77566077 Blyton Enid the Children at Green Meadows 1954

7/31/2019 77566077 Blyton Enid the Children at Green Meadows 1954

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/77566077-blyton-enid-the-children-at-green-meadows-1954 1/207



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THECHILDRENATGREENMEADOW

BythesameAuthor:

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HOUSE-AT-THE-CORNERTHEFAMILYATRED-ROOFSTHEPUT-EM-RIGHTSHOLLOWTREEHOUSETHOSEDREADFULCHILDRENTHESIXBADBOYSTHECARAVANFAMILYTHESAUCYJANEFAMILYTHEPOLESTARFAMILYTHESEASIDEFAMILYTHEBUTTERCUPFARMFAMILYTHEQUEENELIZABETHFAMILYTHEBOYWITHTHELOAVESANDFISHESTHELITTLEGIRLATCAPERNAUM

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THECHILDRENATGREENMEADOWS

by

EnidBlytonIllustratedbyGRACELODGE

LUTTERWORTHPRESSLONDON

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CONTENTSChapterPage

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.

THEFAMILYATGREENMEADOWSTWOUNEXPECTEDFIGHTS!THATBOYAGAIN!ANEXCITINGSECRETABITOFGOODLUCKFLASHTHEPONYEASTERHOLIDAYSGRANNY'SSECRETANEWPET—ANDASHOCK!WELLDONE,FRANCIS!"IT'SAHAP-HAP-HAPPYDAY!"

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ChapterOneTHEFAMILYATGREENMEADOWSMOTHER!MOTHER!Whereareyou?"calledFrancis."Docomehereaminute.I'vefoundtheveryfirstsnowdropoutinthegarden."Hismothercameoutofthebackdoor,dryingherhandsonacloth."Oh,Francis—didyouhavetocallmejustwhenIwassobusywashingup?""Yes,Idid,Mother,"saidtheboy."You'realwaysbusy,anyway,soitwouldn'tmatterwhenIcalledyou.Iwishyouweren'tsobusy.Fancynotevenhavingtimetolookatasnowdrop!See,thereitis!"Hismotherlookeddownandsawthetinywhiteflowerwithitsprettydroopinghead.Itgrewinamassoftangledgrass,inacomerofthegarden.Shebentdownandshookitgently."Iknowwhyyoudothat!"saidFrancis."Iknewyouwould.It'sluckytoringthebellofthefirstsnowdropyouseeintheNewYear,isn'tit?"Hismotherlaughed."That'swhatcountryfolksay,Francis—andgoodnessknowswecoulddowithalittlegoodluck!"Shelookedroundthebig,ramblinggardenandslippedherarmthroughtheboy's."I'mnottoobusytowalkroundtoseeifanythingelseiscomingup,"shesaid.*'It'sSt.Valentine'sDay,thedayallthebirdsmarry—harkatthemsinging!Eventhestarlinguponthechimneyisdoinghisbest—heneverhaslearntthathecan'tsingproperly!"Franciswasgladtohavehismotherforafewminutes.Herememberedatimewhenshewasalwaysreadytoruninto9



thegarden,toplay,toplantseeds,to,weed—whenshelaughedalotandlookedyoungandhappy.Nowthingswereverydifferent,anditwasquiteatreattohavehismothertohimselfforafewminutes."There'sacrocuspeepingup,"shesaid."Andlook,overthereisactuallyaviolet—inthatshelteredcorneratthefootofthewall.Let'sseeifthereareanyprimrosesinthedellatthebottomofthegarden."Thereweren't.Itwastooearly.Hismotherstoodinthedellunderthesilverbirchtrees,andfellsilent.Francislookedather.Hetouchedhergently."Whatareyouthinkingabout?Whydoyoulooklikethat?""Iwasjustrememberinghowthisgardenlookedfouryearsago,"saidhismother."Itwasbeautiful,Francis!Youwerealmosteightthen—youmustrememberittoo.""Yes.Thegrasswascut,thebedswereweeded,therewerethousandsofflowers,"saidtheboy,lookingbackthroughtheyears."Thehousewasdifferenttoo,Mother.Wedidn'thavehalftheroomsshutuplikewedonow—andyouweren'tsobusyalways—and..."Hestoppedbecausehesawtearsinhismother'seyes."Whyarewesopoornow?"heasked."Whydon'twegetagardenertoputthegardenright?Whydoyoudoalltheworkinthisbighouse?IsitbecauseofDaddy?""Partly,"saidhismother."Daddywasbadlyhurtinthewar,youknow,andhecan'tworkanymore,sowehaven'tmuchtoliveon.Grannyletushavethishousewhenwewerefirstmarried,DaddyandI—it'shers,youknow—andIwasglad,becauseIwasbroughtuphereasalittlegirl.Ikneweverycorner.""Well—whycan'tweletGrannyhaveitback,andgoandliveinasmallerplace?"saidFrancis.Then,looking10



roundtheoldgardenheknewsowell,hesuddenlychangedhismind."No.No,Ididn'tmeanthat.Icouldn'tbeartoleaveGreenMeadows!It'sourhome—Granny'shome,yours,andmine.""Ifeelthesame,"saidhismother,"butthingsaregettingsodifficultthatIfeelweshallhavetoleavesoon,Francis—ifonlywecouldsellthehouse!Butitisinsuchabadstatenowthatnobodywantsit—it'stoobigahousenowadays,yousee.Andanyway,Grannywon'thearofsellingit—soIreallydon'tknowwhatwearetodo."Shewenttotheoldwallthatranallroundthegarden,andlookedoverit.Notfaroffanenormousbuildingwasgoingup—agreatblockofflats.Anotherone,almostfinished,wasjustbehindit."Notmanyyearsagothiswasallcountryside,"shetoldFrancis."That'swhythishousewascalledGreenMeadows—whenitwasfirstbuiltwecouldseenothingbutgreenfieldsallround,stretchingrighttothosehillsoverthere.Nowallthefieldsaregoingtobeahousingestate—lookatthoseblocksofflats!""Well—itwillmeanthatmorechildrencometothevillage,"saidFrancis."Thatwillbemorefunforus.ButIsupposewe'llbeatownthen.We'vealreadygotmoreshops,andabrand-newpostoffice."Hismotherturnedtogoin,suddenlyrememberingthewashingupshehadtodo.ShegaveFrancisapatonthearm."Don'tyouworryaboutit,now.Thesearegrown-upworries,notyours.Idon'tknowwhyItoldyousomuch.I'mallmuddledsomehow.IwanttogoonlivinghereinGreenMeadows,whichIlovesomuch—butnotinthismessandmuddle,notwhenI

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havetodosomuchthatI'vehardlytimeforyouandtheothertwochildren.And..."Francisfinishedforher."AndanywayGrannywon'tsellthehouse,sowe'vegottomakethebestofit!IwishIcouldmakethegardenniceforyou,Mother—butit'ssobig!I'maScout,youknow,andI'mwillingtohelpanywayIcan.AndClareisaBrownie,andSam'saCub—youcanalwaysaskustodoanything!""Ido!"saidhismother."ButI'mnotgoingtoputoldheadsonyoungshoulders.GoandaskDaddyifhewantsanything,Francis.There!I'veaskedyoudosomethingalready!"Shewentslowlyindoors.Franciswatchedher.Shelookedsadandhermerrysmilehardlyevercamenow."IwishIwasgrownup!"thoughtFrancis."Ittakessolongtogrowup!Ican'tearnapenny—allIcandoistorunerrandsandcleantheshoesandthingslikethat.AnyScoutcandothat.Iwanttodosomethingthatwillreallyhelp!"Butheknewhecouldn't.Grown-upshadtomanagethenownaffairs.Hewenttofindhisfather.Itwasn'tdifficultbecausehelivedalldaylonginawheel-chairandwasneverfaraway."Doyouwantanything,Dad?"askedFrancis."How'syourback?""Sameasusual,"saidhisfather."Can'tyougoandhelpyourmotherabit,Francis?Ihatetosithereandseehertearingabouthardatworkalldaylong—Ifeelsouseless.Goandhelpher.""Shesentmetoaskyouifyouwantedanything,"saidFrancis,withagood-temperedgrin."When'sthedoctorcomingagain,Dad?Isn'tthenewtreatmentanygood?""Notabit.Nothingeverwillbe,I'msure,"saidhisfather."Ifonlyyouwereolder,Francis!Your12



mother'sgottoomuchonhershoulders.""I'vejustbeenthinkingexactlythesamething,"saidFrancis."Mother'sbeentalkingtomeandtellingmealotthismorning.Idon'twanttoleaveGreenMeadows,Dad,butforMother'ssakeIthinkweshould.She'llkillherself!Shehassomuchtodo.Won'tGrannysellthehouse,won'tshereally?""No,shewon't,"saidDaddy,shortly."Nowthatshehascomebacktolivewithusheresheseemstolovetheoldplacemorethanever,tumble-downthoughitis.Let'snottalkaboutit,orIshallgetangry."Francisheardhismothercallingandwentoff.Whatatangle!Hecouldn'tseewhatintheworldwastobedone!Grannywasadifficultpersontogetonwith—verytouchyandthinkingfartoomuchaboutherself.Allthreeofhergrandchildrenwereafraidofhersharptongue—andyetattimesshecouldbesounexpectedlykind.Therewasthesoundofrunningfeetonthepathoutside.ThebackdoorburstopenandincameClareandSam.Clarewasnine,bigforherage,curly-hairedandmerry-eyed.Samwasseven,smallandsolemn,andseldomlaughed—butwhenhediditwasalwaysasurprise,becausehislaughwasloudandverysudden.Itmadeeveryoneelselaughtoo."We'reback,Mother!"calledClare."WehadajollygoodmeetingattheBrownies.""SodidweattheCubs,"saidSam."I'mthesmallestthere,butI'mnottheworst.I'dbetternottellyouwhoistheworst.""He'sburstingtotellus,"saidClare."Don'tbeatelltale,Sam.Anyway,weknowtheanswer.Mother,canIhavesomethingtoeat?Idon'tthinkIcanwaittilldinner-time.It'sagessincebreakfast!"Anoldladycameintothekitchen.Shejingledas

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shecame,forsheworeseveralchainsabouther—alonggoldonethatreachedtoherwaistandwasfastenedtoagoldwatchtuckedintoherbelt—asilveryonewithalocketonit,roundherneck—^andachainbraceletoneachofherwrists,fastenedbytinypadlocks."Ialwaysknowwhenyouarecoming,Granny!"saidClare."Youjinglelikethecoal-man'shorse!""Idon'tthinkthat'sverypolite,"saidGranny."I'mnotintheleastlikethecoal-man'shorse.""Clarethinksthecoal-man'sjinglinghorseislovely,"explainedSamatonce."SodoI.I'dliketojinglewhenIwalkabout,too.Ithink...""That'senough,"saidGranny.Sheturnedtoherdaughter,thechildren'smother."Nowonderyouhaven'tfinishedyet!"shesaid."IsawyouwanderingaboutinthegardenwithFrancis,talkingawaylikeanything!Whydon'tyoufinisheverythingfirst—thenyoumighthavetimeforarestintheafternoon."Grannytookupadusterandatinofpolishandbeganrubbingthefurniturehard.ThatwasexactlylikeGranny—toscoldandthentodowhatshecouldtohelp.Thethreechildrenranoutoftheroom.TheyfeltsurethatGrannywouldthinkofsomethingunpleasanttosayiftheystayedthere!Francisopenedadooronthelandingupstairs.Theroominsidewasquiteempty,butithadawindow-seatunderthebigbowwindow."Comeon,"saidFrancis."Let'ssitdownandeatourbiscuitshere,andpretendit'souroldplayroomagain!"Ithadoncebeentheirplayroom,but,likesomanyoftheotherrooms,itsfurniturehadbeensoldandtheroomleftemptyandunused.Thechildrenoftencreptinthereandsatonthewindow-seat."It'sgotsuchanicefeelaboutit,thisroom,"saidClare,nibblingherbiscuit."It'sahappyroom,even14



thoughit'sgotnothingtobehappyaboutnow.IexpectitkeepsrememberingalltheolddollsandteddybearsandtrainsthatGrannyandherbrothersplayedwith....""AndthatMummyandherbrothersandsistershad....""Andtheoneswehad,too,whenwestillhadthisroomforourown,"saidFrancis."Youdon'trememberthatverywell,Sam.Youweretoolittle."Clarelookedoutofthewindow."Lookatthatenormousblockofflats,"shesaid."Theonethat'sfinished.Someonemusthavemovedintooneoftheflats,becauseIcanseetwochildren.Itseemsfunnytoseethosegreatbuildingsinsteadofgreenfields.Oh,well—Idon'texpectthey'llmakemuchdifferenceto«s!"Ah,youwaitandsee,Clare!You'llbesurprised!TherewasalwaysplentyforthethreechildrentodoatGreenMeadows.Outofschoolhourstherewere

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endlessjobstobedone.EvenSamhelped.Theirmothernevernaggedthemtodotheirjobs,howevertiredshewas.ButGrannydid!Shewasalwaysafterthem,askingifthishadbeendoneandthathadbeendone—andwhowassupposedtogetthewoodinforthefire,andwhyhaditbeenlefttothelastmoment?FrancisandSamwerepatient,butClarewashottempered.Oftenshecamestormingtofindhermother."Mother!GrannysaysIdon'tthinkaboutyouenough!JustbecauseIforgottowinduptheclockslastnight!IDOthinkaboutyou,andGranny'snottosaythat!""Ohdarling—youhaven'tbeenrudetoGranny,haveyou?"hermotherwouldsay."Hertonguemaybesharpbutherheartiskind.It'sonlybecauseshe'sworriedaboutmethatshesaysthesethings.Iknowyouthinkofme—that'sallthatmatters,isn'tit?ThatIshallknow?""Yes,Isupposeitis,"Clarewouldsay,andsmileandgivehermotherahug.AndthentheverynextdayGranny'stonguewouldupsetheragain,andtherewouldbeanotherstorm."Idon'tbelieveGrannylovesanyofus,"Samsaidsolemnlyoneevening."Shescoldsusall,DaddyandMothertoo—butthere'sonlyonepersonshedoesn'tscold,soshemustlovehimverymuch.""Who'sthat?"saidClare,surprised."Youdon'tmeanDr.Miles,doyou?She'sfondofhimbecauseshethinkshetriestohelpDaddy.""No.ImeanMr.Black,"saidSam.Everyoneroaredwithlaughter.Mr.BlackwasGranny'scat,anenormousfellowwithgreatyelloweyes,awonderfultail,andfurlikethickshinysilk.Hewasasblackassoot.HehadbeencalledBlackiewhenhewasakitten—but

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hegrewupsobigandsolemnandhigh-and-mightythatGrannyfeltshecouldn'tcallhimbysuchanordinarynameasBlackie.SoshecalledhimMajestybecausehelookedsomajestic.Hedidn'tanswertothatnameatall,ofcourse,becausehedidn'tknowit.SothenthefamilycalledhimMr.Black,andthatwasallright.Itsoundedenoughlike"Blackie"tohim,andhecamewhenhewascalled.HebelongedtoGranny,andshelovedhimwithallherheart.Blackieadoredhertoo,andalwayssleptinabasketinGranny'sroom.Hewasaveryspoiltcat.Thethreechildrenmadeagreatfussofhim,fortheywereallfondofanimals.SometimestheytalkedaboutThumper,abeautifulGreatDanewhohadbelongedtoGrannysomeyearsback.Hisgreatpawsthumpedaboutthehousealldaylong.AsClaresaid,youalwaysknewwhereThumperwas,youcouldn'thelpit,hestampedaboutso!"Hewassolovely,"saidClare,remembering."HewasasbigasIwas,buthewasasgentleasakitten.""Kittensaren'talwaysgentle,"saidSam,wholikedeverystatementtobequitecorrect."WhenMr.Blackwasakittenhebitme.""DoyourememberwhenThumperwaggedhisbigtailtogreetavisitoroneafternoon,andsweptallthecakesoffthecake-standonthelittletable?"saidFrancis.Samthoughtthatwasveryfunny.Hegaveoneofhissuddenroarsoflaughter."IwishI'dseenthat,"hesaid."WhathappenedtoThumper?Idon'tremember.Andwhyaren'tweallowedtotalkabouthimtoGranny?"“Well,itcostanawfullottofeedabigdoglikethat,"MidFrancis."Poundsandpoundsayear.Sooneday

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Grannydecideditwasn'tfaironthefamilytokeephimanylonger.""Oh,"saidSam,lookingsolemnagain."Whatdidshedowithhim,then?""Shesoldhim,"saidFrancis."Hewasaveryvaluabledog,andshegotalotofmoneyforhim.Afterthatshedidn'thavetofeedhim,ofcourse,soshesavedalotofmoneytoo.GrannylovedThumper.MorethanshelovesMr.Black.""Didshecry?"askedSam,lookingveryserious."Shecriedfortwowholedays,"saidFrancis."Shecouldn'tstop.Shesaidweweren'ttotakeanynoticeofher,shewouldgetoverit.Youdon'trememberthat,Sam.""Granny'sfondofanimals,"saidClare."She'stoldusaboutheapsshehadwhenshewasachild.Shewaslucky.Allwe'vegotisMr.Black,andhedoesn'treallybelongtous.""No,he'sGranny's,"saidSam."Iwishwehadanimalsofourown.I'dlikearabbit.Andsomemice.Andplentyofhens.I'dlikeamonkeytoo,andperhapsasmallbear.""I'dlikedogs,"saidFrancis."Plentyofthem!Andpuppiesandkittens.""I'dlikebirds,"saidClare."Pigeonsthatflyaboutthegarden.There'sanoldpigeon-househerestilllyingbrokendowninonecorner,isn'tthere?IexpectGrannykeptpigeonsthereonce.Shehadahorsetoo,calledClover.""Ifwewerewell-offwecouldhaveheapsandheapsofanimals,"saidSam."Ilikethembetterthantoys.Theyarealive,andtheycanloveyou.Ilovemytoys—butI'mneverreallycertaintheyeverlovemeback!""Sometimes,"saidClare,suddenly,lookingatFrancisoutofthecornerofhereyes,"sometimesIthink

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youmusthaveadogofyourown,Francis!"19



"Well,Ihaven't,"saidFrancis,shortly.ToSam'senormoussurprisehewentbrightred,andturnedhisfaceaway."You'vegonered,"saidSam."You'rehidingsomethingfromus!Youalwaysgoredwhenyoudothat.SodoI.""Let'sgooutanddosomething,"saidFrancis,gettingup."I'vefinishedmybiscuit."Hewentoutoftheroom.Theyheardhimgoingdownthestairs.SamlookedsolemnlyatClare."WhatdidyoumeanwhenyousaidyousometimesthoughtthatFrancishadadogofhisown,Clare?Hehasn't,hashe?""No.Notreally,"saidClare."Butit'sfunny,Sam—whenFrancisthinkshe'saloneandnobody'swatchinghim,heholdsouthishand,andsays'Comeon,Paddy—walkie—walk!'Justlikethat—asifadogwasbehindhim."Samthoughtaboutthis."He'spretendingadog,"hesaid."Iknowhewantsonebadly.SodoI.WhendoyouseeFrancisdoingthis?""Oh,often,"saidClare."SometimesI'minthegarden,behindthehedge—andFranciscomesalongbyhimselfandtalkstohisdogthen.Theotherdayhethrewaballforhim,andsaid'Bringitback,Paddy—that'sright!Gooddog!'Andhebentdownandpattedtheair!""I'mnotgoingtosayanythingabouthisdogtohim,"saidSam."Ifhe'dwantedtosharehimwithushewouldhavetoldusabouthim.Doesthedoggotobedwithhim,andsleeponhisfeet,Iwonder?""Idon'tknow,"saidClare."Yousleepinthesameroom.Youcanwatchandsee.""I'malwaysasleepwhenFranciscomestobed,"saidSam."Always.EvenifItrytokeepawakeIcan't.AndanywayI'mnotgoingtopryintoFrancis'ssecret.Anddon'tyoueither,Clare!See?"20



"YoustoptellingmewhatI'mtodoornottodo!"saidClare."Alittleshrimplikeyou!IwishIhadn'ttoldyouaboutthepretenddognow.Ishan'tsayanythingaboutittoFrancis—unlessheteasesmeaboutsomething,andthenI'llteasehimback—aboutPaddy!""Thatwouldbemeanofyou!"calledSam,asClarewalkedoutoftheroom.Sheslammedthedoor.Samdidn'tmind.HewasusedtoClare'ssuddenlittleflaresoftemper.Shewouldhaveforgottenitthenexttimehesawher,andbeasfriendlyasever.HethoughtaboutFrancis'spretenddog.PooroldFrancis!Howhemustwantadogofhisowntoinventonelikethat!HewaslikeGranny—hereallylovedanimals.Hepattedeverydoghesawandspoketoit.Hefedthewildbirdsinthegarden.Everycatcametohimassoonasitsawhim.Themilkman'shorsewalkedrightacrosstheroad,cartandall,ifheheardFrancis'svoice!"AndwhenhewenttotheZooandFrancisspoketothemonkeysinthecage,theylefteverythingtheyweredoingandcamecrowdingtothewire,"Samremembered."Theyputtheirtinypawsthroughthewireandtriedtotakehisfingers—thoughhehadn'tanyfoodtogivethem!Theychatteredlikeanythingtoo—Iwasluretheyweretellinghimtheywantedtobefriends."ThedooropenedandGrannylookedin."Sam!Whatareyoudoinghereallalone?""Justthinking,"saidSam."Youthinktoomuch,"saidGranny."You'retooseriousaltogether!It'snotgoodforyoutosituphere,mooningawaybyyourself.""Iwasn'tmooning,"saidSam,gettingup."What

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ismooning,Granny?Isitanythingtodowiththemoon?""Oh,don'tbesilly,Sam!"saidGranny."Dogoondownandgiveahandsomewhere.""Well,here'sahand!"saidSam,andsuddenlyslippedhisintoGranny's."ShallIdosomethingforyou"?Thenyouwon'tfeelsocross."Grannylookeddownatthehandinhers,andgaveasuddenlaugh.ShesqueezedSam'shand."You'reacaution!"shesaid."No,pleasedon'taskmewhatacautionis!It'ssomethingquitenicewhenIcallyouone.Let'sgoanddigsomepotatoes,shallwe?Thepotatobasketisgettingempty.""I'lldigthem.Don'tyoubother,"saidSam."I'llgetthespadeandthetrugnow."HewentofftotheoldstablesthatbelongedtoGreenMeadows.Thehorse-stallswerestillthere,andtheharnessroomledoffoneend,aplacewherethefamilyputalltheirjunk.ItwasalwaysexcitingtoSamtolookthroughthejunkandrubbishpiledinthecornersandontheshelves.Hestoodinthestablesandlookedround,pretending

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thathecouldhearthestamp-stamp,clop-clopofhorses'hooves.DidFrancispretendahorsetoothatlivedinthestables?Overthemangerswerelittlebrassplates,greenwithage,stillbearingthenamesoflongagohorses."Dapple".Thatwasaprettynameforahorse,Samthought."Clopper"."Benjy"."Captain".Theyallsoundednice.HemustaskGrannyaboutthem.Perhapstheywerehorsessheknewbackinhistory,whenshewasalittlegirl."SAM!Ithoughtyouweregoingtodigpotatoes!"Ohdear—thatwasGranny'svoice!Sampickedupthetrugandthespadeandfledintothegarden.Hecametothepotatopatchandbegantodigvigorously.Helikedit.Thebirdssangmadlyallroundhim,andthesunwaswarmonthebackofhisneck.Hepurseduphislipsandtriedtowhistle,athinghehadneverbeenabletodo,muchtohisshame.Aloudwhistlecamesuddenlyfromhislips,startlingSamverymuch.Hepurseduphismouthandtriedagain.Anotherwhistle,asloudastheblackbird'snearby,cameatonce.Samwentredwithdelight.Hecouldwhistleatlast!"It'smyluckyday!"thoughtSam."Icansuddenlywhistle.NowIshan'tbetheonlyCubthatcan't!"And,whistlingloudlyandtunelessly,Samduguphalfarowofpotatoesattopspeed!Whowouldeverhavethoughtthatwhistlingwassuchahelptohardwork?

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ChapterTwoTWOUNEXPECTEDFIGHTS!FEBRUARYslippedintoMarch,andthewindscame,AthemadMarchwindsthatshookthetreesinthegardensofGreenMeadowsand"blewthebirdsaboutthesky".Thedayshadgonebyveryquietly,andnothingmuchhadhappenedexceptthatMr.Blackhadmostunexpectedlymixedhimselfupinafightwithtwoothercats.ThishadcausedgreatexcitementatGreenMeadows.Ithadhappenedatnight.EveryonebutSamhadbeensuddenlyawakenedbyascreaming,yowling,squealingnoisejustunderthewindows.Everyonehadsatupstraightinbed,theirheartsbeatingfast.Oh,WHATEVERcoulditbe?Itwastwostrangecatsfightingdowninthegarden.Itsoundedexactlyasiftheywerekillingoneanother.Daddygroaned."IfonlyIcouldgetoutofbedandwalktothewindowI'demptyajugofwateroverthem!"hesaid."Makingarowlikethisinthemiddleofthenight.Ifit'sMr.BlackI'lltellhimwhatIthinkofhiminthemorning!"Butitwasn'tMr.Black.Granny'sbigblackcathadbeenasleepasusualinhisbasketinGranny'sownroom.Theyowlinghadwakenedhimatonceandhesatup,lookingtwicethesize,histailswellingouttillitwasasbigasGranny'sbestfur.Mr.Blackwasfurious.WHATwerestrangecats

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doinginhisgarden?Howdarethey?Heleaptfromhisbasket,jumpedontothewindowsill,throughtheopenwindowtoapear-treebelow—andthenleaptstraightdownontopofthetwofightingcats.Hemusthaveseemedlikeacannon-balltothem!Grannywassoonatherwindow,callinginanguish."Mr.Black!Mr.Black!Stopit,now!Oh,he'llgetkilled!Oh,Imuststopthisfight!"AndtherewasGrannyscuttlingdownthestairsinherdressing-gown,readytotearherbelovedMr.Blackawayfromtwoclawingcats!ButbeforesheorFranciscouldgetthere—Franciswasclosebehindher—thecatshadmovedonoverthewall,pursuedbyanextremelyangryMr.Black,whospatandhissedlikeafurioussodasyphon,andusedhisenormousclawswhereverhecould.Thenoisedwindledintothedistance,andGrannysatdownsuddenlyontheseatintheporch."Ohdear—whatashockIgot!Oh,Francis,whereirethey?WhathashappenedtoMr.Black?He'llbetorntopieces!""It'sallright,Granny.He'llcomeback,allpuffedupwithpride,totellyouhowhesentawaytwocatburglars!"saidFrancis,tryingtomakehisgrandmotherlaugh.Shecouldn'thelpgivingalittlesmile."Helpmeupthestairs,Francis,"shesaid."Asudden•carelikethatmakesmefeelanoldwoman!"25



Mr.Blackdidn'tcomebackthatnight,sothenextmorningGrannywastiredout."Ihaven'tbeentosleepallnight,"shesaid."WherecanMr.Blackbe?"ClarenudgedSam."Don'tyoustartyourwhistlingagainnow,"shewarnedhim."Grannywillbeascrossastwosticksto-day!"SamnudgedClareback,butmuchharder."Don'tkeeponsoaboutmywhistling,"hesaid."It'saverynewwhistle,andI'vegottopractiseit.Granny—I'llgoandlookforMr.Blackforyou,shallI?"ButMr.Blackcamebackafterdinner,muchtoeveryone'sjoy.Grannycertainlyhadbeen"ascrossastwentysticks,nottwo",asSamsaid,andMotherwascertainthatClarewasgoingtoflyintoafuryverysoon,becauseGrannynaggedhersomuch!Mr.Blackcamesaunteringacrossthegrassjustafterthefamilyhadfinishedtheirdinner.Daddysawhimfirst."Here'sourMr.Black,"heannouncedfromhiswheel-chair."Largeaslifeandlookingverypleasedwithhimself.Thewarriorreturnedhomefromthewars!"Grannygavealittlesquealandrosefromherchairatonce.Sherantothewindowandflungitopen."Mr.Black!Areyouallright?"Mr.Blackdidn'tevenlookather.Hesatdowninthemiddleofthegrass,cockeduponeofhislegsandbegantowashhimselfverythoroughlyindeed."He'sshowingoff!"saidClare."I’llfetchhiminforyou,Granny."But,exactlyasifhehadheardwhatClarehadsaid,Mr.Blackstoodupandrantothewindow.IntwosecondshewasinGranny'sarms,andshewasexclaimingoverhim:"Mr.Black!You'vegotabittenear!Andohdear,look,children—he'sgotabarepatchonhistail.26



Oh,whydidyoumixyourselfupinafight,Mr.Black?Where'stheiodine,children?"Daddybegantogrowl,ashealwaysdidwhenGrannymadetoomuchfussoverMr.Black."Fussingoverhimlikethat—asifhewereababy!Honestly,itmakesmefeelsickthewayyoutreatthatcat!Hecanexpectabittenearandtailifhefights.Hedoesn'tmindthem,sowhyshouldyou?",Grannyflashedroundathimatonce."Youdon'tloveanimals.Idon'tbelieveyouevenlikethem!""Ido,"saidDaddy."ButIdon'tbelieveingushingoverthem,that'sall.YouknowIlovedThumper."Therewasasilence.Thumper,Granny'slong-agoGreatDane,wasnotsupposedtobementionedbyanyone.GrannylookedatDaddy."Yes,"shesaid."Iknowyoudid.Allthesame,Istillsayyoudon'treally1...""Yes,Daddydoes,yes,Daddydoes,"beganClare,whoalwaysrushedtoherfather'shelpifGrannyattackedhim.Grannyattackedeveryoneattimes."Yes,Daddydoes,yes,Daddydoes,yes...""Clare!"saidMummy."Fetchtheiodine,please—ATONCE!"Mr.Blacklovedallthefussandbother.Hepurredasloudlyasasewingmachine!"He'safraud,"saidDaddyunderhisbreathtoClare.Shenodded."Yes—buthe'sanicefraud!"sheanswered.Mr.Black'sadventurewasthebiggestthingthathappenedinthosefewquietweekswhenthecrocusesgaveplacetotheearlydaffodils,andprimrosesbegantocomeoutinthedell.Franciswentonwithhispretending,andhispretend-dog,Paddy,wentwithhimeverywhere.ClaretriedtolearnknittingfromGranny,whothoughtitwastimeshewastaught—butGrannywasTheChildrenatGreenMeadows27



tooimpatientateacherandClarewastoohot-temperedapupil,soitdidn'tcometoanything.Sam'sgreatthrillwashisnewwhistle,whichhepractisedsocontinuallythathenearlydroveeveryonemad.Samwasupsettothinkhisfamilydidn'tsharehisdelightinthisgreatnewgiftofhis,andatlasthetooktogoingtothestables,andshuttinghimselfin.Therehewhistledtohisheart'scontent—tryinghishardesttowhistleatune,butneverquitesucceeding!Andthensomethingquiteunusualhappened.IthappenedtoFrancisoneeveningwhenhewasgoinghomefromaScouts'meeting.Asusualhehadhispretend-dog.Paddy,withhim.Therewasnooneinthelanehewaswalkingdown,sohegavehisdogpracticeincomingtohimwhenhewhistled.HehadhisScoutwhistlewithhim,andheblewit.ThenhesignalledwithhishandtoPaddy,whowassupposedtobeahundredorsoyardsaway.Paddygallopedupatoncewhenthewhistlesounded."Good,Paddy!"saidFrancis."Verygood!Tryagain.Thistime,stopwhenIputupmyhandlikethis!"ThedogwassorealtohimthatFrancisactuallythoughthecouldseethedog'stailwagging,andhispinktonguehangingoutofhismouth.Hecouldhearthedogpanting!Pretendscanbevery,veryreal.,"Runofftothesameplace,Paddy,"saidFrancis."WhenIwhistle,comerunning—butstopwhenIputupmyhand.Stopdead!Now!"Hewhistled—andthentwosecondslaterputuphishand."Good!"calledFrancis."Gooddog!Nowcometoheelandwalkwithyournosejusttouchingmyankle."Hecouldalmostfeelthedog'snosetouchinghisankleashebegantowalkdownthelaneagain.And

28



thenheheardsomethingthatmadehimjump.Itwasaloudjeeringlaugh."Haha!You'recrazy,aren'tyou?Talkingtoadogthatisn'tthere!"Francislookedallroundbutcouldseenobody.Thenheheardanoisenearby,andaboysliddownatree,leapingtothegroundfromthelowestbranch.HewasabittallerthanFrancis,aboutthirteen,dutyanduntidy.Hishairstoodupinashock,darkbrownandcurly,andhismouthwascurvedinajeeringgrin.Francisdidn'tknowwhattosay.Hecouldn'tpossiblyexplaintoanyoneaboutPaddy,thedoghehadmadeup—especiallynottoajeeringboylikethis.Sohejustsaidnothingandwalkedon.Theboyputhisfingerstohismouthandgavesuchashrill,piercingwhistlethatFrancisjumped."Paddy,Paddy!"calledtheboy,tryingtoimitateFrancis'svoice."Gooddog,then.Walktoheel!That'sright-nosetomyankle!"Franciswasspeechless.Theboyactuallybentdownandpretendedtopatadog!ThenhebegantowalktowardsFrancis,lookingdownasifthedogwereathisheels."Good!"hesaid."Fine!""Shutup,"saidFrancis,temperwellingupinhimsuddenlyandpowerfully."Yah!"saidtheboy."He'smydognow!Hewon'tfollowyouanymore!I'mgoingtotakehimhometolivewithmyowndog.Hewantscompanionship!""Isaidshutup,"saidFrancis,andhefelthisfistsclenchingthemselvestightly."You'reaScout.Scoutsmustn'tfight.Naughty,naughty!"saidtheaggravatingboy."Whydon'tyougetarealdog,insteadofasillypretendone?You'repotty!"

29



Francissaidnothing.Hewassoangrynowthathecouldn'tevenspeak."I'vegotabeauty!"saidtheboy."Youshouldseehim,he'sa—well,he'sasortofspaniel:buthe'sreal,notlikeyoursillyPaddy-dog!Pooh!Here,Paddy,Paddy,letmeputaleadonyouandtakeyouhometoRex.Comeon,boy!"Andtheboybentdownandpretendedtotieabitofstringtoadog'scollar.Francisneverreallyknewwhathappenedthen—hejustfelthisfisthittingtheboy'sdown-bentface—biff!AndthensomethingstruckFrancisonthesideofthehead—thebigboy'sclenchedfist.Thefightwason!Biff!Thud!Biff!Itcouldonlyendoneway.Theotherboywastallerandstronger—andinhalfaminute'stimeFrancisfoundhimselflyingflatontheground,seeingstarsallroundhim!Theotherboywentoff,laughingloudly.Andtomakethingsworse,hewascallingPaddy."Paddy.Comealongthen!Don'tyouevenbothertolickhiswounds!He'snotworthit.Youcomealong^withme!"Francissatup,feelingdazed.Thelaneseemedtogoroundandroundhim,hedgesandall.Heshuthiseyes,feelingsuddenlyashamedofhimself.HewasaScout—andyethehadprovokedafightwithanotherboy.Hehadn'teventheexcusethathehadhadtodefendhimself.But—howcouldhehavehelpedit?Theboyhadjeeredandsneeredathissecret—andhadactuallysaidhehadgotPaddyonaleadandwasgoingtotakehimhome!Francisstoodupandwenttoleanoveranearbygate.Hefeltinamuddle.Hetriedtosortitout,buthecouldn't.Hefeltthathehaddoneright,itwastheonlythinghecoulddo—yetheknewitwaswrongtoo.

30



Hewenthome,hopingthathedidn'tlooktoodreadful.Hislefteyefeltverytender,andhisrightcheekfeltstrange.Hecouldseequitealotofitwithhisright«ye,andusuallyhecouldn'tseehischeeksatall!Heslippedinatthegardendoor,hopingthathecouldgetuptohisbedroomunseen.HisGrannyheardhimandcalledhim."Isthatyou,Francis?Comeinhereaminute,willyou?""I'lljustgoupstairsfirstandwash,Granny,"calledFrancis,andrushedupthestairsbeforehisgrandmothercouldseehim.Hewentintohisroomand.lookedintotheglassonthewall.Gracious!Whatasighthelooked!WhataDREAD-FULsight!Hislefteyewasalmostshutnow,andapurplebruisewascominguproundit.HisrightcheekWasredandswollen.HehurriedlywenttothebathTheChildrenatGreenMeadows

31



roomandbegantobathehisfaceincoldwater.Hisheartsuddenlysank—Grannyhadcomeupstairsafterhim,crossbecausehehadn'tcomewhenshecalledhim."Francis!Whydidn'tyou..."shebegan,andthenstopped."Whatareyoubathingyourfacefor?Areyouhurt?""I'mallright,Granny,thankyou,"saidFrancis,desperately."I'mjustcoming."Grannyliftedhisheadandmadehimlookather."You'rehurt!You'vehadanaccident!What'shappened?""Nothing.Itellyouit'snothing,"saidFrancis."Justalittleswelling.""You'vebeenfighting!"saidGranny,hihorror."Don'tdenyit!YouaScouttoo!Oh,tothinkofit!"Shewentdownstairs.Francisfeltmiserable.Heheldhisnoseandputhiswholeheadintothebasinofwater,hopingthatthatwouldhelphiseyeandcheek.Hefeltataponhisshoulderandtookhisheadoutofthewater.ItwasClare."Francis!What'shappened?Granny'stellingeveryoneyou'vebeenfighting.Areyouhurt?""No!"saidFrancis,fiercely."Allthisfuss!Anyonewouldthinktherehadneverbeenafightbefore!""Butyou,Francis—you'resopeaceful,"saidClare."Francis—dotellmewhatitwasallabout?Idowanttoknow.It'sthefirstfightourfamilyhaseverbeenin."Francisdriedhisfaceverygingerlyindeed,andbrushedandcombedhishair."Youlookawful,"saidClare."Don'tyoufeelimportant,Francis,lookinglikethatbecauseofafight?""Whyaregirlssosilly?"explodedFrancis,whowaslongingtobealoneandatpeace,sothathecouldthink

32



outallthathadhappenedsoverysuddenly.HepushedClareasideandwenttohisroom.Clarefollowed."Mothersaysyouaretocomestraightdown,"saidClare."Anddon'tyoupushmeaboutlikethat.""Ifyoudon'tgoawayatonceI'llshoveyou,"saidpoorFrancis.Claredisappeared.Francisglaredathimselfintheglass:whatasight!Well,itwasn'tanygoodstayingupinhisroom—thewholefamilywouldbetrailingupthestairstofindhim!Hemightaswellgodownandfacethemusic.Sodownhewent.Assoonasheopenedthedoorofthesitting-roomeveryonelookedup.Thereweresuddengaspsandexclamations."Francisdear!Yourpoorface!""WhatdidItellyou?He'sbeenfighting!""Hewouldn'ttellmeathing!"saidClare.Samjuststaredsolemnlyafterhisfirstgasp.HowpeculiarFrancislooked—notlikeFrancisatall."Howdidithappen,dear?"askedhismother,gently.Shepulledhimtoher.Thankgoodness—shewasn'tgoingtobetoocross!Franciswasrelieved.Whatabouthisfather?Wouldhebeangry,likeGranny?ItwasGrannywhoscoldedhimloudlyandangrily.Nobodyelsesaidaword.Atlasthisfatherinterrupted."That'senough,"hesaid."Leavetheboyalone.He'snotonetofightwithoutreason—andmostboysgetintofightssoonerorlater.EvenScoutshavetofighttodefendthemselves!Didsomeoneattackyou,Francis?"Francislongedtosay"Yes—andIhadtodefendmyself."Butitwaswrongandcowardlytolielikethat,andhewasn'tgoingtobegin.Heshookhishead."Whathappenedthen?"saidhisfather,inastonishment."Pleasedon'tbesodumb,Francis.Weonly

33



wanttoknow.""I—well—Ijusthitsomeone,that'sall,"saidFrancis."Heer—hesaidand—anddidsomethingIdidn'tlike—andIhithim."Therewasasilence."Soyoubeganthefight?"saidhisfather."Isee.Whatdidtheboysayanddothatyoudidn'tlike?Surelyyoucantellusthat?""No,Ican't,"saidFrancis,shuttingupinhismostsecrethearthispretenceaboutPaddythedog.Hefeltratherpeculiar,forhecouldonlyseeoutofoneeyenow.Theleftonehadgraduallyswelledupandwasshut.Grannybeganagain."Idothink,Ireallydothinkthat...""ThereistobenomoresaidunlessIsayit!"saidDaddy,insuchadeterminedvoicethateveryonewasstartled.Grannystoodup,offended."Verywell,then—ifIcan'tsaywhatIwanttoinmyownhouse,I'llleaveyoutoit!"Andshemarchedout,stiffandstraightasawalking-stick.Mothersighed."Ohdear—whatanupset.Francis,letmeputsomethingonthateye.""Whowonthefight?"saidSam,suddenly."Ididn't,"saidFrancis."Ibettheboywasbiggerandolderthanyou,"saidSam."Elseyou'dhavebeatenhim.Knockedhimdownflat.Biffthud!""Bequiet,Sam,"saidhismother."Comewithme,Francis."Motherwaskind.Sheputsomethingcomfortingonhiseye,andpattedhisshoulder,anddidn'taskhimasinglequestion.Francissqueezedherarm."I'dtellyouifIcould,Mother,butIjustcan't,"hesaid."Notyet,anyhow."

34



"That'sallright,dear.Everybodyhassomesecretorother—andwhynot?"saidMother."Youshouldn'tstartafight,youknowthat;butifyoudidI'mquitepreparedtobelievethatyoujusthadto.Sodon'tfretaboutit."ButFrancisdidfret,ofcourse.SupposetheScoutmastergottohearofit?Supposethatboyspreadthenewsabroadaboutthedoghehadinvented,andeveryonelaughedathim?Suppose,suppose,suppose!Atlasthehadtotellsomeone.HetoldClare.Afterall,shealreadyknewabouthispretenddog,andshewouldn'tlaughifhetoldheritwassomethingserious—surelyshewouldn't?"Clare—comeupintotheoldplayroom,"Francissaid,twodaysafterthefight.Hisfacestilllookedverypeculiar,andhehadhadalotofteasingfromtheboysinhisclass,buthischeekwasnotsoswollennow,andhecouldeatwithoutdifficulty.Clarenodded."Allright.I'lljustfinishlayingthetable,andI'llcome.Shecametojoinhimonthewindow-seatintheplayroom.Francisbeganatonce."It'saboutthefight.35



I'mawfullyworried,Clare,andI'vesimplygottotellsomeone.Butdon'tlaugh,willyou?"Clareshookherheadvigorously."No,ofcoursenot.Tellme."SoFrancistoldherthewholething—howtheboyupthetreehadseenhimteachingPaddy,theinventeddog,tobeobedient,andhowhehadjeeredandlaughed;andatlasthowhehadpretendedtoputPaddyonaleadandtakehimhomewithhim."Oh!Whatahorribleboy,"saidClare."Andyousayhe'dgotadogofhisowntoo?Fancywantingtotakeyours!Nowonderyouhithim.Iwouldhaveto»too.""Itallhappenedsosuddenly,"saidFrancis."WhatworriesmeisthatIhithimfirst—andyousee,ifItellDaddyorMotherorGrannythewholetruth,theywouldthinkIwascrazytostartafightaboutapretenddog.Anyway,Ican'ttellanyoneaboutPaddy!Exceptyou—andyouknew.""Don'tworryaboutit,"saidClare,comfortingly."What'sitmatternow?You'vestillgotPaddy,andifIwereyouI'dteachhimtogoandbitethatboyifeveryouseehimagain.""Ican't,"saidFrancis."Ihaven'tgothimanymore.""Whereishethen?"criedClare,astonished."Well,youknowwhatpretendsare—theysometimesgo,allofasudden,"saidFrancis."Likewhenwepretendedtherewasabearintheoldstablesandwouldn'tgonearthem.Andsuddenlythepretendstoppedandweknewtherewasn'tabearthere.""Yes.Butthatwasbecausewewantedtogoandhuntthroughthatoldjunkintheharnessroom,"saidClare."Still—you'reright.Pretendsdogoallofasudden.HasPaddyreallygone?Perhapsthatboyis

36



TwoUnexpectedFights!pretendinghiminsteadofyou?Whydon'tyougetanotherdog?"Francisstaredather."I'vetriedthat,"hesaid."Butonewon'tcome.Imean—it'sjustpretendandnothingelse.Paddyseemedreal.OhClare,IdowishIhadapetofmyown.Ahorse.Oradog.Orevenpigeons.""Perhapsifyoudidtwogooddeedsadayinsteadofone,you'dgetwhatyouwant,"saidClare."Anyway,I'llputadoginmyprayerseachnightforyou.Docheerup,Francis.It'sawfultoseeyougoingaboutsogloomy.YoumakeMotherworried.""Well,IdofeelbettersinceI'vetoldyou,"saidFrancis,lookingmorecheerful."Don'ttellanyone,willyou?""AsifIshould,"saidClare,scornfully."I'maBrownie,aren'tI?Wellthen,yououghttotrustme.Anyway,youknowIalwayskeepmyword."Sherandownstairs,proudthatFrancishadtoldherhisworryandnooneelse.Thathorridboy!"I'dliketo.smackhimhard!"thoughtClare,fiercely."AndifIevermeethim,Iwill!ButIdon'texpectIevershall!"Shedidthough—theverynextday!

37



ChapterThreeTHATBOYAGAIN!FRANCISwaslatehomefromschoolthenextdayJLbecauseitwashisweektofilltheink-wellsandkeeptheshelvestidy."I'malwaysgladwhenit'saScout'sturntobethemonitorfortheweek,"saidhismaster."Idon'tevenneedtoseeifthejobisdoneproperly.IonlywishthewholeclasswereScouts!"Franciswaspleased.Hespentanextralongtimedoingthejobperfectly.Thenhewenthome,halfanhourlate.ClareandSamwerewatchingforhim,overthewall.TheywantedtotellhimthatGrannyhadbeeninaverygoodtemperalldaylong,andhadboughtsomespecialchocolatebiscuitsfortea."Herehecomes,"saidClaretoSam."Don'tsayawordtillhegetstothegate.Thenwe'llyellout'Chocolatebiscuits',andmakehimjump."Butbeforetheycouldyell,somebodyelseyelledfirst.0Hey!Comehere,Paddy!He'snotyourmasteranymore!Comehere,boy!That'sright,that'sright!"Francisswunground.Theboyhehadfoughtstoodjustacrosstheroad,laughing.Hebentdownandpretendedtopatadog.Hecrossedtheroad,lookingdownasifthedogwasathisheels,andstoodjustunderthewallnearClareandSam.Hedidn'tseethem,hewaswatchingFrancis.

38



"Didyoumissyourdog?"heyelled.Francisswunginthroughthegate,slammedit,andwentupthepath,fuming.Hateful,hatefulboy!Theboylaughedjeeringly—andthenhesuddenlystopped.Someonefellonhim,someonepummelledhimhard,someonepulledhishairandpantedout,"Takethat—andthat—andthat!Oh,younastyhorridthing!"Theboyshookoffthesomeoneandraisedhisfisttostrike.Thenhedroppeditsuddenly.'"Golly!"hesaid."It'sagirl!Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing,youfathead?""This,"saidClare,andhitoutathimfiercely.Theboydodged,theblowmissed,andClarefelloveronthegroundwithabump."Idon'tfightlittlegirls!"saidtheboy."Orlittleboyseither!"headded,asSamsuddenlylandedbesidehim."What'sup,youtwo?Whyareyoubehavinglikethis?""YougivePaddyback,"saidClare,standingupandscowling."Mybrotherlovesdogsandhe'dgiveanythingtohaveoneofhisown.You'vegotone.You'reveryverylucky.Youbecarefulyourdogdoesn'tcometomybrothernowyou'vetakenhis!""Don'tbesilly,"saidtheboy."Paddy'sonlyasillypretend.Asformydog,he'dnever,nevergotoanyoneelse—andIwouldn'tlethim,sothere.""Well,"saidClare,inatremblingvoice,"peoplethatdobad,unkindthingsalwaysgetpunishedforit.AndIwouldn'tbeaBITsurprisedifsomethinghappenstoyourdog.ButyoumaybesureifhecomestoFrancishe'llbewelllookedafter!""You'retalkingnonsense,"saidtheboy,andhelaughed."Mydog'smine.I'vehadhimforfiveyears,andI'llneverneverlethimgo.We'veonlyjustmoved

39



here—intooneoftheflatsinthatblock—andthoughit'ssmallandhasn'tagardenlikeweusedtohave,Rexisquitehappy,becausehe'swithme.Asforthesillypretend-dog,takehim—7don'twanthim!"Theboybentdown,pretendedtopatadog,andtoundoalead."Youcango,"hesaid."Idon'twantyou,Paddy."HemadesucharealisticlittlewhinethatClareandSamjumped.Theboylaughedatthem."Good-bye,"hesaid."Anddon'tyougojumpingontoomanypeoplelikethat,littlegirl!Ishallpullyourhairhardifyoujumponmeagain!""Youwon't,"saidSam,fiercely,speakingforthefirsttime."I'llpullyourstoo,tiddler!"saidtheboy,andwentoff,stilllaughing.Thetwochildrenstaredafterhim."Horrid,horrid,hatefulboy!"saidClare,andstampedherfoot.Theyrantotheirfrontgateandwentin.TheywenttofindFrancisandtellhimwhathadhappened.Hestaredinalarm."Clare!Youmustn'tdothingslikethat!You'reagirl\Girlsdon'tbehavelikethat.Andyou'reaBrownietoo!""Iknowlotsofgirlsthatwouldbehavelikethat,"saidClaredefiantly."AndaBrowniehastostickupfortheright,hasn'tshe?""Shewasbrave,"saidSam,inhisslowsolemnvoice."Verybrave.Shewasn'tabitafraidofthebigboy.""AndheletPaddyfree,sohe'syoursagain,"saidClare,tryingtomakeFrancissmile.Heshookhishead."No.Itoldyouthepretendhadgone.Itwasasillyone.I'mtoobigtoinventthingsnow.Let'sforgetaboutit.""WheredidyourPaddy-dogsleep?"askedSam,

40



suddenly."Ineverheardyoutalkingtohiminourbedroom.""Icleanedouttheolddog-kennel,"saidFrancis."Hesleptthere.Comeandlook.It'sgotstrawinsideandall!"Hetookthemtoacornerofthegarden,wheretheolddog-kennelstoodthatGranny'sdogshadslepthilong•go.Itwascleanandspotlessinside,andhadaheapofstrawthere,flatteneddownasifadoghadactuallylleptonit.Outsidestoodabowlofwater."Inevernoticedtheoldkennelwascleanedout,"saidClare."Sam—comehere!Look,Francis,he'sgettingintothekennel!Sam!"Samcrawledrightintothekennel,andthenturnedroundandlookedout,beaming."Woof,"hesaid,Mwoof!I'mhungry.Getmeachocolatebiscuit.WOOOOOOF!"FrancisandClareroaredwithlaughter.ClarepulledSamoutanddustedthestrawfromhisclothes."You'reanidiot!"saidFrancis,suddenlylookingcheerful."Nowlet'sforgetPaddyandnevermentionhimagain.Iwassilly."41



Claresuddenlyrememberedhernews."Grannyhasbeeninaverygoodtemperallday,"shesaid,"andshehasgotussomechocolatebiscuitsfortea—heapsofthem.We'dbettergoin,elseshe'llforgethergoodtemperandtakethebiscuitsaway!Comeon."Theyallwentindoors,andFrancisexplainedthathecouldn'thelpbeinglate,becausehewasroommonitorthatweek.Grannynoddedapprovingly."ThenIknowyou'ddoeverythingwell,"shesaid."Youreye'slookingbetterto-day,Francis.Haveyouseenthatboyagain,theonewhofoughtyou?"Daddyclearedhisthroatwarningly."Granny.Nomoreistobesaidaboutthat."ClarekickedSamunderthetable,andgavehimalittlesecretsmile.AgoodthingDaddyhadsaidthat—orpoorFranciswouldhavehadtotellabouttheafternoon'shappeningsoverthewall!Grannydidn'tlikeDaddyputtinghisfootdown,andshefrowned.Clarelookedatheranxiously,hopingthatnothingwouldhappenbeforethechocolatebiscuitswerealleaten.Motherchangedthesubjectsmoothly,athingshewasverygoodat."Hasanyonecountedthedaffodilsoutinthedellyet?"shesaid."Icountedtwenty-nineyesterday.Rememberthatassoonastherearemorethanthirtywecanpicksomeforthehouse.You'lldothat,Clare,won'tyou?""Ohyes,"saidClare.Shelovedpickingthemandarrangingthem.ThankgoodnessMotherhadchangedthesubject!"I'llputsomeinGranny'sroomfirst,theninyoursandDaddy's,andtheninours.""No,getsomeforthetablefirst,"saidGranny,pleasantly."Thenwecanallsharethem.Areyoureadyforachocolatebiscuit,Sam?""Ooooohyes.Quite,"saidSam.42



"Quitewhat?"askedGranny,holdingtheplateawayfromhim."Quiteready,"saidSaminsurprise."Oh—quiteplease,Imean.Thankyou,Granny!""Manners,manners,manners,"saidGranny."WhenIwaslittleandforgotmyP'sandQ's,mynursecutoutawholelotofletters—allP'sandQ's—andpinnedthemonmyfrock.EachtimeIrememberedshetookoneoff—andeachtimeIforgotshepinnedoneon.""Oh!Howexciting!"saidClare."Granny,dodoittome!Pleasedo!""Itwasapunishment,"saidGranny."Notatreat.John,whyareyoulaughing?"SheturnedtoDaddy,whowaslaughingloudly,athinghedidn'toftendo.Motherbegantolaughtoo."We'reonlylaughingbecausewhatyouthinkwasapunishmentClarewantsforatreat,"shesaid."ButGranny—it'sonlybecauseClarehasgoodmannersthatshewantstheP'sandQ'spinnedon,sheknowsquitewellthatshewouldn'thavethepaperletterspinnedonherformorethanfiveminutes!""Didyouhavethemonforhoursandhours,Granny?"askedSam,solemnlystaringather.ThenGrannybegantolaughtoo."Ican'tremember,"shesaid."Now—let'sfinishupthebiscuits,shallwe?They'resonice."AfterteaClarewentoutintothegardentopickthedaffodils.Theywerelovely."You'redancing!"saidClare."Doyoulikethewind,daffodils?Yes,youdo,becauseyou'renoddingyourheadsatme!"Shecountedthem.Therewerefifty-three."Twenty-nineyesterday,fifty-threeto-day,"shesaid."Icanpickthemallbutthirty—howmany'sthat?"43



Itwasanicebigbunch.Clarepickedsomeofthelonggreenleavestoo.Shewasjustturningtogowhensheheardavoice."Isay!"Clarestoodstill,startled.Wheredidthevoicecomefrom?Shelookedallroundbutcouldn'tseeanyone.Itcameagain,moreurgently."Isay\""Whereareyou?"saidClare."Ican'tseeyou.Areyouinthegarden?""Yes.Here,"saidthevoice,andfrombehindathicktangledmassofbushessteppedaboy.Theboy—theonewhohadbeeninthefightwithFrancis,andwhohadbeensmackedandpummelledbyClareonlyanhourorsoago."Whatareyoudoinghiourgarden?"saidClare,atonce."You'retrespassing!Goaway.Ishallgoandtellmymotheratonceifyoudon't!""No,listen,"saidtheboy."I'mnottrespassingreally.Iwanttospeaktoyourbrother—what'shisname—Francis,isn'tit?It'sveryurgent.""Whatdoyouwanttospeaktohimabout?"demandedClare."Idon'tlikeyou.You'reahorridboy.YougoawayorI'llyellformymother.""No,pleasedon't,"saidtheboy,andhecamenearer."Pleasefetchyourbrother.Pleasedo."Clarestaredathim.Hiseyeswerered.Hewascrying!Abigboylikethat!Whateverwasthematter?"I’llfetchFrancis,"shesaid."Waithere."ClareflewofftofindFrancis,thedaffodilsstillhiherhands.Whatwasthatboycryingabout?Shehadneverseensuchabigboycrybefore.Itseemedquiteshocking.EvenSamhardlyevercried."Francis!"shecalled."Francis!Whereareyou?"44



"He'supinhisroom,"saidGranny."Don'tshoutso,Clare.Youmademejump."ClareflewpastGrannyandpastherfatherinhiswheelchair.SheranupstairstoFrancis'sroom.HewastheregettingreadyhisScoutuniformforameetingnextday.Clareraninandshutthedoor,panting."What'sup?"saidFrancis,surprised."Francis—youknowthatboyyoufought—theoneIjumpedonthisafternoon,whotookPaddyawayfromyou?Well,he'soutinthedellandhewantsyou.""Whatfor?"saidFrancis,withascowl."Anotherfight?""No.He'scrying,"saidClare,droppinghervoice.Francislookedatherhisurprise."Crying?Whatfor?Ibethe'snot.He'stoobig!""Heis,Itellyou.Iorderedhimoutofthegarden,buthestillkeptonbeggingmetofetchyou.Ithinkhejustbeintroubleofsomesort.""Well,hecan'texpectmetogethimoutofit,"saidFrancisgrimly,gettingup."Idon'tfeelatallfriendlytowardshim.Allright—I'llgoandseewhathewants.""ShallIcometoo?"askedClare."No.I'llcallyouifIwantto.AndwarnSamnottocomebuttingin,"saidFrancis."I'lltakehimintof*thestablesandseewhathewants."Hewentdownstairs.Clarefollowedhim,andgotaVisefromthecupboardtoputthedaffodilsinforthetable.Shewonderedandwonderedwhattheboyhadcomefor.Shesimplycouldn'timagine.ShefoundSamandtoldhim.Hecouldn'timagineeither.Francisfoundtheboybehindabushatthebackofthedell.Hewasn'tcrying,buthiseyeswerestillred.HesmiledweaklyatFranciswhenhesawhimcoming.45



What'sup?"saidFrancis."Icallitcheekofyoutocomehereandsendmysisterforme.""Itisn'treally,"saidtheboy."Somethingawful'shappened—andIthoughtyoumighthelp.""Comeintothestables,"saidFrancis,andledtheway."We'llbealonethere.Ican'tthinkhowIcanhelpyou,andIdon'tfeelasifIwantto."TheboywentintothestablesafterFrancis,andthe

“

doorwasshutbehindthem."Now,"saidFrancis."Tellmewhat'sthematter.""It'smydog,"saidtheboy,andswallowedhard."Mydog,Rex."Hestoppedandcouldn'tgoon."Well,whataboutyourdog?"askedFrancis."Idon'tseewhatyourdoghastodowithme.Idon'tfeelinterestedinyourdogafteryourbehaviourtome.""Iknow.I'msorryaboutthatnow,"saidtheboy."Itwasmeanofme.ButI'vebeenpunishedforit—becausemydog—myveryowndog—isgoingtobetakenawayfromme.""Notbecauseofourfight!"saidFrancis,astonished."No.Nooneknowsaboutthat,"saidtheboy."Look,myname'sDanOldham,andIliveinoneofthe46



newflatsinthatbigblocknotfaroff.Andwe'vejustbeentoldthatnooneisallowedtokeeppetsintheflats.See?""Oh.Soyoucan'tkeepRex,"saidFrancis."That'sbadluck!""Badluck!It'sworsethanbadluck!"saidDan,andhiseyesbegantoswellwithtearsagain."He'sgoingtobesentawayforgood,tomyUncleTom.Hedoesn'tlikedogs,sooldRexwillbechainedupalldaylong,he'llneverhaveawalk—and—andIexpectthey'llforgethiswaterandwon'tgivehimenoughstraw,and..."Hecouldn'tsayanymore.Herubbedhishandsoverhiseyesandturnedaway."I'manidiot,Iknow,"hesaid."ButI'vehadhimforfiveyears,andhe'smine.Fancyneverseeinghimagain,orfeelinghimlickme,orjumpupatmetowelcomemehome!You'veneverhadadogofyourown,soyoudon'tknow.""Icanguess,though,"saidFrancis."Howawful,Dan!Won'ttheyreallyletyoukeephim?""No.MyDadsayswe'llbeturnedoutoftheflatifwekeepanypets.Wedidn'tknowthatbeforewecame.Well,Mumwon'tbeturnedoutofhernicenewflat—she'swaitedforitforyears.SoRexhasgottogo.Ionlyheardthisevening,justafterI'dleftthatkidsisterandbrotherofyours."Dansatdownonaboxandranhishandsthroughhismopofhair."Whydidyoucometome?"askedFrancisafterawhile."Toaskyousomething.Tobegyoureally,"saidDan."Youlovedogs,don'tyou?Iknowyoudo,becauseofthatpretenddogyouhad.I'mterriblysorryIlaughedatyounow:thisseemsasortofjudgmentonmeforbeingbeastly.Well—Iwanttoknowthis—couldyouhavemydoghereforme?You'vegot47



abiggarden,there'splentyofroom.I'dbringhisfoodforhim,andtakehimforwalks...."Francissatsilent.Danlookedathimbeseechingly.HeputouthishandandtouchedFrancisonthearm."You'reaScout.Haveyoudoneyourgooddeedfortoday?Thiswouldbetheverybestgooddeedyoueverdid!"Francislookedathim."I'vedonetwogooddeedstoday,"hesaid."Butthere'snoreasonwhyIshouldn'tdoathird,if..."Danleaptupinexcitement,hiseyesshining."Doyoumeanyou'llhaveRex?"healmostshouted."Sitdownandlisten,"saidFrancis."Anddon'tgettooexcited,becauseIcan'tforthelifeofmeseehowwe'regoingtomanageadoghere.Idon'tbelieveDaddywouldallowone.Motherwouldsayheleftdirtyfoot-marksjustwhenshehadcleanedthefloor...""Buthasn'tyourmothergotsomeonetohelpherinthisbighouse?"saidDan,wonderingly."Shedoesn'tdoeverythingherself,doesshe?""Wehelp,ofcourse,"saidFrancis."Butwe'repoor,becausemyfathergothurtinthewarandhecan'twork.Andthenthere'smyGranny—nowletmesee.Idon'tknowaboutGranny.Shesimplylovesanimals—butwehadtosendherdogThumperaway,becausehewasaGreatDaneandatetoomuch,anditnearlybrokeherheart.Shemightnotwantanotherdog.""Isee,"saidDan."Well—needwetellanyone?Rexisanawfullygooddog.Hewon'tbarkunlessburglarscome,andyouwouldn'tmindthat,wouldyou?AndI'llfeedhimandlookafterhim,andeverything,ifyoudon'tmindmecomingintoyourgarden.Honestly,Rexwon'tbeabitofanuisance.You'lllovehim.""IexpectIshould,"saidFrancis,alittlestirof48



excitementcomingoverhimatthethoughtofadoginthegarden."IfIdogettolikehim,Imightwanttotakehimforafewwalksmyself,Dan."Therewasapause."Well,"saidDanatlast,"wecouldtakehimforwalkstogether.Er—IwanttopayyouforkeepingRexforme,Francis.Igethalf-a-crownaweekpocket-money,butMumpaysforRex'sfood.IfIgiveyoutwoshillingsaweek,wouldthatbeenoughforyou?I'llgiveyouthewholehalfcrown,ofcourse,ifitisn't.""Iwouldn'twantanypay,"saidFrancis,goingred."I'maScout.Idogooddeedsfornothing.IfyouwereaScoutyou'dunderstand.""Golly!"saidDan,"there'ssomethinginbeingaScoutifitmakesyoulikethat.Francis—areyougoingtotrykeepingRexforme?I'llmakeituptoyousomehow,Ireallywill,evenifyouwon'tletmepayyouhimoney.Comeon.""I'mgoingtocallClareandSam,"saidFrancis.11I'llseewhattheysay."Hewentoutofthestablesandshoutedforhisbrotherandsister.Theycameatonce,fortheyhadbeenhangingabouthopefullynearthestables.

