Fortunately, few of the pups knew enough Human to understand Cruella’s words fully, but they all felt she was evil. And as she made her way to the door she aimed a kick at a small pup who was dangerously close to her. It was more frightened than hurt, but it gave a loud wail of anguish. Several of the bigger pups snarled indignantly at Cruella. Lucky, remembering the time he had nibbled her ear, barked out hastily, Don’t bite her, chaps She tastes hot!€

So Cruella got to the door unhurt. She flung it open, and the moonlight shone on her black-and-white hair and her absolutely simple white mink cloak. Then she looked back at the roomful of puppies.

Good-bye, you horrid little beasts,€ she said. I shall like you so much better when you’re skins instead of pups. And I shall simply love the ones who are made into my own coat. How I’m looking forward to it!€

They saw her walk out past the pond which reflected the black house, and on to the great iron gates, which she unlocked and locked again behind her. Then, through the silent winter night, came the sound of a powerful car driving away, followed by one strident blast from the loudest motor-horn in England.

How well Pongo and Missis remembered that terrifying sound! It took them back to the happy evening when they had stood beside the striped black-and-white car on the Outer Circle. How safe and contented they had been then, little guessing what dangers lay ahead!

Jasper Baddun hurriedly shut the front door, saying, If we’ve got to do the pups in, we’d better keep them all in one place.

Pongo felt stunned. If only he could think! If only the Sheepdog were there to advise him!

Missis whispered, If you wish to attack those villains, I will help you, Pongo.

Lucky said quickly, They always carry knives.€

Pongo’s brain was beginning to work. If we attack them, they may kill us,€ he whispered to Missis. And then there will be no one to help the pups. Quiet! Let me think.€

The Badduns were talking together in low grunts.

One thing’s certain,€ said Jasper. We can’t do it tonight or we shall miss. What’s My Crime?