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CHAPTER ONE Secret Seven Meeting, Everyone! 'WHEN are you having a meeting of the Secret Seven again?' aske !eter's mother" '# on't kno$" Why% &other?' aske !eter% 'ook( ing u) from his *ook" 'We''% *ecause if you o% # on't think you ought to meet in that o' she of yours%' sai his mother" #t's such very co' $eather" +ou' *etter meet u) here in the house"' ',h no, &other%' sai -anet% .oining in" '#t $ou' n't *e a secret meeting then" We must meet in the she "' 'We'' ( you''' have to heat it u) a 'itt'e then%' sai
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&other" '# can't have you o$n $ith co' s .ust at the en of the 0hristmas term" 0an't you o $ithout meetings ti'' after 0hristmas ?' 'Not very $e''%' sai -anet" 'We' ha'f thought it $ou' *e a goo i ea to take the 0hristmas )resents $e're making o$n to the she ( a'' seven of us% # mean ( an have a sort of &aking !resents meeting" We thought $e cou' a'' $ear our coats"' '+ou' *e fro1en2' sai &other" #3'' 'en you my ne$ 'itt'e Safety(4irst stove ( even if it's knocke over% it's safe2 5hen # shan't *e afrai of the she catching fire"' ',h% thank you% &other2' sai *oth chi' ren to( gether% an Scam)er the go' en s)anie' *arke 'ou 'y% as if he thorough'y agree " -anet grinne " 'He says hell *e .o''y g'a of a stove too%' she sai " 'He's a rea' o' 'ie(*y(the(fire these ays ( aren't you% Scam)er?' 'We''% you shou' take him for a goo 'ong $a'k%' sai &other" 'He' 'ove that" +ou're getting fat an 'a1y% you t$o2' She $ent out of the room% an -anet an !eter 'ooke at one another" 'What $ith e6ams an one thing an another $e haven't rea''y ha much time for the Secret Seven%' sai !eter" '#t would be nice an cosy in the she $ith that stove ( $e cou' take a'' the 0hristmas things $e're making% an o them

o$n there ( an not have to kee) taking them off the ta*'e .ust *ecause mea's have to *e 'ai "' 'We''' te'' the others tomorro$%' sai -anet% ha)( )i'y" 'We sha'' have to have a ne$ )ass$or ( it's so 'ong since $e ha a meeting" What sha'' $e have ?' '0ustar )u ing2' sai !eter% grinning" 'What an i iotic )ass$or 2' sai -anet" 'Why not ham an eggs? ,r toa (in(the(ho'e ( or " " "' ''Toad-in-the-Hole - that's rather a goo one2' sai !eter" '#t''' make the others 'augh" -o''y goo % o' gir'2' '8on't ca'' me 9o' gir'9%' sai -anet" '# kee) on te''ing you not to" +ou soun 'ike :nc'e ;ertie" He a'$ays ca''s <untie 9o' gir'9"' '<'' right% young gir'%' sai !eter" '5oa (in(the( Ho'e ( ha% no*o y $i'' forget that2 =et's see ( that's sausage in *atter )u ing% isn't it?' ',f course it is2' sai -anet" 'Ho$ can you forget that% seeing that 'ast time $e ha it% you ate four 9toa s9 ( four sausages% an fe't .o''y >ueer after( $ar s"' ' So # i %' sai !eter" ' Scam)er ( the )ass$or is 5oa (in(the(Ho'e" 8on't forget2' ' Wuff2' sai Scam)er% an $agge his tai'" Ne6t ay at schoo' !eter ca''e 0o'in% -ack an ?eorge into a corner" 'Secret Seven meeting on Satur ay at ten o'c'ock in the she %' he sai " 95he

)ass$or is 95oa (in(the(Ho'e9" +ou kno$ (sausages in *atter"' 'What a )ass$or 2' sai -ack" #3'' never remem( *er such a si''y one" #''' have to $rite it o$n"' 'No% on't" 5hat a$fu' sister Susie of yours might fin your note*ook an see the )ass$or %' sai !eter" '<'' right" #''' try an kee) it in my hea " #''' make u) a rhyme a*out it ( that''' he') me to remem*er it%' sai -ack" '=et's see ( ,' Aing 0o'e $as a .o''y o' sou'% his favourite inner $as 95oa (in(the(Ho'e29 Ha ( #''' remem*er it a'' right no$"' '+ou hear the time of the meeting% i n't you?' sai !eter" '+ou 'ook a *it scatty this morning"' 'We''% # fee' it%' sai -ack" 'What $ith e6ams an things ( an )re)aring for o' ;ony ( he's coming to stay $ith me% you kno$ ( an " " "' ',' Bony - $ho on earth is he ( a ske'eton or something?' aske !eter% $ith much interest" '<ss2 He's a 4rench *oy ( the one # $ent to stay $ith in 4rance 'ast year%' sai -ack" 'His name is -ean ;ona)arte ( no re'ation of the great genera'2 He's ( $e''% he's a$fu''y serious an earnest% an # can't say #'m much 'ooking for$ar to his coming" #'m ho)ing Susie $i'' 'ike him an take him off my han s" She rather fancies herse'f $ith foreigners"' '8on't you te'' Susie anything a*out the meeting

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on Satur ay%' sai !eter" '+ou )ack her off some$here $ith ;ony"'

'# su))ose you $ou' n't 'et me take him to the meeting?' aske -ack% not 'ooking very ho)efu'" '# mean ( &other's sure to say # can't 'eave him a'one on Satur ay ( he's coming on 4ri ay% you see% an it $i'' 'ook a *it ru e to rush off *y myse'f the very ne6t morning"' '+ou on't seem very keen on coming to a Secret Seven meeting%' sai !eter" '8on't *e an ass2 ,f course # $ant to come ( *ut my mother isn't 'ike yours" She oesn't think the Secret Seven is at a'' im)ortant" ;ut # W#== come if # )ossi*'y can%' sai )oor -ack% 'ooking scattier than ever"

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'<'' right" ;ut on't you 'et Susie kno$% no$ ( an 8,N'5 te'' her the )ass$or %' sai !eter% stern'y" '# ho)e you've not forgotten ho$ she an ;inkie% that a$fu' gigg'ing frien of hers% once got into our she *efore a meeting% an 'ocke the oor on the insi e so that we cou' n't get in ( an aske :S for the )ass$or 2' -ack gave a su en grin" '+es" #t $as awful of them ( *ut honest'y it ha its funny si e" <'' right (1 $on't give our meeting a$ay" 5rust me2 #''' come someho$% even if # have to )ark ;ony in an icecream sho) an *uy him ha'f a o1en ices to kee) him >uiet2 ;y the $ay% te'' me the )ass$or again% !eter"' ;ut !eter ha gone" ;'o$ ( $hat was that )ass$or no$ ( ,' Aing 0o'e? Sausages? 8innertime? -ack $ent off fro$ning" What $ith his sister Susie% an e6ams% an 0hristmas 'ooming u)% and that ass of a ;ony% 'ife $as very% very ifficu't2

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CHAPTER TWO Password, Please! Satur ay morning came% !eter an -anet $ere very *usy" 5hey carrie the Safety(4irst stove o$n to the she % an ?ar ener came in to 'ight it for them" He 'ooke roun the she " 'Ha ( you've 'et it get )retty messy% haven't you?' he sai " 'Wants a goo c'ean% that's $hat it $ants" Waste of a goo she % this% that's $hat C think"' '#t isn't $aste %' sai !eter" 'We use it for our meetings" +ou kno$ $e o"' '4at 'ot of meetings you've ha 'ate'y%' sai ?ar( ener% grum)i'y" '=ast month # $ante this she for my onions% an $hat ha))ene ? No sooner i # )ut them in than # ha to take them out ( *ecause you $ante it for a meeting2' ' We took them out% ?ar ener% not you \' sai -anet% in ignant'y" '+ou i n't have to move a sing'e one2'
WHEN
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?ar ener gave one of his grunts% an $a'ke out" Scam)er stare after him% his tai' o$n" '0heer u)% Scam)er%' sai -anet" '?ar ener a'$ays thinks this she is his% not ours" !eter% 'et's make ?ar ener something for 0hristmas ( he's not a *a sort rea''y% though he is grum)y" Demem*er ho$ he gave us a))'es to store in the she in the autumn?' '+es" ;ut $e've eaten them a''%' sai !eter% 'ook( ing ho)efu''y u) to a she'f" 'No ( there's one 'eft% a'' *ro$n an shrive''e " # say ( oesn't that stove make the she nice an $arm? ;uck u) an ti y roun % -anet" #''' )ut out the *o6es to sit on" 8i you re( mem*er your *a ge? ,h% yes ( you're $earing it" # ho)e the others $i'' a'' remem*er theirs"' 'Wuff($uff2' sai Scam)er" '<'' right" # kno$ you've 'ost yours% scra**'ing after ra**its%' sai !eter" '-anet $i'' make you another one $hen she has time"' ' Wuff2' sai Scam)er% again% an 'ay o$n *y the stove% his tai' $agging .ust a 'itt'e" He $as 'ooking for$ar to seeing a'' the Secret Seven again2 '<'most ten o'c'ock%' sai !eter% 'ooking at his $atch" 'No$ ( are the others going to *e 'ate?' 5hey sat o$n on the *o6es to $ait for them" 5he oor% $ith its *ig S"S" on it% $as fast shut" 4ootste)s came u) to it at 'ast% an someone knocke 'ou 'y"
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'!eter ( $hat's the )ass$or ?' $his)ere -anet% su en'y" 'Was it ( $as it Sausages?' ';e >uiet%' sai !eter% an then ye''e out 'ou 'y to the knocker" '!ass$or % )'ease2' -ack's voice ans$ere " '!eter% #'ve forgotten it" # .ust kno$ it ha some( thing to o $ith inner" #s it Doast ;eef?' 'No"' 'We'' ( is it 4rie ;acon an Eggs?' 'No" ?o home if you can't remem*er it"' -anet nu ge !eter" 'C forgot it% too% you kno$" =et him in2' '<gainst the ru'es2' sai !eter% stern'y" 'We'' ( is it ,' Aing 0o'e?' aske )oor -ack" 'No% it is N,52' sai !eter" 5hen more footste)s $ere hear % an !eter ca''e out again" '!ass$or % )'ease"' '5oa (in(the(Ho'e2' came the ans$er in a gir''s voice" !eter s$ung o)en the oor ( an in ste))e Susie% -ack's sister% $ith a very skinny('ooking *oy *ehin her2 'Susie2 ?et out2 +ou on't *e'ong to the Secret Seven2 Ho$ i you kno$ the )ass$or ?' shoute !eter% very angry in ee " '# hear -ack saying it over an over to himse'f t$o ays ago%' sai Susie% smi'ing $icke 'y" '<n """'

15

'-ack ( you gave our )ass$or a$ay ( an you to' Susie a*out our meeting2' crie !eter% in a great fury" <t that moment a'' the others came u) in a *unch% an stoo ama1e at the sight of a furious !eter at the oor of the she % a $hite(face -ack% a grinning Susie% an a skinny *oy they i n't kno$2 'What's u)?' sai ?eorge" '<n $ho's this? < ne$ mem*er?' He 'ooke at ;ony% $ho ga1e *ack at him o$'ish'y through *ig g'asses" '&y name is -ean ;a)tiste ;ona)arte%' sai the 4rench *oy% an *o$e most )o'ite'y from the $aist" '# stay $ith my goo frien % -ac>ues" His goo sister% she *ring me here" # thank you"' 5here $as a short si'ence" No*o y kne$ >uite $hat to say" 5hen 0o'in s)oke u)" '=ook% # on't

16

rea''y kno$ $hat's going on% *ut for goo ness' sake ask us into the she % !eter ( it's free1ing out here" # can't even feel my nose2' Everyone surge into the she $ithout $aiting for an invitation ( Susie an the 4rench *oy too2 5hat $as too much for !eter" ' =ook here ( this is su))ose to *e a secret meet( ing2' he shoute " 'Susie% get out an take ;ony or Skinny or $hatever his name is% $ith you" ?o on (you on't *e'ong to the Secret Seven"' 'We'' ( #'m afrai my mother $i'' *e most an( noye a*out this%' sai Susie% her nose $e'' u) in the air" 'When -ack to' her he cou' n't )'ay $ith ;ony *ecause you ha sai he must come to the meeting% &other sai a'' right% he cou' go% *ut he must take
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;ony too" He $ou' n't take him ( so I've *rought him"' 'We''% you .ust take him a$ay again2' sai !eter" ' 8o you hear ? 5<AE H#& <W<+" <n you can go too% -ack"' 'No2' sai -anet% at once" '+ou're to stay% -ack" +ou're a Secret Seven mem*er" S5<+2'

CHAPTER THREE Peter Loses His Temper

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)oor 4rench *oy 'ooke scare to eath% an hurrie 'y *acke a$ay o$n the )ath to the front gate% *o$ing most )o'ite'y a'' the time" Susie $ent $ith him% a)o'ogi1ing to him at the to) of her voice% so that a'' the others cou' hear" '#'m S, sorry% ;ony% *ut #'m afrai !eter has no manners at a''" +ou rea''y must e6cuse him% he's never really 'earnt ho$ to *ehave2' '#' *etter go $ith them%' sai )oor -ack" ;ut !eter )u''e him into the she an *ange the oor so vio'ent'y that the noise ma e Scam)er 'ea) u) an *ark 'ou 'y" 'No$ on't you *egin *eing a nuisance2' sai !eter to him% in such a 'ou voice that Scam)er cre)t a$ay% scare " 5hen !eter turne on -ack" 'Ho$ 8<DE you 'et Susie kno$ the )ass$or ? Ho$ dare you 'et anyone kno$ $e' a meeting here to ay? <n WH+ aren't you $earing your *a ge? +ou on't 8ESEDEE to *e a mem*er of the Secret Seven2 <n 4<N0+ *ringing that a$fu' *oy here2' '# didn't *ring him here" Susie i %' sai )oor -ack" '<n ho$ $as Cto kno$ she $as 'istening at the oor of my *e room $hen # $as trying to 'earn the )ass$or *y saying it over an over to myse'f? <n # haven't forgotten my *a ge" # i n't $ear it in case Susie sa$ it an fo''o$e me" She a'$ays kno$s #'m going to a Secret Seven meeting $hen # )ut on my *a ge" =ook% #'ve got it here in my )ocket2 <ny$ay% #
5HE
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ha to te'' &other # $as going ( she $ante to kno$ $hy # cou' n't )'ay $ith ;ony" <n on't you g'are at me 'ike that2' 5i' g'are at you a'' # 'ike2' sai !eter" '# te'' you% you on't eserve to *e " " "' '<'' right% a'' right" +ou've sai that a'rea y%' sai -ack% g'aring *ack" '#f # on't deserve to *e'ong% # won't *e'ong2 #''' resign2 #''' $a'k out2 Here's my *a ge ( take it% or #''' thro$ it a$ay" # on't $ant it any more" # can't HE=! having a sister 'ike Susie% can #? We'' ( no$ you can *e the Secret SEF 2 ?oo *ye2' He took his *a ge out of his )ocket an thre$ it o$n at !eter's feet" 5hen he $a'ke out of the oor% his hea high% ashame of the su en tears that came to his eyes" 5o 'eave the Secret Seven $as the har est thing -ack ha ever one in his 'ife2 No*o y stirre " 5hey $ere a'' too shocke *y -ack's su en an sur)rising out*urst" !eter stare at the fa''en *a ge% not kno$ing $hat to o or say" ;ut Scam)er kne$ $hat to o2 He tore out of the oor% *arking as if to say '0ome *ack2 0ome *ack2' He ran roun -ack's feet% an 'ea)t u) to 'ick him" ;ut -ack )ushe him a$ay" 'No" ?et o$n" +ou're not my frien s any more"' Scam)er ran *ack to the she % $ith his tai' $e'' o$n" He 'ooke roun at the others $ith *ig *ro$n
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eyes% hurt an *e$i' ere " -anet )ut her arm roun him% an turne to her *rother" '!eter" +ou aren't going to 'et -ack go% are you? +ou know it $asn't his fau't"' ;ar*ara su en'y *urst into tears% an *egan to so* 'ou 'y" !eter stare at her angri'y" ',h% on't *e such a *a*y% ;ar*ara% for goo ness' sake2 #''' ask -ack to come *ack% of course ( *ut he shou' n't have 'ost his tem)er 'ike that"' '+ou 'ost yours%' so**e ;ar*ara" 95his is the f(f( f(first t(t(t(t(time $e've ever >u(>u(>u(>uarre''e " # on't'(1('ikeit"' '=et's $rite a note to -ack%' sai 0o'in" '=et's te'' him $e can't o $ithout him" =et's say $e're sorry" 0ome on% !eter" +ou i go on at him% you kno$ (an honest'y% it's not his fau't that" " "'

