Well, I must say youve got a fine boy, said the American, ruffling Georges short curls. As a rule she hated people who did that, but because he mistook her for a boy, she grinned happily!
My girls going to your school, he said to Anne. Give her a bit of help, will you? Shell be scared stiff at first.
Of course I will, said Anne, taking a liking to the huge loud-voiced American. He didnt look a bit like a scientist. The other man did, though. He was round-shouldered and wore owl-like glasses, and, as Uncle Quentin often did, he stared into the distance as if he was not hearing a single word that anyone said.
Uncle Quentin thought this gossiping had lasted long enough. He waved the children away.
Come and have lunch, he said to the other men. The second man followed him at once, but the big American stayed behind. He thrust his hands into his pocket and brought out a pound note. He gave it to Anne.
Spend that on yourselves, he said. And be kind to my Berta, wont you?
He disappeared into the dining-room and shut the door with a loud bang. Goodness – what will Father say to a bang like that! said George, with a sudden giggle. I like him, dont you? That must be his car outside. I cant imagine the other man even riding a bicycle, let alone driving a car!
Children – take your picnic basket and go! said Aunt Fanny, urgently. I must run and see that everything is all right!
She thrust a big basket into Julians hands, and disappeared into the dining-room. Julian grinned as he felt the weight of the basket.
Come along, he said. This feels good! Back to the beach, everyone!
Chapter Two
A VISITOR IN THE NIGHT
The Five were on the beach in two minutes, and Julian undid the basket. It was full of neatly packed sandwiches, and packets of biscuits and chocolate. A bag contained ripe plums, and there were two bottles of lemonade.
Home-made! said Dick, taking it out. And icy-cold. And whats this? A fruit cake – a whole fruit cake – were in luck.
Woof, said Timmy, approvingly, and sniffled inside the basket.
Wrapped in brown paper were some biscuits and a bone, together with a small pot of paste. George undid the packet. I packed these for you, Timmy, she said. Say thank you!
Timmy licked her so lavishly that she cried out for mercy. Pass me the towel, Ju! she said. Timmys made my face all wet. Get away now, Timmy – youve thanked me quite enough! Get away, I said. How can I spread paste on your biscuits if you stick your nose into the pot all the time?
You spoil Timmy dreadfully, said Anne. All right, all right – you neednt scowl at me, George! I agree that hes worth spoiling. Take your bone a bit farther away from me, Tim – its smelly!
They were soon eating sardine sandwiches with tomatoes, and egg-and-lettuce sandwiches after that. Then they started on the fruit cake and the lemonade.
I cant think why people ever have table-meals when they can have picnics, said Dick. Think of Uncle and Aunt and those two men tucking into a hot meal indoors on a day like this. Phew!
I liked that big American, said George.
Aha! We all know why, said Dick, annoyingly. He thought you were a boy. Will you ever grow out of that, George?
Timmys trying to get at the cake! said Anne. Quick, George, stop him!
They all lay back on the sand after their picnic, and Julian began a long story of some trick that he and Dick had played on their form-master at school. He was most annoyed because nobody laughed at the funny part, and sat up to see why.
All asleep! he said, in disgust. Then he cocked his head just as Timmy pricked up his ears. A loud roaring noise came to him.
Just the American revving up his car, do you think, Tim? said Julian. The boy stood up and saw the great car tearing down the sea road.
The day was too hot to do anything but laze. The Five were quite content to do that on their first day together again. Soon they would want to plan all kinds of things, but the first day at Kirrin was a day for picking up old threads, teasing Timmy, getting into the feel of things again, as Dick said.
Dick and Julian had been abroad for four weeks, and Anne had been away to camp and had had a school friend to stay with her at home afterwards. George had been alone at Kirrin so it was wonderful to all the Five to meet together once more for three whole summer weeks. At Kirrin too, Kirrin by the sea, with its lovely beach, its fine boating – and its exciting little island across Kirrin Bay!
As usual the first day or two passed in a kind of dream, and then the children began to plan exciting things to do.
Well go to Kirrin Island again, said Dick. Weve not been there for ages.
Well go fishing in Lobster Cove, said Julian.
Well go and explore some of the caves in the cliffs, said George. I meant to do that these hols, but somehow its no fun going alone.
On the third day, just as they were finishing making their beds, the telephone bell rang.
Ill go! yelled Julian to his aunt, and went to answer it. An urgent voice spoke at the other end.
Whos that? Oh, you, Julian – youre Quentins nephew, arent you? Listen, tell your uncle Im coming over tonight – yes, tonight. Latish, say. Tell him to wait up for me. Its important.
But, wont you speak to him yourself? said Julian, surprised. Ill fetch him, if youll…
But the line had gone dead. Julian was puzzled. The man hadnt even given his name – but Julian had recognised the voice. It was the big, cheery American who had come to see his uncle two days before! What had happened? What was all the excitement about?
He went to find his uncle but he was not in his study. So he found his aunt instead.
Aunt Fanny, he said, I think that was the big American on the phone – the one who came to lunch the other day. He said I was to tell Uncle Quentin that he was coming here tonight – late, he said – and that Uncle was to wait up for him, because it was important.
Dear me! said his aunt, startled. Is he going to stay the night then? Weve no bedroom free now you and the others are here.
He didnt say, Aunt Fanny, said Julian. Im awfully sorry not to be able to tell you any details – but just as I was saying Id fetch Uncle Quentin, he rang off – in the very middle of what I was saying.
How mysterious! said his aunt. And how annoying. How can I put him up, if he wants to stay? I suppose hell come roaring down at midnight in that enormous car of his. I only hope nothings gone wrong with this latest work your uncle is doing. I know its tremendously important.
Perhaps Uncle will know the Americans telephone number and he can ring him up to find out a bit more, said Julian, helpfully. Where is Uncle?
Hes gone down to the post-office, I think, said his aunt. Ill tell him when he gets back.
Julian told the others about the mysterious phone call. Dick was pleased.
I didnt have a chance of getting a good look at that enormous car the other day, he said. I think Ill keep awake tonight till the American comes and then nip down and have a look at it. I bet its got more gadgets on the dashboard than any car Ive ever seen!
Uncle Quentin appeared to be as surprised as anyone else at the phone call, and was inclined to blame Julian for not finding out more details.
Whats he want now? he demanded, almost as if Julian ought to know! I fixed everything up with him the other day. Everything! Each of us three has his own part to do. Mines the least important, as it happens – and his is the most important. He took all the papers away with him; he cant have left any behind. Coming down in the middle of the night like this – quite extraordinary!
None of the children except Dick meant to stay awake and listen for the Americans coming. Dick put on his bed-light and took up a book to read. He knew he would fall asleep and not wake up for any noise, if he didnt somehow keep himself wide awake!
He listened as he read, his ear alert to hear the coming of any car. Eleven oclock came – then midnight struck. He listened to the twelve dongs from the big grandfather clock in the hall. Goodness – Uncle Quentin wouldnt be at all pleased that his visitor was so late!