"Maybe that's so, Jon, but whoever is on this job is a very clever enemy... Anyway that's enough of that now... I'll promise I'll ask you to help if the others agree and if we need you very badly... Meanwhile, just keep your ears and eyes open."

They were all quieter than usual for the rest of tea, because the older ones, at any rate, could see how upset Mrs Denton was and how serious was this matter of stealing the farmers' livelihood. As soon as the meal was over the girls helped Mrs Denton clear the table and wash up. Alan took the boys round the farm, but after fifteen minutes or so said, "I don't much like the look of the weather. The wind has gone and it smells foggy to me. I think you'd better be on your way but I hope you'll come again whenever you can."

They went back to the house and told the girls to hurry, but it was another fifteen minutes before they all waved "Good-bye" to the Dentons and walked up the track. They had been longer at Bury Fields than they realized and it was already dusk as they looked back at the golden glow of the farm-house windows below them.

"I like them all very much," Mary said, "but I don't like where they live... It's too lonely."

Tom heard her and turned round.

"You're lonely at Witchend, aren't you, Mary, and this house is no lonelier than Hatchholt, is it?"

"We're miles from anywhere up there of course," Peter replied, "but I know what Mary means. This country is different somehow, and you can't help feeling lonely in it. I wouldn't like to live here. Do you know what I mean, Penny?"

"Yes, I do. It makes me feel creepy... I say, Peter! I suppose those boys know where they're going, because I don't believe we came this way."

"Neither do I. Hi! David! Wait for us."

The boys and Jenny and Mary, who were about fifty yards ahead, heard her call and waited for them to come up.

"I suppose you know where we are..." Penny began breathlessly, and then stopped. There was a long pause while they all looked at each other and Mary picked up Mackie and said, "The little darling's coat is all wet... David! It's getting foggy and it's cold too,"

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid I've been an awful fool," David said slowly. "I'm not sure that I know where we are and I've been idiot enough to leave the map at the Dentons'."

There was another long silence until Peter said, "Don't look so miserable, David. It's not really your fault and any of us might have lost the map. You always take on the job of guide, anyway. There's nothing to worry about really. We're all together."