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'# know it's not his fau't that his sister is such a nuisance%' sai !eter% $ho $as no$ fee'ing very uncomforta*'e in ee " '<'' right% $e''' $rite a note (at 'east% Ill $rite it% an $e can a'' sign it" Wi'' that o? #'m sorry # 'ost my tem)er% # rea''y am ( *ut Susie's enough to make anyone see re " 4ancy having the nerve to *ring that skinny fe''o$% ;ony% to a Secret Seven meeting% too"' 'She sim)'y isn't afrai of anything or any*o y%' sai !am" '#t's a )ity rea''y she oesn't *e'ong to the Secret Seven% she's rea''y very c'ever% you kno$% an " " "' ' ;e'ong to the ecret even I' sai !eter% e6)'o ing
again" 'What a thing to say% !am2 -ust shut u) if you can't think of anything *etter to say2' '5here you go again ( 'osing your tem)er2' sai ;ar*ara% sticking u) for !am" '0ome on% no$% !eter
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( $hat a*out that 'etter to -ack ? =et's o it no$" # $ou' n't *e a*'e to s'ee) tonight if # thought )oor o' -ack i n't *e'ong to the Secret Seven any more"' !eter sent -anet to the house to fetch some $riting( )a)er" He fe't ashame of himse'f" He ha n't meant to say a'' that to -ack ( *ut that Susie% that a$fu' sister Susie of his ( $e''% he' *etter not think of her any more% or he' 'ose his tem)er a'' over again2 Soon -anet $as *ack $ith $riting()a)er an an enve'o)e" So'emn'y they iscusse $hat to say" #n the en !eter $rote a short an a)o'ogetic note% signe *y everyone" He rea it out to the others" G!ear "ack, # $lease don't lets make mountains out of molehills, I'm awfully sorry for what I said% &ou know we can't do without you' We can't $( IB)& be the ecret i*% We're meetin+ a+ain tomorrow evenin+, at si*% $lease come% I'm enclosin+ your bad+e% We <== want you back% ',rom '!E5ED% -<NE5% !<&% ;<D;<D<% 0,=#N% ?E,D?E"'

'Soun s a'' right%' sai ?eorge" '# *et he''' *e g'a to get it"' 'Scam)er must sign it too%' sai -anet" She ru**e some ink on the un erneath of the s)anie''s )a$% an
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)resse it o$n on the )a)er% un er their o$n signa( tures" '5here2' she sai " '-ack $i'' kno$ that Scam)er agrees a*out this too" !eter% $ho's going to take the note? #t ought to go at once"' #3'' take it%' offere ?eorge" '# go *y his house" #''' ro) it in"' 'We''% *e carefu' Susie isn't 'ying in $ait for you%' sai !eter% 'icking the enve'o)e" 'Here you are ( an remem*er% everyone ( meet here tomorro$ evening at si6 o'c'ock" 5he )ass$or ha *etter *e the same as to ay% as -ack $on't kno$ any ne$ one ( an # aren't )ut one in this note% in case Susie gets ho' of it" Demem*er no$ ( 5oa (in(the(Ho'e2' 'Dight%' sai ?eorge% an took the note" '=et's ho)e $e''' *e the Secret SEEEN again tomorro$2'

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CHAPTER FOUR A Shock for the Secret Si ne6t evening% $hich $as Sun ay% -anet an !eter $ent o$n to the she again" !eter $as a 'itt'e su* ue % an >uite etermine to *e as goo ( tem)ere as -anet a'$ays $as" 5hey set the she in or er% an -anet )ut some 'itt'e choco'ate *uns on a )'ate ( a )resent from her mother" '&other oesn't kno$ a thing a*out the >uarre'%' she sai % 'an # ho)e no one ever te''s her" She's rather sur)rise $e're ho' ing another meeting so soon% though2' 'Scam)er% sit o$n%' sai !eter" '+ou seem very rest'ess tonight"' '# think he's remem*ering ho$ you an -ack shoute at one another yester ay%' sai -anet" 'He's
5HE

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not use to us >uarre''ing" # think he $as >uite scare "' 'Si''y o' Scam)er%' sai !eter% an )atte the soft% si'ky hea " '8E<D o' Scam)er ( $hat shou' $e o $ithout you?' ;ang(*ang2 5hat $as someone at the oor a'rea y (yes% !am an ;ar*ara together" 5hey $his)ere the )ass$or through the oor" '5oa (in( the(Ho'e"' 5he oor o)ene an they $ent in% *eaming" '<ren't $e nice an ear'y? Hasn't -ack come yet?' 'No" Not yet%' sai -anet" '!erha)s he''' come ne6t2' ;ut no ( ?eorge an 0o'in came ne6t ( knocking 'ou 'y at the oor% an saying the )ass$or together" !eter o)ene it" ' ,h ( # ho)e -ack $ou' *e $ith you%' he sai " 'He's not here yet" We'' ( it's not -uite si6 o'c'ock" He''' *e a'ong in a minute" 4in a *o6 an sit o$n"' Someho$ they a'' fe't rather nervous of facing -ack" 5hey )atte Scam)er an ta'ke a*out 0hrist( mas% an a'' of them 'istene for -ack's footste)s" '<h ( there he is2' sai !eter% as the )atter of feet $as hear at 'ast" '5oa (in(the(Ho'e' sai a voice outsi e the oor" !eter s$ung it o)en% *eaming" ;ut it $asn't -ack2 #t $as usie' Her voice an -ack's $ere very much a'ike2 She stoo there% stern( face % an thrust a note at !eter"
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'Here you are%' she sai " 'Dea this" +ou eserve a'' it says2' She )ushe the note into !eter's han an is( a))eare at once into the arkness" !eter shut the oor% fee'ing a 'itt'e a1e " #3'' o)en it%' he sai % an s'it the enve'o)e" 'Dea it out%' sai 0o'in" <n !eter% his voice shaking a 'itt'e% rea it to the others" ' !ear ecret i*, ' Thank you for your note and a.olo+y from $eter% orry, but there's nothin+ doin+% I've finished with you% I'm formin+ a club with usie, Binkie, Bony and three others - $e''' be the ecret even - and you''' be the ecret i* % '-<0A" 5here $as a*so'ute si'ence after !eter ha finishe rea ing the note" No*o y kne$ $hat to say" No*o y )articu'ar'y wanted to say anything" 5hey sat staring at one another in such a )ecu'iar si'ence that Scam)er *ecame scare " He cre)t over to -anet an )ut his nose into her han " She *roke the si'ence $ith a su en so*" ',h% Scam)er ( o you fee' misera*'e% too% 'ike us ?' '!eter2 !eter2 -ack can't mean it2' sai ?eorge% rin ing his voice" 'He can't $ant to make a Secret Seven c'u* $ith Susie an ;inkie an ;ony ( an ($ho e'se? What sha'' $e 8,?'

2/

' ?et someone e'se in so that our c'u* is still the Secret Seven2' sai !eter" He crum)'e u) -ack's 'etter" '-ack oesn't care tu))ence a*out us" # *et he's g'a to 'eave us an make a ne$ Secret Seven" ;ut why i he have to ca'' it the ecret even ? He kno$s ( he kno$s that's our s)ecia' name2' 'We'' ( $e can't have two Secret Seven c'u*s go( ing%' sai ?eorge" ' We'd *etter *e the Secret Si6 ($hat's it matter if $e're Seven or Si6 ? <n the 'etters S"S" $i'' o for Secret Si6 *a ges .ust as $e'' as for Secret Seven" We shan't nee to a'ter them"' '!ut it to the vote%' sai 0o'in" 'We've got to o something a*out it% or e'se *reak u) the c'u* a'( together"' 5he i ea of *reaking u) $as too much for anyone" 'We''' vote2' sai the gir's% an the *oys agree " So very so'emn'y they vote an agree that their c'u* $as no$ the Secret Si6" '=et's not go on $ith this meeting tonight%' sai -anet" '#t oesn't seem right $ithout o' -ack" =et's *reak it u)% an meet again some other time"' Some other time? When $ou' that *e? No*o y sai anything a*out another meeting% an ay after ay $ent *y% an the Secret Si6 i not meet at a''" !eter's mother $as sur)rise " '<ren't the Secret Seven meeting again soon?' she aske " '# ho)e you haven't >uarre''e 2'

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',h% # e6)ect $e''' meet again after 0hristmas% &other%' sai !eter% going very re "' +ou see ( $e'' ($e're a'' )retty *usy no$2' usie $as *usy too2 She ha to' her frien ;inkie a'' that ha ha))ene % an ho$ -ack ha 'eft the Secret Seven"' So we'll *e the Secret Seven2' she sai " '+ou an # an -ack ( that's three ( an ;ony% his 4rench frien ( that's four ( an $e''' choose three others" 8on't 'ook so misera*'e% -ack ( $e''' *ack you u)" +ou sha'' *e the 'ea er2' <t first% -ack% fee'ing *itter a*out the >uarre'% agree $ith everything they sai ( *ut $hen he foun that the e6tra three $ere a'' to *e gir's% he shook his hea " 'No%' he sai " '#'ve change my min " # on't $ant to *e'ong to any more c'u*s" 5he Secret Seven $as a fine c'u*% an there cou' n't ever *e a *etter one" # on't $ant to *e in another c'u*" 8on't $orry a*out it% Susie"' 'WE==2' sai Susie% in a fine rage" '<fter a'' our sym)athy% an a'' $e've one for you% you .ust turn roun an say 9No thank youH #'ve change my min "9 <'' right then( $e .o''y $e'' $on't have you in our c'u*2 +ou can .ust *e on your o$n2'

2@

CHAPTER FIVE Matt the Shepherd Has Some !ews came an $ent% $ith a'' its e6citements an )arties an )antomimes" !eter's mother came to him $ith a $on erfu' i ea in the Ne$ +ear" 'Wou' you 'ike me to give a )arty for the Secret Seven?' she sai " '-ust for you seven? +ou've ha so many goo times together% so many a ventures ( #' 'ove to give a gran )arty .ust for you2' <t first !eter an -anet fe't thri''e ( an then they remem*ere that they $ere on'y si6" Ho$ cou' they e6)'ain that to &other? She $ou' n't a))rove at a''" #n fact% she $ou' )ro*a*'y *e very cross to think that !eter ha *een the cause of -ack 'eaving the Secret Seven" 'She might go roun to -ack's mother a*out it%' sai !eter% g'oomi'y" '<n you kno$ $hat it is $hen mothers get together" +ou never kno$ what they $i'' make you o"' 'We''% 'et's ask her to )ut off the c'u* )arty ti'' after the 0hristmas ho'i ays%' sai -anet" '<fter a''% $e do have a 'ot of )arties an things to go to"'
0HD#S5&<S

3B

So% to their mother's sur)rise% they sai )'ease cou' they $ait ti'' after the ho'i ays *efore they gave a )arty for the c'u* ? She no e her hea at once" '-ust as you 'ike% ears%' she sai " '# on't min when you have it2' #t sno$e in the Ne$ +ear% an !eter an -anet an Scam)er $ere e'ighte " '=ove'y2' sai -anet% 'ooking out of the $in o$ at the great smooth 'ayer of $hiteness covering the farm(fie' s" '=,EE=+2 We can go to*ogganing soon" Scam)er% o you hear that? 8o you remem*er ho$ $e took you to*ogganing once an you fe'' over an ro''e a'' the $ay o$n the hi'' in the sno$% co''ecting it roun you as you $ent% en ing u) as an enormous sno$*a''?' 'Wuff2' sai Scam)er% $agging his tai'" He ran to the oor an )a$e at it" -anet $as .ust a*out to turn a$ay from the $in o$ $hen she sa$ someone coming u) the )ath that 'e to the kitchen oor" 'Ha''o ( here's &att the she)her %' she sai " 'He 'ooks )retty grim" # $on er $hat's ha))ene ? # ho)e there's nothing $rong $ith 8a 's shee)% out on the sno$y hi''s"' &other )o))e her hea roun the oor" '&att the she)her $ants a $or $ith your father%' she sai " '4in him for me% $i'' you?' 'He's u) in one of the attics% 'ooking for something%3

31

sai -anet% an race u)stairs" '8a 2 8a % o' &att $ants you" He's at the kitchen oor"' 'No$ $hat oes he $ant ?' sai her father"' # on'y sa$ him yester ay% u) on the hi''s" #''' *e o$n in a minute% te'' him"' -anet ran o$nstairs% an a'ong the stone )assage to the kitchen oor" &att $as sti'' stan ing there% his face 'ooking very grim in ee " He i n't even smi'e $hen he sa$ -anet% though he $as very fon of her" '&att2 8a 's coming%' sai -anet" '&att% $here's Sha o$% your o' shee)( og? Have you 'eft him to guar the shee) ? # o 'ike him so2' &att i n't say a $or " -anet's father came a'ong then% an &att touche his hat to him" 'What is it% &att?' aske -anet's father" 'Nothing $rong% # ho)e?' '+es% master% there is" Summat EED+ $rong%' sai &att% an to -anet's horror% she hear his voice trem*'ing" '+ou kno$ my o' frien % Sha o$ I my

32

og ( my fine o' co''ie that's $on a mort of )ri1es? We''% he's gone% sir" ?,NE2' '/one0 What on earth o you mean?' sai -anet's father" 'Not ea % sure'y ( he $asn't more than five% $as he?' 'No% sir" He's *een sto'en" #'m sure of it% sir" Sha o$ $ou' never go far from me% e6ce)t $hen he $as roun ing u) the shee)" He's .ust ?,NE% sir% ?,NE2 #'ve $hist'e an ca''e ti'' the shee) a'' thought # $as ma % an ran a$ay from me ( *ut Sha o$ i n't come" # ( # i n't kno$ $hat to o% sir% so # came to you" # can't o $ithout that og of mine" He's 'ike a *rother to me% sir% not .ust a og"' -anet fe't the tears come to her eyes" She 'ooke roun for Scam)er" <h% there he $as% sitting at the en of the stone )assage" Ho$ rea fu' it $ou' *e to *e $ithout him% !oor &att2 No $on er he ha $a'ke a mi'e or t$o over the sno$ to te'' her father a*out his og" -anet's mother came to see $hat $as the matter an soon the $ho'e fami'y% an &att as $e''% $ere sitting in the 'iving(room% iscussing Sha o$ the co''ie" &att $as terri*'y u)set% an >uite certain that his og $as sto'en" '5hat og of mine's $orth a $ho'e 'ot of money2' he sai " '5he )ri1es he $ins2 # cou' se'' him for a hun re )oun s% sir% *ut # $ou' n't

33

take a thousan for him" No% that # $ou' n't" 5imes he's sat a'' night *esi e me $hen #'ve *een ten ing the shee) ( times $hen he's run for mi'es to fin a 'ost one% an come *ack 'aughing a'' over his face2 He cou' 'augh% sir% that og cou' " # never ha a og that $as *etter com)any"' 5hey a'' 'et the o' she)her ta'k an ta'k" #t seeme to he') him ( *ut at the en there $as a ee) si'ence" &att t$iste his hat roun an roun in his horny *ro$n han s% that cou' *e so ten er $ith the tiny% ne$(*orn 'am*s% an 'ooke at -anet's mother so mournfu''y that she fe't she too $ou' cry% .ust as -anet $as oing2 '8on't you $orry% &att%' sai -anet's father at 'ast" 5i' get straight on to the )o'ice" +ou're >uite certain he cou' n't have $an ere a$ay an 'ost himse'f?' 'What2 < hi''(*orn co''ie that's ke)t my shee) for years?' sai &att% scornfu''y" ';est co''ie( og # ever ha too" =ike a *rother% he $as" Sir ( # must have him *ack" #''' not stay on these hi''s $ithout him" #' fret too much"' 'Dight% &att" +ou go *ack to your shee)% an #''' te'e)hone the )o'ice right a$ay%' sai his master" '8on't $orry too much" Why ( you may fin o' Sha o$ $aiting u) there for you2' 'We''% sir% if # o ( an ear kno$s # ho)e you're

34

right ( #''' stan at the to) of the hi'' there an $ave my o' c'oak%' sai &att% an $ent s'o$'y *ack to the kitchen oor% an a$ay over the sno$" ',h% 1other I' sai -anet% '$i'' he get Sha o$ *ack again?' '# ho)e so%' sai her mother" ';ut if it's a og( stea'er at $ork% it may *e very ifficu't"' '&other ( $i'' cam.er *e a'' right?' sai !eter% an a fee'ing of su en rea $ent through him" ' &other% Scam)er is va'ua*'e% isn't he ( a )e igree go' en s)anie'?' '+es" +es% he is%' sai his mother" ';ut # on't

35

think you nee $orry% ear ( it $ou' *e very ifficu't to stea' a og 'iving in a househo' % one $ho is un er our eyes a'' the time" Sha o$ $as a'$ays off an a$ay over the hi''s for mi'es% you kno$" #f any( one 'ike to tem)t him $ith a *it of meat% he might take it% an *e ca)ture "' '# fe't so sorry for o' &att%' sai !eter sa 'y" ' Scam)er ( $here are you ? 4or goo ness' sake kee) near us a'' ay 'ong ( an you' *etter *e sure to s'ee) in my room at night too ( an " " "' ',h% come no$ ( you rea''y nee n't $orry a*out Scam)er%' sai his mother" 'He $ou' NEEED go off $ith a stranger"' 'Here comes !am%' sai -anet% 'ooking out of the $in o$" ' ?racious ( she 'ooks as misera*'e as o' &att" What can *e the matter $ith her' ,h% # o ho)e she hasn't *a ne$s too2' 5hey hear !am's voice ca''ing them" '-anet (!eter ( something rea fu''s ha))ene " =et me in >uick'y2'

