"You're afraid!" Penny taunted. "That's what it is! You're scared about the whole business... I tell you what I'm going to do! I'm going to find David and tell him that even if you back out now I'll stand by him and help him to find the treasure in spite of anything the others can do with your help... It's no use you looking mad and getting red in the face and spluttering... I know very well that David would see this through on his own. He's not the sort to go to grown-ups, and I never thought you were until the last day or two!"

Jon was furiously angry. He was not used to this sort of taunt from Penny. He did not like it at all, and was still trying to find a dignified and suitable retort when Mrs. Warrender returned.

"Odd about the telephone," she said. "When I got there the caller had rung off. What's the matter with you, Jon? You look red. Never mind! Don't tell me... By the way, I've got a special message for you."

"Me, too?" asked Penny.

"No, it's not for you; it's for Jon. You weren't mentioned, Penny. I've just seen Mr. Morton in the lounge, Jon, and he tells me that you have already met his family."

"Yes," Penny broke in. "Yes, Auntie, we did meet them, but we didn't know who they were at the time. They're nice, and I think we shall be friends."

"Well," Mrs. Warrender went on, "you know I didn't really want this to happen, but they seem to like you, too, so I suppose it's all right... Anyway, Jon, Mr. Morton asked me to ask you whether you would like to go with them to the golf links this morning - his boy David is going, too - and stay to lunch with them at the club-house? Mr. and Mrs. Morton are both keen on golf, and I think they want you two boys to caddy for them. It's nice of them to ask you, so I should go if you're not too tired!"

"And what about me?" Penny asked plaintively.

"I'll think of something," her aunt said quite grimly for once, and Penny had the grace to grin sheepishly at Jon across the table.

"I'm not interested in walking round with a sack of golf clubs on my back, anyway," she said. "Have a good time, Jon, and I'll see you this afternoon, I expect... unless I decide to do something on my own."

Soon after this Mrs. Warrender left them, and when the door had closed they both started to talk at once.

"I'm sorry I got into such a rage about telling your mother," Penny began, and Jon said: