Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE 'Timmy!' George exclaimed. What's wrong? Calm down. The hall lit up as the caretaker flicked the light switch back on. The storm hadn't cut

the power. Somebody had turned the lights off! Timmy was still barking and pawing at the fire-exit door. 'Woof!'

'Come on, George said, leading him back to the others. 'Everything seems to be in place, Julian said, looking around. 'Wait!' Anne gasped, pointing to the tea set. 'The lid is missing.

The others turned to stare at the first prize. Anne was right: the teapot had no lid. 'Oh, no!' Aunt Fanny cried; she was standing behind them with Mrs Patel and her friend Mrs Sutherland.

Julian frowned. Why would someone dim the lights to steal a teapot lid?' 'Maybe they tried to grab the teapot but only managed to get hold of the lid?' Dick suggested.

'Timmy must have seen something,' George declared. 'That's why he was barking at the door. I think the culprit escaped.' 'Oh, dear, Mrs Sutherland said. 'We can't give a faulty item as first prize. 'I could ask my parents to donate a batch of scones, Simi said quietly from behind them. 'They would go nicely with the jam.' They all turned round to look at Simi. 'That would be very kind, Mrs Patel said, smiling at the little girl. 'Let's ask your mother.'