Bole's was the very first owl, as it happens. I imagine the scene at his breakfast table must have been its own two-act tragedy.

I'm quite certain Hieronymous had no involvement - he's far too aware of the potential consequences to the paper should he allow it to become a breeding ground for satire. His fault was in neglecting to conduct as conscientious a review of the copy as usual.

As for the others - let us not lose perspective. It's possible that it was a mere oversight. If Truncheon is satisfied as to that, then her dismissal without referral should serve as a more than adequate lesson.