36

CHAPTER SIX "arning # $og#Stealer A%o&t! race to the front oor an o)ene it" 'What's the matter% !am? What's ha))ene ?' ',h% !eter ( you kno$ my ?ranny? +ou kno$ her 'ove'y )oo 'e ( the $hite one that a'$ays 'ooks as if it has a coat of sno$? We''% it's *een sto'en2 <n % oh% !eter% # thought )erha)s $e cou' have a meeting a*out it% an see if the Secret Seven (1 mean the Secret Si6 ( can o anything to he') ? ?ranny's S, u)set2' '?oo ness gracious2' sai !eter% )u''ing !am in( oors" 'We've on'y .ust hear that some*o y has sto'en our she)her 's og% Sha o$2 He $as very va'ua*'e% too" #t must *e the same thief" Juick (come an te'' my father" He's .ust going to te'e)hone the )o'ice a*out Sha o$"' !am $ent into the 'iving(room $ith !eter% sti'' crying" She 'ove Sno$y the )oo 'e% an ha taken him for many a $a'k" No$ he $as gone2 Wou' they ever get him *ack ? ' 8a y% $ait a minute ( on't te'e)hone the )o'ice yet" <nother og's *een sto'en2' sai !eter% rushing u) to his father" '!am% te'' my father a*out Sno$y"'
!E5ED
3/

!am so**e out a'' she kne$"' &y ?ranny 'et him out 'ast night% a*out nine o'c'ock% as she a'$ays oes ( an $hen she ca''e him% he i n't come in2 She ca''e an $hist'e an then )ut on a coat to 'ook for him" ;ut a'' she sa$ $as ( $as ( *oo(hoo(hoo ($as " " "' 'Was what0 sai !eter im)atient'y% imagining a'' kin s of rea fu' things" 'She sa$ footste)s in the sno$ in her gar en%' sniffe !am" '?reat ;#? foot)rints% tram)ing a'' a*out" <n Sno$y's neat 'itt'e foot)rints $ere there too ( an in one )'ace the sno$ $as a'' scuffe u)% as if Sno$y ha *een ragge a'ong" ,h% !eter% can the Secret Seven o anything?' '+ou mean the Secret i*,' sai !eter" 'We''% $e''' certain'y ca'' a meeting a*out it ( an a*out our she)her 's og too" <fter a''% $e've so've >uite a 'ot of mysteries ( *ut $e've never come u) against a og( stea'er *efore" What a horri*'e fe''o$ he must *e2' !eter's father 'istene to a'' that !am sai % fro$n( ing" #t i 'ook as if there $as some )rofessiona' og( stea'ing going on in their istrict2 Two ogs sto'en no$ ( an *oth va'ua*'e ones2 #3'' te'' the )o'ice a*out Sno$y% as $e'' as a*out Sha o$%' he sai % an )icke u) the te'e)hone re( ceiver" #n a fe$ moments he $as on to the )o'ice(

37

station" 5he three chi' ren hear him giving a'' etai's to the )o'ice" 5hen they hear him sayK 'What2 5HDEE more ogs sto'en% *esi es these t$o% i you say? We''% $hat are you going to o a*out it? < og isn't .ust a og% you kno$ ( it's a frien of the fami'y"'

He )ut o$n the receiver% an turne to the 'istening chi' ren" '5hree va'ua*'e ogs *esi es Sha o$ an Sno$y have *een sto'en%' he sai " '<n in every case% there have *een these foot)rints in the sno$ ('arge )rints ( the )o'ice think the fe''o$ must *e a ta''% heavy fe''o$% $ho kno$s a great ea' a*out ogs ( or $ho has someone *ehin him $ho kno$s% an $ho te''s him $here to go"' 5ears $ere in -anet's eyes" She $as ho' ing Scam)er c'ose to her% as if she $ere afrai he might *e sto'en at any minute2 ' ,h% 8a y ( can $e 'ock
3@

Scam)er u) in your room? # AN,W he''' *e sto'en too ( he's so *eautifu' an goo an so va'ua*'e" He's a )e igree og% isn't he?'

'+es ( an he is $orth a 'ot of money%' sai her father" '# think )erha)s $e had *etter guar him carefu''y ti'' the thief is caught" 5here's one thing (the thief $i'' treat a'' the ogs $e''% *ecause their va'ue

4B

$ou' go o$n% if they $ere i'' or thin% an not $orth se''ing"' ';ut ( *ut Scam)er $ou' *e &#SED<;=E if some( one took him a$ay from us%' sai !eter" 'He' go thin at once% # kno$ he $ou' " <n # on't *e'ieve he' eat a thing" What $ou' ha))en to him then?' '=et's not $orry a*out things *efore they ha))en%' sai his father" '=ook after Scam)er $e''% an on't

'et him 'eave your si e" He's $e''(traine ( he's not 'ike'y to go to any strangers at a''" No$% #'m e6)ecting the )o'ice at any moment ( # have to take them u) to &att's hut so that they can fin out if the foot)rints in the sno$ there are the same as the others they have foun "' 'We''' go $ith you%' sai -anet" '<n $e''' take Scam)er" He ought to *e a'' right $ith three )eo)'e to 'ook after him"' '+es% you go%' sai her mother" '5he $a'k $i'' o you goo " Scam)er ( $a'kies% $a'kies2' 'Wuff2' sai Scam)er in e'ight% an f'e$ to the oor" 'Wait2 Wait for us2' shoute !eter% afrai that Scam)er $ou' rush out an *e sto'en at once" ' =ook% &other% there's someone out in the yar ( he might *e the thief2'

41

'8on't *e si''y% ear ( that's on'y the )ostman%' sai his mother" ' ?o an see if he has a )arce' for me ( #'m e6)ecting one"' !eter $ent to the oor in ans$er to the )ostman's ou*'e knock" 'Ha''o% )ostman2' he sai " '<h (you have a )arce' for my mother" 8o # sign for it?' '+es% )'ease%' sai the )ostman% an *ent o$n to )at Scam)er" He $as a 'itt'e man% $ith a roun % smi'( ing face% an !eter an -anet 'ike him very much" <s for Scam)er% he a ore him% an friske roun him% *arking in e'ight" '+ou $ant to *e carefu' of this 'ove'y og of yours%' sai the )ostman% )atting Scam)er" '5here's a og(stea'er a*out you kno$" ,' &rs 5horn's 'ove'y og has *een taken ( an &r 0art$right's achshun ( ah% he $as a *eauty% he $as% $ith a coat 'ike si'k2 <n &iss 8o$ney to' me this morning her 'itt'e Scottie $as taken 'ast $eek ( )rice'ess% he $as ( $orth goo ness kno$s ho$ much money2 +ou *e carefu' of this here s)anie' of yours ( on't you 'et any stranger fee him% or 'et him go off on his o$n"' 'We $on't2' sai !eter% taking Scam)er *y the co''ar" '#t $ou' *e a very% very c'ever thief $ho cou' get ho' of our Scam)er" Wou' n't it% Scam( )er?' 'Wuff($uff($uff2' sai Scam)er% as if he un erstoo every sing'e $or "
42

CHAPTER SEVEN 'p to the Hills -anet% !am an Scam)er sat o$n near the fire" !am *egan to cry again as she s)oke a*out Sno$y% the )oo 'e that ha *e'onge to her ?ranny" '!eter% on't you think $e cou' ca'' a meeting of the Seven (1 mean the Si6?' she sai " '# do $ant to get *ack Sno$y% if # can% an # kno$ # can't *y myse'f" #'m not c'ever enough a*out rin ing c'ues% an things 'ike that" !'ease% )'ease o ca'' a meeting"' '<'' right%' sai !eter" '# $i''" #''' te'' the others (#''' sen them a note each" +ou an !am can $rite
43

!E5ED%

one each% an #''' o the other" What a*out tomorro$ morning? No$ it's ho'i ays% it $ou' *e nicer to meet in the mornings ( it's so ark at night"' So the three sat o$n at the ta*'e% an $rote out neat 'itt'e notes ( one to ;ar*ara% one to ?eorge an one to 0o'in" 'I1$(2T34T% $lease meet in the % % shed tomorrow mornin+ at half-.ast ten shar.0 ' Seems funny not to sen one to -ack%' sai !am% as she 'icke her enve'o)e" '# su))ose $e cou' n't .ossibly ask him to come?' 'No%' sai !eter" 'He's )ro*a*'y got together another c'u* no$% an ca''e it the Secret Seven"' 'We''% # on't *e'ieve he has%' sai !am"' # met him out the other ay an he 'ooke )retty misera*'e" He ha that funny skinny *oy $ith him ( $hat's his name no$ ( ;ona)arte? ;ony's a .o''y goo name for him" He $as ta'king at to) s)ee % $aving his arms a*out 'ike anything% an o' -ack $asn't saying a sing'e $or "'

44

'8on't 'et's ta'k a*out -ack%' sai !eter" 'No$ ($ho's going to take these notes?' '# $i'' ( on my $ay home%' sai !am% getting u) from the ta*'e" '<n for goo ness' sake% !eter% $atch over your ear o' Scam)er" What the Secret Seven (1 mean the Secret Si6 ($ou' o $ithout him% # rea''y on't kno$2' 'Scam)er

45

$ou' never% never go $ith any stranger%' sai !eter" 'Wou' you% Scam)er?L G Wuff($uff($:442' sai Scam)er% at once" 'He sai 90ertain'y N,59%' sai !eter% an !am 'ooke at Scam)er a miring'y" 'He rea''y talks'' she sai " 'We''% # must *e going" # $on't forget to 'eave the notes" See you tomorro$ at ha'f()ast ten" ,h ( same )ass$or as *efore ($hat $as it no$? #t's so 'ong since $e ha the 'ast meeting"' 'We'' ( it's ( er " " "' *egan !eter" ',' Aing 0o'e%' sai -anet" ' Sausages2' sai !am" ' No ( 4rog in the !on 2' sai -anet% kno$ing >uite $e'' it $as not"' ?oo ness ( $e're as *a as -ack"' '#t $as 5oa (in(the(Ho'e% as you *oth kno$ very $e''%' sai !eter% remem*ering" '<'' right ( see you tomorro$% !am"' !eter an -anet s)ent the rest of the ay $atching Scam)er% making certain that he i not isa))ear any$here" #f he $ent out of the sitting(room into the kitchen to *eg a tit*it from 0ookie% they $ent too" #f he $ent for a 'itt'e run% he $as )ut on the 'ea at once% an guar e every inch of the $ay *y *oth !eter an -anet" #f he ran into the ha'' $hen someone came to the oor% they $ent $ith him" He $as rather sur)rise % *ut very )'ease "
46

'+ou kno$% -anet% # think one of the things $e ought to iscuss at the meeting is the re)ort saying that the same kin of foot)rints are foun each time the ogs $ere sto'en%' sai !eter" '# $ish $e cou' get a )icture of the foot)rints% so that $e cou' see the si1e an sha)e ( you never kno$ if $e mi+ht come across them some$here an *e a*'e to follow the thief"' ',h% yes' sai -anet" ';ut% !eter ( $on't the )o'ice *e oing that ?' '+es" ;ut there's no reason $hy $e shou' n't he') in any tracking% is there?' sai !eter" '=isten ( $ho's that at the front oor ?' '< )o'iceman2' sai -anet" '# e6)ect he's come a*out &att's co''ie" 8a sai he' take him u) to &att's hut ( on't you remem*er ?' ' +es ( of course2' sai !eter"' =et's ask 8a if $e can go $ith him" We might take a )enci' an )a)er an co)y any foot)rints $e fin "' ' ,h% yes \' sai -anet"' #''' get some )a)er at once (an a measuring ta)e" !eter% ask 8a if $e can go $ith him"' '+es%' sai the chi' ren's father" '+ou can come" 8o you goo to have a $a'k2 !ut your sno$(*oots on"' <n t$o minutes 'ater -anet% !eter% their father an 0o**ett the )o'iceman a'' trai'e u) the 'ong

4/

hi'' to $here &att the she)her 'ive in his 'itt'e hut% a'' among the shee)" Scam)er race $ith them% very ha))y" ;ut &att $asn't there" ' He's out $ith the shee) ( 'ooking for t$o or three missing ones% # e6)ect%' sai !eter's father" 'No$ he's 'ost his shee)( og% he's no one to he') him" # must *orro$ another og for him if # can" < she)her is 'ost $ithout a goo og to he') him" # reckon #''' 'ose a 'ot of my shee) if his o' Sha o$ oesn't come *ack"' '?oo name for a shee)( og ( Sha o$%' sai 0o*( *ett" 'No$% sir ( $here i &att say the og is( a))eare ?' ' He i n't say%' sai !eter"' He .ust sai he' *een sto'en" # say% =,,A2 4oot)rints2 ;ig ones% too2' ;ut his father an the )o'iceman ha gone on% 'ooking for &att% an took no notice of !eter's e6( cite voice" 'Where's that )a)er you *rought% -anet?' sai !eter% thri''e " 'We''' co)y these )rints an sho$ them to 8a $hen he comes *ack" 5hey might *e a EED+ 4#NE 0=:E 2'

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CHAPTER EIGHT (ootprints in the Snow foot)rints $ere 'arge an c'ear" 5hey $ere right at the *ack of the hut% an 'ooke as if someone ha *een stan ing a*out there" '# *et this is $here the thief stoo $hi'e he $aite to catch Sha o$2' sai !eter" ';'o$ ( # $ish # ha something f'at to )ut this )a)er on" # can't ra$ )ro)er'y stan ing u)"' 5i' measure the )rints%' sai -anet% fee'ing most im)ortant" She took out the ta)e(measure she ha *rought% an i a 'itt'e measuring" She ca''e the figures out to !eter% an he $rote them o$n" 5hen he $ent into the 'itt'e hut to fin something f'at on $hich to )ut his )a)er% so that he cou' o a 'itt'e sketch of the )rints" He came out $ith an o' tray" He turne it u)si e( o$n% sat o$n in the sno$ .ust *esi e the foot)rints an )ainstaking'y co)ie a )rint of a 'eft foot an a )rint of a right foot" 5hey rea''y $ere very *ig2 '-o''y goo 2' sai -anet% a miring'y" '=ook% here come the others again" =et's sho$ your ra$ings to them"' &att came s'o$'y *ack $ith the chi' ren's father
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an the )o'iceman" He 'ooke o' an sa " -anet cou' n't *ear to 'ook at him" '# hate og(thieves% # hate og(thieves2' she sai over an over again to herse'f" !eter ran u) to his father" '=ook2' he sai " 'We foun some foot)rints an $e co)ie them" We foun them *ehin &att's she ( an $e thought they must have *een ma e *y the thief $hen he stoo out there% $aiting to catch Sha o$"' 5he )o'iceman took the )a)er at once" He 'ooke har at the ra$ings% an then he 'ooke at !eter" '#'m sorry% 'a %' he sai " '5hese aren't the thief's foot)rints"' 'We''% $hose are they% then?' sai !eter% sur( )rise " '5hey *e'ong to o' &att here%' sai the )o'ice( man% $ith a 'itt'e grin" '4ine ra$ings they are% &aster !eter ( *ut not much use% seeing they *e'ong to the owner of the og" 5ake a 'ook at &att's )rints here no$ in the sno$ ( .ust $here he's *een $a'king" He's $earing huge o' sno$(shoes ( *igger even than the )rints you've ra$n ( )ro)er she)her 's *oots they are% meant for a'' $eathers"' Sure enough% the )rints !eter ha ra$n ha *een ma e *y o' &att2 He no e his hea $hen he hear $here !eter ha seen them" '<h% yes" # stan *ehin the hut there $hen # $ant to count my shee)

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o$n in the va''ey" 5hem's my )rints a'' right" See% there's even the )'ace sho$n here% $here the co**'er men e the so'e $ith a )atch2 5hem's my )rints% not the thief's" <h% $ait ti'' # catch him% $ait ti'' " " "' '<'' right% a'' right% &att% o' frien %' sai !eter's father% seeing that the o' man $as trem*'ing" '5ake things easy no$" We''' get Sha o$ *ack% on't you $orry" No$ come a'ong you t$o ( it's )ro*a*'y going to sno$ again" We' *est get *ack" &att% you come a'ong for a hot rink at tea(time ( an $e''' give you some in a f'ask to take *ack $ith you"' '<ye% sir" 5hank you%' sai &att% an turne a$ay% his eyes roving the sno$y hi''s% a'$ays on the $atch for his *e'ove Sha o$" When $ou' he see him again% *oun ing 'ight'y a'ong% his eager eyes 'ooking for his *e'ove master? '8a % ho$ $ou' a og(thief entice o' Sha o$

51

a$ay?' aske !eter" 'He's very fierce% you kno$% if anyone goes near his shee)" #'ve seen him sho$ a'' his teeth an gro$' in a most terrifying $ay if a tram) $a'ks *y" # shou' n't have thought anyone cou' stea' a faithfu' o' og 'ike Sha o$"' 'He )ro*a*'y $asn't entice %' sai his father" '#t $ou' *e easy enough to thro$ o$n a )iece of meat an 'eave it for Sha o$ to fin an eat ( meat $ith some kin of rug insi e )erha)s% that $ou' sen a og to s'ee)"' ',h2 Ho$ horri*'e2' sai -anet" '+ou mean that the thief $ou' come *ack% an )ick u) the s'ee)ing og an take him a$ay ( in a car or something?' '+es" 5hat's e6act'y $hat # o mean%' sai her father"' # aske o' &att if he ha seen any strangers aroun % *ut he ha n't" He says no*o y comes u) to his hut e6ce)t his frien s ( o' ;urton the he ger% for instance% $ho trims the he ges roun the fie' ( an sometimes ?ar ener goes u) to him $ith vegeta*'es ( an his *rother goes to see him ( an the grocer's *oy takes him goo s once a $eek ( an occasiona''y the )ostman ca''s ( a'' )eo)'e $ho are his frien s% an $hom he kno$s $e''"' '< hiker might go u) to his hut%' sai -anet" 'He might see Sha o$ an stea' him *y thro$ing o$n meat 'ike you sai "' '8on't *e si''y% -anet%' sai !eter" 'Sha o$ $ou'

52

f'y at him if o' &att $asn't there" He $ou' n't a''o$ any stranger near the shee) ( an any$ay% $ho $ou' hike roun the country no$ that it's ee) in sno$? 5hey' get 'ost2 Why% even $e% $ho kno$ the $ay $e''% cou' har 'y fo''o$ the )ath u) to &art's hut"' '<'' right% a'' right%' sai -anet" '# $as on'y trying to think of every sing'e i ea # cou' " <ctua''y there's on'y one thing $e kno$ for certain ( an that is that there is a og(stea'er a*out2' '0ome a'ong no$%' sai her father% im)atient'y" '# $ant to get *ack% #'ve so much to o this morning" +ou kee) your eyes o)en% an see if the Secret Seven can use their *rains an track o$n this thief" +ou've *een c'ever enough *efore" Why not have a meeting a*out it?' '5hat's -:S5 $hat $e've )'anne 2' sai !eter% *oun ing a'ong over the sno$" '5omorro$ morning% 8a 2 We're going to )ut our hea s together% an fin that og(thief% if it takes us weeks to o it2 <ren't $e% Scam)er?' <n Scam)er% of course% ma e his usua' ans$er ('W:442'

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CHAPTER NINE S&sie, )anet # and *ony! first thing -anet thought of the ne6t morning $hen she a$oke $as that there $as to *e a Secret Seven meeting that ay" 'No%' she correcte herse'f% '# mean Secret i*' # sha'' never get use to *eing the Si6 instea of the Seven" ,h% # o W#SH -ack sti'' *e'onge " # o W#SH he' come *ack"' She ha to go to the to$n that morning to o some sho))ing for her mother" #3'' go straighta$ay no$% &other%' she sai " 'We've a meeting this morning you kno$% o$n in the she ( an im)ortant one (a*out the og(stea'ing that's going on" ,h ( that remin s me ( $here's Scam)er? # haven't seen him for at 'east ten minutes2' 'He's out in the kitchen $ith 0ookie%' sai her mother" '0an't you sme'' his meaty *ones cooking?
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He's a'$ays sure to *e out there then2 No$ 'ook% here's the 'ist% ear" #f you hurry% you $i'' *e *ack in goo time for your meeting" <re you going to take Scam)er $ith you?' ',n'y if he's on the 'ea %' sai -anet" '+ou see% that og(thief might *e hi ing some$here% &other% $atching for rea''y goo ogs"' 'We''% # har 'y think he $ou' stea' Scam)er in the mi 'e of a *usy sho))ing morning%' sai her mother" 'He $on't tike *eing on the 'ea " <ny$ay% he never goes to a stranger"' <'' the same% -anet )ut the sur)rise Scam)er on the 'ea % an $a'ke off $ith him% the *asket in her other han " When she came *y the )o'ice(station she sa$ severa' )eo)'e rea ing a notice on the *oar out( si e" She $ent u) to see $hat it sai " #t $as a 'ist of ogs that ha isa))eare uring the 'ast fe$ ays2 '=,S5% S5,=EN or S5D<+E8' it *egan% an then came the names an a resses of N#NE ogs2 '4ine'' sai -anet" '5$o from the ne6t vi''age% an seven from oursH Scam)er% kee) to hee'2' She turne as someone ca''e her name" 'Ha''o% -anet2 # see Scam)er isn't sto'en yet2' #t $as Susie% -ack's sister" She $as $a'king a'ong $ith ;inkie% her frien % an ;ony% the 4rench *oy" -ack $as not $ith them"

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'Ha''o%' sai -anet% $ho i n't 'ike Susie" 'Ho$ are the Secret Si6?' in>uire Susie" '<'' $e'' an ha))y% # ho)e?' ' # on't $ant to ta'k to you%' sai -anet"' Scam)er% come to hee'2' ;ut Scam)er $as straining at his 'ea % trying his har est to 'ick the 4rench *oy's 'egs" ;ony )atte him% an Scam)er $ent near'y ma $ith .oy" He .um)e u) at him an 'icke his face" 'Scam)er2' sai -anet% in ama1ement" '+ou've on'y seen ;ony once% an that $as for .ust a 'itt'e $hi'e ( $hy are you making such a fuss of him ?' ',h% ogs adore ;ony%' sai Susie% an ;inkie no e her hea " '5hey go ma over him% even if they've never seen him *efore" 5a, c'est vrai, mon .etit, n'est ce .as0' she a e in 4rench% turning to the 4rench *oy" He no e " ',h on't sho$ off your $on erfu' 4rench in front of me%' sai -anet" 'Scam)er% sto) it2 +ou're *eing so))y"' 'So))ee% so))ee ( $hat is so))ee?' aske the 4rench *oy% fon 'ing Scam)er's si'ky ears" 'He ees a chien tr6s beau - ho$ o you say?' ';ony says he's a very *eautifu' og%' trans'ate Susie% for -anet's *enefit" '5hanks ( # un erstan that much 4rench%' sai -anet" ' Will you sto) )u''ing% Scam)er? Why on

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earth have you su en'y gone ma over a 4rench *oy you on't kno$ ?' 5$o more ogs came *oun ing u) .ust then% an sto))e at once $hen they came to ;ony" #n a moment they $ere ru**ing 'oving'y against him% )a$ing him% 'icking him" '5here you are2' sai Susie )rou 'y% .ust as if

;ony $as a very c'ever *rother" ' See ho$ they 'ove him? #t's a'$ays the same ( any og a ores ear ;ony"' 5he skinny *oy )atte an stroke an s)oke to the ogs very 'oving'y in >uick 4rench% $hich Susie )reten e to un erstan % no ing her hea $ise'y a'' the time" ;inkie no e too% an -anet su en'y fe't furious"
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'S0<&!ED2' she shoute " '0ome a$ay2 +ou kno$ you're not su))ose to *e frien 'y $ith strangers" +ou''' *e sto'en one of these ays% if you're so si''y"' 'Sto'en?' sai the 4rench *oy% 'ooking a'arme " '<h oui - there is a ( $hat you ca'' it ( a og(thief here in this to$n" -ack% mon ami, he te'' me so"' ( ''71on ami7 means 9my frien 9%' sai Susie" '-ack is his frien % you see"' ' Susie% sto) s)eaking to me as if # $as in the first form2' sai -anet% her face re $ith rage" 'Scam)er% W#== +,: come here2' Scam)er sto))e fussing over ;ony% an at once the other t$o ogs took his )'ace% $hining $ith )'easure as the *oy )atte them" #t rea''y was rather e6traor inary" ;ony sai something ra)i 'y in 4rench as -anet $a'ke off% an Susie trans'ate % ca''ing after her" '-anet2 ;ony says Scam)er's a va'ua*'e og an you' *etter take care of him if a og(thief is aroun "' '<s if # i n't kno$ that I' ca''e *ack -anet% an marche off% hea in air% s$inging her sho))ing *as( ket" 5hat a$fu' Susie2 Sho$ing off 'ike that2 <n that grinning ;inkie frien of hers2 <n $hat an e*traordinary *oy ;ony $as ( so skinny% so short( sighte an o$'ish ( an yet ho$ fon he must *e of anima's for ogs to go to him 'ike that" #t .ust

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sho$e ho$ si''y ogs cou' *e ( any of those ogs (yes% even Scam)er ( $ou' have fo''o$e him for mi'es" #3'' re)ort you at our meeting this morning for *ehaving 'ike that%' she sai to Scam)er" 'Why% if that *oy ha $ante to stea' you% you' have 'et him" +ou are a very foo'ish *rain'ess og to ay% Scam)er"' Scam)er )ut his tai' o$n% an fo''o$e -anet meek'y $hi'e she i her sho))ing% not aring even to )u'' at the 'ea " Why $as -anet cross ? 8i n't she kno$ that that *oy $as a og('over% an that every og in the to$n kne$ it ? -anet soon finishe her sho))ing% race home% an 'ooke at the c'ock" Was she 'ate for the meeting? No ( she ha one minute to s)are" She )inne on her *a ge an then o$n the gar en she race an *ange at the she oor" She cou' hear voices insi e" '!ass$or 2' shoute !eter" '5oa (in(the(Ho'e2' shoute *ack -anet" 5he oor o)ene % an !eter 'ooke out cross'y" '-<NE52 Haven't # to' you *efore not to ye'' the )ass$or at the to) of your voice? 0ome in% i iot" +ou're 'ast" We $ere .ust a*out to *egin" Sit o$n" Scam)er% you sit o$n% too% for goo ness' sake% an 'et's *egin"'

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CHAPTER TEN A +eally ,nteresting Meeting si6 $ere no$ a'' rea y for their meeting% Scam)er too" He sat so'emn'y *esi e !eter% 'ooking as if he might .oin in the conversation at any minute" 'No$ this meeting has *een ca''e at !am's re( >uest%' he *egan" 'We a'' kno$ $hy" #t's a*out this og(stea'ing *usiness"' 'Wuff%' sai Scam)er% hearing the $or ' og'" '!'ease on't interru)t% Scam)er%' sai !eter% so'emn'y% making ;ar*ara give a su en gigg'e" '!am% te'' us a*out your ?ranny's og% an a'' etai's a*out its *eing sto'en"' !am )oure out the $ho'e story% an tears *egan to run o$n her cheeks" Scam)er $as u)set% an cre)t over to her% trying to 'ick them as they fe''" '8on't 'et's get u)set% no$%' sai !eter" '5hat $on't o any goo " We've got to iscuss this su*.ect% an see if there's anything $e can o to fin the thief an sto) other ogs *eing sto'en" +ou see (there's Scam)er to think a*out ( an a'' kin s of ogs in the to$n" <n there's ear o' Sha o$% our she)her 's og" We sim)'y &:S5 get him *ack"'
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';ut # on't see $hat we can o2' sai ?eorge" '# mean ( if the .olice can't fin the thief% $hat chance have we0 'We've so've other )ro*'ems *efore%' sai !eter" '<n any$ay% chi' ren sometimes hear things an s)ot things that gro$n(u)s on't" <n " " "' ';ut $hat o $e know a*out the thief?' sai ?eorge" 'Nothing at a''2 Ho$ can $e fin a thief $e on't kno$ anything a*out?' '5hat's $here you're $rong%' sai !eter" 'We do kno$ certain things a*out him" We kno$ for instance that he has very *ig feet"' ' So have )'enty of other )eo)'e%' )ersiste ?eorge" '&y father% for instance" He $ears si1e tM' ',h% o shut u)% ?eorge%' sai !eter% 'C'm oing the ta'king" +ou can make your comments 'ater"' 'Ha ha2' sai ?eorge% in a ho''o$ kin of voice" '+ou've gone a'' high an mighty no$" 9&ake your comments29 Who's going to )ro)ose a vote of thanks to ay% !eter? <n is anyone going to " " "' ',h% get out% ?eorge% if you can't 'isten2' sai !eter% e6as)erate " '8on't you un erstan that this is a very s)ecia' meeting? #t might even save o' Scam)er from *eing sto'en" #t might *e the means of fin ing ear o' Sha o$" #t might" " "' '<'' right% !eter%' sai ?eorge% im)resse " '?o on" # $on't interru)t again"'

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#3'' .ust *rief'y say $hat $e kno$ for certain a*out the thief%' sai !eter" '#t's $hat the )o'ice to' my father" 5hey sai that% .u ging *y the *ig% ee) foot)rints 'eft in the sno$ *y the thief ( very 'arge )rints ( the man must *e a ta''% heavy fe''o$% $ho kno$s a great ea' a*out ogs ( $hether they're va'ua*'e or not% # mean" He's stea'ing on'y )e igree ogs ( ones that are va'ua*'e% an can *e so' for a goo )rice"' ';ut $hy on't the ogs bark $hen they're sto'en?' aske 0o'in" 'Scam)er here $ou' ho$' the )'ace o$n if anyone trie to take him a$ay"' '#t's 'ike'y that the thief thro$s o$n meat $ith some sort of s'ee)( rug in it%' sai !eter" '5he og eats it ( fa''s as'ee) in his kenne' ( or in the street may*e% or gar en ( an then the thief )icks him u) an goes off $ith him"' '<n oesn't any*o y think it's >ueer to see someone carrying a fast(as'ee) og ( a *ig one 'ike Sha o$ the co''ie% for instance ( fast as'ee) in some( *o y's arms ( or over his shou' er2' sai -anet" '# on't *e'ieve that2' '<'' right" &ou think of some $ay to entice a og a$ay $ithout *ri*ing him or rugging him%' sai !eter" 'We''% # do kno$ a $ay%' sai -anet% making everyone sit u) straight in astonishment" '# do kno$ a

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$ay" No$% *e'ieve it or not% this morning $hen # $as out sho))ing% Scam)er su en'y $ent to a 0,&!=E5E stranger% an 'icke him an 'ove him% an i n't $ant to come $ith me even $hen # or ere him to"' '# on't *e'ieve that I8 sai !eter at once" 'What( ever o you mean% -anet?' '-ust e6act'y $hat # say%' sai -anet% an straight( $ay to' the meeting $hat ha ha))ene $hen she ha taken Scam)er sho))ing $ith her that morning% an ha met Susie an ;inkie $ith ;ony% the 4rench *oy" '+ou shou' have seen Scam)er2' she sai " 'He $ent a'' so))y an si''y over ;ony% $hine at him% an 'icke him an .um)e u) at him ( .ust as if he $as a 'ong('ost frien " # $as rea''y ashame of him" 4ancy going cra1y over Bony of a'' )eo)'e" <n not on'y cam.er *ehave 'ike that" Every og that came *y $as the same" <n it i n't even seem to matter to the ogs that ;ony ta'ke to them in ,rench2' 5here $as a si'ence after this 'itt'e s)eech of -anet's" Everyone stare at Scam)er in the greatest astonishment" He stare *ack% $agging his tai' a 'itt'e" He kne$ he $as *eing ta'ke a*out% an he $asn't sure if he $as going to *e sco' e or not" 'Soun s a *it 'ike the story of the !ie !i)er of Hame'in%' sai 0o'in% at 'ast" '+ou remem*er ho$

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every sing'e *oy an gir' 'ove him an fo''o$e him? We''% this *oy ;ony soun s 'ike a !ie !i)er for ogs2' '# remem*er a gir' at schoo' once $ho $as 'ike that $ith cats%' sai !am" 'She ha on'y to $a'k o$n the roa an the cats $ou' come running u) to her ( *ig ones% 'itt'e ones% even kittens2 5hey a'' a ore her% an she a ore them" #t $as most )ecu( 'iar to $atch" Even our o' so'emn cat% 5i 'es% use to $ait for her to come *y% an then she' try to .um) o$n to the gir''s shou' er% )urring as 'ou 'y as a N as a N3

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'&otor(*ike?' sai ?eorge% an that ma e them a'' 'augh" '# see $hat you're getting at%' sai !eter" '+ou think these va'ua*'e ogs might not *e rugge or entice $ith foo % *ut .ust fo''o$ a sort of !ie !i)er fe''o$ $ho 'oves ogs so much that they can't he') fo''o$ing him" We''% # .ust on't *e'ieve that" Scam)er% for instance% might 'ick ;ony a'' over if he met him ( *ut he certain'y $ou' n't go away $ith him2' '# agree $ith you%' sai ?eorge" '<n " " "' 'Anock(knock(knock"' Someone $as at the oor" !eter at once thought it might *e Susie an ;inkie" 'Aee) out2 5his is a )rivate meeting2' he shoute % fierce'y" 'We'' ( is it too )rivate for cu)s of cocoa an ne$(ma e *uns?' sai a fami'iar voice% an !eter 'ea)t u) at once" ' &other2 +ou )et2 -ust $hat $e a'' fe't 'ike2 0ome in% o" We can continue our meeting after$ar s" ,oh ( $hat gorgeous *uns2 ?et down, Scam)er% or you''' have hot cocoa a'' over your nose" 5hanks most a$fu''y% &other"'

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CHAPTER ELEVEN 3 hock for $eter and "anet si6% an Scam)er% set to $ork on the hot *uns an the steaming cocoa" 5hey fe't $arme an ha))y an cosy" 5he meeting $as going >uite $e''% an everyone fe't rather im)ortant% iscussing ho$ they $ere going to he') the )o'ice to fin the og( stea'er" !eter )asse roun the sketches he ha ma e of foot)rints *ehin o' &att's hut% an they $ere much a mire " 'We'' ( to go on $ith our meeting%' sai !eter% $hen every *un $as eaten an every ro) of cocoa runk" '# think $e may safe'y ru'e out the i ea that the ogs are sto'en *y a kin of !ie !i)er ( that is% if the ogs are anything 'ike cam.er - $ho $ou' certain'y NEEED fo''o$ a stranger% ho$ever much he 'ike him" <n you must a mit that most ogs are taught not to go $ith strangers% es)ecia''y if they're va'ua*'e ogs"' ' Juite right%' sai !am an 0o'in% together" 'So $e come *ack to the i ea that some*o y is thro$ing o$n foo that )uts a og to s'ee) $hen he eats it" # mean ( it $ou' *e a very easy thing to o% $ou' n't it? 4or instance% take Scam)er ( he
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might *e sniffing a'ong a he ge% an fin a o''o) of meat .ust thro$n o$n *y a )asser(*y ( the thief" He go**'es it u) at once ( runs a 'itt'e $ay ( ro)s o$n as'ee) ( an u) comes the thief an takes him a$ay" #f it's one at night% no*o y $ou' see"' '# on't much 'ike this%1 sai -anet% gathering Scam)er u) in her arms" '#t soun s too easy for $or s" Scam)er% for goo ness' sake 'isten carefu''y% an on't 'et it ha))en to you '' 'We''% it seems to me that the only thing $e can o is to use the c'ues that the )o'ice to' my father a*out% an 'ook out for anyone ta''% heavi'y(ma e% $ith enormous feet%' sai !eter" '5he )o'ice thought he $as heavi'y(*ui't *ecause the foot)rints they foun in the sno$ $ere very ee) ( as if the thief $as a *ur'y% heavy man"' ' Dight" 5hen you $ant us to 'ook out for someone 'ike that% an see if $e can fin out anything a*out him ( if he goes out at night% for instance?' '+es%' sai !eter" ';ut for goo ness' sake on't 'et anyone know you're fo''o$ing them% or snoo)ing% or $e''' get into trou*'e" -anet% # think Scam)er $ants to go out" He's scra)ing at the oor" Sto) it% Scam)er2 ;uck u)% -anet% an 'et him out"' 'Ha # *etter go out $ith him?' sai -anet% an6ious'y"' # mean ( he mi+ht get sto'en2' '8on't *e an ass2' sai !eter" 'Sto'en in ay'ight

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in our o$n gar en% $ith a'' of us here to hear him *ark? #m)ossi*'e2' -anet o)ene the oor% an Scam)er isa))eare % *arking in e'ight" 5he meeting $ent on% an after everyone ha )romise to kee) their eyes o)en an re)ort anyone acting sus)icious'y% or 'ooking 'ike the thief% !eter ec'are the meeting c'ose " '<'most t$e've o'c'ock%' he sai % 'ooking at his $atch" ' &y $or % ho$ the time goes $hen $e ta'k an ta'k2 We''% goo 'uck% everyone ( an *e sure to re)ort anything interesting"' He an -anet $a'ke *ack to the house% !eter carrying the em)ty cu)s" '< .o''y goo meeting% $asn't it?' he sai " '-ack's missing something interesting (1 *et he $ishes he ha n't $a'ke out on us2' 'Where's Scam)er?' sai -anet" 'S0<&!ED2 S0<&( !ED2 5he meeting's over% Scam)er2 Here% Scam)er" Here2 0ome a'ong2' No Scam)er a))eare % an something co' seeme su en'y to c'utch at -anet's heart" She stoo >uite sti''% an 'ooke at !eter% fear on her face" L !eter2' she sai % in a ha'f($his)er" 'Why oesn't Scam)er come? ,h% !eter " " "' '<ss2 # su))ose you think some*o y came a'ong an c'ever'y sto'e him $hi'e $e sat in the she %' sai !eter" '-ust =ike that2 Without a *ark or a $him)er

67

or a ho$' from o' Scam)er" 2eally, -anet2 He's )ro*a*'y in the kitchen% *egging for ane$(*ake *un"' '+es" +es% of course he is%' sai -anet" #3'' go an see"' ;ut Scam)er $asn't in the kitchen" He i n't a))ear at a''% even $hen !eter ye''e for him in his very 'ou est voice" &other came to see $hat a'' the shouting $as a*out"

6@

'&other ( $e can't fin Scam)er2' sai -anet% es)erate'y" 'He s'i))e out to$ar s the en of the meeting" &other% have you seen him?' '# haven't seen him since # came to *ring you *uns an cocoa%' sai &other" '8on't 'ook so u)set% ear ( he's sure to *e a*out" He may have gone ra**iting"' 'Not in the sno$% &other%' sai -anet% in a trem*( 'ing voice" '&other% #'ve a dreadful fee'ing a*out him" He's sto'en (# kno$ he is2 ,h% &other2' She f'ung herse'f on her mother an crie *itter'y" '8on't *e silly, -anet2' sai her mother" 'He's )ro*a*'y gone to meet your father"' ;ut he ha n't" He seeme com)'ete'y to have is( a))eare 2 5here $as no sight nor soun of him" He .ust sim)'y $asn't to *e foun " !eter an -anet an their mother hunte every$here% an ca''e an $hist'e " No Scam)er came running% $ith *ig si'ky ears f'a))ing as he )attere a'ong" #t $as a very )u11'e an unha))y fami'y that came to the inner(ta*'e at one o'c'ock" 5he chi'( ren's father $as *ack from his $a'k over the farm% an ha n't seen a sign of Scam)er" ';ut he can't have *een sto'en%' he sai for the t$entieth time" '+ou' have hear him *ark if he' *een taken a$ay *y anyone" Scam)er $ou' never% never go $ith a stranger $ithout a great strugg'e" He' *ite him% he' f'y at him2'
/B

'Not if someone gave him rugge meat an he fe'' as'ee) after he' eaten it% an $as )icke u) 'ike that%' so**e -anet" '+ou kno$ that's $hat )ro*a*'y ha))ene to the other ogs" 5he )o'ice sai so"' 'No$ 'et's think%' sai her father" 'Who has *een here this morning ( $hat tra es)eo)'e have ca''e ? We''' ask 0ookie"' 0ookie $as start'e an u)set to hear that Scam)er ha isa))eare " 'We''% 'et's see no$ $ho's *een here in the 'ast hour%' she sai " '5here $as the grocer $ith his van ( an <'fre an -ohn Higgins% t$o 'itt'e *oys co''ecting for something ( an the )ostman ( an the 'aun ry(man an his van ( an o' &rs Hughes% ca''ing for the men ing ( an a man after a farm(.o* " " "' '<fter a farm(.o* ? That soun s 'ike someone $ho might stea' Scam)er2' sai !eter" '8a ( 8a % can $e trace him? Juick% 8a % ring u) the )o'ice" We must get ear o' Scam)er *ack% $e must% $e must2'

/1

CHAPTER TWELVE "ho -an Have Stolen Scamper. even thought a*out inner(time ( a'' that anyone thought of $as Scam)er2 Where $as he? Was he really sto'en? !eter's father rang u) the )o'ice at once% an aske them to kee) a 'ook(out for Scam)er" 'He can't have *een gone for much more than an hour2' he sai " 'Sto'en from your gar en% you say% sir?' sai the )o'iceman" 'Have you a 'ist of )eo)'e ca''ing at your house uring the time you mention ?' '+es ( an there seems to have *een >uite a stream of ca''ers ( some $ith vans2' sai !eter's father" '< van $ou' have *een very usefu'" #f
N,;,8+

/2

Scam)er ha *een )o))e into one% the running of the engine $ou' have ro$ne his *arking"' '<*out this man $ho ca''e for a .o* on the farm% sir ( have you a escri)tion of him?' aske the )o'iceman" ' +es ( # sa$ him myse'f ( a 'itt'e fe''o$ $ith a 'im)" Not strong enough for farm($ork"' 'We''% that rather ru'es him out% sir%' sai the )o'iceman" 'We think the thief is a *ig fe''o$% you kno$% $ith *ig feet to match"' '+es ( $e''% you're )ro*a*'y right%' sai !eter's father" ' # think the sma'' *oys $ho came co''ecting can *e ismisse as sus)ects too%' sai the )o'iceman" 'We''' fin out a*out the man $ho came in>uiring after a .o* ( .ust in case% sir"' 'Dight" #''' see the 'aun ry(man an the grocer%' sai !eter's father" '# on't for one moment think they're the thieves% though ( $e kno$ them so $e''"' '<h% *ut they've each a van% sir" Easy enough to entice a og into a van ( s'am the oor ( an rive off2' 5hat afternoon !eter an his father $ent to the 'aun ry an aske to see the van(man $ho co''ecte their irty 'aun ry that morning" He came out at once% an no e to !eter% $ho ha often ri en in his van $hen he $as sma''er"

/3

'# hear you $ant to see me% sir" <nything # can o?' 'Er ( i you ha))en to see our og Scam)er $hen you ca''e this morning?' 'We''% sir% no" 8on't te'' me he's *een sto'en2' 'We're rather afrai he has%' sai !eter" 'What time i you come to the house?' ' =et's see no$ ( a*out >uarter )ast e'even% an # i n't see a sign of the og" He usua''y comes u) $agging his tai' ( very goo (tem)ere og% sir"' 'Juarter )ast eleven' We''% he $as o$n in the she $ith us, then2' sai !eter" ' Sorry # can't he') you more% young sir" # kno$ ho$ you fee' a*out the og" #' fee' the same a*out mine"' 5he man c'a))e !eter sym)athetica''y on the shou' er" 'Ho)e you fin him2' !eter an his father $ent off" 'We''% it can't have *een the laundry-man,' sai !eter" '# i n't think it cou' *e" He's too nice" =et's go to the grocer's no$% 8a " 5he grocer's man is a great *ig fe''o$ ( he fits the escri)tion of the thief *etter than the 'aun ry( man i " He's a ne$ man% too% 0ookie says ( he .ust mi+ht have taken Scam)er"' 5he grocer $as very concerne to hear a*out Scam)er" He ca''e to the *ack of the sho)" 'Deggie ( come here a minute" +ou e'ivere goo s at the farm to ay% i n't you ?'

/4

< *ig *ur'y man came out% re (face an smi'ing" '+es% sir (1 i " <nything $rong?' '5his *oy's og has gone an they're afrai he's *een sto'en" He' 'ike to kno$ if you sa$ the og any$here aroun $hen you e'ivere the groceries"' 'What sort of a og% sir?' '< go' en s)anie'%' sai !eter at once" 'No% sir" # i n't see any og at the farm%' sai the man" '5hough # o reco''ect seeing him once or t$ice" Eery frien 'y% he $as"' 'We'' ( thanks%' sai !eter's father% an $a'ke out of the sho)" ' He mi+ht have taken Scam)er%' sai !eter" ' He's the kin of man that $ou' make heavy foot)rints in the sno$% 8a " He's heavy an ta'' an has *ig feet"' '5hat's true%' agree his father" '# took a 'ook at his great feet% too" ;ut he has such an o)en% honest face% !eter" <n # took a 'ook at the grocer's van% too ( it $as stan ing outsi e the sho)" 8i you notice?' 'No%' sai !eter" 'Why ( $as there anything )ecu( 'iar a*out it?' '#t $as >uite an or inary van%' sai his father% '*ut it on'y ha a roof ( it $as o)en at *oth en s so that goo s cou' *e easi'y )ut in an out% an " " "' '<n that means that Scam)er couldn't have *een

/5

taken a$ay in it ( he' have .um)e out ( or at any rate *een seen%' sai !eter" '+es% 8a ( you're right" We''' have to ru'e out the grocer's man" 5hat's t$o )eo)'e in the c'ear"' '5hat 'eaves the *oys $ho $ere co''ecting for something% the )ostman% an o' &rs Hughes $ho comes for the men ing%' sai his father" 'We''% # really think $e can say the sma'' *oys ha nothing to o $ith the matter " " "' '# on't see $hy2' sai !eter" 'Scam)er 'ikes chi'( ren" He might >uite $e'' have gone off $ith them for a $a'k" He $ou' n't go $ith a gro$n(u) ( *ut he oes 'ike chi' ren"' 'We''% 'ook ( there's one of the *oys2' sai his father"' See% over there" <n he has a og $ith him (a terrier" =et's ask him if he sa$ Scam)er this morning" Hey% <'fre ( come here a minute" +ou >uestion him% !eter" He might *e scare of me"' <'fre came over% rather shy'y% his og on a 'ea *esi e him% $agging its tai' eager'y" '<'fre ( you came to the farm this morning% i n't you ( $ith -ohn% your *rother%' sai !eter" '8i you see our og Scam)er there?' '+es%' sai the *oy" 'He came u) an $agge his tai' at my og ;uster here% an they ru**e noses 'ike anything" <n $e got si6)ence each for our co'( 'ecting(*o6" We co''ect for Sick <nima's ( $e're very

/6

fon of anima's" We've co''ecte over five )oun s no$" Scam)er $ante to come $ith us% he seeme to 'ike ;uster" # ho)e your og isn't 'ost"' '# ho)e not too%' sai !eter% $ith a sigh" 'What time i you come to the house?' '<*out ha'f()ast e'even% # think ( may*e a *it 'ater%' sai <'fre " '5hanks a$fu''y%' sai !eter" 'We''% 8a % $e can ru'e out anyone $ho came *efore a >uarter to t$e've% *ecause Scam)er $as a*out then% $hen those *oys came" #t must *e someone $ho came *et$een then an the time $e 'eft the meeting" 5hat narro$s it o$n a *it"' 'We''' go *ack an have some inner%' sai his father" 'We can't o much more no$" #f ,N=+ Scam)er $ou' come rushing u) to meet us2'

//

CHAPTER THIRTEEN A Meeting A%o&t Scamper $ante much inner that ay% even though it $as more than ha'f an hour 'ate2 '# can't seem to swallow )ro)er'y%' com)'aine -anet"' &other% where o you think Scam)er is? 8o you think he cou' have gone u) to the hi''s to see &att?' 'We''% no% ar'ing%' sai &other" 'He oesn't usu( a''y rush a'' the $ay u) the hi''s to see &att% es)e( cia''y $hen sno$ is on the groun "' 'We''% $e've seen one of the *oys $ho came here this morning ( an $e've seen the grocer's man% an though he's *ig an hefty an $ears 'arge *oots% he's not the thief" He has an o)en van% so if he ha taken Scam)er% Scam)er $ou' have .um)e out or ma e an a$fu' noise"' '<n $e can ru'e out the 'aun ry(man *ecause he came at a >uarter()ast e'even an i n't see Scam)er" 8i you 'et him out of the she *y any chance?' sai &other" 'We i %' sai -anet" 'He scratche at the oor% so out he $ent2' '5hat 'eaves the )ostman% an o' &rs Hughes $ho came to co''ect the men ing%' sai &other"
N,;,8+

/7

'4either of them cou' have taken Scam)er" &rs Hughes is a*so'ute'y terrifie of ogs% an if the )ostman took a$ay Scam)er% every*o y $ou' have seen Scam)er $a'king *esi e him% *ack to the )ost( office" # o fee' it must *e someone 'ike the man $ho came asking for farm($ork"' 'We''% # sa$ that fe''o$ myse'f% an he i n't in the least fit the escri)tion the )o'ice give of the og( thief%' sai 8a " 'He $as a skinny 'itt'e fe''o$% sma'' an un erfe % $ith feet 'ike a $oman" He 'ooke as if he' run for his 'ife if a og so much as sniffe at him"' '5hat on'y 'eaves &rs Hughes%' sai !eter" 'We''% you must kno$ >uite certain'y that that )oor o' thing $ou' n't stea' a farthing% 'et a'one a og%' sai &other" ' She 'oves Scam)er% an a'$ays *rings him a tit*it $hen she ca''s for the men ing"' '< tit*it2' sai -anet" ',h% &other ( o you think this morning's tit*it ha a s'ee)ing()i'' in it? 8o you think Scam)er ate the tit*it an fe'' as'ee)% an &rs Hughes " " "' 'No$ do you imagine that that )oor 'itt'e o' 'a y could .ossibly carry a heavy og 'ike Scam)er a'' the $ay from here to the vi''age ?' sai her mother"' 5his is getting ri icu'ous" 4or goo ness' sake% eat your inner an *e sensi*'e" #f you're going to go a*out sus)ecting innocent )eo)'e% # sha'' *e very cross"'

