I’m teaching them to obey orders,€ said Lucky to the Colonel.

Good boy, good boy. Let’s see, I made you a Corporal this afternoon, didn’t I? I now make you a Sergeant. If all goes well, you shall have your commission next week. Now I’m off to see my little pet, Tommy, have his bath.€

He told Pongo he would be back in a couple of hours. Slip out and tell me what you think of things or send the Sergeant with a message.€

Won’t you come in and see the T.V., sir?€ said Lucky.

Not while the Badduns are awake,€ said the Colonel. Even they couldn’t mistake me for a Dalmatian.€

As soon as he had gone, Lucky sent the other puppies to the kitchen, then took his father and mother in.

You must stay at the back until your eyes get used to the dark,€ he said.

And indeed it was dark! The only light came from the television screen and the kitchen fire, which were at opposite ends of the very large kitchen. And as the walls and ceiling were painted dark red, they reflected no light. It was extremely warm much warmer than one fire could have made it. This was because there was central heating. Cruella de Vil had put it in when she planned to live in the house.

At last Pongo and Missis found they could see fairly well, and it was a strange sight they saw. Only a few feet away from the television, two men lay sprawled on old mattresses, their eyes fixed on the screen. Behind them were ranged row after row of puppies, small pups at the front, large pups at the back. Those who did not care for television were asleep round the kitchen fire. The hot, red room was curiously cosy, though Pongo felt it was a bit like being inside a giant’s mouth.

Lucky whispered, I thought we could settle Mother with the family and then I could show you round a bit. All the pups want to get a glimpse of you. Father, you are going to rescue them all?€

I hope so,€ said Pongo earnestly wondering more and more how he was going to manage it.