The door opened easily. They went through a kitchen and along a passage, at the end of which was an open door and a glimmer of light. The cat led them through the doorway, and they found themselves in a nursery lit by a night-light. At the far end, the Sheepdog stood beside a little painted bed in which was a very wide-awake two-year-old boy.

This is my pet, Tommy,€ said the Colonel. He very much wants to meet you.€

Pongo and Missis went to the little boy, and he patted them both. Then he made some odd chuckling noises. They did not sound like Human nor did they sound like Dog. But the Sheepdog seemed to understand them, and Tommy seemed to understand what the Sheepdog answered. Pongo decided this was quite a new language, half Dog, half Human.

Tommy wishes to lend you something, €said the Colonel. He knows how much you need it and is most anxious to help you. See, here it is.€

Pongo and Missis then saw a little wooden cart, painted blue. It was made like a real farm cart, with four high wheels and a wooden railing all round it to keep the hay in it was full of hay now. At the front was a long piece of wood with a wide crossbar at the end of it, so that Tommy could drag the cart about.

You can choose two pups exactly the right size,€ said the Colonel, and they can use the long piece of wood as a shaft in between them and take the crossbar in their mouths. Then they can pull the cart forward. And, if needed, pups at the back can push with their noses. Your smallest daughter can travel comfortably in the hay, and any puppy who is tired can sit beside her and take a rest.

Pongo and Missis examined the pretty cart delightedly. They were too big to get between it and the crossbar themselves, but they felt sure plenty of the bigger pups would fit.

But does he really want us to take it?€ asked Missis. The Sheepdog then spoke to Tommy, who nodded his head again and again, while talking his extraordinary language.

His name and address are painted on the side, said the Sheepdog, €and he would be glad if it can be returned one day. But if that isn’t possible, he will quite understand.

If we ever get home, I feel sure Mr. Dearly will return it,€ said Pongo. Please tell Tommy how very grateful we are.

The Sheepdog translated this to Tommy, who smiled more than ever and made more chuckling noises.

He says he is pleased you are pleased, and would like to see all the puppies. I think it would be safe to march them all past his window when you leave which should be soon now.€