lagu TONGTOLANG NANGKA ANNA SUSANTI DAN NADA KANTJANA

Lagu Sunda Kenangan Masa Lalu "Tongtolang Nangka"

dinyanyikan oleh Anna Susanti dan Vokal Grup Nada Kantjana

Silahkan dinikmati nuansa sunda kental zaman dulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RysTdLSqFl4

Lucu Wayang Bodor si Cepot Calon Lurah, feat Bi Ijem

Lagu Sunda Klasik Hariring Kuring Tati Salieh

Hariring Kuring  Vokal : Tati Salieh



Tengah peuting keur jemplang jempling

Kuring nyaring, teu geunah cicing

Hate melang, sumoreang

Buah ati, lawas teu patepang



Cuang cieung, kuring sorangan

Nunggeulis di pangumbaraan

Lieuk deungeun lieuk lain

Taya pisan geusan pamuntangan



Rek sasambat ka saha nya nyambat

Suwung dulur, walurat sobat

Sangsang badan, nitipkeun nya diri

Iwal ti ka Gusti Sang Hyang Widhi



Hiliwirkeun, duh angin peuting

Pangnepikeun hariring kuring

Kajungjunan nu ngantosan

Kawih ati nu keur rungsing pusing



Portret van een Javaanse vrouw in traditionele kleding, Anonymous, 1880 - 1910

Kisah Old Shatterhand Mustang Hitam

Old Shatterhand adalah juga kepribadian lain dari Karl May dimana dia berusaha menggambarkan bahwa dia sendiri mengalami dan menjalani pengalaman tersebut. Karangan-karangannya ditulis dari sudut pandang orang pertama dan Winnetou sering kali memanggil Old Shatterhand sebagai “saudaraku Scharlih” (Scharlih adalah pengucapan dari Charlie yang pada dasarnya berarti Karl dalam bahasa Jerman). Karakter Old Shatterhand juga identik dengan Kara Ben Nemsi yang berpetualang di daerah Timur Tengah. Demikian namanya di Jazirah Arab.

Pada saat penulisan, Karl May menambahkan kata depan “Old” pada beberapa karakter ciptaannya yang merupakan sebutan khas orang Amerika untuk sang jagoan yang memiliki pengalaman mengesankan. Dalam kisahnya, Old Shatterhand memperoleh nama itu dari kawannya Sam Hawkens, yang juga berasal dari Jerman (tapi sudah menjadi orang Amerika), karena dia dapat memukul musuhnya dengan satu tonjokan yaitu Rattler, dalam Kisah Winnetou.

Old Shatterhand mempunyai dua buah senapan yang terkenal, Senapan Pembunuh Beruang dan Senapan Henry, keduanya dibuat oleh seorang pembuat senjata bernama Henry di St. Louis. Senapan Henry dapat memembakkan 25 tembakan secara berturut-turut tanpa mengisinya kembali. Old Shatterhand menunggang kuda yang dinamakan Hatatitla (Kilat), yang diberikan oleh Winnetou, yang menunggang kuda yang dinamakan Iltschi (Angin).

Kali ini saya menampilkan Kisah Pengembaraan Karl May dalam Kisah Mustang Hitam dalam bentuk Video Book.

Selamat menikmati, semoga bermanfaat dan menghibur.

BAGIAN KESATU

BAGIAN KEDUA

Lucu Kocak Seni Sunda Wayang Golek Cepot dan Ijem di Warung kopi

Kisah si Cepot dan Bi Ijem di Warung Kopi.

Dalang Asep Sunandar Sunarya bersama Giri Harja 3, featuring Bi Ijem tokoh seni sunda dan Dalang Asep Taruna.

Semoga terhibur.

Baca Komik Petualangan Tintin Tujuh Bola Ajaib (Video Book)

Video Book Baca Komik Petualangan Tintin Tujuh Bola Ajaib
Judul Asli : The Adventure of Tintin and the Seven Crystal Balls
Pengarang : Herge

Ringkasan Cerita :

Dalam kisah ini diceritakan bagaimana sebuah ekspedisi tentang sebuah mumi Raja Inca bernama Rascar Capac yang mengakibatkan tujuh ilmuwan penemu mumi ini sakit keras dan kesurupan. Setiap kali mereka jatuh sakit, ditemukan serpihan-serpihan bola kristal di dekat mereka. 

Tintin dan teman-temannya, Kapten Haddock, Profesor Calculus dan Snowy terlibat dalam petualangan ini setelah teman Profesor Calculus yaitu Profesor Hercules yang ikut serta dalam ekspedisi tersebut terkena dampak dari penemuan mumi Inka Rascar Capac.

Bagaimanakah kisah selanjutnya? Silahkan tonton Video Book berikut ini.

Salam Generasi Jadoel 60's,70's,80's dan 90's

#theadventureoftintin
#tintin
#kisahpetualangantintin

Lagu Kenangan Nonton Bioskop Cover Bang Ben oleh Lentera

PUNK POP VERSION My Heart Will Go On

Mesjid Baiturahman Ciengang Gegerbitung Sukabumi

Mesjid Baiturrahman  yang berdiri megah di kampung Cibogo Desa Ciengang Kecamatan Gegerbitung Kabupaten Sukabumi ini bergaya masjid wali songo. Masjid ini berdiri diatas ketinggian 750 MDPL dan di kelilingi oleh perkebunan teh. 

Saat ini Masjid Agung Baiturahman menjadi daya tarik wisata Halal baru di Kecamatan Gegerbitung Kabupaten Sukabumi Jawa Barat.

Sebaiknya periksa kendaraan anda sebelum berangkat kesana, karena menuju lokasi tersebut jauh dari Bengkel kendaraan bermotor. Saran saya untuk kondisi kendaraan harus fit, medannya benar-benar extrim. Penduduk biasanya bersiaga di area jalan yang cukup berbahaya, jika kita tidak hati-hati mungkin saja kendaraan tidak mampu melalui medan jalan yang extrim.

Demikian gambaran jalan yang dilalui menuju ke lokasi Mesjid Baiturahman, cukup menegangkan namun mengasyikan dan alami. Pemandangan alam yang indah di sekeliling jalan yang anda lalui benar-benar mempesona.

Trip to Nyalindung (Cabin View)

Trip to Nyalindung (Cabin View)

It was started at 5.00pm from Sukabumi Border, Baros, Jubleg Bus Station,
I used my Car Camera to take a shot, with my Kitty (Katana Country 2WD '95) driven into Nyalindung.
With speed of 40 to 80kmh, it took 35-39 minutes driving.

Aneka Kode Serial Number IDM

Idm membantu kita dala mendownload dari internet, berikut  aneka Kode Penting buat Serial Number Internet Download Manager

Master key for idm
RLDGN-OV9WU-5W589-6VZH1
Just click on the regester button and then put the above key

Microsoft® Office 2013 Professional Plus 32 Bit

Product Key : YFQXN-TCFV6-2DMY4-FFWM4-HQTXR

Microsoft® Office 2013 Professional Plus 64 Bit

Product Key : KXJH6-2NKRG-P438G-VY2BV-VT7T4

ESET nod 32 keys :
Have fun guys and dont forget to like and share this page....

