“It’s someone on the quay,” she said. “Maybe a late fisherman. Good! He’ll be able to help me drag my boat up out of the way of the tide!”

But it wasn’t a fisherman. It was Julian and Dick. They had arrived about five minutes ago, and had looked at once for George’s boat, and hadn’t found it.

“Blow! We’re too late to stop her, then. She’s gone over to the island!” said Julian and began to examine all the other tied-up boats to see if he could find one that he could borrow, belonging to a friend. Somehow they must get over to Kirrin Island, and rescue George. He felt sure she would be in danger of some kind.

Then suddenly the two boys heard the sounds of oars splashing not far out to sea. Well, if that was a fisherman coming home, maybe Julian could ask him to lend him his boat to go to Kirrin Island in. He could tell him that he was afraid his cousin might be in need of help.

Timmy, in George’s boat, suddenly recognised the two boys when the moon swam out from a cloud, and gave a delighted volley of barks. George, wondering if it was Julian and Dick, rowed as quickly as she could. She came into shore, jumped out and began to drag in her boat. The boys were beside her at once, and the boat was soon in its usual place, carefully made safe in case the tide was a high one.

“George!” said Julian, so overjoyed to see his cousin safe and sound that he couldn’t help giving her a bear-hug. “You wicked girl! You went to the island — just what I said you weren’t to do. You might have found the thieves on the island, and then you would have been in trouble!”

“I did find them — but it’s they who are in trouble, not me!” said George. “I saw a light over there, took my boat and went over to the island — and there they were — Mr Wooh the Magician and another man — ON MY ISLAND! Did you ever hear such cheek? They asked me for the papers at once!”

“Oh, George — did you give them to the men?” asked Dick.

“Of course not! I’d already hidden them where those men couldn’t possibly find them. I wasn’t idiotic enough to take them over to hide on the island when I saw somebody was there — probably waiting for me — and for the papers!” said George.

“But, George — if you knew somebody was there, why on earth did you risk going over to Kirrin Island then?” asked Julian, puzzled. “It was a very dangerous thing to do.”

“I wanted to turn off whoever it was, of course,” said George. “As if I’d allow just anyone on my island! It’s mine, my very own, and I only allow people on it that I like. You know that.”

“I just NEVER know what you’ll do next, George,” said Julian, patting Timmy on the head. “How did you dare to go and tackle those men? Oh, I know Timmy was with you, but even so… and why in the world didn’t the men row after you, and ram your boat?”