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Soonallfourwerehavingagreatdiscussion.AssoonasClareandSamheardofDan'stroubletheywereonhissideatonce.Fightsandquarrelswereforgotten.Rexwastheonlythingthatmattered."Ofcoursewe'llhaveRex,"saidClare."Haveyouforgottenhowyougotthatoldkennelclean,andputstrawinit,Francis?""No.Ihadn'tforgotten,"saidFrancis."It'salmostasifithadbeengotreadyforthisverything.It'srightoutofthewaytoo—nobodyevergoesintothatpartofthegarden.Wecouldputsomewireroundandmakeakindoflittleyard,sothatRexwouldn'tstrayintotheotherpartandgivehimselfaway.""Yes.Wemustkeepthisasecret,"saidClare."Idon'tbelieveMotherorDaddyorGrannywouldwantRex—forvariousreasons.Hemustbeasecret.Asecret!Whatalovelysecret!Adogofourown!""No,"saidDanatonce."He'llstillbemine,allmine.That'sunderstood.""Butwecansharehim,can'twe?"saidClare."Hesoundssuchanicedog,Dan—youwon'tmind,surely,ifwegetfondofhim?""Well—we'llsee,"saidDan,jealously."Anyway,Ican'tstopyoudoingwhatyoulike.You'remyonlyhope.Andit'sjollydecentofyoutohelpme,consideringthemeanthingIdidtoFrancis.""We'veforgottenthat,"saidFrancis."Wedon'teverneedtomentionitagain.""I'msorryIhityousohardnow,"saidDan."Youmusthavehadanawfuleye.""Isaidforgetit,"saidFrancisimpatiently."Let'stalkaboutwhenandhowwe'regoingtohaveRex.""CouldhecomeonSaturday?"askedDan."That'swhenalldogshavetobeoutoftheflats.I'llbringhimthen—50



andhisownblanketandbowls.He'llbemiserableatfirst,butifItellhimI'mcomingthenextdayandwarnhimnottowhine,he'llbeasgoodasgold.""Goodness,doesheunderstandeverythingyousay?"saidClare."Prettywell,"saidDan."Myword,it'saloadoffmyheart,Icantellyou.You'rejollydecentkids—andifeverIcandosomethinginreturnIwill."Rexwaswellandtrulydiscussed.ThethreechildrenfeltasiftheyknewhimverywellindeedwhentheyhadheardallthatDanhadtosayabouthim."Youknow,"saidDan,atlast,"it'saveryqueerthingthatyoursistersaidtomethisafternoon.'Youbecarefulthatyourdogdoesn'tcometomybrother!'AndIlaughed.Butsureenough,it'shappened.""Yes,itwasfunnyIsaidthat,"saidClare,lookingstartled."Veryqueer."Dangotuptogo.HeheldouthishandsolemnlytoFrancis."Manythanks,"hesaid."I'llneverforgetthis.""That'sallright,"saidFrancis,andshookhandsvigorously.Clareheldoutherhand,andthenSamheldouthis.ThisrathersolemnmomentwasbrokensuddenlybyGranny'svoice."Francis!Clare!Sam!Whereintheworldareyou?FRANCIS!""Wemustgo,"saidFrancis."Stayheretillwe'vegoneindoors,thenslipouthome.SeeyouonSaturday—andgoodluck,Dan!"

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ChapterFourANEXCITINGSECRETThethreechildrenweresoexcitedattheideaof-LkeepingDan'sdogforhimthattheycouldtalkofnothingelsewhentheywerebythemselves."Won'titbelovely?"saidClare."Iknowhe'llstillbeDan'sdog,buthe'llreallyseemlikeourown.""Ihopeitdoesn'tmatternottellinganyone,"saidFrancis."ButIcan'tseethatwearedoinganythingbuthelpsomeoneintrouble.IwonderwhatRexislike—Dansaidhewasasortofspaniel.""Ishalllikehimanyhow,"saidSam.GrannyputherheadroundthedoorofClare'sbedroom,wheretheywereallsittingtalking."Whatareyoudiscussingupheresosecretly?"sheasked."Clare,yourmotherisdoingtheironing—willyougoandhelpher?ABrowniepromisestohelpinthehouse,youknow."Clarefrowned.Shedidhelpinthehouse.Infact,shewasverygoodinthehouse,doingplentyofjobswhenshewouldmuchratherhavebeenreadingorplaying."I'mcoming,Granny,"shesaid,rathershortly."Well,youneedn'tsayitlikethat,"saidGranny,whoseemedcross."Ioughtn'ttohavetocomeandfetchyou.""Youcouldhavecalledme,"saidClaresulkilyasshewentoutoftheroom.Ohdear,whydidGranny

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alwaysrubherupthewrongway?Grannywassoverykindatheart,shewoulddoanythingforanyofthem—butshewasalwaysafterthemforsomething,especiallyClare!Clarewentslowlydownthestairs,stillfrowning—butbeforeshereachedthebottomshebeganthinkingaboutDan'sdogagain,andsheskippedthelastthreestairsindelight.Greatplansweremadebythethreechildren."There'ssomewire-nettinginthestables,"saidFrancis."Ithinkthere'senoughtomakeakindofyardforthedog—bigenoughforhimtorunupanddownin,anyway.""Weshallwantsomestakestoholdupthewirehereandthere,"saidClare."Haveweany?""Yes,"saidSam."Iknowwhere."Samknewwhereeverythingwas.Hekneweverycornerofthehouseandgarden.WhenanyonewantedanythingtheyalwayswenttoSam."Good.Thenyoucanfindthestakesandbringthem,"saidFrancis."Goodthingwe'vegotthekennel—suchaniceonetoo.PlentyofroomforRex.""Yes.Andallcleanedout,withstrawandeverythingready!"saidClare."I'llgiveRexfreshwatereveryday.Ishallliketodothat.""No.That'smyjob,"saidFrancisatonce."Remember,DanaskedmetolookafterRex.I'mresponsibleforhim.""Well—IexpectDanwillwanttogivehimhisfreshwater,"saidClare."Hedoesn'treallywantustolookafterRex,he'sjealousthatweshould—buthe'sjustgottoletusbecauseifwedon'the'lllosehim.""Hecan'tgivehimwater,"saidSam."Thetapisinthescullery,andhe'dbeenseengoingthere.""Yes.That'strue,"saidFrancis.Theyfellsilent,thinkingofallthethingstheymightdoforRex.Sam

53



begantowhistle."Don't!"saidClare."Yourwhistleisdreadful,Sam.Whydoyoukeeponwhistling?""IwasonlywhistlingbecauseIfeelhappy,"saidSam,lookinghurt."Iwaswhistling'It'sahap-hap-happyday'.""Well,nobodywouldknowit,"saidClare."Itmightjustaswellhavebeen'GodsavetheQueen'.Iwishyouhadn'tlearnttowhistle,Sam.YoudriveGrannymad.""Allright.I'lltrynotto,"saidpoorSam."ButitsortofcomeswheneverIfeelspeciallyhappy.""Whistle,then,"saidFrancis,givinghimafriendlypunch."Iknowthatfeeling.""WeoughttogoandtalktoRexasmuchaswecan,"saidClare."He'llbelonelywithoutDan."Everyoneagreedheartily."Ishallcleanouthiskennel,"saidSamfirmly."Youwillnot,"saidFrancis,justasfirmly."That'smyjob.""Don'tbemean.Takeitinturns,"saidClare."AsaBrownie,Ithinkthat'stherightthingtodo.""AsaCub,Iagree,"saidSam,solemnly.Theyalllaughed."Thisdogisgoingtobeterriblyspoilt,"saidFrancis."Wouldn'titbedreadfulifhedidn'tlikeus?"Thiswasanawfulthought.Clarechangedthesubject."We'llhavetohopethatnoneofthegrown-upsdiscoverRex,"shesaid."It'sapitytohavetokeephimasecretfromthem—butitwouldbesodreadfulifRexwassentawaytoDan'shorriduncle.""I'mgoingtofindthewire-netting,"saidFrancis,gettingup."MotherandGrannyareout.OnlyDaddyisin.It'sagoodmomenttogo."

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"PooroldDaddy.He'dliketojoininthis,I'msure,andhelptoputupthewire,"saidClare."Iwishhisbackwouldgetbetter.Iwishhewaslikeotherfathers,andcouldworkandgetaboutandenjoythings.He'ssopatient,sittingtherealways,watchingotherpeoplerushabout.""Yes,andeachtimethedoctorthinksofsomenewtreatment,he'sasexcitedasweareaboutRex—andthenitcomestonothing,andhe'sbackwherehewas,"saidFrancis."WhenI'mgrownup,"saidSam,seriously,"I'mgoingtobeadoctor—averycleverone.AndthefirstthingI'mgoingtodoistocureDaddy.""You'vesaidthataboutahundredtimes,"saidClare."ButIquitebelieveyou.Youhardlyeverchangeyourmindaboutanything,likeIdo.Docomeon.Mummywillbebackbeforewe'vedoneathing."Theygotthewire-netting,andSamfoundthestakesintheheapofjunkintheharnessroom.Theywerejustright.Francisgotthepliers,andtheydraggedthewireandthestakestothedistantcornerofthebiggarden.Itwasrightoutofsightofthehouse,andastherewasnopathanywherenearit,itwasaperfectspottohideadog.Bushesandtreesscreenedthecomerfromview.Thekennelstoodthere,bigandclean,strawstickingoutofit.Samrubbedhishandsandbegantowhistleloudly.Clarelaughed."Happyagain?"shesaid."Getamoveon,Sam.Franciswillsoonbereadyforthestakes.Untiethem."Thethreechildrenwereverybusyindeedforaboutanhour.Thewirewasunrolledandsetup.Francisclippedittosizewiththepliers.Heforgotwhatsharpedgescutwirenettinghas,andgotseverelyscratchedonhisrighthand.

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"You'rebleeding!"saidSam."I’llgettheiodine,"andhetoreoffonhisshortlegs."Don'tfuss!"shoutedFrancis."He'snotfussing,"saidClare."Cutslikethatoughttobecleanedout.IfRexcuthislegyou'dcleanitandputiodineonit,wouldn'tyou?Well,you'rebetterthanadog!Itwon'ttakeaminute."Samcamewalkingback.Noneofthemeverranwhentheywerecarryingbottles,itwassuchasillythingtodo.Grannyhadtaughtthemthatverythoroughly,andhadshownthematerriblescarinsideherrighthandwhichhadbeencausedbyapieceofbrokenglass."Iranwithaglassvase,"shesaid."Ifell,andthevasebrokeandalmostcutmyhandinhalf.Sodon'tyoubesilly,likeme!"Francis'shandwasboundupwithabitofrag,andhewentonwithhiswork.Samdrovestakesintothewireatintervals,andthenettingheldupniceandstraight.Therewasjustenoughtogoallroundthepiecetheyhadchosenforthedog-run.Itlookedgoodwhenitwasfinished.Therewasnogate,butthewirewaslowenoughforthemalltojumpover,thoughSamcouldonlyjustclearit.Itwasquitehighenoughtokeepadogin—unlessitwasadogthatcouldjumpverywellindeed.Francispulledallthestrawoutofthekennelandthenputitbackagain."Youflatteneditdownterribly,Sam,whenyougotintothekennel,"hesaid."Adoglikesniceloosestrawhecancuddleinto.""He'llflattenitdownjustasIdid,"saidSam."Wecanmakehisbedfreshlyeachday,"saidClare."IwishitwasSaturday!"Saturdaycameatlast—andwithitcameDan,leading56



Rex,hisdog.Hecameinatthebackgate,whereallthreechildrenwerewaitingforhiminexcitement."Hallo!"saidDan,wholookedextremelyserious;butthenitwasaseriousbusinesstohandoveradoginthisway."Rex—shakepaws!"Rexheldouthisrightpaw,andshookhandssolemnlywithFrancis,thenwithClare,thenwithSam.Sam

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shookitandshookitandshookit.Rexdidn'tseemtomind."That'senough,"saidDan."Don'tshakehispawoff.Well—whatdoyouthinkofhim?"ThechildrenlookedatRexadmiringly.Hewascertainlyasortofspaniel,butnotquite.Hewasabittoobig,andhistailwastoolong—buthehadthebeautiful,meltingbrowneyesofthetruespaniel,andthelong,drooping,silkyears.Helookedupatthechildrenandwaggedhistailvigorously."He'sbeautiful\"saidClare,anddroppeddownonherkneestopethim."He'sarealdog!"saidFrancis,andpattedthesilkycoat."Aproperdoggykindofdog!""Ilikehimverymuch,"saidSam."Very,very,verymuch."Danlookedasifhewasabouttoburstwithprideanddelight."I'mglad,"hesaidgrufflyandpattedRex."He'snotbad,andhe'sasgoodasgold.Er—Ithinkyou'reawfullydecentkids,allofyou.Idoreally!"Nobodyanswered.Rexwastakingalltheirattention.Pleasedatsomuchfussingherolledoveronhisbackandpedalledhislegsintheair,asifhewasridingabicyclewithfourpedals!"Lookathim!"saidClare,andtickledhim.DanbegantotalktoFrancis,tellinghimallhisarrangements."ItoldmyMum,"hesaid."Shewasn'tverypleasedatfirst—Rexgoingtostrangers.ButIbeggedhersohardthatshegavein.Shethinksit'sjollydecentofyou.""Weshalllovetohavehim,"saidFrancis."Whatabouthisfood?Willyoubringiteverydayorwhat?""Yes.I'llcomeandfeedhim,"saidDan."AndI'llcomeandtakehimforawalkwheneverIcan.But58



youwillhavetogivehimfreshwater—doyoumind?""We'dloveto,"saidFrancis."Isay—haven'tyoukepthimwell?Hiscoatislikesilk,andevenhisearsarebrushed.""Yes,andhisfeatherstoo,"saidDanproudly."Oh,wherearehisfeathers?"saidSam,lookingRexalloverinsurprise."Ithoughtheonlyhadfur.""Theshaggyfuratthebackofhislegsiscalled'feathers',"saidDan,withalaugh."Well,Imustgo.Good-bye,Rex,oldboy.Begood.I'llcomeandseeyouthisevening!"Thebackgateslammed.Danwasgone.Rexstoodlistening,andgavealittlewhine.Wherewashisbelovedmaster?"It'sallright,"saidFrancis,andpattedhim.ButRexdidn'tthinkso.Heranatthewireandfoundthathecouldn'tgetout.Heranallround,butfoundno

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opening.Hesatdownandwhinedagain.Thechildrenmadeafussofhim,afraidthathemightbark.Buthedidn't.Hesuddenlygotupandwalkedtothekennellookingatitwithinterest.Hewentrightinsideandsniffedround.Thechildrencouldhearhissniffsquitewell.Theysoundedquitepleasedsniffs.Therewasalittlethud—andRexpeepedoutofthekennel.Hehadfloppeddownonthestraw,andwasnowlookingoutoftheentrance,masterinhisownlittlehouse."Helikesit!Heknowsit'shis,"saidSam,indelight."Lookathim!"TheyallgazedatRex,wholookedatthemoutofhistrustingbrowneyes.Thenhesuddenlygotup,walkedoutofhiskennelandlickedfirstFrancis,andthenSam,thenClare.Thenhewenttohiswater-bowlanddranknoisily."Heoughttohavesomethingtoeat,"saidClare."He'sgotnothinghecannibbleatifhefeelshungry.Whataboutachocolatebiscuit,Francis?I'vegotoneinmyroomthatIsavedup.""No,certainlynot,"saidFrancisatonce."Chocolatewillmakehimfat.He'sgoingtobefedproperly,likeadog.AndIthinkweoughttoletDanfeedhim;notgivehimsnacksevenourselves.Itwouldn'tbefair.""Iwouldliketobuyhimabonetognaw,"saidSam."IshallaskDan.""Ohdear—IsupposeweoughttoleaveRexandgobacktothehouse,"saidClare."You'vegotaScouts'meetingthismorning,haven'tyou,Francis?AndI'vegottohelpMummy.Sam,you'vegottoruntheerrands.""Iknow,"saidSam."ButMothersaidnottillhalf-pastten.Itisn'tthatyet.Youtwogo.I'llstaywithRextillhalf-pastten,incasehe'slonely."

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Theothertwodidn'tmuchlikeleavingSaminsolepossessionofthespaniel.Itmightbemorefriendlywithhimthanwiththem!Still—itwouldbeniceforRextohavecompanyforalittlewhile.Sothetwoelderoneswentofftogether.TheyheardSambeginningtowhistleveryloudlyindeed."Sam'shappy,"saidClare."Hearhimwhistling!Isn'tRexnice,Francis?Isn'titexcitingtohaveasecretlikethis?"Theywenthappilytotheirjobs,huggingtheirsecret,longingforaminutetosparetorushdowntothespaniel.Motherwaswonderingwheretheywere."I'vecalledandcalled!"shesaid."Wherewereyou?""Inthegarden,"saidFrancis."Sorry,Mother.""Whatwereyoudoing?"saidGranny."Icouldn'tfindevenoneofyou!"FrancisandClaredidn'tknowwhattoanswertothat,sotheysaidnothing.TheydidhopethatGrannywouldn'tpokeandprobeintotheirsecret.Motherneverdidthat.ButdearoldGrannycouldn'tseemtorestunlessshekneweveryone'sthoughtsanddoings.CertainlyGrannygrewverycuriousthatdayasfirstClaredisappearedwhenherjobsweredone,andthenwhenSamhaddonetheerrands,hedisappearedtoo.WhenFranciscamebackfromhisScouts'meetingjustbeforedinner,hechangedintoordinarythings—andthenhedisappearedaswell!"Wherearethey?"wonderedGranny."Nowthey'veallgone!""Letthembe,"saidDaddy."It'salovelyday.Iexpectthey'vegotsomesecretouthithegarden—buildingalittlehouse,orclimbingsometree.They've

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alldonetheirjobs,anddonethemwell.Letthemalone,Granny.""Well!AnyonewouldthinkIwasalwaysafterthem,tohearyoutalk!"saidGranny."They'remygrandchildren,aren'tthey?Andthey'relivinginmyhouse,aren'tthey?Can'tIwonderwheretheyare?""Iwishyou'dsellthehouseandletusgointoasmallerone!"saidDaddywearily."Allthatworkformypoorwife—andthechildrentoo.We'dhaveamucheasiertimeinasmallhouse.IknowI'manoldcrock,notabletoearnanythingordoanything,andit'sdreadfultosithereandwatchyouallslavingyourselvestodeath!"TearsbegantorundownGranny'scheeks.ShewentovertoDaddyandpattedhishand."Poorboy,"shesaid."Iknowit'shardforyou—butmaybethedoctorswillgetyourightoneday,andthenyou'llbegladwekeptthisnicehouseandgarden!Itwasmychildhoodhome,andIlentittoyouwhenyoumarriedmydaughter,anditwouldbreakmyhearttosellitandgo.""Yes,Iunderstand,"saidDaddy."Youdomorethanyoushould,too—Iknowthat.ButIcan'tbearwatchingyoualldoingthingsandnotbeingabletohelpatall,exceptpeelapplesandpotatoesandshellthepeas!Itmakesmecrotchety,itmakesusallonedgewitheachother.Afamilyshouldliveinunityandpeaceandkindliness.Sometimeswedon't."Grannywipedhereyesandmadeuphermindtogostraightoutthatafternoonandbuysweetsforthechildren,newstockingsfortheirmother,andsomecigarettesfortheirfather."I'mabadoldwoman,"shesaid."Crossandpernicketyandnagging.Aren'tI,Mr.Black?"Theenormousblackcathadcomeglidingintotheroom,hisyelloweyesshining.Heleaptstraightup62



intothelittleoldlady'sarms,andpurredloudly."Youandthatcat!"saidDaddy,smiling."He'stheonlypersonwhoneveraggravatesyou,Granny!"GrannysqueezedMr.Blackalittleandhegaveasmallsquealandstruggledtogetdown.Mothercameintotheroomandlookedround."Wherearethechildren?"shesaid."Don'tsaythey'vedisappearedagain!"Theydisappearedcontinuallyforthenextweek!ItwasarrangedthatoutofschoolhoursoneofthemshouldalwaysbewithRex,ifpossible.Hedidn'tbark,buthewasinclinedtowhineifheknewthechildrenwereinthehouse.Theywereterriblyafraidthatsomebodywouldhearhim.Dancameregularlyeveryday,andtookRexforalongwalk.Thedogwentnearlymadwhenheheardandsawhimcoming,butheneveroncebarked.Danhadwarnedhimnottoandtheintelligentcreatureunderstood.Danbroughthimmeateachday,andbiscuits.Heinspectedthewater-bowltoseethatcompletelyfreshwaterhadbeenputintoit.Italwayshad.Francismadeitoneofthefirstjobsofhisday.OnemorningDansawthatthekennelhadbeenshiftedround,andwasnowfacinginanotherdirection."Whyhaveyoumovedthekennel?"heasked."Itlooksfunnyfacingthatway.""Well,"saidFrancis,"we'vebeenhavingsomeverycoldeastwindsthelasttwodays,andRex'skennelwasfacingeast,sothewindblewstraightin.AndIcouldn'thelpthinkinghowcolditmustbetolieinadraughtyeastwindeachnight—soIshiftedthekennelround.Nowheoughttobeniceandsnugatnight.""You'reagoodfriendtohim,"saidDan,gratefully."Doesn'thelookwell?He'shappytoo,isn'the?

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ThoughIthinkhemissesmeawfully.""Oh,hedoes,"saidFrancis."Everytimeanyonecomesinatthebackgate,hestandslistening,hopingit'syou.Buthe'squitehappy.Wealllovehim.""Couldyoutakehimforhiswalkto-morrow?"saidDan."I'vegottogowithmymotherandvisitmyGranny,andIwon'tbeabletocomeafterteaandtakehimout.Buthemusthavehiswalk."Francis'seyesshone."Ohyes.I'dlovetotakehim.Ineverthoughtyou'dletme.Isay,doesn'titmakeadifferencehavingadog?Ican'tthinkwhatwedidwithoutRex—alwayssomeonetopetandtalktoandplaywith.And,youknow,whenIdidthewronghomeworktheotherday,andgotkeptinforanhour,Iwasjollymiserable—andRexseemedtoknow,andhemadeaterrificfussofmewhenIwenttoseehim.""Well,alldogsarelikethat,"saidDan."Theyalwaystakeyourside,youknow—ratherlikemothersdo.Allrightthen;I'llcomeandfeedhimto-morrow,butyou'lltakehimforhiswalk.Manythanks!"ItwasarealthrillforthechildrentogooutwithRex.Grannywasasinquisitiveaseverwhentheysaidtheyallwantedtogoofftogetherforawalk.Sheevenwantedtocometoo,andwasquiteupsetwhentheypolitelysaidno,theyweregoingtoofarforGranny.Theysetoffwhentheythoughtnooneatthehousewaslooking.TheyputRexonhisleaduntiltheygotoutintothelanes.Thentheyslippedhimoff.Heracedoffmadlyandforoneawfulmomentthechildrenthoughthewasn'tcomingback."Hewon'tgototryandfindDan,willhe?"askedClare."Rex!Heel!"calledFrancis.Andthewell-traineddogcamebackatonce,andwalkedjustbehindhim,hisnosealmosttouchingFrancis'sheel.ItremindedhimofPaddy,the64



doghehadinventedonlyalittlewhileago.Francislaughedathimself."HowsillyIwas!Still,hewasbetterthannothing,evenifhewasonlyashadowdog.Here,Rex—fetchthisstick!"TheyhadawonderfultimewithRex,andtheywerealltiredoutwhentheygotbacktotea.Rexfloppeddowninhiskennelwithanenormoussigh,andputhissilkyheadonhisfeet,hislongearsspreadoutbesidehishead."Ifeellikethattoo,Rex,"saidSam,"allfloppy.I'mawfullyhungry.IhopeGrannywon'taskustoomanyquestionsaboutourwalk.IfeelImightbesillyandsaysomethingaboutRex.""Youjollywellwon't!"saidClare,inhorror."You'llgetthebiggestkickunderthetablethatyouevergotinyourlifeifyoudo!"Danturnedupthenextday,beaming."Didhelikehiswalk?Hesayshedid!Look,I'vegotsomethingforyouall.Iboughtthemoutofmypocket-money.Youwouldn'ttakeanypaymentforlookingafterRex,butI'vegottodosomething*."Heheldoutatinofboiledsweets."Oh!Howniceofyou!"saidClare."But—wewanttolookafterRexforlove,notforpayment.""Goon,takethem,"saidDan."MyMumsaidIoughttobringyousweetseveryweekifyouwon'tletmepayyou.""Well—we'lltakethemthisweek,thankyouverymuch,"saidFrancis."Butonlythisonce,see?WewanttolookafterRexfornothing.Weallliketodoitforourgooddeeds,aswellasbecausewelikeRex.""Inevermetkidslikeyoubefore,"saidDan."Doingsomethingfornothing!Mostpeoplewantalltheycanget.Well,I'mgladyou'lltakethesweetsthisweek.They'rethebestIcouldgetforyou.Don't65



giveRexany,willyou?He'sgotbeautifulteeth,andIdon'twantthemspoilt.""Thingsaregoingverywell,"saidFrancis,handingthetinofsweetsround."Verywellindeed.Grannyhasgivenupaskingwherewedisappearto—andIdon'tthinkoursecretwilleverbefoundout!"Butthatwasratherasillythingtosay.Because,theverynextweek,itwasfoundout!

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ChapterFiveABITOFGOODLUCKCRANNYfoundoutaboutRexfirst.ItwasallbecauseofMr.Black,hercat.Heoftenwentbird-catching,andwasalwaysmostannoyedbecauseassoonashegotwithinpouncingdistanceofabird,itatonceflewupintotheair,satonabough,andsangrudethingsathim.Mr.Blackdidn'tlikethat.Hewasn'tatallgoodatbirdcatching,fortunately,becausehewastoobigandheavytorunfast—andalsohewasveryeasilyseen.Thebirdsalwayssetupagreatclamourwhentheysawhiminthegarden."Lookout,lookout!Thecat'sabout!"sangthethrush."Beware,beware.Thecatisthere!"flutedtheblackbird."Pimm-im-im-im!Iseehim-im-im-im!"calledtheblue-titwhowasnestingintheorchard.Onemorning,whenthechildrenwereatschool,Mr.Blackwentbird-huntingagain.Hesawafatblackbird,andstalkedhimwarily,keepingbehindbushes,neveroncetreadingonatwigorarustlingleaf.HewasasgoodasaRedIndian!Theblackbirdledhimafinedance,hoppingonwellahead.HeledhimrightdowntowhereRex'syardwas.ThenheflewupintoatreeandcalledMr.BlacksuchdreadfulnamesthatMr.Blackcouldn'tbearit.He

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leaptrightupintothetreeashighashecouldafterthecheekybird.Theblackbirdflewaway.Mr.Blacksatdownontheboughandbegantowashhimself.Healwaysdidthatwhenabirdormousehadgotthebetterofhim.Itwasjusttoshowtheworldthathedidn'tcare,anyway!Heheardanoisedownbelowandlookedtoseewhatmadeit.Whathesawdowntheremadehimswelluptotwicehissize,andthefuronhistailswelledtoo,sothatMr.Blackwasatrulyferocioussight.WhathesawwasRex,thespaniel,lyingdowninthesunfastasleep.Adog!AdoginMr.Black'sowngarden!Howdarehe!Mr.Blackhissedandspat.Rexwokeupwithajump.Birdsongandbirdcallsneverdisturbedhim—buttheunusualspitting,hissingnoisewokehimupatonce.Heleaptupandlookedround,growling.Mr.Blackspatagain,andRexlookedup.Hewasamazedtoseesuchanenormousblackcreatureinthetreeabovehiskennel.Wasitacat?Hehadneverseensuchabigonebefore.Hegrowledagain.Mr.Blackhissed.Hedidn'tdaretogetdownforhedidn'trealizethatRexwaspennedin;hewasafraidthatthedogwouldcatchhimashesliddownthetreetrunk.SoMr.Blacksatupthere,hissingandspitting,andRexgotmoreandmoreexcited,runningroundhispen,tryingtofindawayoutsothathecouldjumpupagainstthetree-trunknearby.Heforgotthathemustn'tbark.Hegaveasmallbark,andthenalouderone.Thenhegotsoexcitedthathealmostbarkedtheplacedown,andMr.Blackdeterminedtostayupthetreeforweeks,ifnecessary,ratherthanfacethisfiercedog.68



Grannywasaloneinthehouse.MotherhadgonetotheshopsandhadtakenDaddyinhiswheel-chair.Grannydidn'ttakeanynoticeofthebarksatfirst.Thenastheywentonandon,louderandlouder,moreandmoreexcited,shesatupandfrowned."Whereisthatbarkingdog?"shesaid."Whatadreadfulnoise!Whokeepsadogthatbarkslikethat?Ireallymustcomplain.AndwhereisMr.Black?Heusuallycomesrushinginifhehearsadogbark.Mr.Black!Mr.Black,whereareyou?"ButasMr.Blackwashighupintheoaktreeoverthekennel,hedidn'tcome.Grannycalledagainandagain,andallthewhileshecouldhearRexbarkingmadly."Oh!Ihopeit'snotMr.Blackhe'sbarkingat!"shethought,suddenly."Imustgoandsee."Sooutintothegardenshewent,inthedirectionofthebarks.And,ofcourse,shecametothedog-runatthebottomofthegarden,whereRexwasbarkinghisheadoff!Shedidn'tseeMr.Blackatfirst.Shewassotremendouslyastonishedtoseeadoginalittleyard,withakennel,thatshehadeyesfornothingelse!"Adog!"shesaid."Adogpennedupintheyardhere!Sothat'swherethechildrenhavebeendisappearingtoforthelastweekorso—they'vecomedownheretothedog.Whatanextraordinarything!Whereverdidtheygetthedog?Andwhydidn'ttheytellanybody?"RexsawGranny.Hestoppedbarkingandlookedather.Herantothenettingandstoodagainstit,hisforepawspressingthewire.Hewhined.Hefeltsurethisoldladylikedanimals.Grannyputherhandoverthewireandpattedhislilkyhead."Whatlovelyeyesyouhave!"shesaid."Realspanieleyes,meltingandbeseeching!Whatareyoudoinghere?"

