Dick! Julian! Where are you?
Gosh – its JO! said Dick, astounded. He limped to the door. Were in here, Jo. Unlock the door!
Jo unlocked it and looked in, grinning. Timmy tore in like a whirlwind and flung himself on George, almost knocking her over. Dick limped out of the room immediately. Jo rushed in, much to everyones astonishment. Then he returned, looking rather pleased with himself.
Lets go while the goings good, he said.
Yes – but be careful, those men will be out, now that Timmy isnt there to guard them! cried Julian, suddenly realising that the two angry fellows could easily escape while Timmy was in with them – and might lock the door on the lot of them, Timmy too!
Its all right – theres no desperate hurry! said Dick. I thought of that. I slipped out and locked their door on them, as soon as Jo rushed in to us. And there they can stay till the police arrive in the morning. They can then collect the whole lot – the men upstairs too.
And Im sure the police will be quite pleased to search the house and the cellars, said Julian. There will be plenty of stuff here that they will be interested in! Well, lets go at once.
They called a cheery good-bye to the two men. Were off! shouted Dick. Youd better look out for the dog in case he gets you! They all went down the hall, Dick hobbling, for his ankle was still painful.
We might as well leave in style, said Julian, and unbolted and unlocked the front door. Also it would be as well to leave this door open for the police to come in by – I dont expect they will want to come in through the coalhole! It was a good idea of yours to let the men think we were leaving Tim behind to guard them, Dick – they wont dare even to climb out of the windows in case hes waiting for them!
Weve left a good many lights on, said George, looking back. Never mind – were not paying the bill! Come on, Timmy, out into the dark, dark night!
They went down the front steps and into the dark drive. Everyone felt safe with Timmy running ahead.
Jo – exactly how did you get here? said Dick, suddenly. You were forbidden to come.
I know, said Jo. Well, I just took Annes bike and followed you, thats all. And I walked in through the front gates when youd left them open, of course. That was easy.
Gosh – I kept feeling there was someone behind me! said Dick. And there was – it was you, you little horror! No wonder Timmy didnt bother to bark or growl.
Yes, it was me, said Jo. And I followed you round and round the house, while you were trying to get in – and I thought you never would see that coalhole – so I took the lid off and put it on the ground, hoping youd see it then. And you did!
So you did that! said Dick. I must say I was astonished to see it. I knew we must have passed it before. So that was you too! You want spanking, you disobedient, cheeky little wretch!
Jo laughed. I couldnt bear you to go off without me, she said. Its a good thing I did come! I waited and waited inside that coalhole for you to come back with George – and when you didnt, I left the coalhole and got into the house. And Timmy heard me and came running down the stairs. He nearly knocked me over, he was that pleased!
Here are the gates at last, said George. What are we going to do about bikes? There isnt one for me.
Jo can stand behind on my step and hold on to my shoulder, said Julian. You take Annes bike, George. Well leave these gates open. The police ought to be pleased with us for saving them so much trouble!
Off they went down the steep hill, Timmy running behind, his tail wagging happily. He had got George back again. All was well again in his doggy world!
Chapter Twenty-two
THESE KIDS SURE ARE WUNNERFUL!
What shrieks and shouts there were from Joan and Anne when the four arrived at Kirrin Cottage at last, at half past three in the morning! Joan was awake, but Anne had just gone to sleep. She was sleeping in Joans room for company and Sally was there too.
The stories had to be told again and again. First Dick, then Julian, then George, then Jo – they all talked without stopping, excited and happy. Sally ran from one to the other, and followed Timmy about – but sometimes her little stiff tail drooped when she remembered that Berta was not there.
I say, said Dick, suddenly drawing back the sitting-room curtains – its daylight! The suns up! And all the time Ive been thinking it was still night!
No use going to bed, then, said Jo, at once. She was so much enjoying this that she felt as if she never wanted it to stop!
Well, I suppose it isnt, said Joan. I know what well do – well have a big breakfast now, a very big one to celebrate – and then well all go back to bed and sleep till lunchtime. Were tired out really – just look at our black-rimmed eyes and pale cheeks!
Joan! Were all as sunburnt as can be, youre just making that up! said George. Come on – lets get this celebration breakfast going! Bacon – eggs – tomatoes – fried bread. Oh, and mushrooms too – have you any mushrooms, Joan? And lots and lots of hot coffee, and toast and marmalade. Im ravenous.
They discovered that they all were, and twenty minutes later they sat at the table tucking in as if they had eaten nothing for a month.
I cant eat a thing more, said Dick, and I dont know whats happening to my eyes – they keep closing!
So do mine, said George, with an enormous yawn. Joan – dont say weve got to do the washing-up, will you?
Of course not! said Joan. Go on up to your beds now – dont even bother to undress.
I feel as if theres something I ought to do – but I cant remember it, said Julian, sleepily, staggering upstairs. I – just – cant remember!
He flopped on his bed and was asleep as soon as his head fell on the pillow. In two minutes everyone but Joan was asleep too. Joan stopped to give Timmy a drink, and then he bounded up to George and curled up in the crook of her knees as usual.
Joan went to lie down too, thinking she would just have a rest, but not go to sleep. But in half a second she slept too.
The sun rose higher in the sky. The milkman came whistling up the path and left four bottles of milk on the step. The gulls in the bay circled and soared and called loudly. But nobody stirred in Kirrin Cottage.
A car came up to the front gate, and another one followed. Out of the first stepped Uncle Quentin, Aunt Fanny, Mr Elbur Wright – and Berta! Out of the second car stepped the sergeant and his constable.
Berta flew to the front door, but it was shut. She raced round to the garden door. That was locked too – and so was the kitchen door!
Pops! Well have to ring – all the doors are locked! she called. And then, from up above came a sound of excited barking, and Sallys head appeared at a bedroom window. When she saw it really was Berta down below, she tore down the stairs and scraped at the front door.
Whats happened? Where is everyone? said Aunt Fanny in amazement. All the doors locked? But its ten oclock in the morning. Where are the children?
Ive got my key, said Uncle Quentin, and he put it into the front door lock. He opened the door and Sally leapt straight into Bertas arms, licking her face from forehead to chin!
Aunt Fanny went into the hall and called, Anyone at home?
No answer. Timmy heard her call, but as George did not stir, he didnt either. He was not going to leave George for a minute, not even to go downstairs!
Aunt Fanny walked into all the rooms on the ground floor. Nobody there! She marvelled at the remains of the meal spread all over the dining-room table, and even more at the dirty pans and dishes in the kitchen. What was Joan thinking of? WHERE was everybody? She did not expect George to be there, because she knew George had been kidnapped – but where in the world were all the others?
She went upstairs and her husband followed with Berta and her father. They were all feeling most astonished now. They went into Julians room – good gracious he was there, then! And Dick too – lying choppily on their beds, absolutely sound asleep! Aunt Fanny couldnt understand it.