"It's Uncle Micah, Peter. I didn't say it in front of the others, 'cos they think I'm silly - even Dickie thinks I'm a bit silly... But he's so sad and lonely, Peter. It's awful how lonely he is. I don't think he's a wicked old man. I think he's just miserable and lonely, and I keep on remembering him when I ought to be doin' something else and having fun. We tried to cheer him up, Peter, and he nearly laughed once or twice, and then he told us - and he sort of told us as if we weren't there at all - about his big grown-up son that he's lost..." She dropped her voice to an awestruck whisper... "Charles has broken his heart, Peter. It's awful, and I wish I could help him."

Peter did not laugh. She was very fond of Mary and knew how sensitive she was. It was odd, but she also had had this feeling of pity for the old man, and so she tried to change the subject and was helped when David and Dickie came in with the letters they had been writing. The first was to Tom, telling him to be sure to come at the week-end and warning him that the way over the mountain would be difficult.

The other letter was a fearful and ill-spelled invitation to the prospective new member from Dickie. It was a frightening document, but Peter assured them that Jenny enjoyed exciting reading, so they decided to deliver it. Mary then ran in to Mrs. Sterling and got the letter for Mrs. Ingles, confirming Tom's invitation, and the four, with an excited Macbeth, set off for Barton Beach.

On the way down through the woods Mary recovered her usual spirits, and by the time the party had reached the village their plans had been made for delivering the summons to Jenny. Peter and David went into the baker's to buy some buns, while the twins, thoroughly primed, went into the post office to do battle with Mrs. Harman.

The bell clanged and their entrance was marred when Mary tripped over the top step.

They stood alone in the dark shop. As the echoes of the bell died away a phantom voice said harshly: "Well, what do you want?"

Mary squeezed Dickie's hand, gulped and then said loudly and clearly: "Whoever you are and wherever you are... I WANT A STAMP."