“We’ve left a good many lights on,” said George, looking back. “Never mind — we’re not paying the bill! Come on, Timmy, out into the dark, dark night!”

They went down the front door steps and into the dark drive. Everyone felt safe with Timmy running ahead.

“Jo — exactly how did you get here?” said Dick, suddenly. “You were forbidden to come.”

“I know,” said Jo. “Well, I just took Anne’s bike and followed you, that’s all. And I walked in through the front gates when you’d left them open, of course. That was easy.”

“Gosh — I kept feeling there was someone behind me!” said Dick. “And there was — it was you, you little horror! No wonder Timmy didn’t bother to bark or growl.”

“Yes, it was me,” said Jo. “And I followed you round and round the house, while you were trying to get in — and I thought you never would see that coal-hole — so I took the lid off and put it on the ground, hoping you’d see it then. And you did!”

“So you did that!” said Dick. “I must say I was astonished to see it. I knew we must have passed it before. So that was you too! You want spanking, you disobedient, cheeky little wretch!”

Jo laughed. “I couldn’t bear you to go off without me,” she said. “It’s a good thing I did come! I waited and waited inside that coal-hole for you to come back with George — and when you didn’t, I left the coal-hole and got into the house. And Timmy heard me and came running down the stairs. He nearly knocked me over, he was that pleased!”

“Here are the gates at last,” said George. “What are we going to do about bikes? There isn’t one for me.”

“Jo can stand behind on my step and hold on to my shoulder,” said Julian. “You take Anne’s bike, George. We’ll leave these gates open. The police ought to be pleased with us for saving them so much trouble!”

Off they went down the steep hill, Timmy running behind, his tail wagging happily. He had got George back again. All was well again in his doggy world!

Chapter Twenty-two

‘These kids sure are wunnerful!’

What shrieks and shouts there were from Joan and Anne when the four arrived at Kirrin Cottage at last, at half-past three in the morning! Joan was awake, but Anne had just gone to sleep. She was sleeping in Joan’s room for company and Sally was there too.

The stories had to be told again and again. First Dick, then Julian, then George, then Jo — they all talked without stopping, excited and happy. Sally ran from one to the other, and followed Timmy about — but sometimes her little stiff tail drooped when she remembered that Berta was not there.

“I say!” said Dick, suddenly drawing up the sitting-room blind—“it’s daylight! The sun’s up! And all the time I’ve been thinking it was still night!”