Bunter the Stowaway

When the Owl of the Remove heard the words "Not a word to Bunter", he was naturally determined to hear all the words he could.

Before Herbert Vernon-Smith kicked him, for listening at the keyhole of Study No. 12, he had discovered that Lord Mauleverer's uncle's steam-yacht, the Sunflower, was to cruise to the Far East, and the Famous Five were to be his guests. So, also, was Mr. Quelch, who had been placed in charge of the party and was, in addition, given the charge of a Chinese vase, stated but not believed to be Ming, which was to be taken to Hong Kong.

Bunter, though not invited, resolved to invite himself, even though Lord Mauleverer was emphatic about not desiring his company. Indeed, he told Bunter that the only way he could get on board was as a stowaway. Bunter, therefore, decided to become a stowaway. It was to be an eventful voyage. Certain Chinese gentlemen were found to be taking a deep interest in that Chinese vase of which Quelch was custodian – so deep, indeed, that they were prepared to stick at little to obtain it.

It was a mystery, but what became an even greater mystery was how Bunter, with his natural genius for being in the right place at the wrong moment, and the wrong place at the right moment, contrived to frustrate their designs, and succeed, in the end, in making Lord Mauleverer very glad that he had become a stowaway!