Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR The four children went round the house again, George holding Timmy's collar. 'Funny- I can hear somebody talking!' said Anne, suddenly, as they went along the drive. 'Can you, Dick?' 'Yes,' said Dick, puzzled. 'But there's nobody about.' They all stopped to listen. 'It sounds like a loud conversation,' said Julian. 'Is it coming from the house?'

'No- you heard what the woman said. The people are away,' said George. It must be somebody talking very loudly in the road.' But the talking couldn't be heard when they reached the gates. 'Oh well- it was probably gardeners somewhere in the trees off the drive,' said Dick. 'Come on- we'll be late for the film, if we don't hurry up.'

They were just in time for it and settled down to watch the circus story on the screen. It was very good, and they all enjoyed it thoroughly.

They collected Timmy from the kindly attendant, and he barked in welcome. They felt very hungry, and the little cafe opposite looked very inviting, with its wonderful display of cakes in the window. 'Come on- I'll buy tea for everyone- providing George doesn't eat more than six cakes!' said Julian, rattling the money in his pocket. 'Timmy, I'll buy you one too.'

They had a wonderful tea, and finished up with an ice-cream each. Timmy was treated to a cake and a biscuit, and licked George's ice- cream saucer clean.

'Well- I don't know if we can manage to walk to the station now!' said Dick. 'I feel pretty full. What's the matter, George?' 'I was just feeling Timmy's collar- and he's lost his Tail Wagger badge,' said George. 'It's got his name and address on it. Oh no! I only bought him a new one last week.' 'If we want to catch the train back, we'd better get a move on,' said Julian, looking at his watch.