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"Woof,"saidRex,andwaggedhistail."HowdoIgetintoyouryard?"wonderedGranny."There'snogate.Isupposethechildrenjustjumpover.Well,Icanclimboversomehow,Isuppose."ThenshesuddenlysawMr.Black—andheardhimtoo,becausehegavealoudwailingyowlthatstartledGrannyverymuch."Oh,sothereyouare!"shesaid,lookingupintothetree."That'swhereyou'vegotto!Stalkingbirdsagain,Isuppose,andcametoonearthisdog.Youcangetdown—thedogcan'tgetyou."Grannysomehowmanagedtoclimboverthewirenetting,andgotintothelittleyard.Rexflunghimselfonherasifshewerealong-lostfriend.Helickedher,andfussedroundher,andwhined.AnybodywouldhavethoughthewasGranny'sdog!"You'reagooddog,"shesaid,pattinghim."It'salongtimesinceIhadadog.Well,well,well—Ican'tgetoverthis!Doyoubelongtothechildren?""Woof,"saidRex,andlayonhisbacktobetickled—andjustasGrannywasbendingoverhim,ticklinghttnandmakinghimsquirmindelight,thechildrencamehome!Theydidwhattheyalwaysdid;rantoseeifRexwasallright.Andgoodnessgracious,therewasGrannyinthelittleyard,bendingoverRex,andticklinghimandtalkingtohim.Granny!Theystoppedinamazement.Rexheardthemandleaptup,runningtothewiretowelcomethem.Helovedthesechildren!"Granny!"saidClare."Oh,Granny!You'vefoundRex!""Yes,"saidGranny,lookingquiteguilty."HebarkedatMr.Black—upthereinthetree—andIcametoseewhatthematterwas.Whosedogishe?Yours?"70



"Granny,areyoucrossaboutit?"askedSam,jumpingoverthewireandgoinguptoher."It'soursecret.Wedidn'ttellyoubecausewethoughtyoumightnotwantanydogafteryourThumperhadhadtobesentaway.Wedidn'ttellMotherbecausewethoughtshewouldn'tlikeadogracingaboutandmessingthefloorswithmuddyfeet.Andwedidn'ttellDaddybecauseitmightworryhim.""Isee,"saidGranny."Iunderstandallthat.Butwhosedogwhe?Youhaven'ttoldmeyet.Isheyours?"Thenthewholethinghadtocomeout.ClareandFrancistoldtheirsecret,standingintheyardwithGranny,whileRexandSamplayedwithoneanotherandlistened."Granny,dearGranny,pleasekeepoursecret,"beggedClare,earnestly,whenshehadfinishedherstory."YoucanseehowimportantitistoDan,can'tyou?HelovesRexlikeyoulovedThumper."

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"ButMothermightnotmindatall,"beganGranny,andthen,asshesawthelookonthechildren'sfaces,shenoddedherhead."Allright.Don'tlooklikethat.Iknowthatit'sonlytosaveyourmotherworryandbotherthatyouwantyoursecretkept.Iwon'tbeaspoil-sport!I'llkeepit!"ShewasalmostsweptoffherfeetbythreegratefulchildrenandRex,who,thrilledwiththesuddenexcitementofhisfriends,flunghimselfonGrannywiththerest.Grannybegantolaugh."Oh,setmefree!You'rechokingme!Idopromiseyouthis—thataslongasRexishappyhereanddoesn'tmakeanoise,I'llkeepyoursecret.ButMothermayquitewellcomedowntothisbitofthegardensometime,youknow,andfindoutforherself!""Shenevercomesdownhere,"saidSam."Shedoesn'tlikethispart.Shesaysit'ssountidy."GrannywasreallyjustasthrilledasthechildrenaboutRex.Shewenttovisithimwhentheywereatschool.Sheboughthimaverybigbone,whichheatonceburiedinthedepthsofhiskennel,incaseMr.Blackshouldseeit.Shemadesuchafussofhimthatitwasjustaswellhewasagoodwell-traineddog,orhewouldhavebeenquitespoilt!Danwasn'tverypleasedthatGrannyknew,norwasheverypleasedwhenheheardthatshewasgivinghimbones!"Iwanttofeedhim,"hesaid."Hisstrawwillgetfullofbones!Andwho'sbeenbrushinghim?Idothat,youknow.""Well,wealldoit,actually,"saiddare."He'ssonicetobrushandhedoesloveitso.Grannyboughthimabrushyesterday—anicescratchyonethatheloves.""YoushouldhearSamwhenhebrusheshim,"saidFrancis,withasuddengiggle."Hewhistlesallthe

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timejustasifheweregroomingahorse!Onandonandon,withoutanytuneatall.""Idon't,"saidSam."Ihaveatune.You'remeanaboutmywhistling.""DoyousupposeRexissafe,nowyourGrannyknows?"saidDan."Grown-upsdosometimesgivethingsaway,youknow—tooneanother,Imean.""Ohyes,he'ssafeenough.Motherwillneverguess!"saidClare."Itellyoushenevercomesdownhere,andGrannyhaspromisednottotell—andshealwayskeepsherword,always."MotherdidwonderwhyGrannykeptdisappearing,though.Shehadgotusedtothechildrendisappearingandthoughtnothingofitnow—butshekeptmissingGranny!WhenevershewenttoaskhersomethingGrannywasn'tthere.Shewasn'tanywhereinthehouse!"Dearme—shemusthavegotveryfondofthegardenallofasudden,"thoughtMother.Butshedidn'tgodowntoseewhattheoldladywasdoing.Motherneverinterferedwithanyone,andshewasgladthatGrannyseemedsohappythesedays.Infact,itisquitepossiblethatshewouldnever,neverhavefoundoutaboutRexifsomethingratherextraordinaryhadn'thappenedonemorning.Motherwasinthekitchenmakingapuddingwhentherecameaknockonthebackdoor."Ifthat'sthelaundry,justbringitin,"calledMother."Myhandsareallfloury."Thedooropened—butitwasn'tthelaundry.Itwasa•mall)pleasant-facedwomanwhomMotherdidn'tknow."Excuseme,"shesaid."I'mDan'smother,andI'vecometosaythankyouverymuchforlettingyourchildrenlookafterhisdogforhim."Well1Motherstaredatherinamazement."What73



doyoumean?"shesaid."Adog?I’veneverheardofone!Ithinkyoumusthavemadeamistake!"ThewomanatthedoorlookedassurprisedasMother."But—thisisGreenMeadows,isn'tit?"shesaid."AndyouareMrs.Marshall,aren'tyou—motherofFrancis,Clare,andSam?""Yes,"saidMother,evenmoresurprised."Buthowdoyouknowaboutus?Andwhatisthisaboutadog?Thereisn'tonehere!Ioughttoknow!""Oh,"saidthewoman."Well,I'mMrs.Oldham,motherofDan,whoownsthedog.Hetoldmeallaboutyourthree.HeoncehadafightwithyourFrancis,Ithink—andthensomehowtheymadefriendsoverthedog,andwhenmyDanwastoldhecouldn'thavehisdoginourflat,hewasupset;andhecametoaskyourFrancisifhe'dlookafterhiminyourbiggarden.""AnddidFrancissayhewould?"askedMother,moreandmoreastonished."I'venotheardawordabouttins.Butdearme—perhapsthat'swhythechildrenkeepdisappearing.Theygotolookafterthedog.Butwhydidn'ttheytellme?It'snotlikethemtodosomethingbehindmyback.""Well,Mrs.Marshall—I'lltellyouwhatmysonsaidaboutkeepingthedogdowninthegarden,"saidMrs.Oldham,andshecamerightintothekitchen."Hesaidthatyourthreedidn'twantyoutobeworriedwithadoginthehouse,runningaboutdirtyingthefloors—hesaidyou'dnobodytohelpyoutocleanorcook,andthechildrendidn'twanttogiveyouanymoretrouble;andadogisatroubleandanuisancesometimes.Sotheyputhimatthebottomofthegarden.ButDannevertoldmeyoudidn'tknow."Mothertookallthisin,stillfullofastonishment."Let'sgodownthegardenandseeifwecanfindthisdog,"shesaid.So,flouryhandsandall,sheledthe74



waydownthegarden,followedbyMrs.Oldham.Andthere,hithelittleyard,wasRex—anddearme,withhimwasGranny,brushinghimvigorouslywiththenewbrushshehadbought.Rexwaslovingit."Granny!"saidMother,amazed."Soyouknewaboutthedog!Andyoukeptitfrommetoo.Ireallydon'tknowwhattosay!"RexnearlywentmadwhenhesawDan'smother.Hethoughtshehadcometofetchhimbackhometotheflat,andhetriedhishardesttojumpoverthewire-netting.Mrs.Oldhamleanedoverandpattedhim."Youdolookwell!"shesaid."Allsilkyandshiny.My,you'vefoundsomegoodfriends!"Thethreewomenbegantotalk,andsoonMotherkneweverything."AdoginthegardenandIneverevenknew,"shesaid."Thosechildren!""Don'tbecrosswiththem,"beggedMrs.Oldham."Theydiditoutofthekindnessoftheirhearts,tohelpmyDan.Anddoyouknow,theywon'tlethimpaythemapennyforlookingafterthedogandgivinghimthekennelandall!Notapenny.Dansaystheywon'tevenlethimgivethemsweetsnow.""No,Idon'texpecttheywill,"saidMother."They'vebeentaughtnottowantpaymentforanykindnesstheydo.""Well,now,lookhere,"saidMrs.Oldham,asuddenfirmnesscomingintohervoice."Twocanthinkthatway!Youwon'ttakeanythingfordoingakindness;well,Iwon'tacceptakindnesswithoutdoingonehireturn.Fair'sfair,isn'tit?"Motherlaughed."Yes,that'sfairenough.Iunderstandthat.Iliketoreturnakindnesstoo.""Good,"saidMrs.Oldham."Nowwillyouletmedoyouakindness,then?Justtomakethingssquarebetweenus?"

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"Whatsortofkindness?"askedMothercautiously."I'lltellyou,"saidthelittlewoman,beaming."Ihaven'tgotenoughtodoinmylittleflat—soIgooutandworkinotherpeople'shousesnowandagain.Formoney,ofcourse,becausethat'swork.AndI'dliketocometoyouforamorningaweek,anddoanythingyouwantmetodo—fornothing,becausethatwouldbeapleasure,andI'dfeelIwasreturningyourkindness.""Ohno!"saidMother.ButGrannyinterrupted."Ohyes!"shesaid,feelingagreatlikingforthispleasant-facedlittlewoman."Ohyes\Whatawonderfulthingitwouldbeforyoutohaveonewholemorningaweekfree—you'reworkingalldaylongeverydayoftheweek.Yes,Mrs.Oldham,weacceptwithpleasure,it'saverykindthoughtofyours."AndbeforeMothercouldsayanotherword,thetwoofthemhadfixedituptogether.Mrs.OldhamwouldcomeeveryWednesday—andyes,shewoulddothewholeofthekitchen—anddearme,ofcourseshecoulddoabitofcooking—andshecouldgooveralltheroomstoo!Thatwasnothing!Theyallwentbacktothehouse,feelingpleasantlyexcited.Rexwhineddolefullywhenhesawthemgo—butverysoonthechildrenwerehomeandhegreetedthemjoyfully,tryingtotellthemofallthevisitorshehadhadthatafternoon.Theyranuptothehousefordinner.Motherwasjustfinishingherpreparationsbecauseshehadgotverybehind.Shelookedupsmiling."Hallo,dears!WouldyouliketotakethisbonedowntoRex?"Thethreechildrenstared,completelytakenaback.WhathadMothersaid?Shelaughed."Allright—Iknowyoursecret!Mrs.Oldhamcamethismorning,andIsoonfoundouteverything.Itwassweetofyou

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nottowanttoworryme,butRexwon'tbothermeabit.Youcanlethimcomeintothehousewheneveryouwantto.He'saverynicedog."Well,whatatremendoussurprise!Samflunghim-selfonhismother."OhMother,Idoloveyou!Youalwayssaytherightthings.CanIgoandgetRexnow,thisveryminute,atonce?""Yes,now,thisveryminute,atonce,ifnotsooner!"saidMother,andeveryonelaughedtoseeSam'sfeettwinklingfastdownthegardenpath.Rexwasagreatsuccessinthehouse.HemadefriendswithDaddy,atonce,andsoonlearntnottoleantooheavilyagainsthislegs.Grannylovedhavinghimabout,andMotherdidn'tseemtomindatall,notevenwhenhisfeetweremuddy!SamtriedtoteachRextowipehisfeet,andspentagesliftinguponefootafteranother,wipingeachonecarefullyonthemat.ButRexjustwouldn'tlearn!ClarewaspleasedtohearthatMrs.Oldhamwascominginawholemorningeachweektohelp.Sheknewbetterthantheboys,whatthatmeanttohermother.AndMrs.Oldhamprovedtobethegreatesthelppossible.Shesimplydidn'tmindwhatshedid,andoftenshecamepoppingintosayshewasgoingtotowntotheshops,couldshefetchanythingforMother?Theonlypersonwhocouldn'tbearRexcomingintothehousewasMr.Black.Hewasverydignifiedaboutit,buthelikedtogiveRexagoodslapifhecametoonear—andhehatedtoseeGrannymakingafussofthespaniel."Mr.Black'ssulkingagain!"Clarewouldsay.“Look,Granny,he'sturnedhisbackonyou.Mr.Black,turnround."ButMr.Blackwouldn't.Hesattherehaughtily,hisbacktoeveryone,andwouldn'tturnroundatalluntil

somebodysaid"Dinner!"Thenhelookedroundquickly.77



Dancametoteathenextweek,verycleanandwellbrushedandneat."Youdolooktidy,"saidSam."I'veneverseenyoulikethisbefore.""Well—myMum'salwaysgoingonatmebecauseIdon'tlooklikeyoudo,"saidDan."Shethinkstheworldofyourfamily.Shethinksyourmother'stops!"Tosaythatanyonewas"tops"wasthehighestcomplimentDancouldpay.Thechildrenwerepleased.Theyknewthattheirmotherwas"tops",butitwasnicetohearsomeoneelsesayso.Danenjoyedcomingtoteaverymuch,buthewasdisappointedwhenFrancishadtoleaveimmediatelyafterwardstogotoaScoutmeeting.Hegazedathimenviously."Youdolookfine,allriggeduplikethat,badgesandall.CanItryonyourhat?"Hetrieditonandlookedathimselfintheglass.HegaveitbacktoFrancis."IwishIwascomingtoo,"hesaid."Well,whydon'tyou?"saidFrancis,surprisingly."Whydon'tyoubecomeaScout?Wewantafewmoreinmypatrol.Wecoulddowithsomeonelikeyou.""Golly!"saidDan."Doyouknow,IneverthoughtofbeingaScoutmyself!I'llcomealong.Theywon'tmindatthemeeting,willthey,ifIcome?"SooffhewentwithFrancis.TheytookRexwiththem,andhewasdelighted.HewasalwayswildlypleasedtoseeDan,andneverreallyconsideredhimselftobeanyoneelse'sdog,thoughthethreechildrendidtheirbesttomakehimbelongtothemaswell.HelovedhavingthefreerunofGreenMeadows.Twoorthreetimeshehadrunoffanddisappeared,buthealwayscamebacksoonerorlater.Hejustranoffto

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Dan'sflatwhenhefelthomesick—butwhenDanorMrs.Oldhamsenthimbackagain,hewentquiteobediently."He'sreallygottwohomes,"saidSamtoDan,andDanagreed.OnedayDanbroughtagirlabouthisagetoseeFrancisandClare."ThisisRita,"hesaid."She'scometoliveintheflatnextdoor.She'sgotakitten—and,ofcourse,wemustn'thaveevenkittensinourflats.Couldyouhaveherkittentillshegetsahomeforit?Hermotherwillpayforitsfoodandmilk.""ButwhatwillMr.Blacksay?"saidClare."Hemightgoforit.""Iwaswonderingifyoucouldkeepitinthestables,"MidDan."Youtoldmethatonceuponatime,whenyourGranny'sfatherkepthorsesthere,thereweresomanystablecatsshecouldn'tkeepcountofthem—soitmustbeagoodplaceforacat."Francislaughed.Hecalledhismother."Mother!Here'sanotherrefugeewantingahome—akitten.Canwekeepitinthestables?"Ritahadsaidnothingatall.Shewaspaleandthin,

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witheyesmuchtoolargeforhersmallface.Motherlookedather,thinkingthatshewantedalotoffreshairandsunshine!"Ifwehaveyourkitten,willyoucometwoorthreetimesadayandfeeditandpetit?"shesaid."Andtakeitforlittlewalksroundthegardenwithyou?""I'dloveto,"saidRita,almostinawhisper."It's—it'sthefirstpetI'veeverhad.""Well—we'llhaveitheretillyoucanfindahomeforit,"saidMother."Weallloveanimalshere,youknow.""Thankyouverymuch,"saidRita."I'llbringittomorrow."SoakittencametojointhefamilyatGreenMeadows.Rexgaveitagreatwelcome,anditlovedhim,afteritsfirstfrightatseeingsuchabigdog.ButMr.Blackdidn'tmakefriendssoeasily.Mothersaiditwouldbejustaswellnottobringthekittenintothehouseatall,untilithadgrownbigger,incaseMr.Blackflewatit.Soitlivedquitehappilyinthestables,andwasnamedDapple,afterthenameononeofthebrassplatesthere.Itwasagoodnameforit,foritwasdappledallover—brownandblackandwhite."We'regettingquiteamenagerie!"saidClare,pleased."Iwonderwhatwillcomenext?"

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ChapterSixFLASHTHEPONY'T'HEkittengrewquickly.Itescapedfromthestablesonedayandwenttothehouse,mewingformilk.Ritahadn'tarrivedyetwithitsfood,anditwashungry.Itcreptinatthekitchendoor.Nobodywasthere.Itsawafireglowinginthegrateanditpaddedovertoit.Itlaydownontherug.AtthatverymomentMr.Blackstalkedintotheroom.Hisplacewasalsoontherug.Hestoppedandstaredatthelittlebundleoffurlyingtherequitestill.Hesniffeddelicately—dearme,itsmeltlikecat!Heputoutapawandtouchedthelittleballoffur.Thekittenawokeandleaptup.ItsawMr.Black,andthoughtthebigcatwantedtoplay.Sohedartedallroundhim,playfully,pattinghiswavingtail,andmakinglittlerushesathim.'Mr.Blackwasmostastonishedatallthis.Itwasalong,longtimesincehehadseenakitten,andhewasn'tquitesurewhatthislittlebitofquicksilverwas.Heputoutabigpawandtriedtopatit—butthekittenwasawayatonce.Mr.Blackfollowed.Memoriesofhisownmadkittenhoodstirredinhim,andhewantedtoplaywiththisfunnylittlething.GrannyhadthesurpriseofherlifewhenshecameinandfoundMr.Blacktryingtosqueezehishugebodyunderthearmchairtogetatthekitten,whichkept

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ofwatertillthefire-brigadecomes."Hewassoonoutofdoors.Hedidn'twakeanyoneelse.ItwouldonlyworryMotherandGrannytoseethefire,andDaddycouldn'tpossiblygoandhelp.Rexwhinedtogowithhim,butFrancisshuthisearstoRexforonce,ashepassednearthekennel.Thefirewasatthebackofthegreengrocer'sshop.Peopleweremillingaboutthereinacrowd,shouting,andtryingtohelp.Thefire-enginehadn'tarrived."Theshedsthatthegreengrocerusesforhisstoresandforhisdeliveryboys'bicyclesareonfire,"saidaman."Goodnessknowshowithappened,thisfire.Thegreengrocerwastakentohospitalto-day,andhiswife'sspendingthenighttherewithhim,he'ssobad.""Nobody'sintheshoppartatallthen?"saidawoman."Well,wemusttryandsaveitfromburningdown—it'sbadenoughthatoldMiller'sshedsshouldbeburntdown,andhiminhospitaltoo!"Amanwentbydraggingagardenhose.Francisrantohelphim.Pailsofwaterwerebeingpassedupbyachainofhelpers,andthesizzlingofwateronflameswasveryloud.AhorriblesmellofsmokewasblownoverFrancis,andhechoked.Heranoutofthesmoke,coughing.Andthenhebeardanoisethatwentrightthroughhisheart.Itwasthesoundofahorse,whinnyinginterror!Ahone!Wherewasit?Notinthesheds,surely?»Francisrantothechainofhelpers."Iheardahorsewhinnying.Isthereoneanywhere?Quick,tellme?""Why,thatwouldbelittleFlashthepony,"saidthenan."Weforgotallabouthim.IreckonoldMillerkepthiminoneofthesesheds.Poorlittlething!"Francisflewoffatonce,hisheartbeatingfast.Heheardthewhinnyingagain,andraninthedirectionitcamefrom.Itseemedtocomefromthelastshedofall,83



wherehungryflameswerejustlickingtheroof,reachingoutfromashednearby.Franciswenttotheshed.Yes,theponymustbeinside.Heheardthefranticsoundofhoovesastheanimalranroundandroundtheshed,bangingintothesides.Itwhinniedinpanic.TheboyhadhisScout'spolewithhim.Whenhefoundthatthepony'sdoorwaslocked,hebegantorainblowsontheoldwoodendoorwithhispole.Someofthestripsofwoodbroke,andFrancistorethemout.Theflamescamenearer,andtheboypantedashestruckthedooragainandagain.Amancameuptohelp.Hewasbigandstrong,andhesoonbrokethedoordown.Francispushedhimselfinsidewhilethemanwentonmakingtheholebigger.Hefoundtheponyveryquickly,becausethefrightenedcreatureranrightintohim,almostknockinghimover.Franciscaughtitsmaneandheldontightly.Hecalledsoothinglytothelittlething."It'sallright.I'vegotyousafe.Comeoutwithme."Somehow,heneverquiteknewhow,hegottheponyoutofthebroken-downdoorway.Heheldontightlytoitsmane,forthelittlecreaturewasfrantic,anditwasonlyitsfearofleavingthisboythatstoppeditfrombolting.Francisledtheponyrightawayfromthefire,andmadeitstandstill.Itwastremblingfromheadtofoot.Franciscouldn'tseewhatitwaslikeinthedark,heonlyknewthatitwassmallandhadalongthickmane.Hestrokedandpattedthevelvetynose,andspokeinhislow,calmvoice,sayingallsortsofnonsense—butnonsenseornot,theponyseemedtounderstand,andquieteneddown.Itsuddenlythrustitsheadagainsttheboy'sshoulderandleftitthere.Franciswastoo

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thrilledforwords.Itwasjustasifthelittlehorsehadsaid,"Allright.You'remyfriend.I'lltrustyouanddowhatyousay!"ThemanwhohadhelpedtobreakdownthedoorcametofindFrancis."Hallo,Scout!"hesaid."Youdidajollygooddeedinrescuingthatterrifiedlittlecreature.Isheallrightnow?""Ithinkso,"saidFrancis."Whatistohappentohim?""Goodnessknows!"saidtheman."Alltheshedsaregonenow—eventheonetheponywasin.We'vesavedtheshopandtheroomsoverit,though.BadluckforpooroldMiller.""Yes.Awfullybadluck,"saidFrancis."Butwhataboutthepony,sir?I'mafraidhe'llboltifIleavehim.""Wherecanhego,now?"wonderedtheman."Heoughttobestabledforthenight—butit'ssolate."AbrilliantideasuddenlyflashedintoFrancis'smind.TheoldstablesatGreenMeadows!Ofcourse,ofcourse,ofcourse!Hecouldtakethislittleponythere!"IthinkIknowwhattodo,"hetoldtheman."IcomefromGreenMeadows—thatbigoldhouse,youknow,notfarfromthenewblocksofflats.Well,we'vegotsomeoldstablesthere.Icouldtakehimthereforthenight.""Goodidea!Splendid!"saidtheman."Thatwillbeonegoodthingdone.I'lltellthepoliceyou'redoingthat—they'vebeenaskingaboutthepony.Theycancomeandseeyouabouthimto-morrowmorning."Sobythelightofarathersmallmoon,FrancisledthelittleponybacktoGreenMeadows.Itwentwithhimwillingly.Itlikedthisboyandtrustedhim.Itslittlehoovesclip-cloppedalongtheroad,andinatthebackgate,anduptothestables.

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"Inyougo,Flash,"saidFrancis."That'sright.Whatagoodlittlethingyouare!Now,juststandtherewhileItieyoutothepost.Can'thaveyouwanderingabout,youknow.I'llgetyousomestrawtolieon.Andwouldyoulikesomewatertodrink?"Flashwould!Flashwasverythirstyindeed,anddrankalotofwaterfromthepailFrancisbrought.Theboycouldn'tthinkwhattogivehimtoeat,butherememberedtheapplesupinthestableloft—gettingratherflabbyanduneatablenow,foritwasApril.Still,Flashdidn'tseemtomindatall.Hemunchedfourappleswithpleasure,andgavelittle"hrrrrrumphs"ofthanks.Hewasn'treallyhungry—buttheappleswereanunexpectedtreatinthemiddleofthenight.Itwascoldinthestables,becausethedoorswerealwaysleftopen.Francisfetchedanoldrugandthrewitoverthepony."There!"hesaid."Youcanstandupandsleeporliedownandsleepjustasyoulike.Idon'tknowenoughabouthorsestoknowwhichyoudo!Good-nightFlash—sleepwell,anddon'tfeelafraidanymore!"Heshutthestabledoorsandwentcreepingbacktothehouse.Nobodyhadawakened,nobodyatall!Franciswasjusttakingoffhisclotheswhenheheardaloudwhinnyfromthedistantstables.ItwasFlash.Hedidn'tlikebeingalone.Hehadrememberedtheflamesandthenoiseandtheheat.Hefeltlonelyandstrangeinthesestables.Hewantedthatboy."Well!Ican'thavehimwhinnyingallnightandwakingeveryoneup,"thoughtFrancis."I'dbetterspendthenightinthestables.ButI'llwantagoodsupplyofrugs—andmyoldeiderdown."Hehadtakenoffhisuniform.Hepulledonsomeshorts,twojerseys,andputhislongthickdressing-

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gownoverthetop.Hepulledhiseiderdownoffhisbedandthengottworugsfromthehallcupboard.Surelyhewouldbewarmenoughnow!Rexheardhimcreepingdownthepathandbegantobarkfromhiskennel.Goodness!Nowhewouldwakeeveryoneup!Francisstoledowntothedog."Bequiet,yousilly!It'sonlyme.Doyouwantto.comewithme?Allright—butdon'tfrightenFlash!"Heliftedthedogoverthewire-nettingandRexpaddedhappilyathisheels.Whatanadventure!WherewasFrancisgoingwithallthoserugs?Theycametothestables.Flashwaslyingdowninthestraw,wideawake.HegavealittlewhinnywhenheheardFrancisandsmelthim.FrancismadehimselfapileofstrawbesideFlashandburrowedintoit,ontopofarug.Hewrappedhimselfupintheeiderdown,andpulledthesecondrugontopofhim.Rexfloppeddownonhislegs,andmadeanicewarmspotthere.Flashmadeanotheronhisleftside!Infact,FlashwassoverywarmthatFrancissoonthrewofftherug.Theponywashappyandatpeace.Thatboywas87



herewithhim.Hewassafe.Therewasadogtoo,butifhewastheboy'sfriend,well,thatwasallright.Theyallthreesleptpeacefullythroughtherestofthenight.Thesuncameup,andtheystillslept.Mothergotupearlyasshealwaysdid,andsoonSamawoketoo.Hesatupandyawned.ThenhenoticedthatFrancis'sbedwasempty.Hisdressing-gownwasgone.Hiseiderdowntoo!Whateverhadhappenedinthenight?Herushedtohismother."Mother!Where'sFrancis!He'sgone!Hisbedisempty!"Andthen,dearme,whatasearchbegan!"Francis!Francis!WhereAREyou!"Grannywasdressing,andsheheardthecries.Sheslippedonadressing-gownandjoinedthehunt.Daddywasstillinbed,forhedidn'tgetuptillafterbreakfast,whenMotherhadtimetohelphimtodress.Helayandlistened,feelingworried.WhatasearchtherewasforFrancis!Motherbegantofeelmoreandmoreupset.Itwasn'tlikeFrancistoslipofflikethis—inhisdressing-gowntoo!Andwhywerehispyjamasstillonhisbed—crumpled,showingthathemusthavesleptinthem?"HemaybewithRex,"suddenlysaidClare."Hemighthaveheardhimbarkinginthenightandgonetoseehim.I'llrundowntothekennelandlook."Sodownshewent—butinhalfaminuteshewasback."Mother,Rexisn'tthereeither!Whatcanhavehappened?"Samwenttothekitchendoorandcalledloudly."Rex!Rex!"RexwaslyingagainstthesleepingFrancisinthestables.Thedoorwasshut,andthestableswerealittledistanceaway,butRex'ssharpearsheardSam'sshout.Hegotupquietlyandrantothestabledoor.Itwas

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"Francis,dotellusthemeaningofthis,"saidGranny,hervoicesharpwithbewilderment."Yououthere—withapony!Wheredidhecomefrom?""Ohdear—Imeanttogetupearlyandgetbacktothehouseandtellyouall,"saidFrancis,standingupatlastinhiscrumpleddressing-gown."Mother,it'sallright.I'lltellyoueverything.""Comeindoorsthen,"saidMother."Goodgracious!Whateverwillyoudonext?Hidingdogs—andnowapony!Comeindoors,dear."TheyallwentupintoDaddy'sbedroom,becausehewasalmostbesidehimselfwantingtoknowwhatwashappening,buthecouldn'tgetoutofbedwithouthelp.Rextrottedintoo,andbehindhimcameDapplethekitten.Mr.Blackwasalreadythere,lyingmajesticallyonDaddy'sbed."Daddy!Francishasgotaponyinthestables!"criedSam."APONY!"Francisbegantotellhisstory.Everyonelistenedbreathlessly—whatatale!Sam'seyesgrewwidewhenheheardaboutthefire.MotherswelledwithpridewhensheheardhowherFrancishadgoneouttohelp,andhadactuallybrokendownashed-doortogetoutlittleFlash."Well!"saidDaddy,whentheexcitingtalewasfinishedatlast."I'mproudofyou,Francis.Iknowyou'reaScout,andit'syourdutytodowhatyoucan,whereyoucan,wheneveryoucan—butittakesabraveScouttodowhatyoudid!Welldone."Francisglowedwithpleasure.Daddyhimselfwasbrave,verybrave.Hehadwonmanymedals,andoneofthemwasforGreatBravery.NowhehadcalledFrancisbrave.Samgavehimaslapontheback."GoodoldFrancis!"hesaid.

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"Butwhatareyougoingtodowiththepony?"saidGranny."Thepolicewillbecomingaboutit,"saidFrancis."They'llknowwhattodo.Ohdear—IwishitwasSaturday!Mother,it'sgettingawfullylate,isn'tit?Goodness,lookatthetime!We'llallbelateforschool!""Nowdon'tgetintoastate,"saidGranny."I'llbrushRexandgivehimfreshwater,andI'llseetothekitten,andI'llslipalongandseetotheponytoo.Well—it'sgoodtoseeaponyintheoldstablesoncemore.""Youknowallabouthorses,don'tyou,Granny?"saidSam."YouknowbetterthanFrancisdoes.Haveyoueversleptbesideahorseallnight?""Once.WhenIwasassmallasyou,"saidGranny."I'lltellyouaboutthatanothertime.Youdon'tgetmetellingyoustoriesnow,justaswe'veallgottorushandhurry."Francisonlyjusthadtimeafterbreakfasttogoandgivetheponyapatandastroke,andwhisperafewwordsinhisear.Hewouldhavetorunallthewaytoschoolasitwas.Butwhocared?Hehadhadanadventure—andnowtherewasaponyinthestables.HowFrancishopedhewouldbetherewhenhegotback!"I'llgetthatponyoutintotheorchard,"saidGrannyafterbreakfast."It'sabeautifulday,andhecancropthegrassthere."Shelookedexcitedandhappy.Shedidn'tsayonecrosswordtoDaddy.And,dearme,shedidn'tevenstoptohelpMotherwashup!Motherwasmostamused."Theoldlady'shappy,"saidDaddy,smiling."Howshemusthavemissedalltheanimalssheusedtobesurroundedwith—herdogs,cats,horses,pigeons!NowsheonlyhasMr.Black,andthewildbirdsshefeeds—andaborrowedkittenanddog!"91



"She'sarealanimal-lover,"saidMother."Shealwayshasbeen.Shetaughtmetobetoo,thoughsinceI'vebeensobusyIhaven'tmorethanaminuteadaytothinkofbirdsandanimals!""No.Youthinkofyourfamilyallthetime,andyouhavetogiveupallthethingsyouusedtolovetodo,"saidDaddy,reachingoutforMother'shandasshepassed."Youdon'treadanymore,youdon'tgowalkinginthewoodsandhills—youdon'thaveanytimetospendonyourself!""ButI'mhappy!"saidMother,givingDaddyakissatthebackofhisneck.Healwayslikedthat."I'vegotyouandthechildrenandGranny—andwe'reaproperfamily,aren'twe?Allforoneandoneforall!"Sheranoutintothekitchentogoonwithherwork.Daddytookupthepaperbuthedidn'treadit.Ifonly,only,onlyhecouldgetrightagain!WhenwouldDr.Milescomeandseehim—wasitto-morrow?Perhapshehadheardofsomenewtreatment;perhapsonedayhewouldgetoutofthiswheel-chairandwalkaboutandteachtheboyscricket,andtakeClareforwalks,andseethatMotherdidn'tdosomuch!Perhaps!Alwaysperhaps!Grannybustledin,allherchainsjinglingmerrily."That'safinelittlepony!"shesaid."Prettytoo.HeremindsmeofoneIhadwhenIwasClare'sage.ThegallopsIhadonhim!I'vegivenhimagroomingandnowI'veturnedhimoutintotheorchard.He'sashappyasasand-boy!"Daddylookedoutofthewindow."Myword—itseemsqueertoseeaponygrazingthere!"hesaid."Whatadearlittlefellow!Hemusthavebeenscaredlastnight,whenthefirebrokeout.""Yes.He'sgotahurtleg,"saidGranny."Hemusthavehurtitwhenhegallopedroundtheshedinfright.

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I'vedealtwithitasbestIcan.It'snothingmuch.NowImustgoandhelpinthekitchen.Deardear—mypoordaughterwillthinkIhavedesertedher!"DaddystaredafterGranny.Sheseemedquitedifferent!Helookedatthelittleponygrazinghappilyunderthetrees,withRexrunningtheretoo,pleasedathavinganewfour-leggedcompanion.ThekittenjumpedupontoDaddy'slapandhestrokedit.Itpattedhishandwithasoftpaw,curledupintoaballwithitstailwrappedroundit,andfellasleep.Mr.Blackwatchedfromanearbychair,andthencalmlyjumpeddown,walkedtoDaddy,andclimbedslowlyuponhim.Mr.BlackwasalwayscarefulofDaddy'slegs!HesettledhimselfdownontopofDapple,whosqueezedhimselfout,halfsuffocated.Daddylaughed.Whatapair!Thepolicedidn'tcomethatmorning.Infact,theydidn'tcomeatall.Butjustasthefamilyhadfinishedtheirmiddaymeal,ayoungmancamewanderingupthepathtofindthebackdoor."Ohdear—I'mafraidhe'scometotakeFlashaway,"saidClare,mournfully."Ifeelitinmybones.Oh,itwassonicerushinghomefromschoolandfindingFlashintheorchard.Iwishwecouldhavearideonhimbeforehegoes.He'sjustthesizeforus!""HewhinniedlikeanythingwhenIwenttohim,"saidFrancis."Herubbedhisheadagainstme.Granny,youwereveryveryluckytohaveaponyofyourownwhenyouweresmall.""Yes,Iwas,"saidGranny."I'dhavelikedmygrandchildrentohavehadponiestoo.Butthingschangeso.Ihadtoomuch—theyhavetoolittle.""Wehaven't,"saidSam,sturdily."Ilikemyhome.Ilikeeveryonehere.Idon'twantanythingchanged.""Yes,youdo.Yousaidyouwantedtosleepinmy93



bed,becauseyourswaslumpy,"saidFrancis."Youwantedtochangeover!""Idon'tmeanthingslikethat,"saidSam."Imean..."ButwhatSammeantnobodyheard,becauseitwasatthatverymomentthattheyoungmanwalkeduptothekitchendoor.Herappedloudlywithhisknuckles.EveryonebutDaddyrushedintothekitchen,certainthattheyoungmanhadcomeforFlash.Well,Flashwasn'tgoingwithoutalotofgood-byessaidtohim!"Goodafternoon,"saidtheyoungman."Er—I'vecomeaboutmyuncle'spony.Iheardyouhadhimhere.CanIhaveawordwithyou,please,Mrs.Marshall?""Comein,"saidMother,andhesteppedin.Thethreechildrenlookedathim.Whatwashegoingtosay?Theyoungmanwasverypolite.Hetookoffhiscap

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assoonashegotindoors,anddidn'tsitdowntillhewasaskedto.Hetwistedhiscaproundandroundinhisbighandsandlookedveryworried."I'msosorrytoknowthatyouruncle'sshedswereallburntdownlastnight,"saidMother,kindly."Ihearthatyourunclewastakentohospitalyesterday,veryill.Whatbadlucktohappenallatonce!""Yes,itis,ma'am,"saidtheyoungman."I'mveryworried.Myuncle'stooillformetotellhimaboutallthis—there'snoonetotakeonhisbusiness,becausehiswife,myaunt,istooupsettoleavehim.SoI'vegottodecideeverythingmyself.""Canwehelpyou?"saidDaddy."What'syourbiggestworry?""Well,yousee,Iandmybrotherrunagreengrocer'sbusinessinthenexttown,"saidtheyoungman."Myname'sMiller,likemyuncle's—SidMiller—anditwasmyunclewhosetusupinbusiness.Hewasgoodtous,sir,verygood.AndnowI'vegottomakeupmymindwhethertosellhisbusinessorcloseitdown,incasehedoesn'tgetbetter—orwhethertohopeforthebestandcomeoverheremyselfandrunit,hopinghewillgetbetterandbestrongenoughtorunithimself.Mybrothercouldrunourownbusinessbyhimselfforabit.""Isee,"saidDaddy."It'sabigdecisionforyoutomake.ButIshouldcertainlytakeonyouruncle'sbusinessforthetimebeing,ifyourbrothercanmanageonhisown.Itwouldbeaterribleblowtoyouruncletocomeoutofhospitalandfindhisbusinesssold!Whatdoesyourauntsay?""ShesaysI'mtodowhatIthinkbest,"saidSid."Butshe'ssoupsetabouteverything,sir,thatIcan'treallygetawordofsenseoutofher,poorthing.""Whatdoyouwanttodoaboutthepony?"said

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Granny,andherchainsjingledassheleanedforward."That'swhatIcameabout,ofcourse,"saidSid."Nottoworryyouwithmytroubles!Ijusttoldyouthosetoexplainthingsabit.Now,supposeIdowhatMr.Marshallheresays—leavemybrothertorunourbusiness,andcomeoverheretorunmyuncle's—Ican'tusethepony.""Whynot?"askedDaddy."Fortworeasons,"saidSid,earnestly."Oneisthatthedeliverycartisburnt;andtheotheristhatI'musedtotakingthingsoutinamotor-van.Unclewasabitold-fashioned—hedidn'tholdwithmotor-vans;sohetookouttheponyandwagon,andwentroundsellingvegetablesandfruit,anddeliveringthemtoo.Ofcourse,hehadhisdeliveryboysonbicycles,aswell.""Isee,"saidDaddy."Well,goon.""Well,sir—ifI'mnotusingtheponyIoughttosellhim,"saidSid."Hewouldfetchinabitofmoneytohelppayforthings;myunclewasn'tinsuredforthesheds.Butthethingis—oldUncleFredwassofondofthatponyIbelieveitwouldbreakhisheartifhefoundhimgonewhenhegotoutofhospital."Therewasasilence.ThenDaddyspokeagain."Wecan'tbuynun,ifthat'swhatyou'reafter,"hesaid."We'venomoneyourselves.""No,sir.Iwasn'tgoingtoaskyouthat,"saidSid."I'mfondofmyuncle,andI'dliketokeepthelittleoldponyforhim,ifhecomesback.ButwherecanIkeephim?TheychargealotupattheRidingStables.WhatIcametoaskwasthis—andpleasedon'ttakeoffence,sir—I'veheardyou'reallfondofanimals—and—well,couldyoulookaftertheponyhereforme?"Thelastninewordscameoutinsucharush,andinsuchadesperatevoice,thatnobodyunderstoodthem.Sidrepeatedthem."Couldyoulookaftertheponyfor

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mehere?I'dpayyouwhatyouask,becauseIknowyouwouldn'tchargelikeahorse-stableswould,sir."Sid'srequestwassoveryunexpectedthatittookeveryonebysurprise.ThenFrancisleaptupwithashout:"HewantsustohaveFlash!HewantsustohaveFlash!Yes,wewill,wewill,wewill!"Clare'sfaceglowed.Samlookedsolemnandthrilledatthesametime,andbegantowhistlesoftly.ButDaddydampeditalldown."No,"hesaidfirmly."No.Ahorseneedsquitealotoflookingafter.Thechildrenareatschoolallday,anditwouldfalltomywifetoseetothepony.Shehastoomuchtodoalready.""Daddy!"criedallthreechildrenindismay.ButDaddywasquitefirm."Isaidno.AndImeanno.I'dliketohelpSid,

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butI'mnotaddingtoyourmother'sburdens.It'snouseyouchildrentellingmeyoucandoeverything.Youcan't.Isaidno,andthat'stheendofit!"Clareburstintotears.Samstampedoutoftheroom,notwhistlinganymore.Andthensomethingmostunexpectedhappened.Grannybegantospeak."Iagreewitheverywordyou'vesaid,John,"shesaidtoDaddy."Iwon'thaveanymoreputontomydaughter,andasyousaythechildrenwillbebusyatschool.But—wewillhavethepony,because/willlookafterhim!Iknowallabouthorses,Iwasbroughtupherewiththatstablefullofthem./willberesponsibleforFlash,andheshallliveinmystable,andeatmygrassinmyorchard.Isayyes.AndImeanyes!"Theoldladyjingledallherchains,andsatupstraight,lookingsofiercethatDaddyburstintolaughter.Helaughedandlaughed.ClareflewtothedoorandshoutedafterSam."Sam,SAM!It'sallright.Comebackatonce."AndSamcameinquickly,lookingroundhopefullyateveryone.WhateverwasDaddylaughingat?"Allright,allright,"saidDaddyatlast."I'mdefeated.Iforgotyouknewsomuchabouthorses,Granny—andasyousay,thestablesareyours,theorchard,andeventhegrassinit!Andifyou'lllookafterthepony,well,Ihavenothingmoretosay.Iamquitesurethatbothyouandtheponywillbehappy!"Grannybeamedround.Shehadgotherwayandshealwayslovedthat.SheturnedgraciouslytoSid."That'ssettledthen,"shesaid."Wekeepthepony.Youcansupplyhi&cornandletushavehayorstraw,Isuppose?""Ohyes—yes!Anything!"saidtherelievedSid."Andpleaseletthekidsridehim—he'susedtothat.Iandmybrotherrodehimtwelveyearsago,whenwe

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werekids.He'saboutfourteennow,andhe'sgentleandhard-working.I'dhavehatedtogetridofoldFlash."Sambegantowhistleloudly,andnotevenGrannystoppedhim.Sidgotuptogo,twistinghiscaproundandroundsoquicklythatitquitefascinatedClare.Heclearedhisthroatasifheweregoingtomakealittlespeech.Daddystoppedhim."Youdon'tneedtothankus—we'regladtohelpyou.Andrememberthis,Sid—hardworkneverhurtanyone.Sogotoit,anddoyourbest!""Thankyou,sir.I'mnotafraidofhardwork.Notabit,"saidSid."You'vebeenverynicetome.Er—whatshallIpayyouforyourkindness,sir?Wouldyouprefermoney,orshallIbringyoufreshvegetablesfree,eachweek?""Nothingofthesort,youngman,"saidGranny,sittingupverystraightagain."I'mdoingthisbecauseIlovehorses,andit'sgoodtohelpayoungmanwho'sdoingabitofkindnesshimself—andyou'redoingyourbestforyouruncle!Don'tyoudaretomentionpaymentagain!Mygrassisfree,andsoismyorchard!"Sidwentveryredatthisoutburst,andlookedbewildered.Motherstoodupandtookhimtothe-door,smiling."Mymothersoundsfiercerthansheis,"shesaid.,"Butshe'skindnessitself.""Thankyou,ma'am,"saidSid."I'llrepayyou.someday—inspiteofwhattheoldladysays,Godblessher!"Sidwalkedoffhappily,lookingroundhimatthe-untidy,neglectedgardenashewentdownthepath.Gracious—theymustbepoortohavealovelyplacelikethisinsuchanuntidystate!Couldn'ttheyevenafford•jobbinggardener?SidsawFlashgrazinghappilyin

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theorchard,andwenttohim."You'reinclover,oldfellow!"hesaid."Enjoyyourholiday!That'swhatitwillbeforyou,tillwegetthingsfixedup.Andyoudeserveit,you'resuchahardworkinglittlechap!"FlashknewSidandheputhisheadontheyoungman'sshoulder.Itwasalittlewayhehad.Hedidn'tquiteunderstandwhatwashappening—buthecertainlywasenjoyinghimself!TherewasenormousexcitementassoonasSidhadgone.SamflunghimselfonGrannyandalmostknockedheroffherchair."You'regood,good,good!"hesaid."Ialwaysknewyouwere,butnowIthinkyou'reevengooder!"Claresatwithhereyesshining.Aponyintheorchardeveryday.Almosttheirown.Onetheycouldride!Francisrubbedhishandsindelight.Thestables!HewouldcleanoutoneofthestallsandmakeitbeautifulforFlash.Hewouldlookintheharnessroomandseeiftherewasanoldsaddlethere—andabridle.GrannywouldshowhimhowtoputthemonFlash.Hewouldpolishtheleathertillitshone!Grannygotup,jinglingloudly.Shefeltveryproudofherself."Well,that'sthat,"shesaid."Sam,stophuggingmesohardroundthewaist,you'resqueezingmydinner!Andremember,please,I'veundertakentolookafterthepony.Youchildrencanjustplaywithhimwhenyou'vetime,andridehim—butI'lldoalltheworkforhim.Idon'tmindyouhelpingatweek-ends.""I'mgoingtohelpalldaylong,"saidSam,solemnly."All—day—LONG!""You'renot,"saidMother."You'regoingtoschool.Don'tbesilly.""I'mnotgoingtoschool,"saidSam,andhegavea

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suddensquealoflaughter."It'sholidaysnextweek—fourweeks!Haha,Mother—youforgot!""Golly—soitis,"saidClare."Oh,Granny—wecanhelpthen!Holidays,holidays,holidays—they'recomingatexactlytherighttime!""Lookattheclock!"saidMother,suddenly."Offtoschool,allofyou.Wait,wait!Brushyourhairs,please,and..."Butthechildrendidn'twaittolisten.Theyknewallthatbyheart."Brushyourhair,washyourhands,tidyyourself,please!"sangClare,light-heartedly.Andintwominutes'timetheyallthreerushedhelter-skelterdownthepath.Howhappytheywere!

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ChapterSevenEASTERHOLIDAYSFLASHwasagreatsuccess.Grannylovedhimwithallherheart,andspentalotoftimewithhim.ShestillhelpedMotherasmuchasever,butshegaveupherafternoonrestsothatshewouldhaveplentyoftimeforanyjobsforthepony.AtfirstMotherwascrosswhenshefoundthattheoldladywasnolongerrestingintheafternoon—butDaddystoppedherscoldingGranny."Don'tpreventtheoldladyfromgoingoutandseeingtothepony,"saidDaddy."AllthisfreshairandexerciseandbeinghappywithFlashisdoingheraworldofgood.Sheisn'tnearlysocrotchetynowthatshehassomethingelsetothinkofbesidethehouseandthefamily!""You'reright,asusual,"saidMother."Youlikegoingdowninyourwheel-chairtotheorchardtoo,andbeingwithFlashandRex,don'tyou?YouandGrannyareapair!It'salovelyplacenow,downthereunderthepearblossom,withdaffodilsallroundyourfeet.""Andthecuckooplayinghide-and-seekandcallingcuckooallthetime!"saidDaddy."Iwishyou'dmoretimetogetdowntherewithus,dear—it'ssolovelynow.Leavethejobsandspendsometimeoutinthesun!""Ican't,"saidMother."Oneday,perhaps.Thechildrenwillbehomealldayfortheholidayssoon,andyouknowwhatalotmoreworkthatmeans—thoughIlovedoingitforthem."

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Whentheholidayscamethethreechildrenwereashappyasthedaywaslong.TheypersuadedMothertoletthemhavetheirmealsinthegarden,andFranciscarriedallthetraysouthimself.ItcertainlywaslovelyoutthereintheAprilsunshine—and,asDaddysaid,itwasonewayofgettingMotheroutof-doors!Grannywasvery,verybusyatthebeginningofthoseholidays.Sheandthechildrenturnedouteverythingintheharnessroom,andasaddlewasfoundtofitFlash,andabridletoo.Thestirrupstrapswerebrokenandhadtobemended.TheycleanedandpolishedalltheleathertillClarecouldalmostseeherfaceinthesaddle.Theycleanedoutoneofthestallsinthestable,andputhayinthemanger,thoughFlashmuchpreferredthefreshgrassintheorchard.Itwaslongandlushandbrilliantgreen.Thechildrencouldn'twaitforthesaddleandbridletobeready.Theyrodehimbareback!Hewasasolidlittlepony,good-temperedandcheerful,thoughabitonthefatside.WhenSamrodehimhisshortlegsstuckoutcomicallyoverFlash'sfatflanks,andhefounditverydifficulttokeepon.Herolledoffplentyoftimes,butasSamwasasplumpasthepony,hedidn'tmindintheleast."IfallontheplacewhereI'mfattest,"hetoldGranny."Soitdoesn'thurt,itjusttakesmybreathaway.Whydon'tyouhavearide,Granny?You'relittle.Youwouldn'tbetooheavy.""Ifyouthinkthatanoldladylikemeisgoingtogallopbarebackunderthepeartrees,you'remistaken,"saidGranny."Goonwithyou!Ineverknowwhetheryoumeanthingsornot.""Oh,Ido"saidSam,surprised."IthoughtyouwouldliketorideFlashjustforonce.Perhapsyouridehim

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whenwe'renotlooking?""Sam!Don'tbeabsurd,"saidGranny,andgavehimataponhisarm."Goandgetsomecleanstrawforme,please.Sidbroughtawholelotupyesterday."Sidwasquiteafriend,almostatonce.HebroughtupstrawandhayandoatsandcarrotsforFlash.HemadefriendswithallthechildrenandwithRexandDapplethekitten."You'vegotalovelyplacehere,"hesaidoneevening,lookinground."Butit'ssoneglected.ItgetsonmynerveswhenIlookroundandseeallthoseweedsandtangledgrassandthemesseverywhere.""Wehaven'ttimetogardenaswellaseverythingelse,"saidFrancis."WejustkeepabitinfrontofthehouseweededandplantedforMother,andthat'sall.We'vehadtolettherestgo.Mothertriedtodoit,butDaddymadeherstop,shegotsotired."Sidsatsilentforamomentandthenspoke,ratherawkwardly."Er—I'vegotabitoftimethisevening,"hesaid."Isupposeyouwouldn'tletmemessaboutinthegardenabit?Ilovegardening,Iwasgoingtobeagardener,butmyunclewantedmetosetupinthegreengrocerybusiness.""Dowhatyoulike,"saidFrancis."Therearetoolsinthestables.Hey,Dan—showSidwherethetoolsare,willyou?"DanwasupatGreenMeadowsalmosteveryevening,

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partlytobewithRexandpartlybecauseheenjoyedplaying—andworking—withFrancisandtheothertwo.HecopiedFrancisineverything,andadmiredhimverymuch.HewasdeterminedtobeaScout.Hehadbeenverymuch.pressedattheScoutmeetingshehadattended.Thethingstheydid!Gracious!—itwasarealboy'sjobthat—beingaScout.Hedidgooddeedsinsecret,pretendingthathewasaScoutalready.Sohewasalwaysreadytogiveahandtoanyone,especiallytheMarshallfamily.HewentoffaloncewithSidandshowedhimthetools."Whydon'tyoucomeandhelpmedoaspotofworkdowninthatgarden?"saidSid,suddenly."You'reabigstronglad—IreckonyouandItogethercouldmakepartofthegardenveryniceforMrs.Marshall.""Allright,"saidDan,surprised."But—areyougoingtocomeanothertimethen?""Yes.I'vebeenworryingabouthowtopaybackfortheoldlady'skindnessaboutFlash,"saidSid."Anditsuddenlycametomethisevening.'Sillydonkey!'Isaidtomyself,'lookatthisgardenstaringyouintheface!Getdowntoit,Sid,'Isaid,'that'sthewaytopaybacktheMarshalls'kindness!'"Danagreed."I'llhelptoo,"hesaid."Yousee,theywon'tletmepaymoneyorbuythemsweets,somyMumcomeseachWednesdayandhelpsinthehouse—

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fornothing,ofcourse.ButIdon'tdoanything,soI'lldothis.Itwouldbeagooddeed,wouldn'tit?""YouaScoutthen?"saidSid."No?Well,youdon'tneedtobeaScouttodogooddeeds.Comeon.Youtakethespade,I'lltakethefork,thebarrow,andthetrowel."Motherwasextremelyastonishedwhenshecamedownthegardentogetsomemintformintsauce.TherewasSiddigginghardinapieceofgroundfullofovergrownrose-trees—andtherewasDanbusygrubbingupweeds,andtryingtofindtheedgesofthebed!"Whatintheworldareyoudoing?"saidMother,astonished.Samwasthere,waitingtowheelthebarrowtotherubbishheapwhenitwasfull."They'repayingback,"hesaid."Don'ttellthemtostop,Mother.They'renotpayingyouback—they'repayingGranny.Shecameupandsaidtheycould.Aren'tyou,SidandDan?"Sidlookedsheepish,andstoodupstraight,hisfaceredandhotwithhardwork.Hewasenjoyinghimself."Ilikethiskindofthing,ma'am,"hesaid."Iwantedtobeagardeneronce.I'dliketogetabitofthisgardenniceforyouall.It'sashametoletitgolikethis."Motherwastouched."That'sgoodofyou,"shesaid,andwentindoorssmiling,totellthenewstoDaddy.Shetookthemintwithher,sniffingitsclean,strongsmell."GoodforSid!"saidDaddy."He'snotafraidofwork,thatyoungman.He'llgofar.It'sthelazyoneswhostayputandnevergetanywhere.IlikeSid."Franciswasveryhappy.HehadRex,hehadthemad,badlittlekitten,andnowhehadFlash.Therewasonlyonethingthatworriedhim—anditworriedGrannytoo.

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Ritalooked.SheknewnothingabouthorsesexceptthatFlashwaslovelytoride,butevenshecouldseethatthelegwasbad,andthatpoorlittleFlashwasinpain."Whydon'tyoutakehimtotheAnimalVan?"shesaid,rubbingFlash'slongvelvetynosegently.Shelovedhimasmuchastheothersdid."It'sinPack-horseDeneto-day,butitwillbegoneto-morrow.It'sonitswaytoLanghamDown.""Whatever'stheAnimalVan?"saidFrancisinastonishment."I'veneverheardofit!""Well,Idon'tknowmuchaboutit,"saidRita,playingwiththekitten."Ionlyheardsomeonetellingmymotherthatsheoncehadasickcat,andtookittotheAnimalVanandtheAnimalDoctorinsidecuredit.SoIthoughthemightcureFlash'sleg.""Whatcanshemean?"wonderedGranny,asRitadartedafterthekitten,whichhadscamperedunderabush."I'llaskSid.Maybeheknows.Sid!Comehereaminute.DoyouknowanythingaboutanAnimalVanwithanAnimalDoctorinside—orisitjustamake-upofRita's?""TheAnimalVan?Oh,yes—that'soneofthemotorcaravansbelongingtotheP.D.S.A.,"saidSid."Ioncetookmydogthere.""P.D.S.A.!Andwhatdoesthatstandfor?"saidGranny."People'sDispensaryforSickAnimals,"saidSid,promptly."It'sasocietythatisrunforsickanimals.Theyhavevansoutalloverthecountry—CaravanDispensariesistheirrightname,butthekidscallthemAnimalVans.AnyonecantakeasickorhurtanimaltotheVanDoctor,andgetitseento.""VanDoctor!I'veneverheardofanyonecalledthatbefore!"saidGranny.

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"Ohwell—therightnameisTechnicalOfficer—T.O.'stheyarecalledforshort,"saidSid."ButmostTechnicalOfficersareknownasAnimalDoctorsbythechildren.It'squiteathrillwhentheAnimalVancomesalongwiththeAnimalDoctorinside,readytohelp.""Dotheychargemuch?"askedGranny."Theydon'tchargeapenny!"saidSid."Notapenny!Thehelpisforpeoplewhocan'taffordtopayfees,yousee.It'sallrunandpaidforbyanimalloverswhocan'tbearanimalstobesickorhurtandnothavehelp.SotheAnimalDoctorsneverchargeanything.Honest!Ofcourse—ifyouliketogivewhatyoucanafford,they'rejollypleased.There'salwaysacollectingboxthere,justincase!Whydoyouwanttoknowaboutit?""Well,lookatFlash'sleg,"saidGranny."Ithoughtitwasbetter—butit'sbrokenoutagain.CouldwetakehimtotheAnimalVan,doyouthink—orCaravanDispensaryasyousaiditwascalled?""Myword—it'sbad,isn'tit?"saidSid,alarmed."Thevan'satPackhorseDenethisevening;itmaybegoneafterthat.Can'twetakeoldFlashnow,straightaway,beforehegetstoobadtowalk?Pooroldfellow,he'sinpain.""We'lltakehim,"saidGranny,inhermostdeterminedvoice."Hecanwalkthatfar,thoughI'dreallyratherhedidn't.ButifwewaitandsendamessagetotheCaravanDispensary,itmightjusthaveleft.Comealong,Flash,dearoldboy."So,attendedbyGranny,Sid,Dan,Rita,andthethreeMarshallchildren,Flashsetoffslowly.ItwasquiteaprocessionthatmovedoffdownthelanetowardsPack-horseDene.Inheranxietytogettothevanbeforeitwastoolate,GrannyquiteforgottosendwordintoMother.SoMotherwasextremelyastonishedwhen

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shecameoutintothegarden,tofinditcompletelydeserted.NoGranny,noSid,nochildren,nopony,dog,orkitten.Howveryextraordinary!Flashlimpedalongslowly.Hewassuchagood,patientlittlethingthatClarefeltasifshewouldburstintotears."IwishIcouldcarryhim!"shesaid."Hemustwonderwhywe'retakinghimforawalkjustwhenhislegishurtinghimmost.Idon'tthinkweoughtto!""It'sallright,darling,"saidGranny."Itisn'tveryfar.Heknowswe'reallsorryforhim."Rexranahead,delightedatthisunexpectedwalkonalovelyAprilevening.Celandinesshoneintheditchesandwhitevioletsmadetheeveningairsmellsweet.ItwasabeautifulwalktoPackhorseDene—ifonlyFlashhadbeenabletowalkproperlytoo!Theycameintothequaintlittlevillage.Thevanwasstillthere.TheAnimalDoctor'ssisterranthe110



littleinnatthecornernearby,andhehadbeengivenpermissiontoseehissisterandspendthenightthere.Thevanwasopen—andanyonecouldbringsickanimalsorbirdstobeexamined.Thenewshadgoneroundthatthecaravanwasspendingthenightatthevillage."TheDispensaryisherewithitsT.O!"saidthegrown-ups."ThatAnnualVanisherewiththeAnimalDoctor!"saidthechildren.SowhenFlashandhiscompanionswalkedintothevillagestreet,theysawquitealittlecrowdofpeoplewaitingnearabigcreamcaravanwiththelettersP.D.S.A.inblueletteringalongthesides.Asmallmanwithafirm,kindlyfacewasstandingatthedoorway,handingacattoasmallgirl.Hetwinkledatherthroughhisglasses."Hereyouare.Here'syourTibs.Nothingmuchwrong.I'vedosedherandshe'llbequiteallrightinadayortwo.""Oh,thankyou!"saidthesmallgirl,andclutchedTibseagerly."Thankyou!Oh,Tibs,doyoufeelbetter?"Shewentoffhappily.TheAnimalDoctorlookedroundatthewaitingpeople."Who'snext?Youwiththedog?"Aboygotupwithasmalldoginhisarms.Thedoglaystillandseemedinpain."I'vebroughtmydog,sir,"saidtheboy."Hegotintoafight.Hisneck'sbadlybitten.Oh,sir,hewon'tdie,willhe?He'ssuchagooddog!""Dearme,no!I'llsoonseetohim,"saidthedoctor,glancingatthewound."Comealongintothevanwithme.He'llfeelbetterwithyouthere.Youcanhelpme.We'llcleanoutthewound,andI'llgiveyouointmenttoputonit.It'sagoodthingit'satthebackofbisneck.Hecan'tlickhimselfthere!"

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TheboywentintotheVanandthedoorclosed.Everyonehopedandhopedthatthedogwouldbeallright.Inasurprisinglyshorttimethedooropenedagain,andoutcametheboywithhisdog,beamingalloverhisface."IheldhimwhiletheDoctordidhisneck,"heannouncedproudly."Wagswa6asgoodasgold.You'llsoonbeallrightnow,won'tyou,oldboy?I'vegotyourointmentinmypocket,andI'mgoingtocarryyouallthewayhome!"Therewasanothercattobeseento,withaswollenface,andacanaryinacage,thathadhurtitswing.Therewasarabbitwithaswollenleg,andtherewasevenamousewithabrokentail!ThechildwiththecatwentintothevantoholdherpetwhiletheDoctorexaminedit.Shecameoutveryquickly,withthecatstillinherarms,lookingverysleepy."HepulledoneofFluffy'steethout,"saidthelittlegirl."Itwasvery,verybad.NowFluffy'sfacewillbeallright.Itwon'tbeswollento-morrow,hesays.Hejustputhertosleepforaminute,andpulleditoutthen.Fluffneverevenknew.He'sclever."SoonitwasFlash'sturn."I'llseehimwherehestands,"saidthelittleAnimalDoctor."Ah—it'shisleg,Isee.Howdidithappen?"Francistoldhim.Thedoctorlookedathim."Aren'tyoutheboythatrescuedaponyfromaburningshed?"hesaid."Iheardaboutthat.Mysisterattheinntheretoldme.Welldone!"Heturnedtothepony,andrubbedhisnoseandspoketohimgentlybeforeheevenexaminedtheleg.Flashprickeduphisears.Helikedthisman'svoiceverymuch.Hesuddenlyputhisheadonthedoctor'sshoulder—andthenFrancisknewthatitwouldn't

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matterwhatthemandidtohim,Flashwouldbearit!"I'dbettertakehimintomysister'sstable,overthereattheinn,"saidthelittledoctor."Icanseetohislegmoreeasilythere,inprivate.I'lljustfetchafewthingsthatIshallneedfromthevan."Flashwastakenacrosstotheinnstable."IthinkI'llhavehimalone,withoutanyonewithhim,"saidtheman.Heshutthedoorandlefteveryoneoutside.Nobodyspokeaword.TherewascompletesilenceexceptforasuddenlittlewhinnyfromFlash,insidethestable.Clarewasintears.PoorFlash!Sheputupasuddenlittleprayerinthewaysheoftendidwhenshewasanxiousorworried."DearGod,pleasehelpFlash,pleasehelphim,he'ssosweet,andyoucanseehowbadhislegis."SamsawClare'slipsmovingandheknewwhatshewasdoing.Heshuthiseyestightandsaidurgently,"PleaseGod,lookafterlittleFlash,dolookafterhim."Heopenedhiseyes—andatthesamemomentthestabledooropenedtoo,andoutcameFlashwiththeDoctor,ratherbewilderedbutnotatallupset."Hereheis,"saidthelittleman,smiling."Goodthingyoubroughthimwhenyoudid!Thelegwasverynasty.Butthewoundisquitecleannow,andI'vebandagedhislegwell."Sid,Francis,andGrannyallsurgedforwardtotakeFlash.Hestilllimped,butheseemedquitecheerful."Thankyouverymuch,"saidGranny."Imustpayyou.""Weneverchargeanything,"saidthelittledoctor."Notapenny."FrancishadseenacollectingboxonthetableinsidetheVan."I'vegotfiveshillingshere,"hesaid."ItwasluckyIsaveditup.Ishallputitallintoyourbox!"

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Grannyputinsomethingtoo—andthenSidputinhalf-acrown;itwasallhecouldspare."I'vegotapenny,"saidClare,andthatwentintothecollectingboxtoo!TheAnimalDoctorlookedverypleased."I'vegotnothing,"saidSam,mournfully."WhatcanIdo?""Well,whydon'tyoubelongtotheBusyBees?"saidthelittledoctor."Theyarechildrenwholoveanimalsandcareforthemandhelpusinourwork.Here—takethisform,ittellsyouallaboutit.NexttimeIseeyou,youngman,IhopeIshallfindyouwearingourlittleyellowbadgewiththebeeonit!"Samwasdelighted.Hetookthepieceofpaper,foldeditupcarefullyandputitintohispocket.ABusyBee!Itsoundedgood.Samlikedtobebusy,andhelikedbees—nice,humming,buzzingthingsthatmadehimhoneyforhistea.Yes,certainlySamwouldbeaBusyBeeandhelpthiskindmantocarryonwithhisworkforanimalsh'keFlashandDappleandRex!"CanIhaveoneofthosepaperstoo,please,"saidRita,shyly."I'vegotakitten,look,andI'mananimallovertoo.WhatdoBusyBeesdo?""Ah,youjustjoinandsee!"saidtheman."Thereareplentyofthings,andallofthemareinteresting.Here,takehalfadozenforms,yourfriendsmayliketoseethem."Ritaproudlytookthelittlebundleofpapers.Shewasthrilledtothinkshehadbeenboldenoughtospeakoutlikethat,andgetthepapers.ShehuggedDappleandwentoff,crimsonwithpleasure."Anyoneelse?"saidthelittledoctor,lookinground.Therewasonlyonemorepersonwhohadarrivedjustafterthechildren,onabicycle.Itwasamanwithapuppy.Hehaditinhisbicyclebasket,atinycreature114



thatwhinedfeebly."Haveyougottimetoseethispup?"askedtheman."There'ssomethingthematterwithhisleg.It'sbroken,Ithink.IfyouwanttoshutupforthenightI'llbringhi™intomorrow,toLanghamDown.Icancyclein.""Goodgracious,no!OfcourseI'llseetohimnow,"saidthedoctor."Let'shavealookathim."Themantookthepuppyfromthebasket.Oneleghunglimpanduseless."Gently,now,gently,"saidtheanimaldoctor."Don'thandlehimtooroughly.Isheyours?""No.Hebelongstomylittlegirl,"saidtheman.Hewasarough-lookingfellow,withadirtywhitescarfroundhisneck,andhairmuchtoolong."I'venopatiencewithanimals—butshelovesthispup,andshe'scryinghereyesoutabouthim.""Howdidithappen?"saidthedoctor,strokingthetinycreaturegently."Well—hegotundermyfeet,andIsenthimflying,"saidtheman."Alwaysgettinginmyway,heis.ButthenI'venopatiencewithanimalsinthehouse.""Soyoukickedhimandbrokehisleg,"saidthelittleman,coldly."Isee.Well,letushopethatyounevergetintoanyone'sway,andhaveyourlegbroken!Comeintothevan.IwantyoutowatchwhatIdo—thenperhapsyouwon'tkickathimagain."Thevandoorshut.ClareturnedtoGranny,tearsinhereyes."Ihatethatman,Ihatehim,Ihatehim,Ihatehim!I'dliketostealthatlittlepuppyandtakeittoGreenMeadows.Horrible,horribleman!"Samwaswhite.Ithadneverevenoccurredtohimthatanyonecouldbecrueltoanimals.HelookedverysolemnandslippedhisarmthroughGranny's."I'mgoingtobeaBusyBee,"hesaid."Granny,115



you'llexplainaboutittome,won'tyou?Iwanttogetbusyimmediately,atonce,forever!""Youshall,youshall,"saidGranny."Nowcheerup—lookatFlash,heseemsbetteralready!Offwegohome;anddearohdear,goodgraciousme,notoneofusrememberedtosendwordintoMotherandDaddythatweweregoingofftoPackhorseDenewithFlash!"Itwaslatewhentheygotback.Sidleftthemandwenttotheshop,andRitaandDanslippedofftoo.Mother,lookingoutofthegate,suddenlysawherthreecomingalongwithGrannyandFlash.RexranbyFrancis,andClarecarriedDapple.Whereintheworldhadtheybeen?"Mother,we'vebeentotheAnimalVan!"criedSam,runningtoher."TheS.A.D.P.,youknow.No,ImeantheP.A.S.D.No,Idon'tmeanthateither.Clare,whatdoImean?"YoumeantheP.D.S.A.,silly,"saidClare,andoutcamethewholestorytoMother,allaboutFlash'sleg,andtheAnimalDoctor,andtheanimalsthere,andhowhehadbandagedFlash'sleg—dearme,Mothercouldhardlybelieveit!Nowreally,youmustcomeintosupper,"shesaid."Youareawholehourlate!ButIdon'tmindnowIknowwhatyou'vebeenupto.NaughtyGranny,nottosendwordtome!Granny,you'reasbadasthechildren!"Yes,Iknow,"saidGranny,lookingquiteashamedofherself."Ican'tthinkwhatcameovermetoforgettotellyou.Still,all'swellthatendswell—andourFlashissoongoingtobemuchbetter!"

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ChapterEightGRANNY'SSECRETEARLYnextmorningFranciswentouttoseeFlash.•t-'Hecamebackatarun."Granny!Mother!Flashisn'tlimpingnearlysomuchthismorning!Isn'tthatgood!""Splendid,"saidMother."He'swanderingroundtheorchardquitehappily—andonceheforgottolimp!"saidFrancis."Mother,doyouknowwhatI'mgoingtobewhenI'mgrownup?""Letmeseenow—isitalorry-driver,acowboyoranexpresstraindriver?"saidMother."I'veforgotten!""No.I'vegrownoutofthoseideas,"saidFrancis."I'mgoingtobeanAnimalDoctorandhaveacaravanofmyown,andgoroundthecountryhelpingpeoplewithsickanimals.Mother,don'tyouthinkthat'sagoodidea?""Anythingthathelpsothersisagrandidea,"saidMother."Now,doyoumindcleaningtheshoes,Francis?You'llnotbeintimeforbreakfastifyoudon'tgetonwithyourjobs!""Ohdear—lifeissoexcitingthesedaysthatthere'shardlytunetofitinallI'vegottodo!"saidFrancis,rushingtogettheboot-cleaningbox."ButIlikelotsofthingstobegoingon,don'tyou,Mother?"Motherdidn'tanswer.Whatshewouldreallyhave

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likedwasanicebitofpeace,withnothingtodoandnothinggoingonatall—foraweek,atanyrate!Shewentoncookingthebreakfast.ThankgoodnessitwasWednesday,andkindlittleMrs.Oldhamwascoming."WeshallsoonbeabletorideFlashagain,"saidClare,atbreakfast."Grannysayshislegwillhealquicklynowit'sbeenproperlyseento.Mother,I'vegotanidea.""Really?Howunusual!"saidFrancis,atonce,andgotaglarefromhissister."Bequiet,Francis.I'mnottalkingtoyou,"shesaid."Mother,listen.Mother,you'renotlistening!""Yes,Iam,"saidMother."What'syouridea?""Well—myideaisthis,"saidClare."AndSamthinksittoo.WeboththinkFlashwouldliketopaybackforhavinghislegmended—soMother,whenhe'sbetter,couldwelethimgiveotherchildrenridesforapennyatime?""They'dpayapenny,"saidSam."Theysaidso.Theykeepaskingforrides,butashe'sSid'spony,wedidn'tliketosayyes.""Well,IthinkyoumustaskSid,"saidMother."I'msurehewon'tmind—butaskhimfirst.Ithinkit'saverygoodideaindeed,solongasyoudon'tletanyonetooheavyridehim,anddon'toverdoit.Flashwouldquiteenjoyit.""Oh,Mother!I'msogladyouthinkit'sagoodidea,"saidClare,beaming."Shallwechargeapennyfromourgatetotheendofthelaneandback?""Yes,"saidMother,smiling."Thatwouldbeworthapenny..Butdon'tletanyonerideFlashwhomightpullathismouthtoohard,orkickhissidestomakehimgofast.""Ofcoursenot!"saidSam."IfanyonedoesthatI'llpushhimoffthepony—crashthud!"

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"Ishan'tletGeorgeridehim,"saidClare."HetookRex'sboneawayandmadehimgrowl.""AndnotJanet,either,"saidFrancis,joiningin."She...""You'retellingtales!"saidSam,"youare,youare!Andyouwon'tletme!""Bequiet,Sam,"saidFrancis."Buttinginlikethat!Iwasnotgoingtotelltales.""Who'sgoingtotakeDaddymoretoast?"saidMother,changingthesubject."You,Sam?Carrytherackupstairscarefully,anddon'tdropthetoastoneverystep!""Ionlydidthatlastyear,whenIwasyoung,"saidSam,solemnly."Idon'tdropthingsnow.ShallItellDaddyaboutthepennyrides?""Ohyes—helovestohearthenews,"saidMother,andSamtrottedoff.HismindwasfullofFlashandpennyridesandfullmoney-boxes,andBusyBees;really,howexcitingeverythingwas!TheEasterholidaysreallywereverythrillingindeed.Foronething,Flash'sleghealedrapidly,andintwodays'timehewasnotlimpinganymore—infact,hetookalittlegalloproundtheorchard,usingallhislegs!Grannyundidthebandage."Lookthere!"shesaid."Healedbeautifully!DearoldFlash,you'reallrightnow.I'lljustrubsomeofthisstuffon,thattheanimaldoctorgaveme,andputabandageonforanotherdayortwo."WhenFlash'slegwasperfectlyallright,thePennyRidesbegan.Thenewswentlikelightningroundthevillage,andthenearbyhousingestate,wheretheblocksofflatsnowhadagreatmanypeopleinthem.ChildrenflockedtoGreenMeadowswiththeirpennies,theireyesshining.Arideonapony!Hardlyanyofthemhadriddenanythingbefore,exceptahorse

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andtheywereoppositehisbed,sothathecouldseethemeverymorning.SamwasveryinterestedinDan'sgooddeeds."Doyoureallydooneeveryday?"hesaid."Whatdoyoudo?Whatdidyoudoto-day?Dotellme.Francisnever,neverwill!Whatdidyoudoto-day,Dan?"ButDanwouldn'ttelleither.HejustgrinnedandgaveSamafriendlypokeintheribs.Samamusedhim.Hewasalwayssosolemn,somuchinearnest,soveryinterestedineveryoneandeverything.Danthoughtitmustbefuntohavebrothersandsisters.Hehadnone.Still,hehadRex,andthatwassomething.ThePennyRideswerenottheonlyexcitingthingthathappenedthoseholidays.Asmorepeoplecametotheflatsandlearntthatpetswerenotallowed,butthattheycouldbecaredforatGreenMeadows,quiteanumbercametoaskMotherifFranciscouldlookafterarabbit,oraguinea-pig,orapuppy."Yousee,wethoughtwe'dbeallowedtokeepacageonourlittlebalcony,"saidoneflat-dweller."That'snotreallykeepingitintheflat,isit?Butno—we'renotevenallowedtodothat.Andmylittleboydoeslovehisrabbit.Idaren'tgiveitaway.Couldyoupossiblyfindaplaceforitsomewhere?Ronniewouldcomehereeachdayandseetoithimself."Sotherabbitcame,abigwhiteonecalledFluffy.Thehutchcametoo—butitwassoterriblysmallthatSidmadeanicenewone,bigandroomy,withadaytimeroom,andasleeping-room."Yououghtn'ttohousearabbitinsuchasmallhutch,"FrancissaidtoRonnie."It'sunkind.Andlook,don'tgivehimhisfoodsowet.Goodness,fancykeepingananimalandnotevenknowinghowtofeedhimproperly.Nowlookhere:unlessyoufeedhimandlookafterhimtheproperway—thewayItellyou—Iwon'thavehimhere."121



"Allright,"saidRonnie,meekly.HewasabitolderthanSam,veryspoiltandcheeky.Buthewassoanxiousabouthisrabbitthathedidn'tdaretobehavebadlyatGreenMeadows.HecaughtsightofFrancis'snewbadge.Allthreechildren,andDanandRitatoo,hadjoinedtheBusyBees,andnowworethelittleyellowbadgeswiththebeeon.ThepenniesthatFlashcollectedwentintoanemptyhoney-pot,readytosendofftoBusyBeesHeadquarters—Flashwas"paying-back"!"We'rebees,andwe'recollectinghoneyinthehoney-pot,"saidSamtoRonnie,whenRonniepaidapennyforarideandputthepennyintothejar.Ronniehadn'tknownwhatSammeant,butnowhesawFrancis'syellowbee-badge,andheaskedhimaboutit."What'sthat?"hesaid.Francisexplained."Yououghttobelong,"hetoldRonnie."Fortworeasons.Youloveyourrabbit,soyou'reananimallover;butyoudon'tlookafterhimproperly,soyououghttolearnhowto.Yousoonknowalotaboutanimalsifyou'reaBusyBee."AndaweeklaterRonnieproudlydisplayedthelittleyellowbadgetoo!"We'requiteahive!"saidMother."Let'shaveahiveofBusyBeeshereandcallitGreenMeadows

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Hive.Wecanhavemeetingsandtea-parties,andcollectallkindsofhoneybetweenus—penniestosenduptoHeadquarters!Andtinfoilandstamps—allkindsofthings!"NotonlyRonnie'srabbitcame.Aguinea-pigcamenext,adearlittlefellowwithnotailatall.HebelongedtoaboycalledHarry,andFrancisneverhadanyneedtotakehimtotaskfornotseeingtoGilberttheguinea-pigproperly.Infact,Harrywassoanxiousabouthimthatheusedtovisithimquitelateatnight,andmakeRexbarkfranticallywhenheheardsomeonestealingquietlyupthegardenpath!Apuppycame,amadlittlecreature,whomadefriendswithDappleatonce.HewasputinRex'soldpen,forRexnowhadthefreerunofthewholeplace,ofcourse.Thepuppywasquiteuntrained,andPamandSue,thetwinswhoownedhim,hadnoideaoftraininghimatall."Lookhere,"saidFrancis,whowasnowquiteanimportantperson,dealingwithsomanyanimalsandchildren,"lookhere,PamandSue—doyouwantyourdogrunover?Becausehewillbe,unlessyoutrainhimtowalktoheelintheroad.Youmustbemad,playingballwithhimwhenyoutakehimintothelane!Sidtoldmehenearlyranhimover123



whenhewasoutinthemotor-van,andpassedyouthismorning.""Well,howdowetrainadog?"saidSue."Imean—PongoissomadthatIdon'tseehowhecanbetrained."FranciscalledtoDan."Hey,Dan?Doneyourgooddeedforto-day?Well,here'soneforyou.Givethesekidsalessononhowtotrainadog—they're'hopeless!"SoDantooktheminhandandthepuppytoo.Really,GreenMeadowswasaverybusyplacethoseholidays!AndthenonedayamancalledatGreenMeadows.Motherwasn'tabout,sohesawGranny.Hewasshabbilydressed,butneatandclean.HetookoffhiscapwhenhespoketoGranny."Excuseme,"hesaid."Icomefromoneofthenewlittlehousesbeyondtheblocksofflats.Ikeeppigeons—fantails,ma'am,veryprettytheyare.AndnowI'vebeentoldthattherulesoftheblocksofflatsaboutkeepingpetsistoapplytouspeopleinthelittlehousestoo.AndIheardthatyoutookincreatureshere,ma'am.Iwonderedifyoutookbirds?"Grannylookedroundcautiously.Shewasn'tatallsurethatMotherwouldwelcomepigeons.ShehadalreadysaidthattherewerenowenoughcreaturesatGreenMeadows.Butoh—therewastheoldpigeon-house—itcouldeasilybemended;andGreenMeadowswouldoncemorehaveitsfantailpigeonsflyinground,andtheircooingwouldechoroundtheoldhouseasithaddoneyearsago!Grannynodded."Allright.I'lltakethem.ComeupthiseveningandI'llshowyouwherewehaveanoldpigeon-house.Youcanmendit,andwe'llusethat—butlisten!Don'tsayawordtoanyone!I'llmeetyouatthebackgateaboutsixo'clock!"Thatevening,aftertea,Grannytriedcautiouslytofindoutwhereeveryonewouldbeatsixo'clock.She124



wasnowfeelingveryguiltyaboutthepigeons.Sheknewthatherloveforanimalsandbirdswasratherrunningawaywithhercommonsense.Goodness,GreenMeadowswasbecomingquiteamenagerie!Andohdear,itwasdreadfulofhernottotellMother!"Nottotellmyowndaughter!What'scomeoverme?"thoughtGranny."I'mabadoldwoman!Still—I'llseewhathappens.Iknoweveryonewilllovethepigeons—thepretty,prettythings!"ItappearedthattherewasaScoutmeetingathalf-pastfive,andthatClareandSamweregoingtoaparty-.Howveryfortunate!Shewouldbeabletoseethepigeon-maninsafety.Grannydisappearedthatafternoonandwenttohavealookatthefallen-downwoodenhouse,withitssixlittledoorwaysatthetopforpigeonstogoinandout.Yes,astrongmancouldeasilymendthat.Butitwouldneedtwopeopletoerectit."I'llaskSid,"thoughtGranny.Sidwasagreatstandby.Henotonlyworkedalotinthegarden,whichwasbeginningtolookmuchtidier,buthewasalwaysreadytodoanyoddjobstoo.Infact,heratherregardedhimselfasoneofthefamilynow,andthoughttheworldofMother.Thecoastwasquiteclearatsixo'clockandGrannyslippeddowntothebackgate.PamandSuehadtakentheirpuppyforhisdailylessons,andRonniehadfedhisrabbit,cleanedthecage,andgone.Nobodywasaboutatall.Thepigeon-manwaswaitingatthegate.HeliftedhiscaptoGranny.Shetookhimtothestables,feelingthatthatwasasafeplacetotalk."What'syourname?"sheasked."JoeSilver,"hesaid."I'manodd-jobman,andIgooutbytheday,gardening,ormendingfences—well,Idoanythingreally.AndIkeeppigeons;alwayshave

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done,sinceIwassohigh!Somefolksaremadondogsorcatsorhorses.I'mmadonpigeons.""Iusedtobetoo,"saidGranny."Theycameandfedoutofmyhand—theysatonmyshouldersandhead.They...""That'sright!Minedothesamewithme!"saidJoeSilver."Well,ma'am,theseI'vegotareallmyownbreeding—Ihadthemfromeggs.They'rewhitefan-tails.IneverthoughtIwouldn'tbeallowedtokeepthemwhenIgotthatlittlehousedownontheestate.Butthey'restrictthere—theysaypigeonsspoiltheroofsorsomething—andIwastokillallmine.""Wicked!"saidGranny."I'mgladyoucametome.Nowlisten,Joe,I'lltakeyoudowntowherethere'smyoldpigeon-house.Itfelldowninagaleofwindonenight,andthereit'sbeeneversince."Theywentdowntothecornerwheretheoldpigeonhouselay.Joewasmostimpressed."It'sabeauty!"hesaid."Arealgoodone.I'veonlygotapoorlittlehouse—madeitmyself.Idon'treckonyou'dhavelikeditinyourgarden,forthepigeons.Icaneasilymendthisone.Myword,mypigeonswillthinkthemselvesgrandtobeinahouselikethis!""Whataretheycalled?"askedGranny,asJoebegantoexaminethewoodenhouseonitslongpole."Snowdrop,Snowball,Snow-White,andSnow-flake,"beganJoe,"andthere'sCoo-RooandFanny—shortforfantail,"headded,incaseGrannydidn'tknow!"Lovelynames,"saidGranny."Well—Imustleaveyounow.DoyouknowSidMiller?He'llbealongsoon,andyoucanaskhimtogiveyouahand.He'lltellyouwhereeverythingis.""Er—whataboutpayingyou,ma'am?"askedJoe."Ican'taskfavoursifIdon'tpayforthem."126



"Ishan'twantpaying,thankyou,"saidGranny."Ifyoumendtheoldpigeon-house,putitup,andlendmeyourpigeons,that'senough!And,bytheway—I'dlikeyoutokeepittoyourselfthatI'mhavingthepigeons.I'm—er—well,I'mgoingtosurprisethefamily,yousee!"Shewalkedoff,jingling.Joelookedafterherrespectfully.Hispigeonswouldbesafehere!He'dbringtheircornhimself.Nobodyelsemustfeedthem,orthey'dforgethim,andwouldn'tcomelikeawhitecloudontohisshouldersandhead.HewenttofindSid,whowashardatworkclearingyetanotherbed.Therose-bedswerenowbeautifullytidy,andalltheroseshadbeenpruned.Otherflowerbedswerefinishedtoo,andSidhadbeendebatingwhetherhemightbringupafewniceplantsfromtheshopandputtheminwhennobodywaslooking.Theshopsoldplantsaswellasfruitandvegetables,anditwasjustthetimeofyeartoputthingsin."Afewdelphiniumswouldbeniceattheback,"thoughtSid."Andsomecolumbinesthere—andIcouldputawholemassofforget-me-notsinthatcorner,whereMrs.Marshallcouldseethemfromthekitchenwindow.I'vegotsomebeautiesattheshopnow."HewassurprisedtoseeJoeSilver."Hallo,"hesaid."Whatareyoudoinghere?"Joetoldhim.Sidlistenedwithgreatinterest,andthentoldhimaboutFlashthepony."Theonlythingthatbothersmeishowtopaytheoldlady,"saidJoe."WhatdoyoupaythemforkeepingFlashhere?""This!"saidSid,wavinghisforkroundhim."Icomeandgarden—I'mtidyingitup.Seethosebeds?Well,theywereinaforestofweeds.Nowlookatthem.Can'tyoudosomethinglikethatinreturn?"They127



won'ttakemoney.It'snotabitofgoodaskingthem.They'relikethat.""Don'toftenmeetpeoplelikethatthesedays,"saidJoe."Mostpeopletake,take,takeallthetime,anddon'tgiveanything.Right.I'llfirstofallmendthepigeon-house,andthenI'llgetyoutogivemeahandandputitup.ThenI'llhavealookroundandmendupthewallsabit,andthestabledoors;andIcouldpaintupthefrontofthehouseifthey'dletme."Itwasquiteextraordinary,butnotoneoftheMarshallfamilyexceptGrannyknewthatthepigeon-housewasbeingmended.JoefinishedthejobintwoeveningsandthenheandSidputitup.Itlookedfine!"I'llbringthepigeonsalongto-morrow,"saidJoe."I'llhavetowirethemintothehouseforaweek,sothattheygetusedtothisfortheirnewhome,elsethey'llallflybacktome.Givemeahandwiththem,willyou,Sid?"ItwasSamwhodiscoveredthatthepigeon-housewasup—andthatthereweresixwhitepigeonswiredintoit!Thewire-nettingenclosedthetopofthehouselikeacage.Thepigeonscouldgetoutontheledgeroundthehouseandgoinandoutoftheirholes,buttheycouldn'tflyaway.Samstaredinutteramazement.Thenhetoreindoors."Mother!Mother!Therearepigeonsinthepigeon-house—andit'supagain!ButMother,somebody'sbeencruel.They'reallwiredin,theycan'tflyintotheair!"Motherrushedout,followedbyFrancisandClare.Well,well—Samwasright.Thepigeon-housewasup,andpigeonsstruttedaboutontheledge!"Rookity-coo,"saidone,inhisprettycooingvoice."Rookity-coo-coo-coo!"

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theycomefrom?Oh,aren'ttheylovely?Look,theyspreadtheirtailsoutjustlikeafan.""Oh,nowIknowwhythey'recalledfantails,"saidSam,pleased."Butwhoputthemthere?Mother,it'scrueltowirethemin,isn'tit?""No,dear—notifthey'vejustbeenputthere,"saidhismother."Theyhavetogetusedtotheirnewhome,yousee.Thewirestopsthemfromflyingaway.Now—IhaveasortoffeelingthatGranny'sbehindallthis!She'sbeenlookingratherpeculiartheselastfewdays—akindofguiltylook.Ibelieveit'sasurpriseforus."TheywenttotackleGranny."Thoselovelypigeons!"saidMother."Whatdoyouknowaboutthem,Granny?Oh,theprettythings!HowglorioustheywilllookflyingaboutGreenMeadows!Wheredidtheycomefrom?"AgreatloadrolledoffGranny'smind.Motherwaspleased.Shelikedthepigeons—oh,whatarelief!Grannybeamed."Well,"shesaid,"Isupposeitisakindofsurprise.ButactuallyIkeptitasecretbecauseIthoughtyoumightn'twantpigeons,butIhopedthatwhenyouoncesawthemflyingabout,clappingtheirwhitewingsintheair,youwouldlovethem!I'mabadoldwoman.Ithoughtyoumightnotsayyesatfirst—butIwantedthemsobadlythat/saidyes,withouttellingyou!""Granny'snaughty!Granny,youlookasifyouknowyou'renaughty!"saidSam,indelight."Areyou?""Yes,Iam,"saidGranny."Nowstopit,Sam—youarehuggingmelikeabear.Goodnessme,whatI'lldowhenyou'reabitbiggerIdon'tknow!Therewon'tbeanythingofmeleft.Well—youlikethepigeonsthen?"

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greenfingers—everythinggrowsforhim!""It'sonlyyou,Mother,thatthingsarestillhardfor,"saidFrancis,struckbyhismother'spaleface."Areyoudoingtoomuch?You'renotill,areyou?""No,darling,"saidMother."Justtired.DearoldGrannyissohappywiththeanimalsandonethingandanotherthatshecan'thelpmesomuch—andholidaysalwaysmeanmorework—andDaddydoesn'tseemtogetanybetter.Ijustfeelabittiredandworried,that'sall.Oh,foranicelittlehouse,atinylittlehouse—andyetIcouldn'tbeartoleavethislovelygarden!""Yourangthefirstsnowdropforluck—butithasn'tbroughtyoumuchluck,Mother,"saidFrancis."Look—Ifoundafour-leavedcloverto-day—that'soneoftheluckiestthingsthereis.It'sforyou.Nowjustseeifthingsdon'tgetbetterforyou!"Hepressedthelittlefour-leavedcloverintoherhand.Shelaughed."I'llputitundermypillowto-night,"shesaid."Thenwe'llseewhatluckitbrings."

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ChapterNineANEWPET—ANDASHOCK!ONEday,twoweeksafterthechildrenhadgonebacktoschool,ayoungmancametoseeMother.Hewasdressedinchauffeur'suniformandlookedverysmart.HesalutedMotherandaskedifhecouldseeFrancis."Hehasn'tcomebackfromschoolyet,"shesaid."Whatdoyouwanthimfor?Youcanleaveamessageforhimifyoulike.""Well,it'slikethis,"saidtheyoungman."Ilivenearthenewhousingestate—notfarfromJoeSilver,madam—andI'vegotadog."Motherknewwhatwascomingthen,ofcourse!Shesmiled."Goon,"shesaid."Well—Iwonderedifyou'dletyourboyhavethedoghere,"saidtheyoungman."Aren'tyouallowedtokeephim,then?"said•Mother."Ohyes—buttheneighboursdon'tlikehim,"saidtheyoungman."He'sbig,yousee,andhesometimeswantstoplaywiththechildren.Ifhe'sabitrough,healmostknocksthemdown,he'ssobig.SoI'vehadtokeephimchainedup,andhehowlstheplacedown.Myneighbour'sbeentothepoliceabouthimand...""Didyoukeephimchainedupallthetime?"saidMother."Notonashortchain,surely?""Yes.Ihadto,madam,"saidtheyoungman.

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"Itellyou,theneighbourswererightdownnastyabouthim.Hisname'sDuke.He'sanAlsatian,andabeauty.""Andwhatisyourname?Andwheredoyouwork?"askedMother."You'reachauffeur,aren'tyou?""Yes,madam.Myname'sHarrison,BillHarrison—andI'mchauffeurtoSirGilesHeston-Baker,"saidtheyoungman."ActuallyIliveinthelodgebythegatesofHarrowManor,whereSirGileslives;butthehousingestatestretchesrightuptothere.Ithinkthepeoplearejealousbecausetheyarenotallowedtokeepdogsorchickensontheestate,andIcankeepboth,thoughI'malmostontheedgeofit.""Isee,"saidMother."Well—bringthedogalongthiseveningandI'llletmysonseehim.„You'llhaveto'providehisfood,ofcourse.Abigdoglikethatmusteatalot.""Yes,madam,"saidBillHarrison."I'dliketopaysomethingtoo,butJoeSilvertellsmeyouwon'ttakepayment.Isthatright?""Quiteright,"saidMother."Well—you'llbealongthisevening,then?"BillarrivedthateveningwithDuke.Hewasonashortlead,andwasabigpowerfuldog,veryhandsomeindeed.Hepulledvigorouslyatthelead,andBillhadhardworktokeephimathisside."Oh!Whatabeautifuldog!"saidClare,andwenttopathim.Toherenormoussurprise,hegrowled.Shesteppedbackinalarm."It'sallright,"saidBill."Hejustdoesn'tknowyou,that'sall.Hehastobeintroduced.Duke—friends,Duke,friends.Allfriends!"AndBillpattedthethreechildrenontheback.Dukewatched,histonguehangingout,hiseyeswary.Thenhesuddenlywaggedhisbigtail.

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"There!Nowheknowsyouandhe'llalwaysbeyourfriend,"saidBill."Shake,Duke!"Dukeofferedapaw,justasRexhaddone,andthechildrenshookit,thoughClarewasalittlescared.Nodoghadevergrowledatherbefore."He'slaughing,"saidSam."Look!"And,indeed,itdidlookexactlyasifDukewerelaughing,forhismouthwaswideopen,andheshowedhisteethasifheweresmiling.Histailwavedtoandfro."Willhegetonallrightwiththeotheranimals?"askedFrancis,anxiously."He'ssobighecouldalmosteatthemup!"«Well—notatfirst.He'llhavetogetusedtothem,"saidBill."Haveyougotayardanywhere?He'llhavetobechainedup,orhe'llrunaway.Andhecanjumplikeanything—overthehighestwall!Hecangohalfwayupatreetoo.""Goodness!"saidClare,lookingatDukewithmuchrespect."Ishevaluable?""Very,"saidBill."ActuallyI'mlookingafterhimformymaster,SirGilesHeston-Baker,who'sawayforabit.I'vehadhimwithmesomuchIalmostfeelhe'smine—buthe'snotreally."DancameupthepathandDukegrowledandsnarled.Danbackedawayhialarm."TellDukeit'sDan,quickly,"saidClare."Idon'tlikehimwhenhelookslikethat."SoDanwasintroducedandshookpaws,andwasrelievedtoseeDuke'stailwavinginamostfriendlymanner."Yousee,"saidBill,"thekidsonthehousingestatedon'tlikeDuke,andtheyteasehim.Theyshoutathimandthrowstonesathim,andhenearlygoesmad,becausehe'sonachainandcan'tgetfree."

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"Throwstonesathim!Nowonderhewon'tbefriendlyatfirstwhenheseeschildren!"saidFrancis,indignantly."Itisn'thisfaultifhe'snotfriendly.Iexpecthethinkswemightthrowstonesathim.Wewouldn't,Duke.Youcantrustus."Duke'stailwavedagain,andoncemoreheopenedhismouth,hungouthistongueandlookedasifhewerelaughing."ExceptforRex,he'sthehandsomestdogI'veeverseen,"saidDan."ButIsay—havewegottokeephimonachain?""Wecanhavearun-wire,"saidFrancis."We'llmakehimanicebigrundownintheorchardwhereFlashis.We'llstringawirefromonetreetoanother,andfastenhischaintothat,sothathecanrunaboutalot,asmuchashelikes,butthewirewillkeephimfromrunningaway,orattackinganyonehedoesn'tknow.""That'sagoodidea,"saidBill."Ihadn'theardof•runwire.He'salwaysbeenonhisshortchain—thisone,see—andItellyou,hesometimesnearlywentmad,especiallywhenIhadtoleavehimandtakethecarandgooffforthedaysomewhere.""It'senoughtomakeadogreallyvicious,"said

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Francis."Youshouldn'thavedonethat.Allright,we'llhavehim.Let'sgodowntotheorchardstraightaway,andfindagoodplaceforhim."Dukewassoonrunningupanddownonarun-wireintheorchard.Billwentoffandcamebackwithahugesupplyofmeatforhim,andpromisedtocomeeachdaytotakehimforalongwalk.Flashtheponywasmostinterestedinthisbig,energeticdog,runningupanddownthewire.Hewanderedupandbentdownhisheadtosniffathim.Dukegrowled;butFlashwentonsniffing,andthengavealittlewhinny.Duke'stailbegantowagslowly.HeputouthistongueandlickedFlash'snose.Clarewaswatchingnearbyandshelaughed."They'refriends!"shesaid."Flash,youweren'tafraidofhisgrowl,wereyou?He'sbeenbadlytreated.Flash,soyoumustbekindtohim."Dukesettledin.Hedidn'thowl,andtheonlypersonhebarkedatwasthedustman."That'sbecauseheseesthedustmancomeinwithemptyhands,andgooutwiththedustbin—andhethinkshe'srobbingus!"saidMother."Wecan'tcurehimofthat!"OneeveningRitacametoseeherkitten,whichhadnowgrownmuchbigger,andhadalovelycoat.ShefoundDappleplayingintheorchardnearDuke,whowaslyingdownwithFlashtheponybesidehim.Thetwoweregreatfriends.DukehadRex'soldkennel,becauseRexnowsleptinthehouse,promotedtoafinebasket,boughtforhimbyDan.ClaresaidthatifonlyFlashcouldgetintoDuke'skennel,thetwoofthem,dogandpony,wouldsleeptheresidebyside!Ritacaughtupherkittenandhurriedaway,holdingittightly.Francissawher."Whatever'sthematter?"hesaid."Pleasedon'tletDapplegonearDuke,"beggedRita.

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allowedonebite.""Well,youbecareful,"saidSue."Themilkmansaidthatsometimeshegoesquitecrazy,breakshischainandtearsofftoseeifhecanfindhisrealmaster,SirGiles.Andit'sthenheturnsandbitesanyoneinhisway.Youbecareful."Francissaidnothingofthistotheothers.Hethoughtitmightupsetthem,andClaremightevenbelieveitandbefrightenedofDuke.Hewonderedhowitwasthatthestoriesgotabout?Surelytherewasn'treallyanytruthinthem?Dukecouldn'tbehavelikethat!Butonedaysomethingunpleasanthappened.ThethreechildrenhadgoneforapicnicwiththeirmotherandGranny.Daddywasleftinhiswheel-chairinthegarden.Alltheanimalswereeithershutupintheircages,orsafeintheorchard.Thepigeonssatontheirpigeon-houseinthebrightsun,andcooedtooneanother,kissingwiththeirbeaks.Fourchildrencameby.Theyheardthepigeonscooingandlookedoverthewall.Theysawtheorchard,withFlashtheponypullingpeacefullyatthegrassunderthetrees.TheysawDuke!Hehadheardthemcomingandhewassittingupwatchfully,hispointedearspricked."Coo,look!That'sDuke,isn'tit!Youknow,thebigAlsatianBillHarrisonusedtohave,chainedupinhisyard!"saidaboy."Ishechained?"saidagirl,cautiously."He'sfierce,youknow.I'veseenhimsnarllikeanything.""Yes.He'schained,"saidanotherboy."Listen—he'sgrowling.Yah!Youcan'tgetatus!Brrrrrr!Yoo-hoo!"Dukegotupangrilyandgrowledagain.Theboypickedupastoneandsentitwhizzingathim.Itstruck

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thedogonhisbackandmadehimjump.Hegrowledagain,thensnarled,showingallhisgleamingwhiteteeth.Thegirlswerescaredandranaway,butthetwoboysstayedthere,grinning."Yoo-hoo!Sillydog!Uglydog!Brrrrrr!"Theythrewmorestones,andDukeranupanddownhisrun-wire,tryinghishardesttogetfree.Hebarkedandbarked.Daddyheardhim,and,usinghishandsonthewheelsofhischair,heturnedthemandranthechairslowlydowntotheorchard.WhateverwasthematterwithDuke?Hewasjustintimetoseeaboyhurlalargestoneatthedog.Ithithimonthehead.Dukewentcompletelycrazy,racingupanddowntherun-wire,tuggingathischain,almostchokinghimself.TheboyssawMr.Marshallandfled.Andaverygoodthingtheydid,becausetherewasasuddensnap.Thewirebroke,andDukefoundhimselffree.Hischainwasstillonhim,trailingbesidehim—buthewasfree!Heleaptstraightoverthewallanddisappeared,barkingwildly.Mr.Marshalldidn'tknowwhattodo.Hecouldn'tgetoutofhischairbecausehecouldn'twalkbyhimself.Hecouldonlywaitfortheotherstocomehome.Hecouldn'tevensendforBill,becauseBillwasawayfortheday.SirGileshismasterwascominghome,andBillhadtakenthecartofetchhim.Thechildren,theirmother,andGrannycamehomesunburntandtired,afteralovelypicnic.Rexdancedalongbesidethem.Hewasnevertired!Samwaswhistlingloudly.Assoonastheygottothegatetheyheardtheirfathercallingthem."There'sDaddyshouting—quick—runandseeifanything'sthematter,"saidMother.

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Thechildrenran—andweresurprisedtoseetheirfather'schairintheorchard.Hehadstayedthere,hopingthatDukewouldcomeback.Buthehadn't.Hetoldthemwhathadhappened.Clareweptbitterly,andthecornersofSam'smouthwentrightdown."PoorDuke,"wepttender-heartedClare."Thosehateful,hatefulchildren!Where'shegone,Daddy?"Daddydidn'tknow."He'llcomeback,"hesaid."Don'tworry."ButFrancisworriedverymuch.Herememberedthosetaleshehadheard.Dukehadnowbeentormentedagain—andhemightquitewellgocrazyandbitesomebody.Thenthatwouldbetheendofhim.Hewasveryquietasheatehissupperwiththeothers'Clarekeptcrying,tillGrannygotquitecross."Whatgooddotearsdo?"shesaid."Youmakeusallmiserable,Clare.Dostopnow.""She'stired,"saidMother."Weallareafterourlongwalkandlovelypicnic.Offtobednow—GrannyandIwillwashup.""I'vejustgottogooutandseethatalltheanimalsareallright,"saidFrancis.Hewentoutintotheevening.Itwasstilllight.Hewalkeddowntotheorchard,andFlashcametowardshim.Heputhisbigheadontheboy'sshoulderandstoodquitestillwhileFrancistalkedtohimandfondledhim."What'shappenedtoDuke?"askedFrancis."Iwishyoucouldtellme.I'msoworried,Flash.Yousee,ifhegetscrazywithanger,hemightbitesomebody,andthenwewouldneverseehimagain."Flashwhinnied;hecouldn'ttelltheboyanything.HehadbeenscaredandupsethimselfwhenthestoneshadbeenthrownandhehadgallopedawayfrightenedwhenheheardDukebarkingandtearingupanddown.

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outforthewholeafternoonlikethat.""Good-night,dear,"saidMotherandkissedhim."Sleepwell!MaybeDukewillbebackintheorchardinthemorning."Francisgotintobed.Hewaitedtillhismotherhadputherlightout.Heheardtheclick,andthenhegotupanddressedhimself.HewasgoingtoBill'scottagetofindDuke!Perhapshewashidingsomewherenearthere.Franciswassurehewouldcomeifhecalledhim.Heslippeddownthestairsandoutofthegardendoor.Itwasbrightmoonlight,andhecouldseeeverythingalmostasclearlyasinthedaytime.Hespeddownthegardenandintothelane.Itwasonlyabouttenminutes'walktoBill's.FrancisranmostofthewayuntilhesawthebigburlyformofMr.Streetly,thevillagepoliceman.Hehidinthehedgeatonce.Mr.Streetlywouldbesuretosendhimstraightbackhome—andhemustfindDuke,hemust!Hecreptoutofthehedgewhenthepolicemanhadgoneby.HewassoonatthegatesofHarrowManor.HecametoBill'scottage,ontheright-handsideofthegates.Itwasindarkness.Billwasn'tbackyetthen."Duke!"calledFrancis,softly."Duke,oldboy!Whereareyou?It'sme,Francis.I'vecometofindyou.Duke!Duke!Duke!"ButnoDukecame,andnotasoundstirredanywhere.Noteventhetreesmoved,fortherewasnotabreathofwind.FranciswentthroughtheopengatesofHarrowManorandwalkedalittlewayupthedrive."Duke!"hecalled,andwhistledthelittlefamiliarwhistlethatthedoghadgrowntoknowandobey."Duke!"Therewasnosignofthedog.Franciswentonwalkingupthedriveintheclearmoonlight."Duke!Duke!Comehere,oldboy!Pooroldboy!"142



Andthenatlastheheardasound.Whatwasit?Hecalledagain."Duke."Thesoundcameagain—agrowl!Francisstoppeddeadandlistened."Duke!""Grrrrr!"Yes,itwasagrowl—butsurely,surelyDukewouldn'tgrowlataboywholovedhim.Thegrowlseemedtocomefromasmallsummer-housenotfaroff.Franciswentcautiouslytowardsit.Itwasnotfarfromthedriveitself.Hecalledagain."Duke,oldboy!"Noanswer.Franciswalkedquietlyoverthelittlestretchofgrasstothesummer-house.Themoonshonerightintoit.Francisstoodatthedoorwayandlookedin.Dukewasthere!Hecrouchedrightattheback,hiseyesgleaminginthemoonlight,hisupperlipcurledbackandhisteethshowingwhite.HesnarledatFrancis.Theboystoodstill,shocked.HehadneverseenDukelooklikethatbefore.Thedoglookedcruel,wicked,vicious—andthiswasthesameDukehehadfondledthatmorning,andwhohadlickedhimandlovedhim!"Duke!"saidFrancis,helplessly."Comehere,oldboy.Don'tlooklikethat!"Dukecreptastepforward,crouchinglowtothegroundasifheweregoingtoleaplikeacat.Hesnarledagain,andFrancissteppedbackinapanic."Hemeanstobiteme!"hethought."He'sgoingtopounce—andI'mallalonehere!Hemusthavebittenothers,afterall,whenhewasjustlikethis."Hewastooafraidtostay.Hebackedawayslowly,followedbygrowls.ButDukedidn'trushoutofthedoorasFrancishadhalfexpected.Theboyreachedthedriveandfoundtearsrunningdownhisface.Hebrushedthemaway.Henever,nevercried—never!

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HewasaScout,andhethoughthimselfbrave.Butafterallhewasn't.Butoh,Duke!Whatwastohappentohim?Heheardasuddennoiseandstopped.Itwasthesoundofacarracingupthedrive.ItmustbeBillbringinghismasterback!Billwouldknowwhattodo,BillwouldgoinandgetDukeout!Francisstoodinthemiddleofthedriveasthecarcameup,wavingfrantically.ThecarstoppedsuddenlyandBillleaptout."What'sup?Francis,what'sthematter?""It'sDuke.Somechildrentormentedhimto-dayandhebrokethewireandranoff,halfcrazy.He'sinthesummerhouse,growling,andI'mafraidofhim,"saidFrancis,withagulp."Helookssoawful—notabitlikehimself.Oh,Bill,comeandgethim.I'msurehe'shurt.""What'sallthis?"saidavoicefromthebackofthecar.BillrantothebackwindowandspoketoSirGiles,hismaster.HetoldhimquicklywhatFrancishadsaid.SirGilesgotoutofthecaratonce."Dukeinthesummer-house!Halfcrazy!Ican'tbelieveit!Hewasalwaysthegentlest,best-temperedofdogs!What'sbeenhappeningtohimsinceI'vebeenaway?We'llgoandgetthepoorfellow.He'llbebesidehimselfwithjoytoseeme!"ButDukewasn't.Hedidn'tseemtobepleasedtoseeeitherBillorSirGiles.Infact,hegrowledsoferociouslyatthemboththatthetwomensteppedveryhurriedlyindeedfromthedoorway."Duke!"saidSirGilesandBill,atthesametime.ButDukewouldnotcome,andstilllayandsnarled."Lookhere—thedog'sdangerous,"saidSirGiles."He'llhavetobeshotbeforehedoessomebodydamage.Whatapity!Suchabeautiful,sweet-tempereddogtoo1What'schangedhimintothatsnarlingbrute?"

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'Shot!"saidFrancisinutmosthorror."Whatdoyoumean,sir?ShootoldDuke?Itisn'thisfault.Hewasteasedandtormentedtillhewenthalfcrazy.He'llbeallrightto-morrow.I'llstayhereallnight,somewhereinthebushesnearby.Youcan'tshoothim!""Mydearboy,don'tupsetyourself,"saidSirGiles."What'shetodowithyou,anyway?Andwhatareyoudoinghereatthistimeofnight?Goodgraciousme,whatapeculiaraffairthisis!Yougohome,mylad—thisdoghasgottobeshot.""But,sir—he'shurt.Iknowheis,"saidFrancis."Andwhendogsarehurttheygetfrightenedandsnarlandgrowl,evenatthen-friends.Idon'tbelievehe'dreallybiteeitheryouorBill—and,afterall,hebelongstoyou.Couldn'tyou—couldn'tyoupossiblygoinandpathimorsomething?""Iwouldn'tdreamofit,"saidSirGiles."I'dbescaredstiff.No,hemustbeshot,andassoonaspossible.He'sdangerous."Francissaidnomore.Hewassoupsetandtroubledthathehardlyknewwhathewasdoing.Hewentsoftlybacktothesummer-house.SirGilescalledhimsharply."Comehere,youlittleidiot."

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Dukewasinthere,crouchingasbefore.Whywasheinsuchastrangeposition?Theboy'skeeneyessearchedthedog'sbody.Thenhegaveacry."Oh,pooroldDuke!You'vegotyourchaintwistedallroundyourhindlegs!It'scuttingintothem.Letmefreeyou.Duke,pooroldDuke!"Andtheboywentrightintothelittlehouseandkneltdownbythegrowlingdog."DearDuke,poorDuke—letmeseethechain.Don'tbeafraid,it'sme,andyouknowIloveyou.PooroldDuke,nevermind,oldboy,I'llputyouright.Youwouldn'tbiteme,Duke,wouldyou—you'rejustfrightenedandinpain.There—moveoverabit.PooroldDuke!"SirGilesandBillwerestaringinamazementintothesummer-house.FrancishadmadeDukemoveoveralittleandwastryingtodisentanglethechainfromthedog'shindlegs.Ithadgotwoundroundandroundthem,bindingthemtogetherandcuttingintothem.Dukegavealittlewhine,andthenputouthistongueandlickedFrancis.Theboy'sheartturnedoverwithhappiness."/won'tletyoubeshot,"hesaid."Don'tyouworry,Duke!I'llstaywithyouallnight—don'tyoubeafraid!"

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know,sir—wouldturnoutofbedtoseetohim.Iknowhewould.""Youneedn'tworry,"saidSirGiles."I'masurgeon—andifIcanseetothewoundsofhumans,Icancertainlyseetothewoundsofadog.Bill,canyoucarryhimindoors?"Billcouldanddid,andDukeallowedhimtopickhimup,heavyashewas,andtakehimupthedrive.SirGilesunlockedthefrontdoorandwentin.Astartledbutlerappeared,quitespeechlessatthesightofBillcarryingtheAlsatian,SirGilesbehind,andasmallboyfollowing."You'dbettergohome,son,"saidSirGiles,kindly."I'llcomeandseeyouto-morrowandwe'llhaveatalkaboutthis.I'mgoingtotellyourfatherallaboutit.IwishIhadasonlikeyou!""Pleasedon'tsendmehome,sir,"saidFrancis."LetmestayhereandbewithDuke.""Youareamostpersistentyoungman,"saidSirGiles,withalaugh."Allright.Bill,takethecarandgoandtellthisboy'speoplehe'sallrightandwillbehomeinthemorning.Orwaitabit—haveyouatelephoneinyourhouse,myboy?""No,sir,"saidFrancis,happyagain.NowhecouldstaywithDukeandgethimabsolutelyrightagain—nomoresnarling,nomoregrowling,nomorethreatsofshooting!Billwentoff.ThebutlerwasgivenafewordersfromSirGiles.AwoodentrestletablewasputupquicklyandDukewasliftedgentlyontoit.SirGilestookoffhiscoat,rolleduphissleeves,andsettowork.Dukewasasgoodasgold.Franciswastoldtotalktohimandstrokeandpathimwhilethesurgeoncleanedupthewoundsandbandageddeftly.Therewasawoundonhisheadtoo,wherethestonehadstruckhim.

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"Nothingmuch,"saidSirGiles,"butenoughtomakeadogveryangry.There,myboy—he'sfinished.Doyoureallywanttostaywithhimto-night?""YousaidIcould,"saidFrancis."WillDukebeabletowalkallrightafterthis?Hislegswereratherbad,sir,weren'tthey?""Oh,he'llbeallright,"saidSirGiles."Look—he'stryingtostandonthemnow.Upyouget,Duke—that'sright.See,he'sevenwalkingafewsteps,thoughitmusthurthim!"DukeandFranciswenttosleeptogether.ThebutlerputapileofrugsinacornerofasmallstudyforDukeandmadeupacouchforFrancistosleepon.ButassoonasthedoorclosedFranciswasoffthecouchandcuddleddownbyDuke.Thedoglickedhisfaceandwhined.Inhalfaminutebothdogandboywereasleep.FranciswasawakenedinthemorningbyDukelickinghisfaceallover.Hesatup,rubbinghiseyes."Goodness,149



Duke!Ishan'tneedtowashmyfaceatallifyougoonlikethat1Howareyourlegs?Doyoufeelbetter?"Dukefeltfine.Hislegsfeltstiffbuthewasinnopain.Hewalkedafewsteps.Hisrighthind-legwasn'ttoobad,soheliftedhisleftoneandcarrieditofftheground,runningroundtheroomonthreelegs.Franciswasdelighted."You'llbeallright,Duke!Isn'tSirGilesclever?Howdidyougetthatchainallroundthem—itmusthaveswungroundasyouran,andtieditselftightlysothatitlamedyou.Nevermind.Yourmasterisback,andyou'reallright!"Therewasaknockatthestudydoor,andthebutlercamein."Good-morning,MasterFrancis,"hesaid."I'vebeensentbySirGilestoseeifyou'reallright—andwouldyoulikeabath,sir?Youweresotiredlastnightthatwedidn'tbothertoworryyouaboutwashingorundressingoranything.""Well—Iamratherdirty,"saidFrancis,lookingdownathimself.Hiskneeswereblack!Hishairwasonendandhisfacewasextremelydirty."Isupposeit'scrawlingaboutinthatsummer-house.""Averydustyplace,"saidthebutler.Francisfeltratherscaredofhim.Hewassoverystiffandcorrect!Then,quitesuddenly,heunbent."BillHarrisonsaysyouwentintothesummer-housewhenDukewasravingmad!"hesaid."HesaysheandSirGileswouldn'tgonearhim—andSirGileswasjustgoingtohavehimshot.Isthatright?""Well—hewasn'travingmad,nothinglikeit,"saidFrancis."Hewasjustterrifiedbecausehe'dgothislegsallwoundupwithhischain—andhe'dlamedhimselftryingtorunlikethatwiththechainbitingintohim.He'sallrightnow—lookathim!""You'reacaution,that'swhatyouare,"saidthe150



butler."Iwouldn'tgonearasnarlingdogforanythingintheworld.Comealong,andgetintothatbath.Youcan'thavebreakfastwithSirGiles,lookingasdirtyasthat.""Goodness—amItohavebreakfastwithhim?"saidFrancis,startled."I'dbetterhurryupandhaveabaththen.Whatapitymyclothesaresodirtytoo."Whenhewastakenintoamostmagnificentbathroom,helookedathimselfinalongmirrorthere."Gracious,Ilooklikeabeggarboy!WhateverwouldGrannysay?"Hehoppedintoasteamingbath,andsoapedhimselfwell,evenwashinghishair.Anenormousthicksnowy-whitetowelhungreadyforhimonawarmrail.Itcoveredhimfromheadtofootwhenhegotoutofthebath,andtrailedonthefloor.Therewasaknockonthedoor."MasterFrancis,breakfastisreadywhenyouare.I'llwaitinthehallandtakeyouin.I'llbrushandshakeyourclothesifyou'llhandthemout."Francisopenedthedoorandhandedthemout.Hedriedhimselfwellandsmoothedhishairdown.Soonthedooropenedandhisclotheswerehandedback.Theylookedquitedifferentnow,thoughtheywerestillratherdirty.Hewentdownintothegreathall,feelingcleanandveryhungry.Dukewaswaitingthereforhim,andthebutlertoo.Theyweretakeninstatetoapleasantmorning-room,whereSirGileswasalreadyseatedatbreakfast."Good-morning!"hesaid."Ihopeyousleptwellandfeelhungryforyourbreakfast.Therearesausages,bacon,oreggs—orallthreetogether!"FrancishadawonderfulbreakfastwithSirGiles.Dukesatclosebesidehim,puttinghisheadontheboy's

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kneeattimes.SirGilesaskedFrancisquitealotofquestions,andtheboytalkedawayfranklyabouthisfamily."There'sGranny—sheadoresanimals!Ourhouse,GreenMeadows,belongstoher,butshewon'tselliteventhoughit'smuchtoobig,andwe'retoopoortouseevenhalftherooms.It'sgotalovelygarden,veryverybig—andstables,whichwejustuseasajunkplace!Thenthere'sDaddy—well,Daddyisn'tverylucky.Hehastoliveinawheel-chair,and...""What'sthematterwithhim?"askedSirGiles."Idon'treallyknow,"saidFrancis."Hewashurtinthelastwar,intheback—Idon'trememberthat,ofcourse—andhehadlotsoftreatment,butnothingseemstodoanygood.Hislegsdon'tseemanyuse.That'swhyhehastobeinawheel-chair.Buthe'sverycheerful,sir.Andhe'sgotlotsofmedals—oneveryspecialoneforGreatBravery.""Well,Ishouldliketotellhimthathe'sgotasonwhoalsodeservesamedalforGreatBravery,"saidSirGiles."SoI'llrunyoudowninthecar,andwe'llhaveawordwithhimtogether.Isentamessagetoyourmotherlastnighttosayyouweresafeherewithme.Shewasveryastonished,ofcourse.""WhataboutDuke?"askedFrancis."Don'tletBi|fhavehim,sir—thechildrenteasehimso,andhe'schainedupinBill'ssmallgarden.Ihadalongrun-wireforhiminourorchard.""Wouldyoulikehimtogobackwithyou?"askedSirGiles."Iwouldtakeitasaverygreatkindnessifyouwouldhavehim.Ishallbeoutalot,andBill,whoasyouknowismychauffeur,willbewithme.Idon'twantthedogleftalone.""I'dlovetohavehim!"saidFrancis,eagerly."AndIcouldseetohislegs,sir,ifyou'dshowmehowto.I'mgoingtobeavet,ananimaldoctor,whenIgrowup.I'dliketorunoneofthosebigAnimalVans—youknow,theonesbelongingtotheP.D.S.A."

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"Areallyourfamilylikeyou?"askedSirGiles,amused."Well—we'reallanimal-lovers,ifthat'swhatyoumean,sir,"saidFrancis,puzzled."Ordoyoumeanaretheyalllikemetoolookat?""No.Ididn'tmeanthat,"saidSirGiles."Ionlythoughtthatifallyourfamilywerelikeyou,theymustbeaverynicefamily.Now,youworkthatout,whileIgoandgetmycoatandhat.We'llgodowntoGreenMeadowsstraightaway.TakeDuketothecar.Lethimwalkifhewantsto."SoontheywereallonthewaytoGreenMeadows,drivenbyBill,whowasverygladtoseethatDukeseemedsomuchbetter.TheycametothegateandFrancisjumpedoutofthecarandheldopenthedoorforSirGilesbeforeBillcould.Francisthoughtthesurgeonwasawonderfulman.Whilehehadbeenwaitingforhim,withDuke,BillhadtoldhimthatSirGileswasoneofthecleverestsurgeonsinthewholecountry.ItwasSaturday,soeveryonewasathome.DanandRita,PamandSueweretheretoo,lookingaftertheirpets,andsowereRonnieandHarry.GrannywasthefirsttowelcomeSirGiles,forshewasintheorchardnearbywithFlashthepony.SirGilesraisedhishatasFrancisintroducedthem."ThisismyGranny,"hesaid."Good-morning,"saidSirGiles"YouseemtokeepakindofAnimals'Homehere!""Ionlywishitwas!"saidGranny,smiling."Butwe'veonlyafewcreaturesreally!Well,Francis?Anotheradventure—whataboyyouaretobesure!"

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Theyallwentintothehouse.MotherandDaddywereinthesitting-room,andDaddywasjustbeinghelpedintothewheel-chair."Good-morning,Mr.Marshall,"saidSir,Giles."I'vecometohaveafewwordswithyou—aboutyourson."Butitwasn'tafewwordstheyhadthatmorning;itwasalonglongtalk—atalkthathadthemostsurprisingandunexpectedresults!Afterdietalkwasover,andSirGileshadgone,MotherandGrannyturnedtoeachotherinexcitement.Francissawtearsinhismother'seyes."HesaidhecoulddosomethingtoJohn'sback!"saidMother."Hesaidhemightwalkagain,inafewmonths'time!"saidGranny,sniffing,andtryingtofindherhanky."Heonlysaidmight,youknow,"saidDaddy,wholookedasexcitedasMotherandGranny."We'vehadsomanydisappointmentsovervarioustreatments.Thismightbeanother.""Oh,butSirGilesissuchacleversurgeon,"saidFrancis."He'sthebestinthekingdom.Billtoldmeso."Hesatnearhisfather,withDukebesidehim.Hefeltveryhappy.HekeptrememberingthethingsthatSirGileshadsaidtohisfatherabouthim."Verygreatcourage.Ahalf-crazeddog,thatevenIandBillwereafraidof.Boytobeproudof.Likefather,likeson—andthesondeservesamedaltoo!Wishhewasmyson.Congratulateyouonhavingaboylikethat."Motherhadcriedwithpridetohearaboutitall.Daddyhadsatandlistenedwithshiningeyes.Grannycouldn'tkeepstill,shewassoexcited,andshehadjingledallthetime.Yes,Franciswasveryhappy—and

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tocrownitall,SirGileshadofferedtoexamineDaddy'sback,andhadsaidhewasalmostcertainhecoulddosomethingtomakethepaingo,andperhapsDaddymighthobbleaboutwithtwosticks.WhenSirGileshadgone,Francisrushedouttotheothers,andtoldthemthenews.Everyonewaspleased,andClareandSamwerefullofjoy.DearoldDaddy—hediddeservetohavealittleluck.Itwasn'tfairthatGreatBraveryshouldberewardedbygreatpainandcrippledlegs.Ofcourse,theyalllistenedopen-mouthedtothetaleofthenightbefore.Dukelistenedopen-mouthedtoo,histonguehangingout,lookingjustasifheweresmiling.HesatasclosetoFrancisashecouldpossiblyget.Hecouldn'tseemgratefulenoughtohim.Francisputhisarmsroundthebigdog'sneck."Youdidn'tbite,didyou?"hesaid."Iloveyou,dearoldDuke,andIwishyouweremine!I'dlikeadoglikeyou!"Dukelicked,him,andtheotherswatchedenviously.ItwasquiteclearthatDukeregardedhimselfasbelongingtoFrancis,andtonooneelse.SamsuddenlystaredatRita."You'vegoneawfullyred,"hesaid."Whyhaveyou?""Well,"saidRita,"itwasn'ttruewhatItoldyouaboutDuke.Hehadn'tbittenanyone!Itwasjustatalemadeupbythe

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childrenhehadbarkedat—asortofexcuseforthemtothrowstonesathim.Ithoughttheyweretellingthetruth,buttheyweren't.I'msorryaboutthat,Francis."Francisfeltangry.Heturnedtothetwins,PamandSue."Yousaidthesamething!"hesaid."Yes.Themilkmantoldus,"saidSue."Buthe'salwaysfulloftales,andourmothersayshalfofthemaren'ttrue.SoIexpectthatwasn't,either.""SoDukeneverhasbittenanyone!"saidFrancis.Hestrokedthedog'shead,ashelaydownclosebesidetheboy."Andyouneverwill,willyou—unlessit'ssomebodywickedwhoisdoingwrong.Oh,I'mgladIwentintothesummerhouseandsavedyoulastnight,Duke.Itwouldhavebeendreadfultohaveyoushotwhenyouhadneverbittenanyone,anddidn'tevenbiteme\"SirGileswastednotimeabouthavingalookatDaddy'sback.Hesenthiscarforhimtheverynextday,andtookhimuptohishospitalinLondon.WhenDaddycameback,hewashalfcheerful,halfsad."Hesaysthere'shope;butImustgotoahospitalratherfaraway,onethatspecializesinmykindofback,"saidDaddy."Andohdear—Ishan'tbebackforsomemonths.It'saverylongjob.""Oh,whatapity!"saidMother."Weshallmissyousodreadfully!""Shallwebeabletoseeyou?"askedGranny.Daddyshookhishead."No.It'stoofarawayandthefarethereandbackwouldcostaterriblelotofmoney.Wemustjustdowithouteachother,allofus,andhopeforthebest,"hesaid."Itwillbeworthitifitmakesmejustabitbetter!IfIcouldevendressmyself,itwouldbesomething.AllthesejobsaresuchastrainonMother,whenshehassomuchelsetodo."156



"They'renotastrain,"saidMother."YouknowIlovedoingthem.Ohdear—whendoyougo?""Intwodays'time,"saidDaddy."Billisgoingtotakemeallthewaythereinthebigcar.It'sunbelievablykindofSirGiles.""Reallygreatpeoplearealwaysunbelievablykind,"saidGranny."Howareweevergoingtopayhim?"saidMother,lookingworried."Francishasarranged"It'saverylongjob"that,"saidGranny,andFrancisandeveryoneelselookedatherinamazement."Ihaven't,Granny,"saidFrancis."Ihaven'tarrangedanything!I'veonlygotthreepenceintheworld1""Youhavearrangedit,allthesame,"saidGranny,smilingathim."SirGilestoldmethathe'ssogratefultoyouforsavingDukefrombeingshot,andforbeingwillingtolookafterhimandkeephimhappy,thathe'sarrangedtolookafterDaddyforyouinreturn!""Henevertoldme!"saidFrancis,amazed."Iexpecthethoughtyouknew,"saidGranny."Hesaid'Onegoodturndeservesanother',andthisishisgoodturn,yousee."Daddywentoffinthebigcartwodayslater,lyingcomfortablyonthebackseat,wavingtillhewasoutofsight.Everyonefeltrathermournfulwhenhehadgone.Itseemedfunnytoseethewheel-chairwithnoonesittingpatientlyinit..

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Motherwrotetohimeveryotherday.Grannywrotewhenevershefeltlikeit,whichwasquiteoften.ThechildrenwroteeachSunday,justbeforetheywentofftoSundaySchool.Andalltheanimalswroteoneday,underSam'sdirection!Daddygottheletterandlaughed.Onthefirstpagewastheimprintoffourdifferent-sizedpaws,andatthebottomSamhadprinted:"WagsfromDuke,Rex,Pongothepuppy,andapurrfromMr.Black(aloudone)."Onthenextpagewastheimprintofarabbit'spaw,asmallerpawbelongingtotheguinea-pig,andalittlepawbelongingtoDapple.AtthebottomSamhadput:"AwoffleofhisnosefromFluffytherabbit.AwagofGilberttheguinea-pig'stail.(Hewouldwagitifhehadone.)AndamewfromDapple."Onthethirdpagewaspinnedalonghair,andtherewerealsoprintsofpigeon-feet!"AhairfromFlash'stail(Icouldn'tgethimtoputhishoofonthepaper).Andcoosfromthepigeons.Doyoulikethewaytheyhaveallsignedtheirnames,Daddy!Idippedtheirfeetinmud,andpressedthemonthepaper."Daddylaughedwhenhegotthat,andputitawaycarefullytokeep.DearoldSam!Washestillwhistlingtunelessly?WasGrannystilljinglingasshewalkedbrisklyabout?DidMotherlooktiredandpale,orwasshebetter?WasClarestillflyingintohotlittletempersandflyingoutofthemagainjustasquickly?Andwhatabouthiscourageousson,Francis?Daddythoughtofhisfamilyoverandoveragain,justastheythoughtofhim.Itwasagoodthinghecouldn'tseeMother,though!Shehadgoneverythin,andhereyeslookedtoobigforherface,justasRita'susedtodo.158



Franciswasveryworriedabouther.Hesavedheralltheworkhecould;butnomatterhowmuchhesavedher,therewasalwaysmoretodo,inthatbigoldtumble-downhouse,whosedoorswantedmending,wallspainting,floorsrepairing,andahundredandoneotherthings!Joehaddonealottoit,andhadmadeitlookgayandprettybuthecouldn'tdothebigjobs,andtherewasnomoneytogetanyoneelsetodothem.Thegardenlookedlovelynow,forSid,Dan,andevenBillwereworkinghardiniteacheveningtheycouldspare.Danwasafinehelpertoo,andhismotherfeltpleased,andwasveryproudwhenshesawhimgoingofftoScouts'meetingswithFrancis.OneeveningFrancistackledGrannyabouthismother."Granny,"hesaid,"isMotherill?Shewalksaboutsoslowly,andshelookssosad.""She'snotwell,that'scertain,"saidGranny."I’m

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worriedabouthertoo,butshewon'tseethedoctor—she'safraidhe'llpackheroffforaholiday,orsendhertobed.""Granny,can'tyousellGreenMeadows,andwe'llgosomewheresmaller?"saidFrancis,desperately."Idon'twanttoleaveit,"saidGranny,andsheputonherold,obstinatelook."Gooddayswillcomeagain,andthenwe'llbegladofalovelyoldplacelikethis.""Gooddayswon'tcomeifMothergetsill—andhowdoweknowDaddywillcomebackanybetter,Granny?Ohdear,IwishIwasgrownup!I'dknowbetterwhattodo.Granny,let'sgoandliveinthestables!They'renotsobigasthehouse!""Don'tbesilly,Francis,"saidGranny."Pleasedon'tbesilly.Itisn'tlikeyoutohavewildideaslikethat.It'smorelikeClare.""Well,itwasClare'sidea!"saidFrancis."Shethoughtitcouldbemadeintoalovelylittlehouse,andsoitcould—andyou'dstillhavethelovelygarden,orpartofit,atanyrate.""Youarebothsilly,"saidGranny."Wheredoyousupposethemoneyiscomingfromtomakethestablesintoaproperlittlehouse?""Idon'tknow,"saidFrancis,helplessly.Grannywentoutoftheroom,jinglingfuriously.Shewasalwayscrossandsnappywhenshewasworried,andshewasworriednowaboutMother,andalltheworktherewas,andwhatwouldhappenifMotherfellill—andohdear,howwasJohnreallygettingoninthatfar-awayhospital?FranciswenttofindDuke.HewasintheorchardwithFlashandRex.AllthreeranuptoFrancisatonce,andbothdogsleaptupathim.Francissatdownonthegrass.

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Thedogsatoncesensedthathewasmiserableandviedwithoneanothertocomforthim.DukeputhisheadonFrancis'sshoulderandRexlaidhisontheboy'sknee.Flashstoodabovethemall,swishinghistailfromsidetosidetokeepthesummerfliesaway.Rexgavealittlewhineasiftosay,"What'sthematter?Tellme.""There'snothingmuchtotell,"saidFrancis,strokingthesilkyhead."Daddy'saway,soI'mthemanofthefamilynow—butIsimplydon'tknowwhattodo!Mother'sill,Iknowsheis.Ifsomethingdoesn'thappensoon,I'llhavetoaskSirGilestolendmethecarsothatIcangoandseeDaddyaboutthings—butIdon'twanttoworryhim.Butnothingnicewillhappen!Thingswilljustgofrombadtoworse."Andthen,atthatverymoment,somethingdidhappen.Acardroveslowlyby,andsuddenlystopped.Awindowwaslowered,andawoman'sfacelookedout."Thjsistheplace!"shesaid."I'msureitis.Yes,look—GreenMeadows.Theoldladymustlivehere.Let'sgoandsee!"

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ChapterEleven'IT'SAHAP-HAP-HAPPYDAY!"FRANCISgotupandwenttothefrontgatetoseewhoAthevisitorswere.Twowomengotoutofthecar,abouthismother'sage.Theywerebeautifullydressed.Onecarriedalittledog,andtheyleftabeautifulpoodlebehindinthecar."Good-evening,"saidFrancis,politely."Didyouwanttoseeanyonehere?"'Thismustbeoneofthegrandchildren!"saidthefirstwoman."Yes—wehavecometoseeifMrs.Lintonisathome.Shemustbeyourgrandmother,Ithink.""Mrs.Linton?Yes,sheismygranny,"saidFrancis."Willyoucomein.I’mFrancis,hereldestgrandson.Grannyisindoors.WhoshallIsaywantstoseeher?""Tellherit'sEllenSurreyandafriend,"saidthevisitorandfollowedFrancisupthepath.Francisputtheminthesitting-roomandwenttofindGranny.Hismotherwaslyingdownwithaheadache."Granny!"hecalled."Someonetoseeyou.ShesayshernameisEllenSurrey,andthere'safriendwithher.""Ellen!EllenSurrey!"criedGranny."Oh,whatasurprise!Sheisthedaughterofmygreatestfriend—I'veoftentoldyouofthelittlegirlwhoseparentswereabroad,andwholivedherewithmyfamilynearlyall

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herchildhood.ShelovedanimalsasmuchasIdid.Well,well—tothinkEllenishere!"Grannyhurriedintothesitting-room,andtherewereexclamationsandkisses.GrannycalledtoFrancis:"Darling,getsomeicedlemonadeandsomeofthoselittlebiscuits,willyou?"Francisputtheiceintoajug,thentherightamountoflemonadeandaddedwater.Hesetoutthebiscuitsonaprettyplate.Hewasusedtodoingallkindsofhouseholdjobs,andhewasasgoodasClareatmostofthem!"Oooh,"saidSam,appearing,ashealwaysdid,whentherewasanysignofsomethingtoeat."Who'sthatfor?""Notyou,"saidFrancis."Visitors.Getoutofmyway,Sam,do—andgoandseewhereDappleis.I'venotseenhimforages."Samdisappeared.Francistookthebiscuitsandlemonadeintothesitting-room.ThetwovisitorsandGranyweretalkingattopspeed."Sothisisyoureldestgrandson,"saidMissSurrey,"Andisheasfondofanimalsasyouare,AuntLilian?"ItseemedqueertoFrancistohearhisGrannycalledAuntLilian,butEllenSurreyhadalwayscalledherthatwhenshehadlivedwiththefamilyasalittlegirl.ShehadknownMotherverywellindeedtoo."Allthechildrenarefondofanimals,"saidGranny."Itrunsinourfamily!Yourmotherwasveryveryfondofthem—shelovedthemall.ImissedherverymuchwhenshewentouttoSouthAfrica,andIwasshockedtohearshehaddiedtherenotsolongago.""Well,youwon'tbesurprisedtohearthatsheleftallhermoneytoanimals,then,"saidEllenSurrey."SheknewIhadplentyofmyown,andinherwillshesaidthatshewantedmetobuysomeplacewhere163



animalscouldbekeptinpeaceandhappiness:sickanimals—injuredones—horsesthatweretoooldtowork—lostcreatures.Well,youknewmymother;shehadaplaceinherheartforanycreatureintrouble.""Yes,Iknow,"saidGranny."Shewasawonderfulwoman.It'sjustlikehertowantherloveforallcreaturestocontinueevenwhensheisdead.Whereisthisplaceyouhavebought?I'dliketocomeandseeit.I'dliketoseetheanimalsyouhavetheretoo.IfIwereayoungerwomanI'dhavewantedtohelp!""Oh,wehaven'tboughtanyplaceyet,"saidEllenSurrey."We'veonlyjustgotthemoney,yousee.PatriciaHemming,myfriendhere,ishelpingmewitheverything,andshethoughtitwouldbenicetohaveaHomeforAnimalssomewhereinthispartofthecountry.Andwhileweweredrivingbackafterseeingoverlotsofhousesto-day,Isuddenlyrememberedtheoldplacehere—GreenMeadows—thatIlovedsomuchasachild.AndIthoughtI'dcomeandseeifyouwerestillhere!""AndIamstillhere!"saidGranny."Buttheplaceisn'tkeptupasitwas;halftheroomsareshut,eventheoldplayroom!""Butitlookssogayandpretty—andthegardenisverywell-kept,"saidEllen."Isn'tit,Patricia!"Theytalkedandtalkedandatlasttheywent.Francishadslippedoutoftheroomhalfwaythroughthevisit,butGrannycalledhimtoseethevisitorstothegate.Hewentwiththempolitelyandsawthemintothecar.EllenSurreytookthewheel,andPatriciaHemming,herfriend,leanedouttosaygood-byetoFrancis."Good-bye!"shesaid."Youknow,yourGranny'shouseistheonlyonewe'veseento-daythatwoulddoforaHomeforAnimals!It'sexactlyright,gardenandall—butit164



wouldbejusttheonewecan'thave,ofcourse!"Andwithalastwave,thetwovisitorsspedaway.SpedawaybeforeFranciscouldcallthemback!Yes,callthembackandsay,"PleaseaskGrannytosellyouherhouse!Wewantasmallerone!Weknowit'sagoodplacetokeepanimals—we'vetriedit!"Theboywatchedthecarspeedaway.HewentintotheorchardandsatdownbesideDuketothink.Hewasfilledwithapeculiarexcitement.DidEllenSurreyandherfriendreallythinkGreenMeadowswasjustwhattheywanted?WouldGrannysellitifshethoughtthatherfriendswouldhaveit,andthatmanycreatureswouldfindpeaceandhappinessthere,inthehouseandgarden?Therewasstillasmall,unbuilt-onfieldatthebackthatcouldbehiredforoldhorsesorponies.Excitementrosestillhigherinhim.Hecouldseeitall!Thehousecouldalsolodgestudentswhowantedtrainingwithanimals—MissSurreyhadspokenaboutthemtoo.Francisgotupandwalkedstraightbacktothehouse,RexandDukebesidehim.Dappledroppeddownontohisshoulderfromatree-branch,alittlehabithehad."That'sright,"saidFrancis."Comeandbackmeup!"Grannywasstillinthesitting-room,puttingittidy.Shelookedpleasedandexcited,forshedidnotoftenhavevisitors."Granny,"saidFrancis,inasuddenlygrown-up

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voice,"I'mthemanofthefamilynow,aren'tI?Well,Iwantyoutositdownandlistentome,please.I'vegotsomethingimportanttosay.""Goodgracious!"saidGranny,startled,andsatdownatonce,jinglingloudly."Whateverisit?""Granny,listen.IthinkGreenMeadowsisexactlytheplacethatMissSurreywantsfortheHomeforAnimals,"saidFrancis."Herfriendsaidso.Iamsuretheywouldgiveyouagoodpriceforit,especiallyasMissSurreyloveditsomuchwhenshewasachild.""Goodgracious!"saidGranny,again.Franciswentonfirmly."It'sawasteofthisnicehousetohavehalftheroomsshutup,andletthewholeplacefalltopieces.It'sagoodthingSidandJoeandBillhavedonesomuchtomakeittidyandneat—forI'msureMissSurreywouldn'twanttobuyitifshecouldhaveseenitafewmonthsago!SoGranny,IwantyoutotellherthatifshereallywantsGreenMeadows,shecanhaveit!""ButFrancisdear—whereshouldwelive?"saidGranny."Idon'tthinkIcouldbeartogoawayfromhere.IknowI'maselfisholdwoman,but...""Youwouldn'tneedtogoaway,Granny,"saidFrancis,stillinhisgrown-upvoice."Withthemoneyyougotforthehouseandpartofthegarden,youcouldeasilyhavethestablesmadeintoadarlinglittlehouse—justtherightsizeforMother!Therearebigloftsabovethestables,forbedrooms—itcouldbemadebeautiful!""Ineverheardofsuchathing!"saidGranny,reallysurprised."Anyonewouldthinkyouweregrown-up,talkingtomelikethis.""Well—someone'sgottodosomething,"saidFrancisdesperately,suddenlyspeakinglikealittleboyagain."BecauseofMother!Granny,youknowyou'dlove166



thisdearoldhousetobeaHomeforthecreaturesyoulove—andthegardentoo.Oldworn-outhorsesanddonkeys,sickorinjuredanimals,oneswhoarecastoff,unwanted.It'salmostaHomeforAnimalsnow—we'vesomanycreaturesourselves."Grannysatlostinthought."IcouldhelpwithalltheanimalstheHomekept,"shesaid,herfacelightingup."Andifwecouldhavethestablesmadeintoalittlehouse,why,we'dbenextdoortoGreenMeadows!Andwe'dkeepthebitofgardenwelovemost—thedell,andtheflower-beds,andthebitwherethepigeonsare.""Yes.Andwe'dhaveanyamountofcreaturestoplayaboutwith,"saidFrancis,delightedtoseethatGrannywasswingingroundtohisidea."Andbetterthananything—Motherwouldn'thavesomuchtosee

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toinasmallhouse,andnorwouldyou."“Fancyyouthinkingallthisout!"saidGranny,suddenlylookingastonishedagain."Anyonewouldthinkyouweregrown-up.""DaddysaidIwastolookafterMother,"saidFrancis."Andthisisaverygoodway.""111talkitoverwithMotherthisverynight,"saidGranny,lookingexcited."Ohdear—lookatthetime.DogetClareinandtellhertohelpyouwiththesupper.ImustseebowMother'sheadacheis."fWhenMothercametosupper,withGrannybehindher,theheadachewasquitegone.Shelookedverycheerfulindeed.ShewentstraightuptoFrancisandkissedhim."Cleverboy!"shesaid."WhataWONDERFULidea1Haveyoutoldtheothers?"Francishadn't,becausehewasafraidperhapshismotherwouldsaynotohisidea.Sotheyallspentamostexcited,andverypleasant,supper-timetalkingaboutfutureplans.Sambegantowhistleloudly."Notatsupper-time,Sam,"saidGranny,andSamstopped,onlytobeginagainalmostimmediately,andthistimenobodystoppedhim.Hewasveryhappyandsowerethey.ThenextthingwastoaskMissSurreyifshereallywouldliketohaveGreenMeadows.Theyhadtofindoutheraddress,whichshehadn'tleftwiththem,andthenGrannywrotealetter.Shewroteitandrewroteit,andspenttwowholedaysoverit,nearlydrivingthefamilymad!"Granny!MissSurreywillbuyahousesomewhereelseifyoudon'thurry!"saidFrancis.AndthatgaveGrannysuchashockthatshefinishedherletterinagreathurry,andsentFrancisouttopostit.Thencamealongwaitforananswer.Clarerushed

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tothedooreverytimethepostmancame,butnoanswerarrived.Grannyfidgetedaboutthehouse,jinglinganxiously.NowthatshehadmadeuphermindtosellGreenMeadows,shecouldn'twait!Andthenatlastatelegraphboycycleduptothefrontgatewithatelegram.Mothertookitandopeneditwithatremblinghand.Shereaditoutloud."Sorryfordelayinanswering,buthavebeenaway.DelightedtobuyGreenMeadows.Evenmoredelightedtohearyouwillbeourneighbours.EllenSurrey."Well,whatashoutwentup!Flashhearditdownintheorchard.DukeandRexhearditandcametearinguptothehouse.Thepigeonshearditandroseintotheairinacloud,clappingtheirsnow-whitewings."Hurrah!Nowwe'veturnedthecorner—andthingsshouldbeallright!"criedFrancis."Whatfunwe'regoingtohaveinthenextsixmonths!"OnceGrannyhadmadeuphermindtosellGreenMeadows,shelostnotimeinpushingthingsonasquicklyaspossible.Shegotabuildertocomeinandlookatthestables,shetoldMothertomakeuphermindexactlyhowmuchofthegardenshewanted,andshewrotetoDaddytotellhimthenews."I'mdelighted!"Daddywroteback."Thestablescanbeconvertedintoadearlittlehouse—they'relovelynow,withtheoldred-brickwalls,andred-tiledroofwithmossalloverit.I'mhappythinkingaboutit,andknowingthatyouandMotherwillbeabletohaveplentyoftimetheretodoallthethingsyouhaven'tbeenabletodoforsolong."Daddy'snewswasratherchangeable.Oneweekhesoundedverycheerfulandmuchbetter,andsaidthathereallythoughtthingsweregoingwell.Thenextweekhesaidthathewasonhisbackagain,andthe169



treatmenthadbeenstopped.Apparentlyoncetherighttreatmenthadbeenfound,thenthingswouldgowell.Howhewishedhecouldbeathometoshareinalltheexcitementthere!Grannyarrangedthatthebuildershouldgettoworkatonceonthestables,andsheandMotherporedoverplansthatshowedallthechangesthereweretobe—windowspulledoutandothersputin,partitionstobeputupforbedroomsintheloft,akitchenmadehere,andalarderthere."Ishalllikehavingabedroomintheloft,"saidClare."Ishallimaginehorsesdownbelow,stampingandswishingtheirtails.""I'mgoingtohaveabedroomofmyown,"saidSam,pleased."Thetiniestyoueversaw.Ishan'tbesleepingwithyouanymore,Francis.""Goodthing,"saidFrancis."Youwon'twakemeupwithyourwhistlingeverymorning.Mother,can'tyouteachSamhowtowhistleatune?I'vetried,butIonlymakehimworse.""It'llcome,"saidMother."Don'tkeepworryingSamaboutit.Onceuponatimeyoucouldn'twhistleatuneeither!Lookatthisplan—we'vedecidedtokeepthisbitofgarden.Wecanmanageitquitewellbyourselves.TherestwillgowithGreenMeadows,but,ofcourse,itwillstillseemlikeoursbecauseEllenSurreysayswemaygotherewheneverwelike.""Andseealltheanimals,"saidSam."I'mgoingtovisitalltheold,oldhorsesanddonkeyseachday.Mother,didyouhearthatFlashwasgoingbacktotheshop?""Yes.Notyet,though,"saidMother."Sid'suncleiswellagain,andsomeoftheshedsarerebuilt,becausehewasinsured,afterall.He'sbuyinganewlittlecartforFlash,andsoourlittleponywilloncemore170



trotroundthevillagewithit!""He'shadalovelyholiday,"saidClare."What'sSidgoingtodo,Mother?Gobacktohisbrother?Weshallmisshim!""No.Hetoldmelastnightthathisbrotherismanagingwellbyhimself,andsoSidisn'tgoingback.Youwon'tguesswhatjobhe'sgot!"saidMother."What?"askedthechildren."He'saskedEllenSurreyifshewilltakehimonasgardener!"saidMother."HehasgotsofondofGreenMeadows,andenjoyeddoingthegardensomuch.Hecan'tbeartogiveituptoanothergardener!""Oh!Thenwe'llseeSideveryday!"saidClare,delighted."Iwasafraidthatifastrangegardenercamehewouldn'tlikeusrunninginandoutofouroldgarden—butSidwon'tmindabit!"Theworkmencameandbegantoworkonthestables.Joewaswiththem,becauseMotherhadaskedthebuildertogivehimajob.Joewaspleased."Firstyoudomeagoodturnandletmekeepmypigeonshere,"hesaid."ThenIdoyouagoodturnback,andmendupthingsabitforyou.Andnowyou'vedonemeagoodturnagain!Well,it'smyturnnowtodosomething,ma'am—andI'mgoingtoworkonthesestablesforyouaswellasIcan!"Thejobwentverywellindeed.Theweatherwasgood,andthemenweregoodtoo.Itwasarrangedthatthefamilyshouldgoawayfortwomonths'holidaywhenschoolbrokeupinJuly,andthatwouldallowthementogetonwiththerepairstoGreenMeadowswhileitwasempty.Whenthefamilycameback,thestableswouldbereadyforthemtolivein—aquaintlittlehousewithaprettygardenofitsown,andpigeonsflyingabouteverywhere.Thereweretwelveofthemnow,fortheyhadlaideggsandhatchedoutbabiesthatsummer.

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Eachofthechildrenownedone.FrancishadonecalledBobbo,Clare'swascalledClapperbecauseheclappedhiswingssoloudly,andSamcalledhisWhite-wings.Theyallcameflyingwhentheywerecalled.Schoolbrokeup.Holidayscame—andGrannywentoffwiththechildrentoalittlehousebythesea,leavingMotherandMrs.OldhamtostripGreenMeadowsofcarpetsandcurtains,andtoputthefurnitureintostoretillthestableswereready."Motherwon'tworktoohard,willshe?"saidFrancis,anxiously,toGranny,aftertheyhadsaidgoodbyetoher."No,Mrs.Oldhamwillseetothat,"saidGranny."NowthatIhavesoldGreenMeadowsandgotthemoney,IcandolotsofthingsIcouldn'tbefore.Goforthislongholiday,forinstance—andpayMrs.OldhamtocomeandhelpMothereveryday/'"IhopeRexandDappleandtherestwillbeallright,"saidClare."Idon'tlikeleavingthem.I'mgladFlashhasgonebackhappilytohismaster.Isawhimyesterday,trottingalongpullinghisnewlittlevegetablecart—andoh,Granny,hesawme,andhecamerightovertome,cartandall!"Motherjoinedthemdownbytheseaintwoweeks'time,andtheyallhadawonderfultime.Theywereasbrownasberries,evenMother.TheytriedtopersuadeGrannytobathe,butshewouldn't."Youcanwearyourchainstoo,ifyouthinkyou'llmisstheirjingling,"saidSam,andgotataponhishand!TheywentbackinSeptember.Motherhadgoneaheadtoseethefurnituremovedin,andcurtainsputup.Mrs.Oklhamwastheretogreether,andRextoo.Danhadprovedagreatstandby.Hehadtakenonthecareofthepigeons,therabbit,theguinea-pig,

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Dapple,andMr.BlackwhiletheGreenMeadowsfamilyhadbeenaway.Pongothepuppyhadgoneonaholidaywiththefamilywhoownedhim.ItwasalovelythingforDantodo,actually,becausehehadplentyoftimetospareintheholidaysandwasupatGreenMeadowsalldaylong—whilehismothercleaneduptheroomshithestablesastheywerefinished.ThedaycameforthechildrenandGrannytogoback.Theywereinagreatstateofexcitement—andwhentheysawthedearlittlehouseawaitingthem,theywereevenmoreexcited!Itlookedlovely,cleanandgayandwelcoming.AndtherewasMotheronthedoorstep,smilingalloverherface!"Let'sexplore,let'sexplore!"criedClare,andtheywentalloverthehouseatonce,exclaimingindelight."There'salottobedoneyet,"saidMother."Sam'sbedroomisn'tfinished,noraretwooftheroomsdownstairs,andthere'ssomemorepaintingtobedone.Butatanyrateitwasreadyenoughtomoveinto!""IfonlyDaddycouldseeit!"saidClare."When'shecominghome,Mummy?He'sbeenawaytoolong!""SirGilesiscomingtoseemeabouthimto-morrow,"saidMother."I'lltellyouwhathesays."ThesurgeoncameinnextdaywithDuke,whohadbeenstayingwithhisoldmaster.HefelluponFranciswithjoy.Theboyhuggedhim.Thedogwasverydeartohimbecauseofthatdreadfulnightintheearlysummer."I'vecomefortwothings,"saidSirGiles."OneistosaythatyourhusbandwillbehomebyChristmas,Mrs.Marshall.AtlastwehavegottotherootofthematterandnowIhopewecanmakeheadway.""Willhewalk?"askedMother,almostinawhisper."He'llhobble—Ican'tsaymorethanthat,"saidSirGiles."Buthe'llhavenomorepain,andhecan173



certainlytakesomesortofjob—brainwork,Imean.Waitandsee;I'mquitehopefulnow.Andanywayhe'llbehomeforChristmas.""What'sthesecondthingyou'vecomeabout?"saidMother."It'saboutDuke,"saidSirGiles."Ihavetogoawayagain,thistimetoAmerica.Idon'twanttoleavehiminBill'scareagain.IwanttogivehimtoFrancis—forhisowndog.Iknowheloveshim,andthere'snodoubtthatDukeloveshimbackwithallhisheart.He'sreallymoreFrancis'sdogthanmine.Willyouhavehim,Francis?"WouldhehaveDuke!Franciscouldn'tbelievehisears.Hewentbrightscarlet,andcouldn'tsayaword.ButDukesaidplenty!"Woof!Woof-woof!Woof!"AndheleaptonFrancisandlickedhimonallthebareplaceshecouldfind!"Oh,sir!"saidFrancis,atlast."Yes,I'llhavehim.IalwayswantedadoglikeDuke.Thankyouveryverymuch.Canyoureallysparehim?""Onlytoyou,"saidSirGiles,withasmile."I'llcomeandseehimsometimeswhenI'mbackagain.MayIleavehimherenow,Mrs.Marshall?"SoDukecametolivewiththem,andwasthehappiestdoginthekingdom.ForthefirstfewdaysFranciswentaboutwithhisarmroundDuke'sneck,thedogtrottingbesidehim.Hesimplycouldn'tbelievethatDukewasreallyhis!Thedaysflewby.Christmascamenearerandnearer.Daddywrotecheerfulletters,andsaidhewasoutofhischairandhobblingwithtwostickstovisitotherpatientsintheward.Thenextlettersaidhehadhobbledtoomuchandwasinbedagain.Thenextonesaidhewasuponcemore.WouldhebeallrightforChristmas?

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"He'scoming!"saidMother,oneday,lookingupfromaletter,"He'scomingnextweek—twodaysbeforeChristmas!BillistofetchhiminSirGiles'scar,bySirGiles'sownorders.Howgoodheis!""WhatelsedoesDaddysay?"askedSam."Hesayshehasabigsurpriseforusall,"saidMother."Blesshim,Iexpecthe'sbeenworkinghardatmakingsomewonderfulpresentforus.Theyhaveafineworkshopatthathospital,youknow,tohelppatientstopassthetime.Fancy—nextweek!Andattheendofthisweektheworkmenwillbeoutandwe'llhavethehousetoourselves.""Thatfour-leavedcloverwasluckyafterall,"saidFrancis."Ibegantothinkitwasafraud!"MothergotreadyforChristmasinthenewlittlehouse.Ithadn'tanameyet,fornobodycouldthinkofaniceenoughone.TheChristmastreearrivedandstoodinthehall,gailydecorated.ThechildrenputuppaperchainsandpickedredberriedhollyfromtheGreenMeadowsgarden,withSid'shelp.Mysteriousparcelswerehiddenineverycorner.ThedaycameforDaddy'sarrivalhome.Itwasthefirstthoughteveryonehadwhentheyawokethatmorning."Daddy'scoming!"Whattimewouldthecararrive?Nobodyknewexactly.Butatthreeo'clock,whichwastheearliestitcouldcome,allthechildrenwereatthegate.Theirfrontgatewasnowtheonethatusedtobethebackgate.Itwasmended,andpaintedwhite.Daddyhadbeentoldtocometothatgate,thoughBillhimselfknewthatquitewell,ofcourse.BillsaidhewouldhelpDaddytohobbleuptothehouse,andwouldevencarryhim,ifnecessary.Threeo'clock.Half-pastthree.Fouro'clock.Ohdear!WouldDaddynevercome?Quarter-pastfour!

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Mothercalledfromthedoor."Comeuptothehouseforaminute,dears,andtakeabuneach,incaseDaddyisverylate.Youhadyourdinnersoearly."Theyallranup—butjustastheyweretakingtheirbuns,theyheardthesoundofacarstoppingoutside."Daddy'scome!Daddy'scome!"squealedClare,anddroppedherbuntoruntothegate.Yes,therewasthebigcar.Astheygottothegate,thecardoorswungopen,andamanleaptout.Hewalkedbrisklytothegate,smilingalloverhisface."Daddy!"screamedClare."Daddy!You'reWALKING!"Sherantohimandheswungherupinhisarms.ThenSamcamerunning,wide-eyedandwondering,andlastofallFrancis.Samlookedathisfather'slegs.Yes,theywerewalking.AndDaddyhadn'tevengotonestick!Samthrewhisarmsroundhisfather'swaistandburiedhisheadinhiscoat.Tohaveafatherthatwalked—whatatrulywonderfulthing!Motherheardtheexcitementandcamerunning,bright-eyedandbreathless.WhenshesawDaddywalking,withthethreechildrenclingingtohim,shestopped,amazed."John!Oh,John!"shesaidandrantohiminjoy."Wasthisyoursurprise?Oh,Ineverthought

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ofthat!Welcomehometousall—we'vemissedyousomuch!"GrannyjingleddownthepathwithMr.Blackbehind,andmetthemhalfway.Hereyeswerefullofhappytears.Atlast,atlast,atlast,Daddywaswell!"Yes.I'mabsolutelyallright!"hesaid,smilinground."Standawayfromme.Seemejump!Seemerun!AndonNewYear'sEveMotherandIaregoingtoadance—doyouhearthat,Mother?No,don'tsayyouhaven'tafrock.I'mgoingtobuyyouthemostbeautifuloneintheworld!"Half-laughing,half-crying,thelittlefamilywentintothehouse.Whatahome-coming!HowdifferentDaddywas!Samhadneverseenhimlikethisbefore,andhestaredathimasifhewassomethingoutofanotherworld.Theyallsatdowntoanenormousteaatlast."There'sonethingyou'veleftmetodo,Isee,"saidDaddy."Youhaven'tgiventhisdearlittlehouseaname!""Wecouldn'tthinkofone,"saidMother."Ohdear—tothinkofallthat'shappenedthisyear,John.Iwassomiserableatthebeginning.Doyouremember,Francis,youandIwentoutintothegardeninFebruary.

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Youmademecome—andItoldyouallmytroubles.""Iremember,"saidFrancis."Andyoustoopedandrangthebelloftheveryfirstsnowdrop—oh,Mother,youdid,andsaiditwaslucky.Anditwas,itwas!""Then,"saidDaddy,atonce,"IhereandnownamethislittlehouseSnowdropCottage—andmayitbringusasmuchgoodluckastheringingofthefirstsnowdropbellthisyear!""Ohyes—SnowdropCottage—it'salovelyname!"saidClare."We'llgetJoetopaintitonthegateassoonaseverhecan.SnowdropCottage!"Samlistenedhappily,hissolemnfacestillturnedtowardsthisnewandastonishingfather.Hepurseduphismouthandbegantowhistle.Hewhistledveryloudlyindeed,becausehewassoveryhappy.Everybodyturnedandlookedathim."Sam!"saidClare,inwonder."You'rewhistlingatune\Arealtune\"Samstopped,delighted."Whatisit,then?"heasked,redintheface."Thebestoneyoucouldwhistle!"saidClare."It'saHap-Hap-HappyDay!"

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77566077 Blyton Enid the Children at Green Meadows 1954

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Transcript of 77566077 Blyton Enid the Children at Green Meadows 1954