Just William Query.

[Vimto]

William Brown (Just William) in one of the stories announces to his arch enemy Hubert Lane:
"Whoever steps upon this bit of burned
into a hen coop his house be turned".
This after enticing Hubert to tread on a patch of scorched earth in an attempt to frighten his foe.
I can't recall which story (or book) this is from but would like to revisit it as it was most amusing. I don't have a search engine of enough power to find the answer. Can anyone please help?

[Mamyalynne]

Possibly...

https://tinyurl.com/y77yoxjt

[scooping]

The Fall of the Idol, I think

[Mamyalynne]

Well found.