The roll has nine names on it and four pupils, and there is a column of strokes beside the names that nobody has ever explained.

MioneThe strokes are quarters. Somebody has been counting how many times each name has held the rope. Corvina has thirty-six.

CorvinaNine years. Four a year. I have held that rope thirty-six times and the bell has stopped for me thirty-six times and I am still here.

MioneThen it does not take you. Not the first time, anyway. Look at the circled entry. That one has one stroke and the name is crossed out.