“Aunt Fanny’s put down the telephone,” said Anne. “Now she’ll come to the window.”

“You’ve got ears like a dog — just as good as Timmy’s,” said Dick. “I couldn’t hear a thing!”

“Here’s Mother!” said George, and leapt to her feet as Mrs Kirrin came to the window and leaned out.

“It’s all right, dears,” she called. “I’ve been able to arrange something for you. I have been telephoning the scientist that your father has been working with, George — Professor Hayling. He was coming here for a day or two, and when I told him he couldn’t because we’re in quarantine, he at once said that you must all go there — and that Tinker, his son — you remember him, don’t you — would be delighted to have your company!”

“Tinker! Goodness, yes, I shall never forget him — or his monkey either!” said Julian. “He’s the boy who owns that old lighthouse at Demon’s Rocks! We went to stay there with him, and had a marvellous time.”

“Well — you’re not staying at the lighthouse, I’m afraid,” said his aunt, from the window. “Apparently a storm blew up one night and damaged it, and it’s not safe to live in any more.”

Groans from all the Five, of course, Timmy joining in as usual! “Where are we to go then? To Tinker’s home?” asked Dick.

“Yes. You can get a bus from here, at Little Hollow, that will take you almost to Big Hollow, where Professor Hayling lives,” said Aunt Fanny. “You’re to go today. I’m so very sorry about this, dears, but it’s just one of those things we have to put up with. I’m sure you’ll have a good time with Tinker, and that monkey of his. What was it called now?”

“Mischief,” said everyone together, and Anne smiled in delight to think of being with the naughty little creature, and watching its wicked ways.

“The bus will pass in ten minutes,” said her aunt. “Julian, if you can’t manage to get your things on the bus, ask the gardener over the way to help you. And have a good time, dears, and send me a card or two. I’ll let you know how we get on — but I really don’t think that either your uncle or I will catch scarlet fever, so don’t worry. And I’ll send you some money to spend. You’d better run for the bus now.”

“Right, Aunt Fanny, and thank you!” called Julian. “I’ll look after everyone and keep them in order — especially old George. Don’t worry at all — and I DO hope you or uncle don’t go down with the fever. Good-bye.”

They all went to the front gate where the luggage still stood. “Anne, go out into the road and stop the bus when it comes,” ordered Julian. “Then Dick and I will heave our bags aboard. Gosh, I wonder what it will be like with old Tinker at Big Hollow. I’ve a feeling it might be rather exciting!”