"That's all right, then," Dickie concluded triumphantly. "So now we'll both push our bikes down this hill and Mackie can walk... Come on, twin! I reckon David and Tom have had enough rest now!" And with that they set off down the road with Macbeth trotting between them.

"Let them get well ahead," David said with his hand on Tom's sleeve. "It's no use fussing... Let them get on and then we shan't have to talk to them."

"That doesn't matter," Tom muttered. "I don't mind not talking to them when they're in this mood. Trouble is they never stop talking to us or at us... Anyway, I'm not walking down hills for anybody. I'll go on to Crown Farm, and if Jenny's not there yet I'll go along some of the way and meet her... Wait for us, David, if we're not there. So long!" and he jumped on his bike and whizzed down the hill.

With a wry smile David noticed that the twins did not even look up when Tom passed them.

At the foot of the hill Mackie was lifted into his basket and the three Mortons cycled on together. Their lane wound steadily up-hill for another mile and then the hedges stopped and they found themselves coming to open moorland. David pointed ahead.

"See those buildings? That should be Crown Farm and a cross-roads, and that's where Jenny is supposed to meet us. Can you see her, Dickie? You're the chap with sharp eyes in this family."

Dickie strained ahead and then stood on the pedals.

"Yes!" he shouted triumphantly. "I can see her, I think. She's standing by the signpost, and Tom's with her... Up the Lone Piners!"

"Hold tight, Mackie darling," Mary implored as she accelerated. "We're going to bump a bit."

Jenny had recognized them now and waved frantically in welcome.

"She's done well," David said as he waved back. "Wonder if Tom had to go far to meet her... We'll pitch our first camp here and have something to eat. Wonder how Peter is getting on?"

"She'll be all right," Mary said. "I 'spect she's having all sorts of adventures by herself... I think she's the only one of us all that doesn't mind being by herself, don't you?"

David had no time to agree that this was a very wise remark, for now they had reached the cross-roads where Jenny was waiting to welcome them.

"D'you know, David, that I really was here first? I was here before Tom even, and he told me that he'd hurried on specially. It was your map that did it, David. Oh, hello twins! Sorry not to say it before, but I did see you... Hello, Mackie! Isn't he a pet, Mary?... David, it was just absolutely marvellous of you to ask me..." and here she paused for breath and David took the opportunity.