The fire was sinking lower and lower. They could no longer see the old gentleman’s face, but soon his even breathing told them he was asleep again. The Spaniel rose quietly.

Come with me now,€ he whispered, for John will be back soon to get supper. You have given my dear old pet a great pleasure. I am deeply grateful.€

They tiptoed out of the vast, dark hall and made their way to the kitchen, where the Spaniel pressed more food on them.

Just a few substantial biscuits my tin is always left open for me when John is away.

Then they had a last drink of water, and the Spaniel gave Pongo directions for reaching Suffolk. They were full of rights€ and lefts,€ and Missis did not take in one word.

The Spaniel noticed her dazed look and said playfully, Now which is your right paw?

One of the front ones,€ said Missis brightly. At which Pongo and the Spaniel laughed in a very masculine way.

Then they thanked the Spaniel and said good-bye. Missis said she would always remember that day.

So shall I,€ said the Spaniel, smiling at her. Ah, Pongo, what a lucky dog you are!€

I know it,€ said Pongo, looking proudly at Missis.

Then they were off.

After they had been running across the fields for some minutes, Missis said anxiously, How’s your leg, Pongo?€

Much, much better. Oh, Missis, I am ashamed of myself. I made such a fuss this morning. It was partly rage. Pain hurts more when one is angry. You were such a comfort to me and so brave.

And you were a comfort to me the night we left London,€ said Missis. It will be all right as long as we never lose courage both together.

I’m glad you did not let me bite that small human.

Nothing should ever make a dog bite a human,€ said Missis in a virtuous voice.

Pongo remembered something. You said only the night before last that you were going to tear Cruella de Vil to pieces.€

That is different,€ said Missis grimly. I do not consider Cruella de Vil is human.

Thinking of Cruella made them anxious for the puppies, and they ran on faster, without talking any more for a long time.

Then Missis said, Pongo, how far away from the puppies are we now?€

With good luck we should reach them tomorrow morning,€ said Pongo.

Just before midnight they came to the market town of Sudbury. Pongo paused as they crossed the bridge over the River Stour.

Here we enter Suffolk,€ he said triumphantly.

They ran on through the quiet streets of old houses and into the market square. They had hoped they might meet some dog and hear if any news of the puppies had come at the Twilight Barking, but not so much as a cat was stirring. While they were drinking at the fountain, church clocks began to strike midnight.