Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO 'Look,' said Dick, 'there's that kid coming along the beach again. Shall we ask him to come swimming with us- he seems to be all on his own. Look out, kid- don't get knocked over by our dog!'

Timmy had come racing up joyfully, chasing the other dog, and the boy went sprawling as they galloped round him. Timmy turned in surprise and saw the boy rolling over and over on the sand. He gave an apologetic bark, and ran to the small boy, licking and sniffing at him.

The boy was terrified of Timmy. He began to scream in terror, and Julian ran to him.

'He's only making friends, he's only saying he's sorry he knocked you over, he won't hurt you! Come on, get up- we were just going to ask you to come and swim with us.'

'Oh, said the boy, and stood up, shaking the sand off himself. He looked to be about nine or ten, and small for his age. 'Well- thanks. I'd like to swim with you. I'm Oliver Humes, and I'm staying at the Rollins Hotel.'

'Then your dad must be a friend of our uncle, said Dick. 'He's called Kirrin- Quentin Kirrin- and he's a scientist. So is your dad, isn't he?' 'Yes. A very good one too,' said Oliver proudly. but he's worried this morning.' 'Why? What's up?' said George. 'Well- he's working on something important, said Oliver, 'and this morning he had a horrible letter. It said that unless Dad agreed to give the writer information he wanted about what Dad was working on, he'd— he'd kidnap me!'