Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE 'No, I'm going to walk home, said George. 'I've got a torch. I may find Timmy's badge.' 'Oh, for pity's sake!' groaned Dick. 'Don't say we've got to walk back hunting for the badge all the way home. No, George- that's too much.' 'I can go alone, with Timmy,' said George. 'I didn't mean you others to come.'

'Well- we can't let you walk a mile or two home in the dark by yourself, said Julian. I tell you what- I'll go with you, George, and Dick and Anne can go back by train. 'No, thanks,' said Anne. 'I'll come too. I think I know where Tim dropped his badge. In the drive of that big house! Do you remember when the cat sat up in a tree and Timmy leapt up at her? Well, he caught his collar on a bough- and I bet that's when he lost his Tail Wagger badge.' 'Yes- I expect you're right, said George. 'Timmy's being a bit of a nuisance today- aren't you, Tim? I hope that cat won't be anywhere about in the garden.' 'Tie a bit of string to Tim's collar,' said Dick, producing a piece. 'And hang on to him, George! Well- are we ready?'

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They all set off in the starry night. They hardly needed their torches once they had got used to the dark, because the stars were so very bright. They came at last to Tarleys Mount, and stopped at the gates.

'Here we are,' said Dick, flashing his torch. 'We know where Timmy went this morning, and if we hunt about we're pretty certain to find the badge.' 'Now, you keep by me, Tim,' said George, holding tightly to the string lead.

They all went down the drive- and in the middle of it they stopped in surprise. I can hear those voices again- well, different ones this time- but voices!' said Anne, astonished. 'Who can be out here, talking and talking in the night?' 'Beats me!' said Dick. 'Come on- let's go to that tree by the front door. I bet the badge will be there!' They went to the big door, still hearing the voices somewhere away in the distance. Anne suddenly gave a cry, and bent down. 'Yes -here's the badge, just where I thought it might be. Isn't that lucky?' 'Oh good!' said George, and fixed it on Timmy's collar. 'There's somebody singing now,' said Dick, standing still and listening. 'It's really odd.'