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Folder Lock v.7.1.5
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Semoga masih works

Famous Five "Five Run Away Together"

Famous Five "Five Run Away Together"

image source from : Wikipedia

Chapter One
It was exciting, remembering all the things that had happened last year. It made George long all the more for the next day, when her three friends would arrive.
"I wish Mother would let us go and live on the island for a week," thought George. "That would be the greatest fun we could have. To live on my very own island!"
It was George's island. It really belonged to her mother, but she had said, two or three years back, that George could have it, and George now thought of it as really her
own. She felt that all the rabbits on it belonged to her, all the wild birds and other creatures.
"I'll suggest that we go there for a week, when the others come," she thought, excitedly. "We'll take our food and everything, and live there quite by ourselves. We shall feel like Robinson Crusoe."
She went to meet her cousins the next day, driving the pony and trap by herself. Her mother wanted to come, but she said she did not feel very well. George felt a bit worried about her. So often lately her mother had said she didn't feel very well. Perhaps it was the heat of the summer. The weather had been so very hot lately. Day after day had brought nothing but blue sky and sunshine. George had been burnt a dark-brown, and her eyes were startlingly blue in her sunburnt face. She had had her hair cut even shorter than usual, and it really was difficult to know whether she was a boy or a girl.
The train came in. Three hands waved madly from a window, and George shouted in delight.
"Julian! Dick! Anne! You're here at last."
The three children tumbled pell-mell out of their carriage. Julian yelled to a porter.
"Our bags are in the guard's van. Hallo, George! How are you? Golly, you've grown."
They all had. They were all a year older and a year bigger than when they had had their exciting adventures on Kirrin Island. Even Anne, the youngest, didn't look such a small girl now. She flung herself on George, almost knocking her over, and then went down on her knees beside Timothy, who was quite mad with joy to see his three friends.
There was a terrific noise. They all shouted their news at once, and Timothy barked without stopping.   "We thought the train would never get here!"
"Oh Timothy, you darling, you're just the same as ever!"
"Woof, woof, woof!"
"Mother's sorry she couldn't come and meet you too."
"George, how brown you are! I say, aren't we going to have fun."
"WOOF, WOOF!"
"Shut up, Tim darling, and do get down; you've bitten my tie almost in half. Oh, you dear old dog, it's grand to see you!"
"WOOF!"
The porter wheeled up their luggage, and soon it was in the pony-cart. George clicked to the waiting pony, and it cantered off. The five in the little cart all talked at once at the top of their voices, Tim far more loudly than anyone else, for his doggy voice was strong and powerful.
"I hope your mother isn't ill?" said Julian, who was fond of his Aunt Fanny. She was gentle and kind, and loved having them all.
"I think it must be the heat," said George.
"What about Uncle Quentin?" asked Anne. "Is he all right?"
The three children did not very much like George's father, because he could get into very fierce tempers, and although he welcomed the three cousins to his house, he did not really care for children. So they always felt a little awkward with him, and were glad when he was not there.
"Father's all right," said George, cheerfully. "Only he's worried about Mother. He doesn't seem to notice her much when she's well and cheerful, but he gets awfully upset if anything goes wrong with her. So be a bit careful of him at the moment. You know what he's like when he's worried."
The children did know. Uncle Quentin was best avoided when things went wrong. But not even the thought of a cross uncle could damp them today. They were on holiday; they were going to Kirrin Cottage; they were by the sea, and there was dear old Timothy beside them, and fun of all kinds in store for them.
"Shall we go to Kirrin Island, George?" asked Anne. "Do let's! We haven't been there since last summer. The weather was too bad in the winter and Easter holidays. Now it's gorgeous."
"Of course we'll go," said George, her blue eyes shining. "Do you know what I thought? I thought it would be marvellous to go and stay there for a whole week by ourselves! We are older now, and I'm sure Mother would let us."
"Go and stay on your island for a week!" cried Anne. "Oh! That would be too good to be true."
"Our island," said George, happily. "Don't you remember I said I would divide it into four, and we'd all share it? Well, I meant it, you know. It's ours, not mine."
"What about Timothy?" said Anne. "Oughtn't he to have a share as well? Can't we make it five bits, one for him too?"
"He can share mine," said George. She drew the pony to a stop, and the four children and the dog gazed out
across the blue bay. "There's Kirrin Island," said George. "Dear little island. I can hardly wait to get to it now. I haven't been able to go there yet, because my boat wasn't mended."
"Then we can all go together," said Dick. "I wonder if the rabbits are just as tame as ever."
"Woof!" said Timothy at once. He had only to hear the word "rabbits" to get excited.
"It's no good your thinking about the rabbits on Kirrin," said George. "You know I don't allow you to chase them, Tim."
Timothy's tail dropped and he looked mournfully at George. It was the only thing on which he and George did not agree. Tim was firmly convinced that rabbits were meant for him to chase, and George was just as firmly convinced that they were not.
"Get on!" said George to the pony, and jerked the reins. The little creature trotted on towards Kirrin Cottage, and very soon they were all opposite the front gate.
A sour-faced woman came out from the back door to help them down with their luggage. The children did not . know her.
"Who's she?" they whispered to George.
"The new cook," said George. "Joanna had to go and look after her mother, who broke her leg. Then Mother got this cook—Mrs. Stick her name is."
"Good name for her," grinned Julian. "She looks a real old stick! But all the same I hope she doesn't stick here for long. I hope Joanna comes back. I liked old fat Joanna, and she was nice to Timmy."
"Mrs. Stick has a dog too," said George. "A dreadful
animal, smaller than Tim, all sort of mangy and moth-eaten. Tim can't bear it."
"Where is it?" asked Anne, looking round.
"It's kept in the kitchen, and Tim isn't allowed near it," said George. "Good thing too, because I'm sure he'd eat it! He can't think what's in the kitchen, and goes sniffing round the shut door till Mrs. Stick nearly goes mad."
The others laughed. They had all climbed down from the pony-cart now, and were ready to go indoors. Julian had helped Mrs. Stick in with all the bags. George took the pony-cart away, and the other three went in to say how-do-you-do to their uncle and aunt.
"Well, dears," said Aunt Fanny, smiling at them from
the sofa where she was lying down. "How are you all? I'm
sorry I could not come to meet you. Uncle Quentin is out
_for a walk. You had better go upstairs, and wash and