/@

'=et's have another meeting an ta'k a*out the $ho'e thing%' sai !eter% seeing that -anet $as near tears at *eing s)oken to so shar)'y" '#f si6 of us ta'k roun an roun the matter% $e may think of some( thing"' '# on't $ant a meeting $ithout Scam)er%' sai -anet% *eginning to cry" '#t's horri not kno$ing $ho's taken him" #t oesn't seem to *e <N+,NE $ho came here to ay% so WH, can it *e?' '#'ve a goo min to go a'' roun the vi''age an 'ook for men $ith very 'arge feet%' sai !eter% *anging the ta*'e an making everyone .um)" ',h% on't *e si''y%' sai his mother" '+ou can't )ossi*'y go u) to anyone $ith 'arge feet an say 9!'ease% have you sto'en my og? +our feet are *ig% so you may have one so"9' !eter .ust cou' n't he') smi'ing at this% though the smi'e isa))eare a'most at once" '<'' right% &other% # think #''' ca'' a meeting an see $hat the others have to say" Have you finishe % -anet? ;uck u)% then" #''' go an see ?eorge% an $e''' co''ect the others"' #t $as a re'ief to have something to o" Waiting a*out% ho)ing against ho)e to see the *e'ove go' en figure come )a ing u)% tai' $aving% $as very u)( setting" !eter $ent off to ?eorge's house" '8ear o' Scam)er's *een sto'en%' he to' the

7B

start'e ?eorge" 5in ca''ing a meeting again% at once" !'ease on't start sym)athi1ing $ith me too much% ?eorge% e'se # sha'' ho$'" Wi'' you go roun an te'' the others?' ',f course2' sai ?eorge% shocke " He )atte !eter on the *ack" '0heer u)" 5he Secret Si6 $i'' get him *ack2' ,ff he $ent% an soon he ha roun e u) the rest of the c'u* ( 0o'in% !am an ;ar*ara" 5hey $ere horrifie at the ne$s" '5here no$2' sai !am" '# $as afraid of Scam)er *eing sto'en as soon as # hear the ne$s that my ?ranny's Sno$y ha gone" =et's get to the meeting she % >uick2'

71

,n the $ay there% they met Susie% ;inkie% ;ony an -ack"' Ha2' ca''e Susie% at once"' ?oing to have a meeting of the Secret Si6 ? Have you turne anyone e'se out yet? #'m e6)ecting any minute to hear you're the Secret 5$o2' 'Shut u)%' sai !am% ru e'y" 'We're going to have a most im)ortant meeting ( a*out Scam)er" He's *een sto'en"' ',h% # e6)ect he's .ust run a$ay%' sai Susie" '# $ou' too% if # $ere !eter's og"' 'Susie2 ;e >uiet%' sai an angry voice" #t $as -ack's" He ca''e to ?eorge" '?eorge ( is that true? Has o' Scam)er rea''y *een sto'en?' 'We'' ( $e're not a*so'ute'y sure%' sai ?eorge% cautious'y% not certain if !eter $ou' a))rove of him giving information to -ack% no$ that he $asn't a mem*er" '<ny$ay% it can't *e of any interest to you no$"' 5he 4rench *oy ha n't un erstoo )ro)er'y" He turne to -ack" 'He say something of a og ( $hat og?' ')e .etit chien s'en va' sai Susie% fancying herse'f very much"3 #' est ( er ( stolen '' ''1ais ca, cest terrible'' sai ;ony% an -ack cou' n't he') no ing" #t was terri*'e to hear that Scam)er ha *een sto'en" Whatever $ou' -anet an !eter o $ithout him? -ack $ishe an $ishe he

72

sti'' *e'onge to the Secret Seven ( ho$ eager'y he $ou' have he')e to try an fin ear o' Scam)er2 ' Serves !eter right2' sai Susie% an $as ama1e to receive a rea''y har shove from -ack" He g'are at his sister" '#f you say that again% #''' ( #''' )ush you into the )on 2' he sai " <n ear me ( he rea''y meant it2 Susie i n't are to say one more $or 2

73

CHAPTER FOURTEEN Something to $o arrive )rom)t'y for the meeting" 5hey came to the she in a *unch% an knocke " 5he )ass$or $as sai % an in they a'' $ent" 4or once in a $ay !eter i n't even 'ook to see if everyone $as $earing the S"S" *a ge2 '+ou a'' kno$ that ( that ( the meeting's a*out (a*out )oor o' Scam)er%' he sai % giving a 'itt'e choke" !am reache out an )atte his arm% tears in her eyes" 'We're terri*'y% a$fu''y sorry% !eter%' she sai " ';ut $e''' fin him ( $e will% We've never fai'e in anything yet"' !eter gave them a >uick out'ine of the )eo)'e $ho ha come to the house that morning% *oth *efore an after Scam)er ha 'eft the meeting" 'We ought to >uestion every sing'e one of them%' sai ?eorge% stern'y" 'We''% most of them have *een >uestione %' sai !eter" 'Es)ecia''y the t$o $ith vans ( they cou' so easi'y have )o))e Scam)er into a van" ;ut $e kno$ they i n't" <n the man $ho came after a .o* is in the c'ear% too ( he $as very sma''% my father sai (
EEED+,NE
74

an $e o kno$ that the og(thief has 'arge feet an must *e a *ig man"' '<n it's not the t$o 'itt'e *oys%' sai -anet" '<ny( $ay% they came to co''ect for Sick <nima's% so they' har 'y stea' a og"' '<n it's not o' &rs Hughes ( she's afrai of ogs%' sai !eter" '<ny$ay% she's an o' ar'ing" <n then there's !ostie% the )ostman" +ou a'' kno$ him he's a tiny fe''o$% a'$ays *right an cheery" # shou' think his *oots are no *igger than -anet's"' 'We''% someone $ou' have seen him $ith Scam( )er% if he had taken him%' sai 0o'in" 'He has to go from house to house an hea)s of )eo)'e $ou' have seen Scam)er $a'king $ith him ( an # .ust can't imagine that he carried Scam)er ( as the thief $ou' have to o% $ith a og fast as'ee) from rugge meat"' 'We''% if that's a'' the )eo)'e $ho came to the house% an not one of them took Scam)er% he &:S5 *e some$here aroun %' sai !am" '&ay*e he's hurt himse'f( may*e he's 'ying some$here a*out% $aiting for you to go to his he')"' ' !am ( can you imagine Scam)er 'ying some$here $ithout giving a sing'e *ark% or ho$' or $hine?' sai !eter% im)atient'y" '8o *e sensi*'e" No$ ( has anyone any suggestions?'

75

No*o y ha 2 5hey sat an 'ooke at each other% trying their har est to think of some goo i ea" 'We''?' sai !eter% 'ooking from one to the other" 0o'in $as the on'y one to ans$er" 'C'm going to o the on'y )ossi*'e thing%' he sai " 'Something a'rea y suggeste at our 'ast meeting" #'m sim)'y going to kee) my eyes o)en for a heavy man $ith rather 'arge feet ( an fo''o$ him home" #f he's the one $ho's taken Scam)er% he''' )ro*a*'y have him there ( an if # ye'' out 9Scam)er29 at the to) of my voice% he's sure to *ark ( even if he can't come running out% *ecause of *eing tie u)"' '#t oes seem to *e a*out the on'y thing $e can o%' sai ?eorge% fro$ning" '5hough #'ve no ou*t that the vi''age $i'' *e crowded $ith *ig men an 'arge feet2 We''% #'m going to start this very after( noon" 5he sooner the *etter" Sha'' $e c'ose this meeting% !eter% an get on $ith the .o* ? #t $i'' *e ark )retty ear'y to ay"' 'Dight%' sai !eter" ';ut for goo ness' sake on't get into trou*'e% any of you (1 mean% on't 'et anyone you're fo''o$ing +uess that you're tracking them"' ',f course $e $on't%' sai !am" 5m g'a $e've something to do% #t's no use sitting a*out mo)ing (though # fee' # cou' >uite $e'' ho$' $hen # *egin to think a*out $hat might have ha))ene to ear

76

o' Scam)er" ,h% # wish he' come scratching at the oor% # wish he' " " "' ' Shut u)% !am%' sai ?eorge% seeing that -anet $as *eginning to 'ook u)set" 'We''% !eter ( sha'' $e go? When sha'' $e re)ort anything I if $e have anything to re)ort"' ',h% immediately0 sai !eter" 'Either -anet or # $i'' *e at the house" ?osh ( # ho)e someone does have something to re)ort" We''% goo *ye% a'' of you" See you again soon"' 5hey troo)e out of the she % an !eter shut the oor carefu''y an 'ocke it% )utting the key un er the stone as usua'" He an -anet $ent *ack to the house" '# on't fee' very ho)efu'% o you% -anet?' sai !eter misera*'y" 'We can't rea''y e6)ect to o *etter than 8a % or the )o'ice"'

7/

'We'' ( $ith seven of us ( oh ear% # mean si*, of course ( $atching out ( there's .ust a chance $e may hit on something%' sai -anet" '# .ust o $ish # cou' sto) myse'f from e6)ecting to see Scam)er come rushing roun the corner" # $on er $hat the others $i'' o this afternoon in their search for 'arge(foote men" # kno$ one man $ho has the *iggest feet I ever sa$"' 'Who?' sai !eter% at once" 'Juick I who' He might *e the thief"' 'We''% he's not" He's the ta'' )o'iceman that came to see 8a y2' sai -anet" 5he other four ha $a'ke o$n into the to$n together% ta'king" 5hey s)'it u) at the station% an $ent their ifferent $ays" 0o'in sai he $as not go( ing home ( he $as going to sit o$n on the seat out( si e the station% an $atch ifferent )eo)'e go *y" '# may see someone $ho's .ust the ty)e $e $ant%' he sai " '?oo *ye ( an goo 'uck2 Aee) your eyes o)en ( if that thief is here in this vi''age% $e're *oun to see him sooner or 'ater"' 0o'in sat on the seat for a minute or t$o% $atching the )assers *y ( an then he sat u) straight" < man $a'ke *y $ith a heavy ste) ( a man $ith outsi1e shoes ( a *ur'y man $ith a not very )'easant face" ''3nd he's carrying a og2' sai 0o'in% in the greatest e6citement" #3'' fo''o$ him" #3'' 4,==,W H#&2'
77

CHAPTER FIFTEEN -olin $oes a Little Trailing 'arge(foote man $a'ke heavi'y o$n the street% sti'' carrying the og" #t $rigg'e a 'itt'e an the man )ut it o$n" #t $hine an ragge *ack% trying to get off the 'ea " 0o'in cou' n't he') fee'ing e6cite " '5he og is trying to esca)e%' he thought" '<n $hat a *eauty it is ( a tiny miniature )oo 'e ( must *e $orth a 'ot of money" Has he sto'en it? #t seems a *it rash to carry it through the to$n% if so% *ut he may have sto'en it from mi'es a$ay" No*o y here $ou' recogni1e it% then"' He ke)t as c'ose to the man as he cou' " 5he fe''o$ i not $a'k fast% *ut took such enormous stri es
5HE

7@

that 0o'in ha to hurry to kee) *ehin him" 5he man came to the *us(sto) an sat o$n there% on the seat for $aiting )assengers" 0o'in e*ate $hat to o" !erha)s he ha *etter sit o$n too" So o$n he sat" 5he 'itt'e og $hine an straine to$ar s the *oy% an the man )u''e him rough'y *ack" 'Shame2' thought 0o'in" '8ragging him a$ay from me so unkin 'y" #'m sure he oesn't *e'ong to the man" !eo)'e aren't rough $ith their o$n 'itt'e ogs" # sha'' certain'y go on $atching him"' <fter a*out five minutes the man got u) an $ent on again" 0o'in 'ea)t u) too% an fo''o$e " 5he man $as no$ carrying the og un er his arm ( an then su en'y% to 0o'in's great sur)rise% he tucke the 'itt'e thing right insi e his coat% so that it cou' n't *e seen2 'No$ $hy?' thought the *oy% )u11'e " '?racious ( there's a )o'iceman coming a'ong ( the man i n't $ant him to see the og% # su))ose" 5his is EED+% EED+ sus)icious2 # must certain'y kee) on his trai'"' 5he man took 0o'in for rather a 'ong $a'k ( u) a stee) hi''% o$n the other si e% an then roun an *ack to the to$n again" He )ut the 'itt'e og o$n once% for a trot% an then )o))e him un er his arm once more" <t 'ast he came to the gate of a sma'' house" He set the og o$n% an it at once ran u) to the front oor" 0o'in sto))e near the gate an $atche "
@B

5he man stoo there at the gate% ho' ing it o)en" He s)oke to 0o'in" '8o come in2 +ou've *een fo''o$ing me a*out for mi'es% goo ness kno$s $hy" #s there anything in( teresting a*out me? ,r are you )ractising trai'ing for the Scouts% or something? !ray come in2 +ou're >uite a goo trai'er% if rather cons)icuous" <n if you on't kno$ $hat that $or means% 'et me te'' you that it means 9easi'y seen9" #'ve ha my eye on you a'' the $ay% young(fe''er(me('a % though you thought # ha n't s)otte you" +ou on't *y any chance $ant to stea' this 'itt'e miniature )oo 'e% o you?' 0o'in sim)'y i n't kno$ what to say" He stoo there% ga)ing" 5he man )ushe him through the gate an u) to the front oor% ho' ing him >uite firm'y *y the arm" <n o' 'a y stoo at the oor" She ha .ust o)ene it% an at once sa$ the tiny )oo 'e" She )icke it u) an fon 'e it" '8i ums en.oy his $a'kie($a'k then?' she sai % an kisse the )oo 'e on the to) of his hea " 'Who's this *oy% -ohn?' '#'ve no i ea%' sai the man% an )ushe 0o'in in front of him" 'He has fo''o$e me very carefu''y for mi'es" &ay*e he $ante to stea' 8i ums2' ',h% the $icke *oy2 Sure'y he's not that rea fu'

@1

og(thief $ho's *een going a*out%' crie the o' 'a y% an she hugge the tiny )oo 'e to her"' =et's ca'' the )o'ice"' ',h% no ( )'ease on't2' sai 0o'in% in great a'arm" 5m not a og(thief% honest'y #'m not" # ( # thought )erha)s you might *e% sir" #t ( $e'' ( you see ( $e''% it's not often you see a man carrying a tiny )oo 'e ( # mean% they're rea''y 'a)( ogs ( ogs for $omen% aren't they? # ( # " " "' ;y this time he ha *een )ushe into the house% an the front oor $as shut" 0o'in fe't more an more a'arme " '!'ease on't ca'' the )o'ice% sir% )'ease 'et me go" &y father $ou' *e a$fu''y angry $ith me" +ou see% my frien has ha his go' en s)anie' sto'en% an $e're trying to fin it for him" We're a'' of us 'ooking out for a 'arge(foote man% an " " "' '<n #'ve 'arge feet ( an $as carrying a va'ua*'e og" We''% you certain'y )u11'e me this morning" # ho)e you en.oye your $a'k?' '&ay # go )'ease% sir?' sai 0o'in% es)erate'y" '# a)o'ogi1e% # o rea''y" # e6)ect $e''' make a 'ot of mistakes *efore $e catch the thief"' '# rather think you $i''%' sai the man" 'No% # shan't 'et you go yet" 8on't 'ook so a'arme " # $as .ust a*out to ask you to share a *ott'e of ginger(*eer $ith me ( $ith a s'ice or t$o of 'emon in it" Eery

@2

nice that $ay" &other% $i'' you get us some ( an a fe$ *uns as $e''?' 0o'in heave an enormous sigh of re'ief" 5his man $asn't really angry% after a''% an no$ that he cou' 'ook c'ose'y at him% he sa$ that he ha a merry t$ink'e in his eye" 5hank goo ness2 0o'in eci e that he $ou' *e much more carefu' a*out trai'ing anyone in future" 5o think that the man ha kno$n he $as *ehin him a'' the time2 He en.oye the ginger(*eer an *uns% sai thank you very )o'ite'y% an esca)e % the tiny og fo''o$( ing him to the oor" '?osh2' sai 0o'in% scurrying home" '#'ve one my *it to ay" # $on er ho$ the others are getting on2' We''% 'et's fin out2 !am an ;ar*ara are off on their o$n ( $hat 'uck have they ha ?

