“Woof,” said Timmy, trying to make her understand that he was bringing a message. Henry put out her hand to pat his head, and suddenly caught sight of the paper tied to his collar at the back.

“What’s this on your collar?” she said, and reached out for it. “Why, it’s paper. Tied on, too. It must be a message!”

She untied the piece of paper and unrolled it. She read it.

‘We are prisoners. Follow Timmy and he will bring you to us and you can save us.

Georgina.’

Henry was astounded. She looked at Timmy and he looked back, wagging his tail. He pawed at her arm impatiently. Henry read the note again. Then she pinched herself to make sure she was not dreaming.

“Ooh, no, I’m awake all right,” she said. “Timmy, is this note true? Are they prisoners? And who does “we” mean? George and Anne, or the whole four? Oh, Timmy, I do wish you could speak!”

Timmy wished the same! He pawed energetically at Henry. She suddenly saw the cut on his head and was horrified.

“You’re hurt, Timmy! Oh, you poor, poor thing. Who did that to you? You ought to have that wound seen to!”

Timmy certainly had a very outsize headache, but he couldn’t bother to think about that. He gave a little whine and ran to the door and back.

“Yes, I know you want me to follow you, but I’ve got to think,” said Henry. “If Captain Johnson was here I’d go and fetch him. But he’s away for the night, Timmy. And I’m sure Mrs Johnson would have the fright of her life if I fetched her. I simply don’t know what to do.”

“Woof,” said Timmy, scornfully.

“It’s all very well to say “Woof” like that,” said Henry, “but I’m not as brave as you are. I pretend I am, Timmy, but I’m not really. I’m afraid of following you! I’m afraid of going to find the others. I might be caught too. And there’s a terrible mist, Timmy, you know.”

Henry slid out of bed, and Timmy looked suddenly hopeful. Was this silly girl going to make up her mind at last?

“Timmy, there’s no grown-up here tonight except Mrs Johnson, and I really can’t wake her,” said Henry. “She’s had such a very hard, busy day. I’m going to dress, and then get William. He’s only eleven, I know, but he’s very sensible, and he’s a boy. He’ll know what to do. I only pretend to be a boy.”

She dressed quickly in her riding things and then set off to William’s room. He slept by himself across the landing. Henry walked in and switched on her torch.

William awoke at once. “Who’s there?” he demanded, sitting up at once. “What do you want?”

“It’s me. Henry,” said Henry. “William, a most extraordinary thing has happened. Timmy has arrived in my room with a note on his collar. Read it!”

William took the note and read it. He was most astonished. “Look,” he said, “George has signed herself Georgina. She wouldn’t do that unless things were very urgent. She never, never lets herself be called anything but George. We’ll have to follow Tim and go, at once, too”