While they ate, they chatted to the Retriever and his wife and their family, who lived at various houses in the village. And the Retriever told Pongo how to reach the village where the next day was to be spent this had been arranged by the Twilight Barking. The steaks were finished and a nice piece of cheese was going down well when the Corgi from the post office arrived with an evening paper in her mouth. Mr. Dearly had put in his largest advertisement yet with a photograph of Pongo and Missis (taken during the joint honeymoon).

Pongo’s heart sank, for he felt the route planned for them was no longer safe. It led through many villages, where even by night they might be noticed unless they waited till all humans had gone to bed, which would waste too much time. He said, We must travel across country.€

But you’ll get lost,€ said the Retriever’s wife.

Pongo never loses his way,€ said Missis proudly.

And the moon will be nearly full,€ said the Retriever. You should manage. But it will be hard to pick up food. I had arranged for it to await you in several villages.€

Pongo said they had eaten so much that they could do without food until the morning, but he hated to think dogs might be waiting up for them during the night.

I will cancel it by the Nine-o’clock Barking,€ said the Retriever.

There was a snuffling at the back door of the stable. All the dogs of the village had arrived to see Pongo and Missis off.

We should start at once,€ said Pongo. Where’s our young friend who wants paw-marks?

The Retriever’s youngest lad stepped forward shyly, carrying an old menu. Pongo and Missis put their pawtographs on the back of it for him, then thanked the Retriever and his family for all they had done.

Outside, two rows of dogs were waiting to cheer. But no human ear could have heared the cheers, for every dog had now seen the photograph in the evening paper and knew an escape must be made in absolute silence.

Pongo and Missis bowed right and left, gratefully sniffing their thanks to all. Then, after a last good-bye to the Retriever, they were off across the moonlit fields.

On to Suffolk!€ said Pongo.

Cross Country