Oh, dont be silly! said George impatiently. You cant chop and change about like that. Anyway, weve got Timmy – no one would dare to upset Timmy! Would they, Tim?
But Timmy was ahead, hoping against hope that he might for once in a way catch a rabbit. There were so many about on the common at this time of the evening, peeping at him here, making fun of him there, and showing their little white bobtails as soon as he moved in their direction.
The two girls got safely back to their camp. The tent was still up, their heather-bed out in the open, covered with the old rug. They put down their loads thankfully, and went to the little spring for a drink.
George yawned. Im tired. Lets get to bed at once, shall we? Or wait – perhaps it would be a good idea to have a look in at that cottage to make sure no one is there to disturb us tonight.
Oh no – I dont want to look, said Anne. Its getting dark now.
All right – Ill go with Timmy, said George, and off she went. She came back in about five minutes, her little torch shining in front of her, for it was now almost dark.
Nothing to report, she said. Nothing whatever – except one bat flying round that big room. Timmy nearly went mad when it flew down and almost touched his nose.
Oh. Thats when he barked, I suppose, said Anne, who was now curled up on the heather-bed. I heard him. Come on, George – Im sleepy.
I must just look at Timmys ear once more, said George and shone her torch on it.
Well, buck up, then, said Anne. Thats about the thousandth time today youve examined it.
It does seem much better, said George, and she patted Timmy. I shall be glad when I can take this awful collar off him. Im sure he hates it.
I dont believe he even notices it now, said Anne. George, are you coming or not? I really cant keep awake one minute more.
Im coming, said George. No, Tim – you are not sleeping on our bed. I told you that last night. Theres hardly enough room for Anne and me.
She climbed carefully on to the heather-bed, and lay looking up at the twinkling stars. I feel happy tonight, she said, because Julian and Dick are coming. I was down in the dumps when I thought they might not be coming at all these hols. When do you suppose theyll be here, Anne?
There was no answer. Anne was asleep. George sighed. She would have liked to plan what they were going to do when the boys came. Timmys ear would surely be all right in a day or two – and the boys could carry everything back from this little camp to Kirrin Cottage – and then long days of swimming and boating and fishing and all kinds of fun could begin – begin – begin – be…
And now George was asleep too! She didnt feel a small spider running over her hand, wondering whether or not to spin a web between her finger and thumb. She didnt hear the scramble of a hedgehog not far off – though Timmy did and pricked one ear. It was a very peaceful night indeed.
Next day the girls were very cheerful. They made a good breakfast of some of the food they had brought, and then spent some time getting more heather for their bed, which, under the weight of their two bodies, was now rather flat and uncomfortable.
Now for a swim! said George. They put on their swim-suits, threw cardigans over their shoulders and set off to the little pool. On the way they saw Jet, the little mongrel dog, in the distance, and the boy with him. Jet tore up to them and danced round Timmy excitedly.
The boy called to them. Its all right, dont worry, Im not going near your place! Im still keeping my promise! Jet – come here!
The girls took no notice of the grinning boy, but couldnt resist patting the little one-eyed mongrel. Jet really was like a piece of quicksilver, darting in and out and round about. He shot back to the boy at once.
The girls went on to the pool – and stopped in dismay when they came near. Someone was already there, swimming vigorously!
Who is it? said Anne. Dear me, this lonely common seems absolutely crowded with people!
George was staring at the swimmer in utmost amazement. Anne – its that boy! she said. Look – tousled hair and everything! But-but…
But weve just met him going in the opposite direction! said Anne, also amazed. How extraordinary! No, it cant be the boy!
They went a little nearer. Yes – it was the boy. He called out to them. Im just going out. I shant be a minute!
How did you get here? shouted George. We never saw you turn back and run.
Ive been here for about ten minutes, shouted back the boy.
Fibber! yelled back George at once.
Ah – barmy as usual! yelled the boy. Same as yesterday!
He got out and walked off, dripping wet, in the direction of the trenches and pits which he was digging. George looked about for Jet, but she couldnt see him. Perhaps hes in the pool too, she said. Come on, Anne – lets swim. I must say that that boy is extraordinary! I suppose he thinks its funny to meet people, then double back and appear again!
He was nicer the first time of all that we saw him, said Anne. I liked him then. I just dont understand him now. Ooooh – isnt this water lovely and warm!
They had a long swim, got out and basked in the sun, lying on the heather, and then swam again. Then they began to feel hungry and went back to their little camping place.
The day passed quickly. They saw no more of the puzzling boy, or of Jet. They occasionally heard the sharp noise of metal on stone, or of chipping, from the place where the boy was presumably still digging in the old Roman camp.
Or what he hopes is an old Roman camp, said George. Personally I think hes so mad that I dont suppose he would know the difference between a Roman camp and a Boy Scouts camp!
They settled down on their heather-bed that night, but saw no stars twinkling above them this time. Instead there were rather heavy clouds, and it was not nearly so warm.
Gosh – I hope its not going to rain! said George. Our tent wouldnt be much good against a real downpour! We could squeeze into it all right, but its not a proper waterproof tent. Do you think its going to rain, Anne?
No, said Anne, sleepily. Anyway, Im not getting up till I have to! Im tired.
She went to sleep, and so did George. Timmy didnt, though. He had heard the far-off growl of thunder, and he was uneasy. Timmy was not afraid of thunderstorms, but he didnt like them. They were things that growled like enormous dogs in the sky, and flashed angrily – but he never could get at them, or frighten them!
He closed both eyes, and put down one ear, leaving the other one up, listening.
Another thunder growl came, and one large and heavy drop of rain fell on Timmys black nose. Then another fell on his cardboard collar and made a very loud noise indeed, startling him. He sat up, growling.
The rain came closer, and soon large drops, the size of half-crowns, peppered the faces of the two sleeping girls. Then came such a crash of thunder that they both awoke in a fright.
Blow! Its a thunderstorm! said George. And thunder rain too. We shall be soaked.
Better get into the tent, said Anne, as a flash of lightning forked down the sky and lighted up everything with a quick brilliance.
No good, said George. Its soaked already. Theres nothing for it but to get into the cottage, Anne. At least well have a roof over our heads or rather, a ceiling, for the roofs gone. Come on.
Anne didnt in the least want to shelter in the old cottage, but there was absolutely nothing else to do. The girls grabbed their rug and ran through the rain, George flashing her torch to guide them. Timmy ran too, barking.
They came to the doorway of the cottage and went inside. What a relief to get out of the rain! The two girls huddled down into a corner, the rug round them – but soon they were too hot and threw it off.
The storm passed overhead with a few terrific crashes and much lightning. Gradually the rain grew less and soon stopped. One star came out, and then others followed as the thunder-clouds swept away in the wind.