But Jeremy gave the donkey’s hind legs another whack and George yelled again. Tinker gave a shout too, and flung himself on Jeremy, trying to get the stick out of his hand. The boy struggled, holding on to the stick, but Tinker gave him a straight blow on the chest, and down he went!

“Ha! I said I’d knock you down sometime, and I have!” yelled Tinker. “Get up and fight. I’ll teach you to hit a girl!”

“Now stop it, Tinker,” said Julian. “How could he have known George was inside? Come out of the skin, you two idiots, before old Grandad comes up. He looks as if he’s on his way now!”

Jeremy was up now, and danced round Tinker with doubled fists. Before either boy could exchange a blow, Grandad’s great voice came to them.

“NOW THEN! STOP IT!”

Jeremy swung his fist at Tinker, who dodged, and then in his turn hit out at Jeremy, who ran back — straight into old Grandad, who at once clutched him.

By this time George and Dick were out of the donkey-skin, looking rather ashamed of themselves. Old Grandad grinned at them, still holding on to the furious Jeremy. “Fight’s off,” said Grandad to Tinker and Jeremy. “If you want to go on, either of you, you can fight me, not each other.”

However, neither of the boys wanted to take on old Grandad. He might be old, but he could still give some mighty slaps, as Jeremy very well knew. They stood staring at one another, looking rather sheepish.

“Go on — shake hands and be friends,” said Grandad. “Quick, now, or I’ll do a little fighting myself!”

Tinker held out his hand just as Jeremy held out his. They shook, grinning at one another. “That’s right!” said old Grandad. “No harm done. No bones broken. You’re quits now, so no more knocking each other about.”

“Right, Grandad,” said Jeremy, giving him a friendly punch. The old man turned to Dick and George. “And if you want to borrow that donkey-skin, you’re welcome,” said old Grandad. “But it’s manners to ask the owner’s permission first.”

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir,” said Dick, grinning. He wondered what Professor Hayling and Jenny would say if he and George did borrow it, and galloped into Hollow House at top speed. But no — he decided reluctantly that Jenny might be scared stiff and give notice, and that would never do. She wouldn’t at all like being chased by an apparently mad donkey, nor would Professor Hayling.

Grandad went off, and Julian spoke to Jeremy, who wasn’t quite sure whether to go or to stay. “We saw old Charlie carrying pails of water for the horses,” he said. “My word, isn’t he strong!”

Jeremy grinned, glad to be friends again, and to be able to stay with the Five and Tinker. They wandered all round the field together, looking at the magnificent horses and at Dead-Shot Dick doing a little practising at shooting and then watched one small acrobat practising amazing jumps and somersaults.