“Aunt Fanny — Sally is a very very good guard for me,” said Berta. “She barks at the very slightest sound. I’d feel safe with her in the bedroom.”

“I’d like you to have her,” said Aunt Fanny, “but…”

Joan had come into the room to put away some things and had heard the conversation. She stared in admiration at Berta’s neat golden head, and then made a suggestion.

“If you’ll excuse me, Mam,” she said “Miss Berta could have her camp bed in my room. I don’t mind the dog a bit, she can have her and welcome, she’s a pet, that little poodle. It’s very crowded in the girls’ room now, with three beds in it, and my room’s a nice big one. So, if Miss Berta doesn’t mind sharing it, she’s welcome.”

“Oh Joan — that’s good of you,” said Aunt Fanny, relieved at such a simple solution. “Also, your room is up in the attic — it would be very difficult for kidnappers to find their way there — and nobody would think of looking into your room for one of the children.”

“Thank you, Joan, you’re just wunnerful!” said Berta in delight. “Sally, do you hear that? You’ll be sleeping on my feet tonight, like Timmy does on George’s.”

“I don’t really approve of that, you know, Berta,” said Aunt Fanny. “Oh dear — I called you Berta again. Leslie, I mean. What a muddle I’m going to get into! Anne, get the dust-pan and sweep up the hair on the floor.”

When Julian and George came back there was no sign of the golden hair on the floor. They put their parcels down on the table and shouted for Aunt Fanny. “Mother!” called George. “Aunt Fanny!” shouted Julian.

She came running downstairs with Berta and Anne and Dick. Julian and George looked at Berta, thunderstruck. “Gosh — is it really you, Berta?” said Julian. “I simply don’t recognize you!”

“Why — you do look like a boy!” said George. “I never thought you would.”

“A jolly good-looking boy,” said Julian. “Well, your father was right. It’s the best disguise you could have!”

“Where are the clothes?” asked Berta, rather pleased at all the interest in her looks. They opened the parcels and pulled out the things.

They were not really very exciting — a boy’s blazer in navy blue, two pairs of boys’ shorts, two grey jerseys, a few shirts, a tie and a pull-over without sleeves.

“And shoes and socks,” said George. “But we decided you’d got plenty of socks that would do, so we only bought one pair of those. Oh — and here’s a boy’s grey felt hat in case the sun’s too hot — and a cap!”

Berta put on the cap at once. There were squeals of laughter from everyone. “It suits her! She’s got it on at just the right angle. She looks a real boy!”

“You put it on, George,” said Berta, and George took it, eager to share in the admiration. But it looked ridiculous on her curls, and wouldn’t sit down flat as it should. Everyone hooted.