“Oh good!” said the four, and Anne beamed with relief. That settled Maggie and Dirty Dick then!

“And these are the Fallonia jewels,” said the inspector. “Not that I had any doubt of it. They are now being checked and labelled. I’ve no doubt the Queen of Fallonia and her titled friend will be extremely pleased to hear of your little exploit.”

A clock struck half past two. Julian looked at it. Half an hour only to get back in time. Would they do it?

“It’s all right,” said the inspector, with his wide grin. “Car’s at the door. I’ll come and see you off. You’ll all be back at your schools in good time - and if anyone believes your tale I’ll be surprised. Come along!”

He saw them into the car, Timmy too. “Good-bye,” he said, and saluted them all smartly. I’m proud to have met you - good luck to you, Famous Five!’

Yes, good luck to you, Famous Five - and may you have many more adventures!

THE END

ENID BLYTON (London, United Kingdom, 11th August 1897 - London, 28th November 1968). Enid Mary Blyton was born on 11th August 1897 at 354 Lordship Lane, a two-bedroom flat above a shop in East Dulwich, South London. Shortly after her birth her parents moved to Beckenham in Kent and it was there, in a number of different houses over the years, that Enid Blyton spent her childhood. She had two younger brothers — Hanly, born in 1899, and Carey, born in 1902.

ENID AND HER FATHER, THOMAS CAREY BLYTON

Enid’s father, Thomas, was a cutlery salesman as a young man. He then joined his uncle’s firm selling Yorkshire cloth and, later still, set up his own business as a clothing wholesaler. He and his daughter had a close, loving relationship — both had dark hair and alert brown eyes, and shared an appetite for knowledge and a zest for life. Together they enjoyed nature rambles, gardening, the theatre, art, music and literature. When Enid had whooping cough as a baby, and was not expected to live till morning, her father refused to accept the doctor’s opinion and sat up all night with her, cradling her and willing her to survive.

Enid learnt a lot from her father, especially about nature. In her autobiography, The Story of My Life (1952), she wrote:

“...my father loved the countryside, loved flowers and birds and wild animals, and knew more about them than anyone I had ever met. And what was more he was willing to take me with him on his expeditions, and share his love and his knowledge with me!”

“That was marvellous to me. It’s the very best way of learning about nature if you can go for walks with someone who really knows."

Thomas also taught his young daughter lessons that would stand her in good stead in daily life. When she wanted to plant seeds in her own patch of garden he made a bargain with her, saying: