"What's wrong, Penny?" David said.

"We think we're being watched up there in the wood. The twins are sure of it and say someone is spying on us. It may sound silly to you but I felt it too, and I think Peter's quite sure... Did you have any luck?"

"No, we didn't," Jon said shortly. "The gates are locked and barred although we think the place is inhabited as we thought we saw someone spying on us."

Tom started to speak and then stopped.

"But we heard you shouting as if you'd all gone mad," Penny said.

"We thought we'd try making a noise but it was no good. We'll just have to keep walking and hope for the best."

The light had gone now but the fog was no worse and a yellow moon was poking her rim over the little spinney where the others were waiting. As the boys and Penny reached them, Dickie said, "What are we going to do? Go on or stay?"

"We're going right back to Clun now," David answered. "The moon is coming up and I've got an idea that the right way is to follow this new track up the hill."

"I'm sure it's been used recently," Jon said again. "Sure of it. If we follow it up through the trees I'll bet it takes us eventually to a road... Come on - let's go!"

They set off, close together, up the rough track between the sighing trees. Dickie edged up to David and whispered, "Did Penny tell you that we're being tracked and watched?"

"She did, Dickie. Are you sure? Have you seen anybody?"

"Not exactly, but we know we're right. We heard somebody at the edge of the wood."

"It's no use looking like that, David," Mary broke in. "We know you don't believe us when you look like that. This time you're wrong again. Ask Peter."

"Yes, I do think there's someone skulking about round us." Peter said. "While you were down at the house I know I heard a twig snap and thought I saw a shadow moving through the trees... Let's try and prove it... Looks as if there's a little hill ahead. As soon as we're all over the top two of us had better flop down in the heather and watch the path to see if someone comes out of the wood and follows."

"Right, Peter. You and I will do that... You others go on slowly once you're over the top and just keep on talking."

Although it was very difficult to be certain, they both agreed that some sort of dark human figure came out of the trees, looked towards them for a long minute, and then started to follow them.

"Quick, David," Peter whispered. "Back to the others and warn them. We'll catch this chap somehow."

As soon as they caught them up David gave his orders.