So the Dalmatians started for Suffolk, one hundred and one strong. They all sat up on the motor-coach seats, looking out of the windows, and many people who saw them pass cheered for there had been so much about them in the papers that they were now quite famous. And many, many dogs lined the route, as word of the journey had gone out by Twilight Barking. The waiting dogs barked their good wishes, and the Dalmatians barked their thanks, so it was rather noisy in the motor-coach. The Dearlys didn’t mind. They thought happy barking was a pleasant noise.

Prince was rather shy at first, so Mr. Dearly sat beside him and punched him, in a way some big dogs like to be punched. (The punching needs to be hard enough but not too hard; it must please, not hurt. Mr. Dearly was a highly skilled dog puncher). Prince thumped his tail, then suddenly gave Mr. Dearly’s ear a playful nip, which was much appreciated. After that, Perdita’s handsome husband felt he was completely one of the family.

When the Dalmatians reached the village of Dympling, all the villagers were out to receive them, with the Sheepdog, the tabby cat, and Tommy Tompkins well to the fore. (The cows were lowing a loving welcome from the farm). Tommy had his little blue cart with him, and the Cadpig felt just a bit envious but she was happy to know she had grown too strong to need any cart.

The white Persian Cat, who was now a charming creature (kindness makes kind cats), was extremely gracious to the farmyard tabby. It was the beginning of a firm friendship.

At last the motor-coach drove in through the wide-open gates of Hell Hall. The pond now reflected a snow-white house with muslin curtains at all the windows. The front of the house still seemed like a face and had an expression but now it was a pleasant expression.

The Nannies were waiting at the open front door. As they came to meet the Dearlys, Nanny Butler said, Do you know there is a television aerial on the roof of this house?€

And Nanny Cook said, Seems wasteful not to make use of it.

Then Mr. Dearly knew that the Nannies wished for television in the kitchen and he at once suggested it. Pongo and Missis were delighted, for they knew how very much their smallest daughter had missed it.

But during the many happy hours the Cadpig was to sit watching it in the warm kitchen, she never liked it quite so much as that other television that still, silent television she had seen on Christmas Eve, when the puppies had rested so peacefully in the strange, lofty building. She often remembered that building, and wondered who owned it someone very kind, she was sure. For in front of every one of the many seats there had been a little carpet-eared, puppy-sized dog-bed.

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