change. Then come down for tea."
The boys went up to their old bedroom, with its queer slanting roof, and its window looking out over the bay. Anne went to the little room she shared with George. How good it was to be back again at Kirrin! What fun they would have these holidays with George and dear old Timmy!
Chapter Two.
THE STICK FAMILY.
IT was lovely to wake up the next morning at Kirrin Cottage and see the sun shining in at the windows, and to hear the far-off plash-plash-plash of the sea. It was gorgeous to leap out of bed and rush to see how blue the sea was, and how lovely Kirrin Island looked at the entrance of the>bay.
"I'm going for a bathe before breakfast," said Julian, and snatched up his bathing trunks. "Coming, Dick?"
"You bet!" said Dick. "Call the girls. We'll all go."
So down they went, the four of them, with Tim galloping behind them, his tail wagging nineteen to the dozen, and his long pink tongue hanging out of his mouth. He went into the water with the others, and swam all round them. They were all good swimmers', but Julian and George were the best.
They put towels round themselves, rubbed their bodies dry and pulled on jeans and jerseys. Then back to breakfast they went, as hungry as hunters. Anne noticed a boy in the back garden and stared in surprise.
"Who's that?" she said.
"Oh, that's Edgar, Mrs. Stick's boy," said George. "I don't like him. He does silly things, like putting out his tongue and calling rude names."
Edgar appeared to be singing when the others went in at the gate. Anne stopped to listen.
"Georgie-Porgie, pudding and pie!" sang Edgar, a silly look on his face. He seemed about thirteen or fourteen, a stupid, yet sly-looking youth. "Georgie-porgie pudding and pie!"
George went red. "He's always singing that," she said, furiously. "Just because I'm called "George", I suppose. He thinks he's clever. I can't bear him."
Julian called out to Edgar. "You shut up! You're not funny, only jolly silly!"
"Georgie-porgie," began Edgar again, a silly smile on his wide red face. Julian made a step towards him, and he at once disappeared into the house.
"Shan't stand much of him," said Julian, in a decided voice. "I wonder you do, George. I wonder you haven't slapped his face, stamped on his foot, bitten his ears off and done a few other things! You used to be so fierce."
"Well—I am still, really," said George. "I feel frightfully fierce down inside me when I hear Edgar singing silly songs at me like that and calling out names—but you see, Mother really hasn't been well, and I know jolly well if I go for Edgar, Mrs. Stick will leave, and poor old Mother would have to do all the work, and she really isn't fit to at present. So I just hold myself in, and hope that Timmy will do the same."
"Good for you, old thing!" said Julian, admiringly, for he knew how hard it was for George to keep her temper at times.
"I think I'll just go up to Mother's room and see if she'd like breakfast in bed," said George.
"Hang on to old Timmy a moment, will you? If Edgar appears again, he might go for him."
Julian hung on to Timmy's collar. Timmy had growled when Edgar had been in the garden, now he stood stock still, his nose twitching as if he were trying to trace some smell.
Suddenly a mangy-looking dog appeared out of the kitchen door. It had a dirty white coat, out of which patches seemed to have been bitten, and its tail was well between its legs.
"Wooooof!" said Timmy, joyfully, and leapt at the dog. He pulled Julian over, for he was a big dog, and the boy let go his hold of the dog's collar. Timmy pounced excitedly on the other dog, who gave a fearful whine and tried to go into the kitchen door again.
"Timmy! Come here, sir!" yelled Julian. But Timmy didn't hear. He was busy trying to snap off the other dog's ears—or at least, that is what he appeared to be doing. The other dog yelled for help, and Mrs. Stick appeared at the kitchen door, a saucepan in her hand.
"Call off that dog!" she screeched. She hit out at Timmy with the saucepan, but he dodged and it hit her own dog instead, making it yelp all the more.
"Don't hit out with that!" said Julian. "You'll hurt the dogs. Hi, Timmy, TIMMY!"
Edgar now appeared, looking very scared. He picked up a stone and seemed to be watching his chance to hurl it at Timmy. Anne shrieked.
"You're not to throw that stone; you're not to! You bad wicked boy!"
In the middle of all this turmoil Uncle Quentin appeared, looking angry and irritable.
"Good heavens! What is all this going on? I never heard such a row in my life."
Then George appeared, flying out of the door like the wind, to rescue her beloved Timothy. She rushed to the two dogs and tried to pull Timmy away. Her father yelled at her.
"Come away, you little idiot! Don't you know better than to separate two fighting dogs with your bare hands? Where's the garden hose?"
It was fixed to a tap nearby. Julian ran to it and turned on the tap. He picked up the hose and turned it on the two dogs. At once the jet of water spurted out at them, and they leapt apart in surprise. Julian saw Edgar standing near, and couldn't resist swinging the hose a little so that the boy was soaked. He gave a scream and ran in at once. .
"What did you do that for?" said Uncle Quentin, annoyed. "George, tie Timothy up at once. Mrs. Stick didn't I tell you not to let your dog out of the kitchen unless .you had him on a lead? I won't have this kind of thing happening. Where's the breakfast? Late as usual!"
Mrs. Stick disappeared into the kitchen, muttering and grumbling, taking her drenched dog with her. George, looking sulky, tied Timothy up. He lay down in his kennel, looking beseechingly at his mistress.
"I've told you not to take any notice of that mangy-looking dog," said George, severely. "Now you see what happens! You put Father into a bad temper for the rest of the day, and Mrs. Stick will be so angry she won't make any cakes for tea!"
Timmy gave a whine, and put his head down on his paws. He licked a few hairs from the corner of his mouth. It was sad to be tied up—but anyhow he had bitten
a bit off the tip of one of that dreadful dog's ears!
They all went in to breakfast. "Sorry I let Timmy go," said Julian to George. "But he nearly tore my arm off. I couldn't possibly hold him! He's grown into an awfully powerful dog, hasn't he?"
"Yes," said George, proudly. "He has. He could eat Mrs. Stick's dog up in a mouthful if we'd let him. And Edgar too."
"And Mrs. Stick," said Anne. "All .of them. I don't like any of them."
Breakfast was rather a subdued meal, as Aunt Fanny was not there, but Uncle Quentin was—and Uncle Quentin in a bad temper was not a very cheerful person to have at the breakfast-table. He snapped at George and glared at the others. Anne almost wished they hadn't come to Kirrin Cottage! But her spirits rose when she thought of the rest of the day—they would take their dinner out, perhaps, and have it on the beach—or maybe even go out to Kirrin Island. Uncle Quentin wouldn't be with them to spoil things.
Mrs. Stick appeared to take away the porridge plates and bring in the bacon. She banged the plates down on the table.
"No need to do that," said Uncle Quentin, irritably. Mrs. Stick said nothing. She was scared of Uncle Quentin, and no wonder! She put the next lot of plates down quietly.
"What are. you going to do today?" asked Uncle Quentin, towards the end of breakfast. He was feeling a little better by that time, and didn't like to see such subdued faces round him.
"We thought we might go out for a picnic," said George, eagerly. "I asked Mother. She said we might, if Mrs. Stick will make us sandwiches."
"Well, I shouldn't think she'll try very hard," said Uncle Quentin, trying to make a little joke. They all smiled politely. "But you can ask her."
There was a silence. Nobody liked the idea of asking Mrs. Stick for sandwiches.
"I do wish she hadn't brought Stinker," said George, gloomily. "Everything would be easier if he wasn't here."
"Is that the name of her son?" asked Uncle Quentin, startled.
George grinned. "Oh no. Though it wouldn't be a bad name for him, because he hardly ever has a bath, and he's jolly smelly. It's her dog I mean. She calls him Tinker, but I call him Stinker, because he really does smell awful."
"I don't think it's a very nice name," said her father, in the midst of the others" giggles.
"No, it isn't," said George; "but then, he isn't a very nice dog."
In the end it was Aunt Fanny who saw Mrs. Stick and arranged about the sandwiches. Mrs. Stick went up to see Aunt Fanny, who was having breakfast in bed, and agreed to make sandwiches, though with a very bad grace.
"I didn't bargain for three more children to come traipsing along," she said, sulkily.
"I told you they were coming, Mrs. Stick," said Aunt Fanny, patiently. "I didn't know I should be feeling so ill myself when they came. If I had been well I could have
made their sandwiches and done many more things. I can only ask you to help as much as you can till I feel better. I may be all right tomorrow. Let the children have a good time for a week or so, and then, if I still feel ill, I am sure they will all turn to and help a bit. But let them have a good time first."
The children took their packets of sandwiches and set off. On the way they met Edgar, looking as stupid and sly as usual. "Why don't you let me come along with you?" he said. "Let's go to that island. I know a lot about it, I do."
"No, you don't," said George, in a flash. "You don't know anything about it. And I'd never take you. It's my island, see? Well, ours. It belongs to all four of us and Timmy, too. We should never allow you to go."
"'Tisn't your island," said Edgar. "That's a lie, that is!"
"You don't know what you're talking about," said George, scornfully. "Come on, you others! We can't waste time talking to Edgar."
They left him, looking sulky and angry. As soon as they were at a safe distance he lifted up his voice:
"Georgie-porgie, pudding and pie, She knows how to tell a lie, Georgie-porgie, pudding and pie!"
Julian made as if he would go back after the rude Edgar, but George pulled him on. "He'll only go and tell tales to his mother, and she'll walk out and there'll be no one to help Mother," she said. "I'll just have to put up with it. We'll try and think of some way to get our own back, though. Nasty creature! I hate his pimply nose and screwed-up eyes."!
"Woof!" said Timmy, feelingly.
"Timmy says he hates Stinker's miserable tail and silly little ears," explained George, and they all laughed. That made them feel better. They were soon out of hearing of Edgar's silly song, and forgot all about him.
"Let's go and see if your boat is ready," said Julian. "Then maybe we could row out to the dear old island."
Chapter Three.
A NASTY SHOCK.
GEORGE'S boat was almost ready, but not quite. It was having a last coat of paint on it. It looked very gay, for George had chosen a bright red paint, and the oars were painted red too.
"Oh, can't we possibly have it this afternoon?" said George to Jim the boatman.
He shook his head.
"No, Master George," he said, "not unless you all want to be messed up with red paint. It'll be dry tomorrow, but not before."
It always made the others smile to hear the boatmen and fishermen call Georgina "Master George." The local people all knew how badly she wanted to be a boy, and they knew, too, how plucky and straightforward she was, so they laughed to one another and said: "Well, they reckoned she behaved like a boy, and if she wanted to be called "Master George" instead of "Miss Georgina", she deserved it!"
So Georgina was Master George, and enjoyed strutting about in her jeans and jersey on the beach, using her boat as well as any fisher-boy, and swimming faster than them all.
"We'll go to the island tomorrow then," said Julian. "We'll just picnic on the beach today. Then we'll go for a walk."
So they picnicked on the sands with Timothy sharing more than half their lunch. The sandwiches were not very nice. The bread was too stale; there was not enough butter inside, and they were far too thick. But Timothy didn't mind. He gobbled up as many as he could, his tail wagging so hard that it sent sand over everyone.
"Timothy, do take your tail out of the sand if you want to wag it," said Julian, getting sand all over his hair for the fourth time. Timmy wagged his tail hard again, and sent another shower over him. Everyone laughed.
"Let's go for a walk now," said Dick, jumping up. "My legs could do with some good exercise. Where shall we go?"
"We'll walk along the cliff-top, where we can see the island all the time, shall we?" said Anne. "George, is the old wreck still there?"
George nodded. The children had once had a most exciting time with an old wreck that had lain at the bottom of the sea. A great storm had lifted it up and set it firmly on the rocks. They had been able to explore the wreck then, and had found a map of the castle in it, with instructions as to where hidden treasure was to be found.
"Do you remember how we found that old map in the wreck, and how we looked for the ingots of gold and found them?" said Julian, his eyes gleaming as he remembered it all. "Isn't the wreck battered to pieces yet, George?"
"No," said George. "I don't think so. It's on the rocks on the other side of the island, you remember, so we can't see it from here. But we might have a look at it when we go on the island tomorrow."
"Yes, let's," said Anne. "Poor old wreck! I guess it won't last many winters now."
They walked along the cliff-top with Timothy capering ahead of them. They could see the island easily and the ruined castle rising up from the middle.
"There's the jackdaw tower," said Anne, looking. "The
other tower's fallen down hasn't it? Look at the jackdaws circling round and round the tower, George!"
"Yes. They build in it every year," said George. "Don't you remember the masses of sticks round about the tower that the jackdaws dropped when they built their nests? We picked some up and made a fire with them once."
"I'd like to do that again," said Anne. "I would really. Let's do it each night if we stay a week on the island. George, did you ask your mother?"
"Oh yes," said George. "She said she thought we might, but she would see."
"I don't like it when grown-ups say they'll see," said Anne. "It so often means they won't let you do something after all, but they don't like to tell you at the time."
"Well, I expect she will let us," said George. "After all, we're much older than last year. Why, Julian is in his teens already, and I soon shall be and so will Dick. Only Anne is small."
"I'm not," said Anne, indignantly. "I'm as strong as you are. I can't help being younger."
"Hush, hush, baby!" said Julian, patting his little sister on the back and laughing at her furious face. "Hallo—look! What's that over there on the island?"
He had caught sight of something as he was teasing Anne. Everyone swung round and gazed at Kirrin. George gave an exclamation.
"Golly—a spire of smoke! Surely it's smoke! Someone's on my island."
"On our island," corrected Dick. "It can't be! That smoke must come from a steamer out beyond the island. We can't see it, that's all. But I bet the smoke comes from
a steamer. We know no one can get to the island but us. They don't know the way."
"If anyone's on my island," began George, looking very fierce and angry, "if anyone's on my island, I'll—I'll—I'll . . ."
"You'll explode and go up in smoke!" said Dick. "There—it's gone now. I'm sure it was only a steamer letting off steam or smoking hard, whatever they do."
They watched Kirrin Island for some time after that, but they could see no more smoke. "If only my boat was ready!" said George, restlessly. "I'd go over this afternoon. I've a good mind to go and get my boat, even if the paint tr wet."
"Don't be an idiot!" said Julian. "You know what an awful row we'd get into if we go home with all our things bright red. Have a bit of sense, George."
George gave up the idea. She watched for a steamer to appear at one side of the island or another, to come into the bay, but none came.
"Probably anchored out there," said Dick. "Come on! Are we going to stand rooted to this spot for the rest of the day?"
"We'd better get back home," said Julian, looking at his wrist-watch. "It's almost tea-time. I hope your mother is up, George. It's much nicer when she's at meals."
"Oh, I expect she will be," said George. "Come on, then let's go back!"
They turned to go back. They watched Kirrin Island as they walked, but all they could see was jackdaws or gulls in the sky above it. No more spires of smoke appeared. It must have been a steamer!
"All the same, I'm going over tomorrow to have a look," said George, firmly. "If any trippers are visiting my island I'll turn them off." "
"Our island," said Dick. "George, I wish you'd remember you said you'd share it with us."
"Well—I did share it out with you," said George, "but I can't help feeling it's still my island. Come on! I'm getting hungry."
They came back at last to Kirrin Cottage. They went into the hall, and then into the sitting-room. To their great surprise Edgar was there, reading one of Julian's books.
"What are you doing here?" said Julian. "And who told you you could borrow my book?"
"I'm not doing any harm," said Edgar. "If I want to have a quiet read, why shouldn't I?"
"You wait till my Father comes in and finds you lolling about here," said George. "My goodness, if you'd gone into his study, you'd have been sorry."
"I've been in there," said Edgar, surprisingly. "I've seer those funny instruments he's working with."
"How dare you!" said George, going white with rage "Why, even we are not allowed to go into my Father'; study. As for touching his things — well!"
Julian eyed Edgar curiously. He could not imagine why the boy should suddenly be so insolent.
"Where's your father, George?" he said. "I think we had better get him to deal with Edgar. He must be mad.
"Call him if you like," said Edgar, still lolling in the chair, and flicking over the pages of Julian's book in a most irritating way. "He won't come."
"What do you mean?" said George, feeling suddenly scared. "Where's my mother?"
"Call her too, if you like," said the boy, looking sly. "Go on! Call her."
The children suddenly felt afraid. What did Edgar mean? George flew upstairs to her mother's room, shouting loudly.
"Mother! Mother! Where are you?"
But her mother's bed was empty. It had not been made—but it was empty. George flew into all the other bedrooms, shouting desperately: "Mother! Mother! Father! Where are you?"
But there was no answer. George ran downstairs, her face very white. Edgar grinned up at her.
"What did I tell you?" he said. "I said you could call all you liked, but they wouldn't come."
"Where are they?" demanded George. "Tell me at once!"
"Find out yourself," said Edgar.
There was a resounding slap, and Edgar leapt to his feet, holding his left cheek with his hand. George had flown at him and dealt him the hardest smack she could. Edgar lifted his hand to slap her back, but Julian stood in front.
"You're not fighting George," he said. "She's a girl. If you want a fight, I'll take you on."
"I won't be a girl; I'm a boy!" shouted George, trying to push Julian away. "I'll fight Edgar, and I'll beat him, you see if I don't."
But Julian kept her off. Edgar began to edge towards the doorway, but he found Dick there.
"One minute," said Dick. "Before you go — where are our uncle and aunt?"
"Gr-r-r-r-r-r-r," suddenly said Timothy, in such a threatening voice that Edgar stared at him in fright. The
dog had bared his great teeth, and had put up the hackles on his neck. He looked very frightening.
"Hold that dog!" said Edgar, his voice trembling. "He looks as if he's going to spring at me."
Julian put his hand on Tim's collar. "Quiet, Tim!" he said. "Now, Edgar, tell us what we want to know, and tell us quickly, or you'll be sorry."
"Well, there isn't much to tell," said Edgar, keeping his eye on Timothy. He shot a look at George and went on. "Your mother was suddenly taken very ill — with a terrible pain here—and they got the doctor and they've taken her away to hospital, and your father went with her. That's all!"
George sat down on the sofa, looking paler still and rather sick.
"Oh!" she said. "Poor Mother! I wish I hadn't gone out today. Oh dear—how can we find out what's happened?"
Edgar had slipped out of the room, shutting the door behind him so that Timmy should not follow. The kitchen door was slammed, too. The children stared at one another, feeling sorry and dismayed. Poor George! Poor Aunt Fanny!
"There must be a note somewhere," said Julian, and looked round the room. He saw a letter stuck into the rim of the big mirror there, addressed to George. He gave it to her. It was from George's father. , "Read it, quickly," said Anne. "Oh dear—this is really a horrid beginning to our holidays here!"
Chapter Four.
A FEW LITTLE UPSETS.
GEORGE read the letter out loud. It was not very long, and had evidently been written in a great hurry.
DEAR GEORGE,
Your mother has been taken very ill. I am going with her to the hospital. I shall not leave her till she is getting better. That may be in a few days" time, or in a week's time. I will telephone to you each day at nine o'clock in the morning to tell you how she is. Mrs. Stick will look after you all. Try to manage all right till I come back.
Your loving. FATHER.
"Oh dear!" said Anne, knowing how dreadful George must feel. George loved her mother dearly, and for once in a way the girl had tears in her eyes. George never cried—but it was terrible to come home and find her mother gone like this. And Father too! No one there but Mrs. Stick and Edgar.
"I can't bear Mother going like this," sobbed George suddenly, and buried her head in a cushion. "She—she might never come back."
"Don't be silly, George," said Julian, sitting down and putting his arm round her. "Of course she will. Why shouldn't she? Didn't your father say he was staying with her till she was getting better—and that would be

