out on a technicality. ‘Well, there’s still the matter of your poor preparation. Camp planning rule 229-A clearly states –’

‘You’ll find this trip has been most thoughtfully considered,’ said the teacher. ‘I spent weeks planning ahead.’

‘Then explain the lack of food,’ said Miss Frost. ‘I’ve checked the bus and I couldn’t find a thing. I shone my torch into your tent and all I could see was cordial and chocolate biscuits. What are you expecting the children to eat? Surely you have more nutritious meals planned than roasted marshmallows?’

Mr Bambuckle grinned from ear to ear. ‘The delightful Canteen Carol would be most disappointed in your lack of faith. I had a word with her earlier and she will be providing wondrous supplies for us, delivered by another of my splendid contacts.’

Miss Frost was not convinced. ‘Prove it,’ she whispered, and for a split second the fire seemed to dim, casting dark shadows as far as the tent where Vex slept.

Mr Bambuckle retrieved his phone from one of the many pockets in his jacket. ‘Technology is a wonderful thing. I’m thrilled you’ve decided to embrace it. I recorded the whole conversation with Carol.’ He pressed play. ‘You’re most welcome to listen.’

The students stared in wonder at their heroic teacher. He had warded off Miss Frost’s attacks with merry diplomacy and uncanny organisation.

‘Snap,’ whispered Carrot Grigson, just loud enough for Sammy to hear.

‘Lol,’ said Sammy.