"You see, it's no use behaving like that," came Miss Ballinger's voice again. "Now, unless you, Penny, give me your word of honour that you know absolutely nothing about 'nt 7 April 8' or about any other clues you may hold, I shall tell the boys when they arrive - and they are on their way now - that you have all gone with Mr. Grandon, and then we shall leave you alone here in the bungalow when we go... and I presume you are old enough and intelligent enough to know what that means? Come over here, child, and talk to me and be sensible."

She spoke in a cold, calm voice that frightened Penny far more than her shouting and blustering. For the first time in their adventure she had the feeling that Miss Ballinger really had them in her power and that she was crazy enough to carry out her threat. Penny had never before believed that an adult would really do this sort of thing, and she suddenly felt horribly defenceless and alone, for although the twins, with all their courage, were with her she knew that she was responsible for them, and the idea of being locked in this dark room in a deserted house with the storm raging outside and the possibility of the sea breaking through was not very inviting.

Penny was now afraid and not at all sure what to do for the best. After a moment's hesitation she whispered to Mary:

"Take the torch, Mary, and stay here. If she opens the door any wider, or if you can't see me against the bright light, switch it on... Where's Dickie?... There he is, behind the door... And keep Mackie quiet again... I'm going over to talk to her."

Mary grabbed her arm. "Don't go, Penny. She's an old beast. She'll trick you. She'd never dare do what she says."

"I know she wouldn't," Penny lied bravely, "so don't worry. It's only that I want to hear what she's got to say. Here's the torch," and she walked over to the door, pushed Dickie gently out of the way and said quietly:

"Here I am, Miss Ballinger. I've told you already that I've got no maps or papers about any hidden treasure, so will you please stop bullying us and let us go. You know I'm responsible for these two and I must get them back home... I know you were only joking about keeping us here, but it's a silly joke all the same."

She could see Miss Ballinger's thick spectacles gleaming at her through the crack in the door, and she thought she could see Slinky behind her.