probably in a few days" time, Cheer up, George! It isn't like you to give way like this."
"But I didn't say good-bye," sobbed poor George. "And I made her ask Mrs. Stick for the sandwiches, instead of me. I want to go and find Mother and see how she is myself."
"You don't know where they've taken her, and if you did, they wouldn't let you in," said Dick, gently. "Let's have some tea. We shall all feel better after that."
"I couldn't eat anything," said George, fiercely. Timothy pushed his nose into her hands, and tried to lick them. They were under her buried face. The dog whined a little.
"Poor Timmy! He can't understand," said Anne. "He's awfully upset because you are unhappy, George."
That made George sit up. She rubbed her hands over
her eyes, and let Timmy lick the wet tears off them. He looked surprised at the salty taste. He tried to get on to George's knee.
"Silly Timmy!" said George, in a more ordinary voice. "Don't be upset. I just got a shock, that's all! I'm better now, Timmy. Don't whine like that, silly! I'm all right. I'm not hurt."
But Timothy felt certain George was really hurt or injured in some way to cry like that, and he kept whining, and pawing at George, and trying to get on to her knee.
Julian opened the door. "I'm going to tell Mrs. Stick we want our tea," he said, and went out. The others thought he was rather brave to face Mrs. Stick.
Julian went to the kitchen door and opened it. Edgar was sitting there, one side of his face scarlet, where George had slapped it. Mrs. Stick was there, looking grim,
"If that girl slaps my Edgar again I'll be after her," she said, threateningly.
"Edgar deserved what he got," said Julian, "Can we have some tea, please?"
"I've a good mind to get you none," said Mrs. Stick. Her dog started up from its corner and growled at Julian. "That's right, Tinker! You growl at folks that slap Edgar,I said Mrs. Stick.
Julian was not in the least afraid of Tinker. "If you are not going to get us any tea, I'll get it myself," said the boy. "Where is the bread, and where are the cakes?"
Mrs. Stick stared at Julian, and the boy looked back al her steadfastly. He thought she was a most unpleasant woman, and he certainly was not going to allow her to get the better of him. He wished he could tell her to go—
but he had a feeling that she wouldn't, so it would be a waste of his breath.
Mrs. Stick dropped her eyes first. "I'll get your tea," she said, "but if I've any nonsense from you I'll get you no other meals."
"And if I have any nonsense from you I shall go to the police," said Julian, unexpectedly. He hadn't meant to say that. It came out quite suddenly, but it had a surprising effect on Mrs. Stick. She looked startled and alarmed.
"Now, there's no call to be nasty," she said in a much more polite voice. "We've all had a bit of a shock, and we're upset, like—I'll get you your tea right now."
Julian went out. He wondered why his sudden threat of going to the police had made Mrs. Stick so much more polite. Perhaps she was afraid the police would get on to his Uncle Quentin and "he would come tearing back. Uncle Quentin wouldn't care for a hundred Mrs. Sticks!
He went back to "the others. "Tea's coming," he said. "So cheer up, everyone!"
It wasn't a very cheerful company that sat down to the tea Mrs. Stick brought in. George was now feeling ashamed of her tears. Anne was still upset. Dick tried to make a few silly jokes to cheer everyone up, but they fell so flat that he soon gave it up. Julian was grave and helpful, suddenly very grown-up.
Timothy sat close beside George, his head on her knee. "I do wish I had a dog who loved me like that," thought Anne. Timmy kept gazing up at George out of big brown devoted eyes. He had no eyes or ears for anyone but his little mistress now she was sad.
Nobody noticed what they had for tea, but all the same
it did them goodIand they felt better after it. They didn't like to go out to the beach afterwards in case the telephone bell rang, and there was news of George's mother. So they sat about in the garden, keeping an ear open for the telephone.
From the kitchen came a song.
"Georgie-porgie, pudding and pie, Sat herself down and had a good cry, Georgie-porgie . . ."
Julian got up. He went to the kitchen window and looked in. Edgar was there alone.
"Come on out here, Edgar!" said Julian, in a grim voice. I'll teach you to sing another song. Come along!"
Edgar didn't stir. "Can't I sing if I want to?" he said.
"Oh yes," said Julian, "but not that song. I'll teach you another. Come along out!"
"No fear," said Edgar. "You want to fight me."
"Yes, I do," said Julian. "I think a little bit of good honest fighting would be better for you than sitting singing nasty little songs about a girl who is miserable. Are you coming out? Or shall I come in and fetch you?"
"Ma!" called Edgar, suddenly feeling panicky. "Ma! Where are you?"
Julian suddenly reached a long arm in at the window, caught hold of Edgar's over-long nose, and pulled it so hard that Edgar yelled in pain.
"Led go! Led go! You're hurding me! Led go by dose!"
Mrs. Stick came hurrying into the kitchen. She gave a scream when she saw what Julian was doing. She flew at
him. Julian withdrew his arm, and stood outside the window.
"How dare you!" yelled Mrs. Stick. "First that girl slaps Edgar, and then you pull his nose! What's the matter with you all?"
"Nothing," said Julian, pleasantly; "but there's an awful lot wrong with Edgar, Mrs. Stick. We feel we just must put it right. It should be your job, of course, but you don't seem to have done it."
"You're downright insolent," said Mrs. Stick, outraged and furious.
"Yes, I dare say I am," said Julian. "It's just the effect Edgar has on me. Stinker has the same effect."
"Stinker!" cried Mrs. Stick, getting angrier still. "That's not my dog's name, and well you know it."
"Well, it really ought to be," said Julian, strolling off. "Give him a bath, and maybe we'll call him Tinker instead."
Leaving Mrs. Stick muttering in fury, he went back to the others. They stared at him curiously. He somehow seemed a different Julian—a grim and determined Julian, a very grown-up Julian, a rather frightening Julian.
"I'm afraid the fat's in the fire now," said Julian, sitting down on the grass. "I pulled old Edgar's nose nearly off his fat face, and Ma saw me doing it. I guess it's open warfare now! We shan't have a very merry time from now on. I doubt if we'll get any meals."
"We'll get them ourselves then," said George. "I hate Mrs. Stick. I wish Joanna would come back. I hate that horrid Edgar too, and that awful Stinker."
"Look—there is Stinker!" suddenly said Dick, putting
out his hand to catch Timothy, who had risen with a growl. But Timmy shook off his hand and leapt across the grass at once. Stinker gave a woeful howl and tried to escape. But Timothy had him by the neck and was shaking him like a rat.
Mrs. Stick appeared with a stick and lashed out, not seeming to mind which dog she hit. Julian rushed for the hose again. Edgar skipped indoors at once, remembering what had happened to him before.
The water gushed out, and Timothy gave a gasp and let go the howling mongrel he held in his teeth. Stinker at once hurled himself on Mrs. Stick, and tried to hide in her skirts trembling with terror.
"I'll poison that dog of yours!" said Mrs. Stick, furiously, to George. "Always setting on to mine. You look out or I'll poison him."
She disappeared indoors, and the four children went and sat down again. George looked really alarmed. "Do you suppose she really might try to poison Timmy?" she asked Julian, in a scared voice.
"She's a nasty bit of work," said Julian, in a low tone. "I think it would be just as well to keep old Timmy close by us, day and night, and only to feed him ourselves, from our own plates."
George pulled Timothy to her, horrified at the thought that anyone might want to poison him. But Mrs. Stick really was awful—she might do anything like that, George thought. How she wished her father and mother were back! It was horrid to be on their own, like this.
The telephone bell suddenly shrilled out and made everyone jump. They all leapt to their feet, and Timmy
growled. George flew indoors and lifted the receiver. She heard her father's voice, and her heart began to beat fast.
"Is that you, George?" said her father. "Are you all right? I hadn't time to stay and tell you everything."
"Father—what about Mother? Tell me quick—how is she?" said George.
"We shan't know till the day after next," said her father. "I'll telephone tomorrow morning and then the. next morning too. I shan't come back till I know she's better."
"Oh Father—it's awful without you and Mother," said poor George. "Mrs. Stick is so horrid."
"Now, George," said her father, rather impatiently, "surely you children can see to yourselves and make do with Mrs. Stick till I get back! Don't worry me about such things now. I've enough worry as it is."
"When will you be back, do you think?" said George. "Can I come and see Mother?"
"No," said her father. "Not for at least two weeks, they say. I'll be back as soon as I can. But I'm not going to leave your Mother now. She needs me. Good-bye and be good, all of you."
George put back the receiver. She turned to face the others. "Shan't know about Mother till the day after next," she said. "And we've got to put up with Mrs. Stick till Father comes back—and goodness knows when that will be! It's awful, isn't it?"

To Continue into Chapter Five Please Click This Link

FIVE Famous Five Go Adventuring Again (Enid Blyton)

FIVE Famous Five Go Adventuring Again (Enid Blyton)

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Chapter One CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
It was the last week of the Christmas term, and all the girls at Gaylands School were looking forward to the Christmas holidays. Anne sat down at the breakfast-table and picked up aletter addressed to her.
'Hallo, look at this!' she said to her cousin Georgina, who was sitting beside her. 'A letter from Daddy - and I only had one from him and Mummy yesterday.'
'I hope it's not bad news,' said George, She would not allow anyone to call her Georgina, and now even the mistresses called her George. She really was very like a boy with her short curly hair, and her boyish ways. She looked anxiously at Anne as her cousin read the letter.
'Oh, George - we can't go home for the holidays!' said Anne, with tears in her eyes. 'Mummy's got scarlet fever •>- and Daddy is in quarantine for it - so they can't have us back. Isn't it just too bad ?'
'Oh, I am sorry,' said George. She was just as disappointed for herself as for Anne, because Anne's mother had invited George, and her dog Timothy^ to stay for the Christinas holidays with them. She had been promised many things she had never seen before - the pantomime, and the circus - and a big party with a fine Christmas tree! Now it wouldn't happen.
'Whatever will the two boys say?' said Anne, thinking
of Julian and Dick, her two brothers. 'They won't be able to go home either.'
'Well - what are you going to do for the holidays then?' asked George. 'Won't you come and stay at Kirriii Cottage with me? I'm sure my mother would love to have you again. We had such fun when you came to stay for the summer holls,'
'Wait a minute - let me finish the letter and see what Daddy says,3 said Anne, picking up the note again. 'Poor Mummy - I do hope she isn't feeling very ill.'
She read a few more lines and then gave such a delighted exclamation that George and the other girls waited impatiently for her to explain.
'George! We are to come to you again - but oh blow, blow, blow! - we've got to have a tutor for the holls, partly to look after us so that your mother doesn't have too much bother with us, and partly because both Julian and Dick have been ill with 'flu twice this term, and have got behind in their work.'
'A tutor! How sickening! That means I'll have to do lessons too, I'll bet!' said George, in dismay. 'When my mother and father see my report I guess they'll find out how little I know. After all, this is the first time I've ever been to a proper school, and there are heaps of things I don't know.'
'What horrid holls they'll be, if we have a tutor running after us all the time,' said Anne, gloomily. 'I expect I'll have quite a good report, because I've done well in the exams - but it won't be any fun for me not doing lessons with you three in the holls. Though, of course,
I could go off with Timothy, I suppose. He won't be doing lessons!'
'Yes, he will,' said George, at once. She could not bear the idea of her beloved dog Timothy going off each morning with Anne, whilst she, George, sat and worked hard with Julian and Dick.
'Timothy can't do lessons, don't be silly, George,' said Anne.
'He can sit under my feet whilst I'm doing them,' said George. 'It will be a great help to feel him there. For goodness' sake eat up your sausages, Anne. We've all nearly finished. The bell will go in a minute and you won't have had any breakfast.' -
'I am glad Mummy isn't very bad,' said Anne, hurriedly finishing her letter. 'Daddy says he's written to Dick and Julian - and to your father to ask him to engage a tutor for us. Oh dash - this is an awful disappointment, isn't it? I don't mean I shan't enjoy going to Kirrin Cottage again - and seeing Kirrin Island - but after all there are no pantomimes or circuses or parties to look forward to at Kirrin.'
The end of the term came quickly. Anne and George packed up their trunks, and put on the labels, enjoying the noise and excitement of the last two days. The big school coaches rolled up to the door, and the girls clambered in.
'Off to Kirrin again!' said Anne. 'Come on, Timothy darling, you can sit between me and George.'
Gaylands School allowed the children to keep their own pets, and Timothy, George's big mongrel dog, had been a great success. Except for the time when he had
run after the dustman, and dragged the dustbin away from him, all the way up the school grounds and into George's classroom, he had really behaved extremely well.
'I'm sure you'll have a good report, Tim,' said George, giving the dog a hug. 'We're going home again. Will you like that?'
'Woof,' said Tim, in his deep voice. He stood up, wagging his tail, and there was a squeal from the seat behind.
'George! Make Tim sit down. He's wagging my hat off!'
It was not very long before the two girls and Timothy were in London, being put into the train for Kirrin.
'I do wish the boys broke up today too,' sighed Anne. 'Then we could all have gone down to Kirrin together. That would have been fun.'
Julian and Dick broke up the next day and were to join the girls then at Kirrin Cottage. Anne was very much looking forward to seeing them again. A term was a long time to be away from one another. She had been glad to have her cousin George with her. The three of them had stayed with George in the summer, and had had some exciting adventuies together on the little island off the coast. An old castle stood on the island and in the dungeons the children had made all kinds of wonderful discoveries.
'It will be lovely to go across to Kirrin Island again, George,' said Anne, as the train sped off towards the west.
'We shan't be able to,' said George. 'The sea is terribly
rough round the island in the winter. It would be too dangerous to try and row there.'
'Oh, what a pity,' said Anne disappointed. 'I was looking forward to some more adventures there.'
'There won't be any adventures at Kirrin in the winter,' said George. 'It's cold down there - and when it snows we sometimes get frozen up completely - can't even walk to the village because the sea-wind blows the snow-drifts so high.'
'Oooh - that sounds rather exciting!' said Anne.
'Well, it isn't really,' said George. 'It's awfully boring -nothing to do but sit at home all day, or turn out with a spade and dig the snow away.'
It was a long time before the train reached the little station that served Kirrin. But at last it was there steaming in slowly and stopping at the tiny platform. The two girls jumped out eagerly, and looked to see if anyone had met them. Yes - there was George's mother!
'Hallo, George darling - hallo, Anne!' said George's mother, and gave both children a hug. 'Anne, I'm so sorry about your mother, but she's getting on all right, you'll be glad to know.'
'Oh, good!' said Anne. 'It's nice of you to have us, Aunt Fanny. We'll try and be good! What about Uncle Quentin? Will he mind having four children in the house in the winter-time? We won't be able to go out and leave him in peace as often as we did in the summer!'
George's father was a scientist, a very clever man, but rather frightening. He had little patience with children, and the four of them had felt very much afraid of him at times in the summer.
'Oh, your uncle is still woiking very hard at his book,' said Aunt Fanny. 'You know, he has been working out a secret theory - a secret idea - and putting it all into his book. He says that once it is all explained and finished, he is to take it to some high authority, and then his idea will be used for the good of the country.'
'Oh, Aunt Fanny - it does sound exciting,' said Anne. 'What's the secret?'
'I can't tell you that, silly child,' said her aunt, laughing. 'Why, even I myself don't know it. Come along, now - it's cold standing heie. Timothy looks very fat and well, George dear.'
'Oh Mother, he's had a marvellous time at school,' said George. 'He really has. He chewed up the cook's old slippers ...'
'And he chased the cat that lives in the stables every time he saw her,' said Anne.
'And he once got into the larder and ate a whole steak pie,' said George; 'and once...'
'Good gracious, George, I should think the school will refuse to have Timothy next term,' said her mother, in horror. 'Wasn't he well punished ? I hope he was.'
'No - he wasn't,' said George, going rather red. 'You see, Mother, we are responsible for our pets and their behaviour ourselves - so if ever Timothy does anything bad I'm punished for it, because I haven't shut him up properly, or something like that.'
'Well, you must have had quite a lot of punishments then,' said her mother, as she drove the little pony-trap along the frosty roads. 'I really think that's rather a good idea!' There was a twinkle in her eyes, as she spoke. T
Christmas holidays 13
think I'll keep on with the same idea - punish you every time Timothy misbehaves himself!'
The girls laughed. They felt happy and excited. Holidays were fun. Going back to Kirrin was lovely. Tomorrow the boys would come - and then Christmas would betheie!
'Good old Kirrin Cottage!' said Anne, as they came in sight of the pretty old house. 'Oh - look, there's Kirrin Island!' The two looked out to sea, where the old ruined castle stood on the little island of Kirrin - what adventures they had had there in the summer!
The girls went into the house. 'Quentin!' called Geoige's mother. 'Quentin! The girls are here.'
Uncle Quentin came out of his study at the other side of the house. Anne thought he looked taller and darker than ever. 'And frowmer!' she said to herself. Uncle Quentin might be very clever, but Anne preferred someone jolly and smiling like her own father. She shook hands with her uncle politely, and watched George kiss him.
'Well!' said Uncle Quentin to Anne. 'I hear I've got to get a tutor for you! At least, for the two boys. My word, you will have to behave yourself with a tutor3 I can tell you!'
