These no-do-gooder, skullduggerous rascals were almost, almost clever enough to pull off their troublemaking ploys; but, giving credit where credit's due --- the ever observant parents were on top of their shit.
How does a crayon of a secondary color produce baby crayons of primary colors? Must be adopted.
Me (on phone): Hi mom, I'm just calling to let you know I survived the dorm fire. Mom: WHAT? Me: Yeah, we had a fire last night! Mom: Did you start it?