Cirrus@Austlit

'This second volume in the Ranford Series continues the adventures of the boys of Ranford School. Once again we meet Dick Hardy, Horsey and Cowie, and those untiring and unfortunate villain , the Sweet Peas!

'What did happen to Doug Sherwood's lace? Who discovered the Sweet Pea's [sic] guilty secret? Who "pickled his internal workings"? and with what? You can find the answers to these and many other interesting questions in this fast-moving tale.

'But the story centres around Horsey, the poetic, music-loving, somewhat gauche companion of Cowie. His love for music leads him to form an acquaintance with Dr Norton, and he is this introduced to the Great Composer, and learns to recognise His claims on his life. Despite a miserable failure to emulate Jim Hardy as a champion runner, he eventually discovers his own hidden talent in a totally unexpected and thrilling climax to the story.' (Inside dust jacket)