“In a million,” said Dick. “Look here, Ju — I think we ought to go up to the castle and yell up to the fellow — he might be able to yell back, or throw a message out.”

“He would have thrown out a message before now if he’d been able to,” said Julian. “As for yelling, he’d have to lean right out of that thick-walled window to make himself heard. He’s right at the back of it, remember, and the slit is very deep.”

“Can’t we go and find out something?” said George, who was longing to take some action. “After all, Timmy got in somewhere, and we might be able to as well.”

“That’s quite an idea,” said Julian. “Timmy did find a way in — and it may be the way that leads up to the top of the tower.”

“Let’s go then,” said George at once.

“Not now,” said Julian. “We’d be seen if we scrambled about on the hill outside the castle walls. We’d have to go at night. We could go when the moon comes up.”

A shiver of excitement ran through the whole five. Timmy thumped his tail on the ground. He had been listening all the time, just as if he understood.

“We’ll take you too, Timmy,” said George, “just in case we run into any trouble.”

“We shan’t get into trouble,” said Julian. “We’re only going to explore — and I don’t think for a minute we’ll find much, because I’m sure we shan’t be able to get up into the tower. But I expect you all feel like I do — you can’t leave this mystery of the face at the window alone — you want to do something about it, even if it’s only scrambling round the old walls at night.”

“Yes. That’s exactly how I feel,” said George. “I wouldn’t be able to go to sleep tonight, I know. Oh Julian — isn’t this exciting?”

“Very,” said Julian. “I’m glad we didn’t leave today, after all! We should have, if we hadn’t seen that face at the window.”

The sun went down and the air grew rather cold. They went into the boys’ caravan and played cards, not feeling at all sleepy. Jo was very bad at cards, and soon stopped playing. She sat watching, her arm round Timmy’s neck.

They had a supper of sausage rolls and tinned strawberries. “It’s a pity they don’t have meals like this at school,” said Dick. “No trouble to prepare, and most delicious to eat. Julian — is it time to go?”

“Yes,” said Julian. “Put on warm things — and we’ll set off! Here’s to a really adventurous night!”

Chapter Sixteen

Secret ways

They waited till the moon went behind a cloud, and then, like moving shadows, made their way down the hillside as fast as they could. They did not want any of the fair-folk to see them. They clambered over the stile and went up the lane. They made their way up the steep path to the castle, but when they came to the little tower where the turnstile was they went off to the right, and walked round the foot of the great, thick walls.