Summary

In the chapter “The Trouble with Children, Or, Why They Are Necessary,” Reynie, Kate, and Sticky were finally served dinner. Rhonda told them the denial of food was another aspect of the tests to see how they would handle being hungry and thirsty when others were getting doughnuts. As the children were eating, they learned that both Rhonda and the pencil lady had taken the same tests in previous years. They also learned that Mr. Benedict was waiting in his study to see them. Rhonda asked about the other child and was told she had been delayed and would join them when she arrived.

The piles of books in Mr. Benedict’s office at first hid the man from the children. When he stepped out from behind these books, they saw...