Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE George's mother was very astonished to see a monkey, a dog and another boy added to the Five when they arrived at Kirrin Cottage. 'Who are all these?' she said. 'I don't mind the dog, George, but I will not have a monkey running loose in the house.' 'He can sleep in the shed, Mum,' said George. 'Mum, this is Bobby- he ran away from his grandfather.' 'Bobby? Bobby Loman do you mean?' said Mrs Kirrin. 'He was in the papers today.

Bobby, your grandfather is very unhappy and worried. I'm sure he would never have had your dog destroyed. He only said that in the heat of the moment- when he was very cross!' Bobby looked rather scared at Mrs Kirrin's forthright words. George put her arm around his shoulder. 'Mum!' she said, I'm sure I'd run away if you threatened to do anything to Timmy- so I do understand why Bobby ran away to my island. Well- sailed away!'

Things were soon settled. Mrs Kirrin rang up the police to tell them Bobby was safe. Then she rang up his grandfather and told him the news too. The old man was so relieved that he could hardly thank Mrs Kirrin enough.

Bobby was allowed to stay the night, and slept in the kitchen on a sofa, with Chippy cuddled beside him, and Chummy on his feet. Upstairs George was in bed with Timmy on her feet, talking about the excitements of the day. 'How's your tooth?' asked Anne, suddenly remembering the night before, when George had had such bad toothache, and seen a light on Kirrin Island.

'Tooth? What tooth?' said George, surprised. She had forgotten all about it. 'Oh, the one I had out. Doesn't it seem AGES since this morning!' She put her tongue into the space where the tooth had been. 'I think a new one's growing already. I wish I had teeth like Timmy- snowy white- strong- fierce. I'd like to be able to show all my teeth, when I feel really angry!' Anne laughed. 'Well- you almost manage it now,' she said.

'Hey- what's the matter with Timmy? He's pretty restless tonight. Look- he's gone to the door. He wants to go out.' 'All he wants is to go and have a talk to Chummy,' said George. 'All right, Tim. You can go down to the kitchen and sleep with Chummy if you like.'