Denton's Prank
Mr. Conklin had no sooner left for lunch, than Walter Denton went in his office, accompanied with Stretch Snodgrass pushing a large crate on a handcart marked "Theatre Supplies".
The boys looked carefully around the room, then when they were assured that the office was empty, quickly shut the door behind them.
"This is going to be great" said Walter. "Old Marblehead wants to have his office cool. Why, we're going to give him a cold office!"
"What good will that do?" asked Stretch.
"If we students can't have air conditioning, there's no way we're going to let Mr. Conklin gloat here in cool comfort. I was near the switchboard when I head him reserving a booth for himself at Marty's Malt Shop. Not only does he get to stay comfortable here, he monopolizes space at the only place where us kids can stay cool in weather like this!"
"Yeah!" said Stretch.
Walter Denton went to the air conditioner, and opened up the panel.
"First, let's turn this thing all the way up. I figure this is what gives it the electrical supply. More power means too much cold which means Old Marblehead's "
With a few sparks, Walter adjusted the power. The cold air came out with a veritable roar.
"Quick, Stretch" said Walter. "Let's spread all that fake snow. We'll have our June blizzard!"
A quarter hour later, the entire room looked as if a snow squall had set in. The floor, the chairs, the filing cabinets, even Mr. Conklin's desk were covered in a couple inches of prop snow. Walter Denton even placed a scarf around the bust of Yodar Kritch, and placed a tuque on his venerable head. (1)
"I don't know, Walter" Stretch said dubiously, as he looked at the statue. "It ain't such a great idea to treat the school founder like that."
"Of course it is" said Walter, jocularly. "We want Mr. Kritch to stay warm, don't we? Besides, it's a very proper scarf and hat."
"I guess so" said Stretch. "Yeah, yeah, I guess it is."
"I wish we could see Old Marblehead's face when he sees this" Walter said wistfully. "His dread sanctum sanctorum freezing and all covered in snow."
"I got it Walter!" Stretch said. "We don't got no chance to see Mr. Conklin from here. But it ain't too hard for us to hide in Mr. Conklin's inner office and listen!"
"But he might find us!" said Walter. "No, we'd better not! Let's leave the scene of the crime. Besides, if I know Old Marblehead, we'll hear him holler halfway across the school!"
The friends took the handcart and made a quick exit from the room.
Notes
(1) Walter Denton and Stretch Snodgrass team up to play pranks in "Letter from the Board of Education" (radio) and it's T.V. equivalent, "Spare That Rod!". The radio episode "School on Saturday" also sees the two conspire to get back at Mr. Conklin through some gag.