Everyone began to be suddenly very busy. Dick and Julian undid their packs to find out exactly what was in them. Mrs Johnson looked out rubber sheets and old rugs. She was a wonder at producing things like that!

William wanted to go with them and help to carry the things, but nobody wanted his help. They just wanted to be off and away by themselves, just the Five and nobody else! Timmy caught the excitement too and his tail thumped and wagged the whole morning.

“You’ll be pretty well loaded,” said Mrs Johnson, doubtfully. “It’s a good thing that fine weather is forecast, or you’d have to take macs as well. Still, I imagine you won’t go very far on the moors, will you? You can easily get back to the stable if you have forgotten anything, or want more food.”

They were ready at last, and went to find Henry to say good-bye. She stared at them mournfully. She had changed into a smart little coat and dress. She looked completely different and very gloomy.

“What part of the moor are you going to?” she asked eagerly. “Up the railway?”

“Yes. We thought we would,” said Julian. “Just to see where it goes to. And it’s a nice straight way to follow. We can’t lose our way if we keep near the railway!”

“Have a good time, Henry,” said George, with a grin. “Do they call you Henrietta?”

“Yes,” said poor Henry, putting on a pair of gloves. “Well, good-bye. For goodness’ sake don’t stay away too long. Thank goodness you’re all such a hungry lot. You’ll simply have to come back and get more food in a couple of days!”

They grinned and left her, Timmy at their heels. They made their way to the moor, intending to cut out the part of the railway that ran to Milling Green, and join it some way before that.

“Now we’re off,” said George, contentedly. “Without that chatterbox of a Henry.”

“She’s really not too bad,” said Dick. “All the same, it’s fine to be on our own, just the Famous Five together!”

Chapter Twelve

The little railway

It was a very hot day. The five had had their lunch before they started, as Mrs Johnson said it would be easier to carry that inside than outside!

Even Timmy carried something. George said that he ought to do his share, and had neatly fastened a bag of his pet biscuits on his back.

“There now!” she said. “You’ve got your load too. No, don’t try and sniff the biscuits all the time, Timmy. You can’t walk with your head screwing round like that. You ought to be used to the smell of biscuits by this time!”

They set off to the railway line, or where they hoped it would be. It took a little time to discover it running under the heather. Julian was glad. He didn’t want to walk right into Milling Green to find the beginning of it and then walk all the way up again!