@3

CHAPTER SIXTEEN )ack P&//les His *rains an ;ar*ara ha eci e to $ork together in their task of trying to fin the og(thief" '5$o hea s are *etter than one2' sai !am% an off they $ent" 'No$ to 'ook for ta''% *ur'y men $ith *ig feet"' ;ut a'as ( the ta''% *ur'y men they sa$ ha sma'' feet ( an the on'y men $ith 'arge feet $ere little fe''o$s2 5he gir's $ere rather sur)rise " '#t seems the $rong $ay roun %' sai !am% e6( amining the feet of an enormous coa'man heaving a sack of coa' over his shou' er" '=ook ho$ tiny this man's feet are2 He ou+ht to $ear shoes si1e 12 at 'east2 He's so ;#?2' '<nything $rong $ith my feet% &iss?' sai the
!<&
@4

coa'man% astonishe to have them stare at so c'ose'y" 5he t$o gir's $ent re % muttere something an ran off" 5hey har 'y are to e6amine anyone's feet after that2 5hey sa$ 0o'in in the istance% an eci e to $a'k in the o))osite irection" 'No goo all of us meeting an 'ooking at the same )eo)'e%' sai !am sensi*'y% an turne u) a 'ong% very >uiet roa that seeme to go on for mi'es" #t en e in a 'ane that ran *et$een fie' s" #n a near*y fie' stoo a 'arge o' ram*'ing house% $ith many she s% *ig an 'itt'e% roun it" 5he gir's $a'ke on o$n the 'ane ( an then !am su en'y caught ho' of ;ar*ara's arm% making her .um)" ' ;ar*ara ( can you hear that noise ?' 'What noise? ,h ( that's on'y ogs *arking%' sai ;ar*ara" '(nly ogs *arking2 <ren't $e lookin+ for ogs? We''% o you see that 'one'y o' house $ith a'' those she s aroun % set in the fie' s ? Wou' n't that *e a marve''ous )'ace to kee) sto'en ogs? # bet Scam)er's there ( and &att's co''ie ( and Sno$y% my ?ranny's og2' ',h% !am ( no ( $hy should they *e there?' sai ;ar*ara" '#t's )ro*a*'y .ust or inary og(kenne's (you kno$% kenne's ke)t *y someone $ho takes care of )eo)'e's ogs $hen they go a$ay"'

@5

'We''% #'m going to =,,A2 ' sai !am" '<n $hat is more% #'m going to stan outsi e that high fence roun the )'ace% an ye'' 9SN,W+2 S0<&!ED2 an SH<8,W2'9 ',h ( $e''% that's not a *a i ea%' sai ;ar*ara% fee'ing su en'y e6cite " Su))osing a'' the sto'en ogs were there ( $hat a thri'' it $ou' *e2 What heroines she an !am $ou' *e% too2 5he t$o gir's $ent *o' 'y u) to the fence" !am aske ;ar*ara to hoist her u)% so that she cou' see ,ver the to)" :) she $ent% an ga1e on a mass of sma'' an *ig she s% each $ith their o$n 'itt'e yar s" 8ogs of a'' kin s an sha)es $ere there% *arking% $hining% running a*out" " " !am *egan to shout at the to) of her voice" 'S0<&!ED2 SH<8,W2 SN,W+2 S0<&!ED% S0<&!ED2' 5he ogs hear the shouts an fe'' si'ent% a'' of them staring across the yar s at the shouting gir'" 5hen they *egan to ans$er *ack ( WH<5 a ro$ they ma e2 Some $ere e6cite % some $ere angry% some .ust $ante to make a noise" < young $oman an a man came running out of the house to see $hat $as the matter" 5hey >uietene the ogs in a trice% an then sa$ !am% u) on the fence" 5he man sai something to a og *y his si e% an it race out of the front gate an roun the fence to the t$o gir's% gro$'ing" !am an ;ar*ara $ere

@6

a*so'ute'y terrifie " 5hey *oth sat on the to) of the fence% ye''ing for he')2 5he man an the gir' came u)% 'ooking very angry" 'What o you think you're oing% shouting at my ogs 'ike that?' he sai " '+ou *e carefu' they on't get 'oose an attack you"' '!'ease ca'' off this fierce og *e'o$ us%' sai !am% *eginning to cry $ith fright" 'We($e $ere on'y ca''ing out

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the names of some sto'en ogs $e kno$% to see if any of them $ere here"' '+ou 'itt'e i iots2' sai the man" 'We're og breeders, not og(thieves2 ;o*% 'eave the gir's a'one ( o$n% ;o*" No$ you go% you t$o% an on't ye'' at our ogs again" ;o* $on't hurt you ( he''' .ust see you off the fie' "' Eery timi 'y the t$o gir's .um)e o$n from the fence an $a'ke )ast the og ;o*% an out of the fie' " ;o* $atche them shar)'y a'' the $ay% as if he meant to see that they i n't he') themse'ves even to a sno$*a''2 5hey $ere most re'ieve to *e safe'y *ack on the roa again" '# think that $as rather si''y of us%' sai ;ar*ara" '8on't 'et's o anything 'ike that again" =et's go to the airy an *uy ice(creams" # fee' # nee something 'ike that"' 5hey crosse the roa to go to the airy% an !am su en'y nu ge ;ar*ara's arm" ' =ook ( there's -ack% a'' *y himse'f" Sha'' $e s)eak to him? 5hat a$fu' Susie isn't $ith him% nor ;ony or Skinny% or $hatever that 4rench *oy's name is"' -ack ha seen the t$o gir's% *ut turne a$ay" !am ca''e to him" '-ack2 0ome an have an ice(cream2' -ack 'ooke sur)rise an )'ease % *ut shook his

@7

hea " 'No thanks ( it's a$fu''y kin of you ( *ut ($e''% #'m *usy"' 'We've *een 'ooking for the og(thief%' sai ;ar( *ara" ';ut $e've ha no 'uck" <re you 'ooking for him too ( even though you're not in the c'u* no$?' '# might *e%' sai -ack% cautious'y" 'We'' (1 can't sto) no$" <s # sai ( #'m *usy"' +es ( -ack was *usy" He i n't *e'ong to the Secret Seven ( or Si6 ( any more% *ut that $asn't going to sto) him from 'ooking for ear o' Scam)er2 He ha met 0o'in% $ho ha to' him everything he kne$ (to' him a'' a*out the visitors to the farm that morning ( the 'aun ry(man% &rs Hughes% the t$o *oys% the )ostman% the man asking for $ork% the grocer's man " " " '<n not one sing'e one of them cou' have sto'en Scam)er%' sai 0o'in" 'Not one2 5he )o'ice .ust on't kno$ who took Scam)er ( *ut they're )retty certain it's the same thief $ho took the other ogs% an 'eft his enormous foot)rints in the sno$% $hen he sto'e the ogs at night"' <n no$ -ack $as *usy on his o$n" What $as he oing ? What ha he foun out ? Ho$ the t$o gir's $ou' have 'ove to kno$2 -ack ha *een thinking very har since he ha hear the $ho'e story from 0o'in of Scam)er's isa))earance" 5he og certain'y ha *een sto'en ( there $as

@@

no ou*t a*out that ( *ut WH+ ha n't he *arke or ho$'e $hen he $as taken a$ay? 5hat $as $hat )u11'e -ack" <n $hy ha n't the other sto'en ogs ma e a fuss too ? '5he )o'ice thought that the ogs i n't make a noise *ecause they ha eaten some rugge meat% or something 'ike that thro$n o$n *y the thief ( an ha fa''en as'ee)% an then ha *een carrie a$ay%' thought -ack" ';ut the thief must sure'y a'$ays have ha a car or a van or 'orry to )o) the og into? <fter a''% ho$ could a *ig og 'ike &att's co''ie have *een carrie off( un'ess in some kin of car or van? # kno$ the thief is su))ose to *e *ig an *ur'y ( *ut even so% )eo)'e $ou' notice any man carrying a 'arge% s'ee)ing og"' He sat on his *e an )u11'e his *rains for a 'ong time" Susie *ange at his oor% *ut he $ou' n't ans$er" Someho$% some$here% there must *e a c'ue that $ou' fit this o )ro*'em ( some key to un'ock the mystery" '<== the ogs must have kno$n the thief% or they certain'y $ou' n't have eaten any foo he thre$ o$n%' sai -ack to himse'f" 'Scam)er $ou' n't ream of touching any foo given to him *y a stranger ( an he efinite'y $ou' n't go off $ith anyone he i n't kno$" He' *ark the )'ace o$n2 So the thief must have *een someone that a'' the ogs

1BB

kne$ ( someone that every one of them truste an 'ike very much ( .ust as they 'ove ;ony an $i'' fo''o$ him any$here" ;'o$ it ( $ho is this )ecu'iar thief% 'ove an truste *y ogs every$here? #t must *e one of those seven )eo)'e $ho $ent to the farm this morning"' He eci e to go out for a $a'k ( *ut that sister of his $ou' $ant to go $ith him% an take ;ony as $e''2 -ack $as getting very tire of ;ony" He $ent to the $in o$ an 'ooke out ( no one $as in the gar( en" He s'i o$n the )ear(tree outsi e an $as out in the roa *efore anyone ha s)otte him" '# sha'' think *etter $hen #'m $a'king%' thought -ack% ho)efu''y" 'Ha''o ( there's o' &rs Hughes" he $as one of the visitors at the farm this morning"' ;efore he cou' go over an say 'Ha''o' a sma'' og came *oun ing u) to the o' 'a y" She gave a horrifie shriek an trie to *eat it off $ith her stick" -ack $ent to the rescue at once" 'We''2' he thought% as the og ran off o$n the roa % tai' *et$een its 'egs% '$e'' ( it certain'y $as N,5 &rs Hughes $ho took Scam)er a$ay" #' *etter take the o' 'a y home ( she's rea''y scare 2' #t $as on the $ay to &rs Hughes's house that -ack sa$ !ostie% the smi'ing 'itt'e )ostman% e'ivering 'etters"

1B1

' ,h% )ostman% #'ve *een so scare *y a 'itt'e *'ack og%' sai the o' 'a y in her >uavering voice% an !ostie no e " '<y% &am ( # kno$ ho$ scare you are of ogs" <nyone that's *een *itten once #S frightene of them" #'ve never *een *itten% an it's a goo thing #'m not scare of them% for # meet so many $hen #'m out e'ivering 'etters"' '<h% *ut they 'ove you% on't they% !ostie?' sai the o' 'a y" '+ou're kin to them" #'ve seen them run u) to you in the street% tai's a( $agging" Ho$ # $ish youd fin that og( thief for us"'

1B2

' # $ish # cou' % &a am%' sai !ostie" 'He must *e a crue'% har hearte fe''o$% that"' He $ent through a near*y gate to e'iver a 'etter an at once a og came *oun ing to $e'come him% 'icking him in e'ight" 'We''% 'itt'e 5im the terrier% ho$ are you?' sai !ostie% an )atte the e6cite og% $ho fo''o$e him right to the house an *ack to the gate" -ack $atche " #f anyone cou' )ersua e a og to go $ith him% the )ostman cou' 2 ;ut he $as not in the least 'ike the thief" He shou' *e ta''% *ur'y an have 'arge feet (an he shou' sure'y have a car or a van to take a$ay a og" 'No$ su))ose !ostie thre$ o$n a *it of rugge meat to that og ( an he ate it an fe'' as'ee) (!ostie cou' n't !,SS#;=+ carry him off over his shou' er $ithout *eing seen" Every*o y he met $ou' notice the og he $as carrying% an ask him >uestions" # $on er if the +rocer's man is 'ove *y ogs (he ha a van" No ( he's *een ru'e out% 0o'in sai " We''% this is a rea' )u11'e2' -ack su en'y eci e to fo''o$ the )ostman% an see if a'' the ogs at the houses he $ent to ma e a fuss of him" So he trai'e !ostie% carefu''y kee)ing out of sight" +es ( every sing'e og *e'onging to any house the )ostman $ent to% $e'come him $ith the utmost e'ight"

1B3

'"ust as if he $ere o' ;ony%' thought -ack"' What on earth is there a*out ;ony an !ostie that makes ogs a ore them? #t *eats me2 < sort of gift% # su))ose"' He trai'e the )ostman *ack to the )ost(office% an $as .ust a*out to go home% $hen !ostie came out again" He ha no )ost(*ag this time% an he grinne at -ack" 'Ha''o2' he sai % '#'m off home no$" 8one at 'ast" #'ve $a'ke mi'es to ay2 &y )oor feet are tire out2' -ack i n't kno$ $here the )ostman 'ive % *ut he eci e to see" 8i he have a og of his o$n? !ro*( a*'y he ha t$o or three" He trai'e !ostie carefu''y% kee)ing out of sight% an sa$ him go into a sma'' cottage not far a$ay" < )'um) 'itt'e $oman $as in the gar en% taking in some $ashing" She $as so 'ike the )ostman that -ack guesse she $as his sister" 'Ha''o% 5ommy%' she ca''e " '+our mea''s in the kitchen% an the tea)ot's on the ho*" He') yourse'f2 <re you going out again tonight ? 5here's more sno$ forecast"' '+es% =i1" #'ve got to go out%' sai !ostie" '<nother e'ivery% you kno$" #t''' *e nice an ark then"' -ack fro$ne " '4ice an ark'" Why '4ice an ark' ? Why shou' the )ostman *e g'a of the ark? -ack shook himse'f" '8on't *e si''y2' he thought" ' +ou 0<N'5 sus)ect the )ostman2 He =,EES ogs (an they 'ove him2'
1B4

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN )ack Makes a S&rprising $iscovery morning everyone in the to$n $as ta'king a*out the same thing" '<N,5HED og has *een sto'en2 Have you hear ? #t's &r Aaye's *eautifu' 'itt'e )ri1e )u) ( his <'satian" ,n'y four months o' % an $orth a 'arge sum of money" ?oo ness kno$s $hat he )ai for it"' #t $as 0ookie at the farm $ho to' !eter an -anet" 'Hear the 'atest ne$s?' she sai " '5hat og( thief has *een at $ork again" &r Aaye's <'satian )u) has *een sto'en"' 'Who to' you?' sai -anet" '!ostie%' sai 0ookie" 'He $as that u)set" 9 '&other 'ove'y og gone29 he sai " <n he in>uire after o' Scam)er% ho)ing he ha come *ack" 5his is a terri*'e *usiness% isn't it? No og is safe% it seems to me" <n it's a'$ays the va'ua*'e ones that go"'
NEF5

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-ack% too% hear the ne$s% an fro$ne " +et an( other og2 < fair'y *ig one too% a'though on'y a )u)" He kne$ &r Aaye an eci e to go an see him" He arrive on &r Aaye's oorste) .ust as he $as saying goo *ye to t$o )o'icemen% $ho ha come to get )articu'ars of the theft" 'We''% $e''' o $hat $e can% sir%' sai one of the men% '*ut not one of the sto'en ogs have $e foun yet ( nor even hear of" #t's a very c'ever thief that's at $ork% sir ( *ut $e''' get him ( on't you $orry yourse'f% sir"' '#'m $orrie a*out my do+,' sai &r Aaye" '# $as very fon of him" 5hat thief eserves to ( to " " "' <n then he sa$ -ack% an sto))e " 'What o you $ant% -ack?' he sai " 'Hear a*out my )oor )u)?' '+es% sir%' sai -ack" '# came to say #'m very sorry" #s there anything # can o for you% sir ?' 'We''% that's nice of you%' sai &r Aaye"' 0ome in" #''' te'' you a*out Sasha ( that's the )u)" #t's a mys( tery to me ho$ he $as sto'en ( a mystery" He $ou' n't go any$here $ith anyone% e6ce)t me ( an he $as getting a *ig og% you kno$ (1 mean% if any( one trie to take him *y force% he' f'y at them"' He took -ack into his sitting(room% an sho$e him a )hotogra)h of Sasha" '=ove'y% isn't he?' he sai " '#'m offering a 'arge re$ar for him" # )ai over a hun re )oun s for that )u)% you kno$"'
1B6

'When i he isa))ear?' aske -ack" ' =ast night ( a*out ha'f()ast si6%' sai &r Aaye" '#t $as )itch( ark% an ha *een sno$ing" # 'et Sasha out for a *it% in the front gar en ( *ut $hen # ca''e him% he i n't come" # hunte an hunte for him%

took my torch out ( an a'' # foun $ere Sasha's )a$(marks ( an some very 'arge foot)rints in the sno$ in my front gar en" 5he )o'ice te'' me it's *een .ust the same $ith the other sto'en ogs ( some 'arge(
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foote fe''o$ comes a'ong $hen a og is 'et out for a short run ( an the og is never hear of again" Not a *ark or a gro$' i # hear"'

'<nyone ca'' on you yester ay evening?' aske -ack" 'Not that # kno$ of%' sai &r Aaye" 'No (1 on't remem*er asking anyone in 'ast night" We $ere very >uiet% my $ife an #" #t's nice of you to take such an interest% my *oy% very nice"' 'We''% # o ho)e Sasha $i'' turn u) again%' sai -ack" '+ou're sure no*o y ca''e % sir?' ' #' remem*er if #' ha any visitors% my *oy ( so $ou' my $ife ( an $e' *e most sus)icious of them%' sai &r Aaye" 'We''% goo *ye ( an many thanks"' -ack $ent o$n the rive to the front gate% fro$ning" He sa$ a'' kin s of foot)rints% *oth 'arge an sma'' ( no goo ho)ing to 'earn anything from those" < great many )eo)'e seeme to have *een $a'king a'' over the sno$y gar en% an the thief's foot)rints $ou' *e $e'' an tru'y s)oi't ( a'' mi6e u) $ith everyone e'se's" '5his is a rea' )u11'e that seems to have no so'u( tion%' thought -ack" '=ook at the $ay the thief took Scam)er ( no one sa$ him ( no one hear him ( an he $asn't any of the )eo)'e $ho $ere kno$n to come
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to the house" Who was he% an ho$ i he manage to cree) u) to the farm(house% $atch for Scam)er ( an +et him' <n then take him a$ay $ithout a sing'e )erson seeing him2 #t a*so'ute'y beats me2 <n yet there must *e a sim)'e ans$er to it a'' ( an ans$er that even the )o'ice can't see2 <n WHEDE are the ogs taken to ? 5hey sim)'y isa))ear off the face of the earth% it seems" ;ut they must *e somewhere *ecause o*vious'y the thief on'y stea's them *ecause they are $orth se''ing"' -ack's thoughts came *ack to $hat he ha hear the )ostman say ( '#t''' *e nice an ark then"' ' 4ice and dark' ( $hy i the )ostman an his sister think that arkness $as esira*'e ? 0ou' he .ossibly *e in 'eague $ith the thieves? <fter a''% it $as soon after he ha sai the night $as 'nice an ark' that Sasha% &r Aaye's <'satian )u) ha *een sto'en" '#t o*vious'y can't *e the )ostman $ho is the thief%' thought -ack"' He's 'itt'e% not *ig ( his feet are sma'' an $ou' n't make 'arge )rints in the sno$ (he a ores ogs% an )resuma*'y $ou' n't $ish to stea' them from their comforta*'e homes ( an he cou' n't !,SS#;=+ have taken a$ay Scam)er% *ecause% if he ha % someone $ou' have seen Scam)er running *esi e him" <'' the same (1 think #''' go to !ostie's house this afternoon% an have a 'itt'e snoo) roun " # su))ose he mi+ht have a ce''ar to hi e ogs in" No (

