“Nor do we,” said Julian, cheerfully. ‘That’s why we’re going to beat them at their own game.

We’re on the side of the right, and it’s worth while running into a bit of danger for that. Now let’s see - perhaps we’d better just keep an eye on that couple till it’s dark - just in case they try any funny tricks - and then we’ll have a snooze, if we can, so as to be sure to be lively tonight.’

“There they are!” said Anne. As she spoke Maggie and her companion came out of their tents. They had a few words together and then walked off to the moorland.

“Taking their usual stroll, I suppose,” said Dick. “Let’s have a game of cricket. There’s a bit of wood over there for a bat, and I’ve got a ball in my rucksack.”

“Good idea,” said Julian. “I still feel a bit chilled from my bathe. Brrrrrr! That water was cold. I don’t feel very thrilled at the thought of diving in tonight!”

“I’ll do that,” said Dick, at once. “My turn this time!”

“No. I know exactly where to spot the loot,” said Julian. “I’ll have to go down. But you can come down too, if you like, and help to tie the rope on to it.”

“Right,” said Dick, “Now look out - I’m going to bowl!”

They enjoyed their game. The sun sank lower and lower, then it disappeared. A cloud came over the sky and darkness came quickly. George looked up at the sky anxiously.

“It’s all right,” said Julian. “It’ll clear. Don’t you worry!”

Before they went back into the house Julian and Dick slipped down to the boat-house for the coil of rope they would want that night. They found it easily enough and came back, pleased. It was quite good strong rope, frayed only in one place.

Julian was right about the weather. The sky cleared again in about an hour, and the stars shone crisply. Good!

Julian put Timmy on guard at the doorway. Then he and the others went into the dark cellar-room and lighted a couple of candles. They all snuggled down into their beds of heather.

“I shan’t be able to snooze,” complained Anne. “I feel much too excited.”

“Don’t snooze then,” said Dick. “Just have a rest and wake us up at the right time!”

Anne was the only one who didn’t fall into a comfortable doze. She lay awake, thinking of this new adventure of theirs. Some children always had adventures and some didn’t. Anne thought it would be much nicer to read about adventures than to have them. But then probably the ones who only read about them simply longed to have the adventures themselves! It was all very difficult.

Anne woke the others at ten to eleven. She shook George first, and then the boys. They were all in such a comfortable sleep that it was hard to wake them.

But soon they were up and about, whispering. “Where’s the rope? Good, here it is. Better put on blazers and macs. It’ll be freezing on the lake. Everyone ready? Now - not a sound!”