“Look here, Miss, what are you talking about?” said the sergeant, bewildered. “This is too bad — what do you mean—kidnappers locked up and waiting!”

“Master Julian!” called Joan, “the police are here — and you forgot to telephone and tell them what happened last night. They’d better go to that house and get the men, hadn’t they?”

“I knew there was something I’d forgotten,” said Julian, running down the stairs. “I did mean to telephone, but I was so tired that I forgot.”

Everyone then came downstairs and went into the sitting-room. Jo was shy with so many people there, and wouldn’t sit anywhere near the two policemen.

“I’ve just been told, Mr. Wright, sir, that there’s no need to guard your daughter now,” said the sergeant, rather stiffly. “Seems as if the police are the last to hear about anything!”

“Well, the fact of the matter is that we found out that Gringo, who owns the Fair called Gringo’s Fair, was paid to kidnap Berta,” said Julian. “He kidnapped George instead, by mistake. We found out where Gringo had taken her and went to rescue her last night. You go on, Dick.”

“And we left Gringo and somebody else locked up in a room on the ground floor, and two other people locked up in a top-floor room — and we’ve left the front door open for you and the drive gates open too,” said Dick. “So don’t be too annoyed about it, Sergeant, because we really have tried to make things easy for you! We’ve rescued George, as you see — and now you can get the men.”

The sergeant looked as if he found it difficult to believe a single word! Uncle Quentin tapped him sharply on the shoulder.

“Well, look alive, man — they’ll escape before you can get them if you don’t hurry.”

“What’s the address?” said the sergeant, stolidly.

“I don’t know the name of the house, or the lane it’s in,” said Julian. “But you go through the village of Twining, turn to the left, and it’s the house up on the hill.”

“How did you find out all this?” said the sergeant.

“It’s too long to tell you now!” said Dick. “We’ll write it all down in a book, and send you a copy. We’ll call it — er — we’ll call it — what shall we call it, you others? It’s a peculiar adventure really — it ended with everyone fast asleep in bed!”

“I want some coffee,” announced Uncle Quentin. “I think we’ve talked enough. Do go and catch your kidnappers, my good men.”

The policemen disappeared. Mr. Elbur Wright beamed round happily, Berta on his knee.

“Well, this is a very happy ending!” he said. “And I can take my little Berta back with me after all!”

“Oh no!” wailed Berta, much to her father’s surprise.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Gee, Pops, be a honey and let me stay on here,” begged Berta. “These kids sure are wunnerful.”