"Of course I'm coming with you, Penny, and you'll come with us too, won't you, Jen? Your idea isn't bad, but we can't desert the boys - surely you see that?"

In the moonlight Jenny's chin went up in a way which Peter had never noticed before.

"I'm not going to desert the boys," she said stubbornly, "but if you're right and they've been caught by whoever lives in Grey Walls, then they've got to be rescued and I don't think we can rescue them as quickly as Alan Denton and his friends can... Besides, there's another thing. I'm sure that Alan ought to be told about Mr Cantor and that the boys haven't come back... I don't care what either of you say but I'm absolutely sure I'm right. I'm going to Bury Fields... I'm not a bit afraid of going on my own... I'll find Alan and we'll come over to that little wood above the house and look for you there... Cheerio!"

Peter felt a lump rise in her throat at the sight of the little figure trudging along so bravely by herself. This self-reliant, confident and courageous Jenny was someone Peter had never met before.

"Jenny!" she called suddenly. "Wait a sec. I've got something for you."

"It's no use, Peter," Jenny said. "I'm going to Bury Fields. I've made up my mind that one of us ought to go and if you and Penny want to go to Grey Walls I don't blame you... Honest I don't, Peter!... But don't make me change my mind, Peter, please."

When Jenny looked up Peter saw that tears were glistening on her friend's cheeks although her voice was steady enough - steadier than her own when she said, "That's all right, Jenny. I understand. And you know why I feel I've got to go with Penny, don't you?"

Jenny nodded. "Oh yes, I do. You won't let her rescue Jon if you don't rescue David, will you? I feel like that about Tom, but I'm going to do it a different way... What are you doing, Peter?"

Peter was fumbling under a scarf, an anorak and her red sweater.

"Take this, Jenny, will you? It's a whistle the gipsies, Reuben and Miranda, gave me once. They told me that if ever I was in trouble and blew it and the Romanies were near enough to hear that they would come to my help. I'll lend it to you, Jenny because there's only one of you and two of us!... Good luck, Jenny! Up the Lone Piners!"

As she ran back to the gate Peter smiled at the thought of the look on Jenny's face and at the way in which she had stepped off briskly down the road whistling cheerfully.

Penny looked at her curiously as they climbed over the gate.

"That was brave of Jenny, wasn't it? I like her, Peter... I like you all... Do you know the way?"

"I believe I can remember..."