Julian was quite fussy that evening. He insisted on the blinds being drawn when they sat down to play cards after their supper. He would not let Berta take Sally out for a run, but took her himself, watching for any strange person as he went down the lane.

“You’re making me feel quite scared!” said Anne with a laugh. “Oh Ju, it’s so hot in this room. Do, do let’s have the blind up for a few minutes and let some air in. I shall begin to sizzle if we don’t. Timmy would soon growl if there was anyone outside.”

“All right,” said Julian, and drew up the blind. It was dark outside now, and the light streamed out.

“That’s better,” said Anne, mopping her wet forehead. “Now, whose turn is it? Yours, George.”

They sat round the table, playing. Julian and Dick sat side by side. George sat opposite the window. Anne sat with her back to it, and Berta sat beside George, who was helping her in a new game of cards. She looked exactly like a very earnest little boy, with her straight, close-cut fair hair.

“Your turn, Dick,” said George. “Do buck up, you’re slow tonight.” She sat and waited, looking out of the window into the darkness.

Then suddenly she slammed down her cards and leapt up, shouting. Everyone jumped almost out of their skins.

“What is it, what is it, George?” cried Julian.

“Out there — look — a face! I saw a face peeping in at us — the light of the window just caught it! Timmy, Timmy! Quick, go after him!”

But Timmy wasn’t there! Nor was Sally. George called frantically again. “TIMMY! Come here, quickly. Oh, blow him, that fellow will get away. TIM!”

Timmy came bounding up the hall and into the sitting room, barking. Sally followed behind.

“Where were you! Fathead!” cried George, furiously. “Jump out of the window — go on — chase him, find him!”

Timmy leapt out of the window and Sally tried to do the same, but couldn’t. She barked and yelped, trying again and again to jump out. Joan came running in, panic-stricken, wondering what was happening.

“Listen,” said Julian, suddenly. “Shut up, Sally. Listen!”

They were all suddenly quiet, Sally too. There was the sound of a car being revved up down the lane, and then the sound died down as the car sped away.

“He’s got away, whoever he was,” said Dick, and sat down suddenly. “Gosh, I feel as if I’d been running a mile. You nearly scared the life out of me when you slammed down your cards like that, George, and yelled in my ear.”

Timmy leapt in at the window at that moment and Dick almost jumped out of his skin again. So did everyone else, including Sally, who fled behind the sofa in panic.

“What’s all this about?” said Joan, quite fiercely. “Really!”

George was in a tearing rage — with Timmy of all things! She shouted at the surprised dog and he put his tail down at once.