Julian said nothing. He got up and went into the hall. He picked up the telephone receiver and put his ear to it, listening for the faint crackling that would tell him he was connected to the exchange. After a moment he put it back again.

“No connection,” he said. “The wires have been cut, as the note said. And no doubt there’s somebody on watch to see we don’t slip out to give warning. This is all crazy. It can’t be true.”

“But it is,” said Dick. “Horribly true. Julian, do you know what notebook they want? I’ve no idea!”

“Nor have I,” said Julian. “And it’s impossible to go and hunt for it, because the safe has been mended and locked — and the police have the key.”

“Well, that’s that, then,” said Dick. “What are we going to do? Shall I slip out and warn the police?”

Julian considered. “No,” he said at last. “I think these people mean business. It would be terrible if anything happened to George. Also, you might be caught and spirited away yourself. There are people watching the house, don’t forget.”

“But Julian — we can’t just sit here and do nothing!” said Dick.

“I know. This will have to be thought about carefully,” said Julian. “If only we knew where George had been taken to! We could rescue her then. But I can’t see how we can find out.”

“If one of us went and hid down the bottom of the garden and waited to see whoever came to take up the notebook — we could follow the fellow and maybe he’d lead us to where George is hidden,” suggested Dick.

“You forget that we’ve all got to sit in the lighted front room, so it would easily be spotted if one of us were missing,” said Julian. “Even Joan has to sit there. This is all very stupid and melodramatic.”

“Does anyone come to the house this evening? Any of the tradesmen, for instance?” asked Anne, again in a whisper. She felt as if people must be all round the house, listening and watching!

“No. Else we could give them a note,” said Julian. Then he gave the table a rap that made the others jump. “Wait a bit! Yes, of course — the paper-boy comes! Ours is almost the last house he delivers at. But perhaps it would be risky to give him a note. Can’t we think of something better?”

“Listen,” said Dick, his eyes shining. “I’ve got it! I know the paper-boy. He’s all right. We’ll have the front door open and yank him in as soon as he appears. And I’ll go out immediately, with his cap on, and his satchel of papers, whistling — jump on his bike and ride away. And none of the watchers will know I’m not the boy! I’ll come back when it’s dark, sneak round the garden at the bottom and hide to watch who comes for the hidden notebook — and I’ll follow him!”