As he spoke Macbeth began to growl. With one hand Mary caressed him and strove to keep him quiet as she peeped again through the heather. She had no doubt now. Mrs. Thurston was walking quickly towards them, and Mary easily recognized her quick brisk walk and dark head. Today she was wearing a drab belted raincoat and, as usual, smoking a cigarette. She had something slung over her shoulder which looked like a camera case.

For no particular reason Mary felt uneasy. "I'm positive it's your auntie. I know it is. Let's go and meet her" - and before the others could stop her she jumped up and waved. At the same time Macbeth started to bark furiously.

Mrs. Thurston stopped in astonishment. She was only about one hundred yards away, and obviously thought she was alone on the top of the mountain.

"Hello!" Mary called.

"Hello!" shouted Dickie. "We've got a surprise for you. Look who we've got!" And he pulled their new friend up beside him.

Now the twins could never quite agree as to what happened during the next few minutes. Mary, who was really looking at Mrs. Thurston, said that for a second she looked as if she had seen a ghost. Dickie maintained that their officer went very white and stood still. All the time Macbeth was barking madly and straining at his lead.

They both agreed that she looked at her nephew as if she did not know him. Then the latter smiled, came forward and held out his hand.

"Hullo, Aunt," he said. "How are you? I'm John Davies. Didn't you get my telegram saying I'd got some leave and was coming to see you?"

Mrs. Thurston shook her head.

"Too bad," he went on. "I sent it yesterday, but was afraid it might not get to you in time. I had to walk into the village from the camp, and on my way back heard an owl, and thought to myself how the evenings were drawing in... Well, here I am, anyway, and I wouldn't be here now but for these gallant explorers who found me when I was lost and have been my guides."

Mrs. Thurston laughed. "I'm glad to see you, John, and it's nice of you to come. We don't get much company up here. No wonder I didn't recognize you in your uniform, for I haven't seen you since you joined up, have I?"

Then she turned to the twins.

"Thank you for looking after him so nicely. Where are the others, though? Surely you're not up here alone?"

"Oh, yes, we are," said Dickie. "We do most things alone, Mary and me. But we're going home now, thank you very much."

"Did you come up Hatchholt, Mrs. Thurston?" Mary asked suddenly. "Is that the path? The way you came?"