1B@

#'m getting si''y" 5hat tiny cottage couldnt have a ce''ar"' He set off to the cottage a*out four o'c'ock that afternoon" No*o y $as there" 5he front oor an

*ack oor $ere *oth 'ocke " !ostie $as o*vious'y out on his roun s ( =i1% his sister% $as )ro*a*'y sho))ing" #t rea''y $ou' *e a goo chance to )oke roun a *it" 'Not that # e6)ect to fin anything that $i'' he')%' sai -ack to himse'f" 5m )ro*a*'y on a rea' $i' ( goose chase" # ho)e !ostie or his sister on't come *ack an catch me" #' get into rea' trou*'e then"'

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He 'ooke a'' roun the 'itt'e gar en" He trie the han 'e of the gar en she % *ut it $as 'ocke " He )ee)e in at the kitchen $in o$" He fe't e6treme'y gui'ty a'' the time an ha'f(ashame of himse'f" Whatever $ou' his father say if he sa$ him? 5hen he remem*ere o' &att the she)her an his sorro$ for his 'ost co''ie ( an thought of !eter an -anet% an their tears for Scam)er" '#t's no goo ( # .ust must iscover a'' # can that might *e of he')%' he thought" He $ent *ack to the 'itt'e she % an )eere through the sma''% irty $in o$% s$itching on his torch" #t $as ifficu't to see anything c'ear'y at first% *ut after a $hi'e his eyes gre$ use to the sha o$s insi e the she % an he cou' make out some f'o$er( )ots% an o' *room ( an something e'se ( something rather sur)rising2 +es% EED+ sur)rising2 -ack stare an stare ( an then su en'y hear a noise that ma e him sto) staring an rush to c'im* over the fence at the en of the gar en% an get a$ay" < car ha .ust riven u) to the cottage gate ( -ack hear the engine )urr% an then sto)" He caught a g'im)se of it% in the 'ight of a near*y 'am)()ost ( a re van ( gosh% it $as the )ost(office van% that e( 'ivere )arce's ( !ostie must have come *ack home to have a cu) of tea2 -ack f'e a$ay over the fie' at the
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*ack of !ostie's gar en% an isa))eare " What a narro$ esca)e2 <nother fe$ secon s% an he $ou' have *een caught2 Whe$2

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN "ell $one, )ack race home at to) s)ee % his min in a $hir'" He cou' n't forget $hat he ha seen in that she " He must te'' someone% he must" #f $hat he ha seen meant $hat he thought it i % the great 8og &ystery $as so've 2 He *um)e into Susie an ;ony at the gate% an Susie caught ho' of him"
-<0A

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'What's the matter? Why o you 'ook so e6cite ? +ou've +ot to te'' me2' -ack shook himse'f free" ?oo ness% he certain'y cou' n't co)e $ith Susie .ust no$" He' *etter go u) to the farm ( yes% he must see !eter an -anet% even though he no 'onger *e'onge to the Secret Seven2 So% to Susie's anger an ama1ement% he shot off o$n the roa % an then race u) to the farm% )anting for a'' he $as $orth" He hammere on the front oor" '?oo gracious ( it's you% -ack ( $hatever's the matter?' sai !eter% o)ening the oor" '!eter ( it's im)ortant%' gas)e -ack" '# *e'ieve # kno$ $ho the og(thief is" Where's your father?' '#n the stu y%' sai !eter% his eyes near'y fa''ing out of his hea " 'Juick ( this $ay"' Soon -ack $as stan ing in the stu y% $ith a most sur)rise fami'y 'istening to him" '# think # kno$ $ho sto'e Scam)er2' he sai " '#n fact% #'m 0ED5<#N2' ' Who ?' sai the chi' ren's father% shar)'y" 7The.ostman - o' !ostie2' sai -ack" 5here $as an ama1e si'ence% an then !eter s)oke" '#m)ossi*'e2' he sai " '#sn't it% 8a ? 5he )o'ice say that the man ha very 'arge feet% an ma e *ig% ee) foot)rints ( an he )ro*a*'y ha a van to take a$ay the ogs"'

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'5he )ostman is very sma'' $ith tiny feetC sai &other" 'We''% #''' te'' you $hat # sa$ in his she a 'itt'e $hi'e ago%' sai -ack" '# sa$ a H:?E )air of *oots (rea''y enormous2 No$ $hat $ou' !ostie $ant $ith those0 5hey certain'y $eren't the right si1e for his sma'' feet ( so it's my guess that he $ore them $hen he $ent out in the sno$ to stea' Sno$y ( an to stea' Sha o$% u) on the sno$y hi''s" #n fact% to stea' any og on a sno$y night ( 'eaving huge foot)rints *ehin to mis'ea everyone" # *et if you got ho' of those *oots% an 'ooke at the co)ies of the foot)rints that the )o'ice have% they' match EF<05=+2' ';ut $hat a*out cam.er' sai !eter" 'Scam)er $asn't sto'en in the sno$ ( he .ust isa))eare " We know he i n't go $ith !ostie% or he' have *een seen $a'king o$n to the vi''age $ith him"' '8i !ostie *ring any )arce's for you yester ay?' aske -ack% an sa$ &other no her hea " 'Dight2 5hen he must have use the )arce's delivery van ( he cou' easi'y have )atte Scam)er's hea % an ma e him fo''o$ him to the van ( )ushe him in% s'amme the oor ( an riven off $ith him" No*o y $ou' kno$" Scam)er 'ove him% so he )ro*a*'y $ou' n't even have *arke " # *et he's use that )ost(office van to shove ogs into )'enty of times" # guess he took it u) the roa that runs a'ongsi e the shee)(fie' s the
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ay he 'eft a 'etter at the hut for o' &att ( an took Sha o$ off $ith him then" He' say% 90ome a'ong% Sha o$%9 an Sha o$ $ou' fo''o$ him to the van ( he' get a )ush to sen him insi e ( an s'am $ou' go the van oor" Easy2' '5his is a'' very serious%' sai the chi' ren's father" 'We must *e very% very carefu' that you are right% -ack" <re you >uite sure that you sa$ those *oots? # i n't think of the )ost(office van% of course (!ostie might >uite $e'' have taken Scam)er a$ay in it ( the og $ou' fo''o$ him any$here% he kne$ that !ostie $as a frien of the fami'y"' '&y guess is that he thre$ o$n rugge meat to ogs he $ou' n't *e a*'e to )ersua e into the van% $aite ti'' they ro))e as'ee) ( an then carrie them there%' sai -ack" '+ou kno$ ho$ the )o'ice sai there $ere scuff'y )atches of sno$ ( $e''% they' *e ma e $hen he ragge a$ay the og"' '<stoun ing2' sai the chi' ren's father" '+es% it fits" #t a'' fits" +es% yes ( he' )ersua e some ogs to fo''o$ him to the van ( an shut them in ( an the others he $ou' rug ( an then rag or carry them to the van" 5hen off he cou' go $ith them (1 $on er $here?' '5he )o'ice $i'' make him say%' sai &other" 'What a $icke fe''o$ he is to cause such trou*'e an

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heart(*reak" !oor o' &att no$ ( he seems to have age terri*'y since Sha o$ $as sto'en"' '&other% he''' 'ook a'' right again $hen he gets Sha o$ *ack%' crie -anet"' ,h >uick% 'et's o some( thing" =et's make !ostie te'' us $here he took the ogs" Has he sold Scam)er? 0an $e *uy him *ack? Juick% 8a y% >uick% &other"' '0an't $e go an te'' the )o'ice straighta$ay?' sai !eter" ' They ought to go an make !ostie o$n u)% an confess everything% oughtn't they?' G+es%' sai his father" He turne to -ack an )atte him on the *ack" '+ou''' have to come $ith me% -ack" +ou've one $e'' ( very $e''" +ou've succee e $here everyone e'se has fai'e " 5he )o'ice $i'' $ant to kno$ everything you can te'' them" 0ome a'ong"' '0an $e come too?' crie !eter" 'No%' sai his father" ',n'y -ack" We''' go this very minute" &other% te'e)hone the )o'ice an te'' them $e're coming% an $hy"' He $ent out into the arkening evening $ith a *eaming -ack" !eter rushe after -ack an caught ho' of his arm" ',h% -ack2 +ou are a marve'2 5hank you% thank you for coming $ith such goo ne$s"' -ack grinne an $ent off $ith !eter's father" What an e6citement ( WH<5 an e6citement2 ?oo o' -ack2 ?oo o' every*o y2
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CHAPTER NINETEEN All0s "ell Again!

an -anet an their mother cou' har 'y $ait for 8a an -ack to return" #t seeme <?ES *efore the car cou' *e hear )urring u) the rive" -anet hear a *ark as it re$ u)% an ye''e in e'ight" ' S0<&!ED 2 #t's S0<&!ED 2' <n sure enough it $as ( ear% si'ky o' Scam)er% his ears f'o))ing u) an o$n as he rushe into the ha''% his tai' $agging nineteen to the o1en" He f'ung himse'f on the chi' ren% *arking 'ou 'y in .oy" #n fact he cou' n't sto. *arking% an $as most sur)rise to fin that -anet's face $as sa'ty $ith ha))y tears% $hen he 'icke it"
!E5ED
11/

'<n here's SH<8,W2' ye''e !eter" '8a % you've got him too" #s he a'' right?' '!erfect'y ( e6ce)t that he mo)e for &att%' sai his father" '&y $or % # sha'' 'ook for$ar to seeing o' &att's face tomorro$"'

'No% 8a ( 'et him go to &att tonight%' *egge -anet" 'He''' rush u) the hi''s straight as an arro$ an fin &att for himse'f" &att $on't $ant anyone there $hen he first sees Sha o$ again"' '+ou're right% -anet ar'ing%' sai her mother" '!ut Sha o$ out of oors% 8a " =et him go to &att"' So the oor $as o)ene ( an the co''ie shot out 'ike an arro$ from a *o$2 He isa))eare into the arkness of the evening% *arking $i' 'y" 'He's ca''ing 9&att2 &att2 &att2'9 sai -anet" ',h% Scam)er% ar'ing% ar'ing Scam)er% #'ve misse you so" ,h% that horri*'e !ostie ( ho$ 8<DE he stea' ogs?' 'What ha))ene $hen you took the )o'ice to !ostie's house?' !eter aske -ack" 'We''% nothing very much% rea''y%' sai -ack" '=i1% !ostie's sister% $as sim)'y terrifie $hen $e arrive % an *'urte out everything" !ostie $asn't there then ( he came in 'ater ( *ut *y that time =i1 ha to' us that $hen he $ent out into the sno$ at night% he did $ear those enormous *oots # sa$% to make )eo)'e think that the og(thief $as a great *ig man" He stam)e his feet har into the groun % to make ee) )rints% as if he $ere very heavy"'
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'&ost of the ogs came to him $i''ing'y% accor ing to =i1%' sai his father" ',thers he rugge as $e thought% *y giving them meat $ith )i''s in" 5he o thing is that every og a ores him ( he ha no trou*'e at a''"' 'Where i he take them ?' aske &other" '5o a frien of his% four mi'es a$ay% $ho is a vet (it's his secon cousin% # *e'ieve" <n this fe''o$ ke)t the ogs ti'' a'' the e6citement ha ie o$n% an then >uiet'y so' them" !ostie must have ma e a 'ot of money"' 'Where is !ostie no$?' aske -anet" '#n a )rison(ce''%' sai her father grim'y% 'an he eserves to *e $e'' )unishe " 8og(stea'ing is a $icke thing ( a crue' thing" 5hank goo ness that !ostie's cousin treate the ogs $e''" !ostie use the )ost(office van to take Scam)er a$ay ( an many other ogs ( an rove them straight to his cousin (so no $on er they seeme to isa))ear off the face of the earth"' &other su en'y )ut her arms roun the smi'ing% si'ent -ack% an gave him a hug" '+ou sha'' have a re$ar %' she sai % 'a huge re$ar ( the nicest )resent you can )ossi*'y think of2 0'ever o' -ack2 4ancy you snoo)ing roun an s)otting $hat those great *oots rea''y meant2 What sha'' $e give him as a re$ar % 8a ?'
11@

'# on't $ant <N+5H#N?2' sai -ack% going re " '&y re$ar is seeing ho$ g'a Scam)er $as to come home2 <n seeing your faces $hen he came running in oors2' -anet $ent to $his)er in !eter's ear% an he no e eager'y" He turne to -ack" '-ack ( $i'' you o me a favour% )'ease?' he sai " '< very great favour ?' ' ,f course%' sai -ack% at once" '5hen )'ease $i'' you a''o$ me to )in this on to your coat?' sai !eter% an )u''e out of his )ocket the S"S" *a ge that -ack ha refuse to take *ack" '!=E<SE% -ack" We've misse you so" We're a'' sorry no$" We''' have a W,N8ED4:= meeting tomorro$% o$n in the she % an te'' everyone your great story ( you''' have to te'' it yourse'f ( a*out taking the )o'ice out to the she an everything"' '<'' right%' sai -ack% his eyes shining as !eter )inne the S"S" *a ge to his coat" '#'ve misse you a'' too" No$ $e can *e the Secret even again2 ?oo ness ( $on't Susie *e sur)rise 2 #'m 'onging to see her face2 Scam)er $i'' *e at the meeting too% $on't he?' 'Wuff($uff% $uff($uff2' sai Scam)er at once% $agging his tai'" ' He says% 9 ,f course% of course29' sai -anet% an she $as right2
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'<n no$ $e''' a'' have something to eat%' sai &other" '5his kin of thing makes me very hungry" Scam)er% go an ask 0ookie for the 'argest *one she has"' Scam)er trotte out to the kitchen at once% an $as thri''e to have a great $e'come from 0ookie" He came *ack carrying a most enormous *one% an 'ooke very )'ease $ith himse'f in ee " He took it on the mat to gna$" 'He hasn't forgotten his manners%' sai &other% )'ease " '# $on er ho$ ear o' Sha o$ is getting on" He must *e ha'f($ay u) the sno$y hi''s *y no$"' +es ( Sha o$ $as on his $ay to &att% the master he 'ove " He $as *oun ing over the sno$% u) the

121

hi''s to $here the shee) $ere ke)t" 5he stars $ere out no$% an their faint 'ight shone o$n on the 'ong% 'ean *o y 'o)ing stea i'y u) the hi''" #f &att ha grieve for Sha o$% the co''ie ha certain'y grieve for &att" He ha eaten nothing since he ha *een sto'en% an $as as 'ean as a greyhoun " :) he $ent% an on an on" <h ( there $as his master's hut% out'ine against the night sky% at the to) of the hi''" < im 'ight sho$e in the tiny $in o$" Sha o$ ha no *reath 'eft to *ark% for he ha run u) the 'ong% 'ong hi'' $ithout a moment's rest" He

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came to the hut an hur'e himse'f against the oor% )anting 'ou 'y" &att $as start'e " 'Who's that?' he crie " <n then he hear a $hine ( a $hine that ma e him 'ea) at once from his o' $oo en chair" Sha o$ scra)e at the *ottom of the oor% an *egan to *ark" &att's han s $ere shaking $ith .oy as he un'ocke the oor" 'SH<8,W% o' og2 +ou've come *ack to me2' sai &att% in a $on ering% trem*'ing voice" Sha o$ f'ung himse'f on the o' she)her % 'icking him% 'oving him% $hining% his tai' $aving an $agging $ithout a sto)" &att sank o$n on his chair% an Sha o$ at once took u) his o' )'ace% sitting c'ose *y the she)her % his hea on his knees% 'ooking u) at him $ith 'oving *ro$n eyes" &att )ut his $rink'e o' han on the og3s soft hea " '# misse you% o' frien % # misse you%' he sai " '=ike a *rother # grieve for you% an my heart $as fu'' of sorro$" Where have you come from% this co' night of stars ? 8i you guess # $as a($aiting for you every hour of the ay an night? ;ut # kne$ you' come% o' og% # kne$ you' come" We''' 'ie us o$n to s'ee) in )eace tonight ( .ust you an me together"' ?oo *ye% o' &att an Sha o$H goo *ye% Scam( )er an the Secret Seven" #t's goo to kno$ you're
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ha))y once again2Famous Five | Secret Seven |

Faraway Tree | Adventure Series | Secret Series Noddy | St. Clare's | Five Find-Outers

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