This was meant to be a joke, but it didn't sound very nice to Anne and George. People you had to behave well with were usually very strict and tiresome. Both girls were glad when George's father had gone back into his study.
'Your father has been woiking far too hard lately,' said George's mother to her. 'He is tired out. Thank goodness his book is nearly finished. He had hoped to
finish it by Christmas so that he could join in the fun and games - but now he says he can't.'
'What a pity,' said Anne, politely, though secretly she thought it was a good thing. It wouldn't be much fun having Uncle Quentin to play charades and things like that! 'Oh, Aunt Fanny, I'm so looking forward to seeing Julian and Dick - and won't they be pleased to see Tim and George ? Aunt Fanny, nobody calls George Georgina at school, not even our Form mistress. I was rather hoping they would, because I wanted to see what would happen when she refused to answer to Georgina! George, you liked school, didn't you .•"
'Yes,' said George, -1! did. I thought I'd hate being with a lot of others, but it's fun, after all. But Mother, you won't find my report very good, I'm afraid. There were such a lot of things I was bad at because I'd never done them before.'
'Well, you'd never been to school before!' said her mother. I'll explain it to your father if he gets upset. Now go along and get ready for a late tea. You must be very hungry.'
The girls went upstairs to their little room. 'I'm glad I'm not spending my holls by myself,' said George. 'I've had much more fun since I've known you and the boys. Hie, Timothy, where have you gone ?'
'He's gone to smell all round the house to make sure it's his proper home!'said Anne, with a giggle. 'He wants to know if the kitchen smells the same - and the bathroom - and his basket. It must be just as exciting for him to come home for the holls as it is for us!'
Anne was right. Timothy was thrilled to be back again.
He ran round George's mother, sniffing at her legs in friendliness, pleased to see her again. He ran into the kitchen but soon came out again because someone new was there - Joanna the cook - a fat, panting person who eyed him with suspicion.
'You can come into this kitchen once a day for your dinner,' said Joanna. 'And that's all. I'm not having meat and sausages and chicken disappearing under my nose if I can help it. I know what dogs are, I do!'
Timothy ran into the scullery and sniffed round there. He ran into the dining-room and the sitting-room, and was pleased to find they had the same old smell. He put his nose to the door of the study where George's father worked, and sniffed very cautiously. He didn't mean to go in. Timothy was just as wary of George's father as the others were!
He ran upstairs to the girls' bedroom again. Where was his basket? Ah, there it was by the window-seat. Good! That meant he was to sleep in the girls' bedroom once more. He curled himself up in his basket, and thumped loudly with his tail.
'Glad to be back,' said his tail, 'glad - to - be - back!'
Chapter Two
ALL TOGETHER AGAIN
THE next day the boys came back. Anne and George went to meet them with Timothy. George drove the pony-trap, and Tim sat beside her. Anne could hardly wait for the train to stop at the station. She ran along the platform, looking for Julian and Dick in the carriages that passed.
Then she saw them. They were looking out of a window at the back of the train, waving and yelling.
'Anne! Anne! Here we are! Hallo, George! Oh, there's Timothy!'
'Julian! Dick!' yelled Anne. Timothy began to bark and leap about. It was most exciting.
'Oh, Julian! It's lovely to see you both again!' cried Anne, giving her two brothers a hug each. Timothy leapt up and licked them both. He was beside himself with joy. Now he had all the children around him that he loved.
The three children and the dog stood happily together, all talking at once whilst the porter got the luggage out of the train. Anne suddenly remembered George. She looked round her. She was nowhere to be seen, although she had come on the station platform with Anne.
'Where's old George?' said Julian. 'I saw her here when I waved out of the window.'
'She must have gone back to the pony-trap,' said Anne. 'Tell the porter to bring your trunks out to the trap, Julian. Come along! We'll go and find George.'
George was standing by the pony, holding his head. She looked rather gloomy, Anne thought. The boys went up to her.
'Hallo, George, old thing!' cried Julian, and gave her a hug. Dick did the same.
'What's up?' asked Anne, wondering at George's sudden silence.
'I believe George felt left-cut!' said Julian with a grin. 'Funny old Georgina!'
'Don't call me Georgina!' said the little girl fiercely. The boys laughed.
'Ah, it's the same fierce old George, all right,' said Dick, and he gave the girl a friendly slap on the shoulder. 'Oh, George - it's good to see you again. Do you remember our marvellous adventures in the summer?'
George felt her awkwardness slipping away from her. She had felt left-out when she had seen the great welcome that the two boys gave to their small sister —' but no one could sulk for long with Julian and Dick. They just wouldn't let anyone feel left-out or awkward or sulky.
The four children climbed into the trap. The porter heaved in the two trunks. There was only just room for them. Timothy sat on top of the trunks, his tail wagging nineteen to the dozen, and his tongue hanging out because he was panting with delight.
'You two girls were lucky to be able to take Tim to school with you,' said Dick, patting the big dog lovingly.
'No pets are allowed at our school. Awfully hard on those fellows who like live things.'
'Thompson Minor kept white mice,' said Julian. 'And one day they escaped and met Matron round a corner of the passage. She squealed the place down.'
The girls laughed. The boys always had funny tales to tell when they got home.
'And Kennedy keeps snails,' said Dick. 'You know, snails sleep for the winter - but Kennedy kept his in far too warm a place, and they all crawled out of their box and went up the walls. You should have heard how we laughed when the geography master asked Thompson to point out Cape Town on the map - and there was one of the snails in the very place!'
Everyone laughed again. It was so good to be all together once more. They were very much of an age -Julian was twelve, George and Dick were eleven, and Anne was ten. Holidays and Christmas time were in front of them. No wonder they laughed at everything, even the silliest little joke!
'It's good that Mummy is getting on all right, isn't it?' said Dick, as the pony went along the road at a spanking trot. T was disappointed not to go home, I must say -1 did want to go to see Aladdin and the Lamp, and the Circus - but still, it's good to be back at Kirrin Cottage again. I wish we could have some more exciting adventures. Not a hope of that this time, though.'
'There's one snag about these holls,' said Julian. 'And that's the tutor. I hear we've got to have one because Dick and I missed so much school this term, and we've got to take scholarship exams next summer.'
'Yes,' said Anne. 'I wonder what he'll be like. I do hope he will be a sport. Uncle Quentin is going to choose one today.'
Julian and Dick made faces at one another. They felt sure that any tutor chosen by Uncle Quentin would be anything but a sport. Uncle Quentin's idea of a tutor would be somebody strict and gloomy and forbidding.
Never mind! He wouldn't come for a day or two. And he might be fun. The boys cheered up and pulled Timothy's thick coat. The dog pretended to growl and bite. He wasn't worried about tutors. Lucky Timothy!
They all arrived at Kirrin Cottage. The boys were really pleased to see their aunt, and rather relieved when she said that their uncle had not yet come back.
'He's gone to see two or three men who have answered the advertisement for a tutor,' she said. 'He won't be long before he's back.'
'Mother, I haven't got to do lessons in the holls too, have I?' asked George. Nothing had yet been said to her about this, and she longed to know.
'Oh yes, George,' said her mother. 'Your father has seen your report, and although it isn't really a bad one, and we certainly didn't expect a marvellous one, still it does show that you are behind your age in some things. A little extra coaching will soon help you along.'
George looked gloomy. She had expected this but it was tiresome all the same. 'Anne's the only one who won't have to do lessons,' she said.
Til do some too,' promised Anne. 'Perhaps not always, George, if it's a very fine day, for instance - but sometimes, just to keep you company.'
'Thanks,' said George. 'But you needn't. I shall have Timmy.'
George's mother looked doubtful about this. 'We'll have to see what the tutor says about that,3 she said.
'Mother! If the tutor says I can't have Timothy in the room, I jolly well won't do holiday lessons!3 began George, fiercely.
Her mother laughed. 'Well, well - here's our fierce, hot-tempered George again!3 she said. 'Go along, you two boys, and wash your hands and do your hair. You seem to have collected all the smuts on the railway.'
The children and Timothy went upstairs. It was such fun to be five again. They always counted Tim as one of themselves. He went everywhere with them, and really seemed to understand every single word they said.
'I wonder what sort of a tutor Uncle Quentin will choose,' said Dick, as he scrubbed his nails. 'If only he would choose the right kind - someone jolly and full of fun, who knows that holiday lessons are sickening to have, and tries to make up for them by being a sport out of lesson-time. I suppose we'll have to work every morning.'
'Hurry up. I want my tea,' said Julian. 'Come on down, Dick. We'll know about the tutor soon enough P
They all went down together, and sat round the table. Joanna the cook had made a lovely lot of buns and a great big cake. There was not much left of either by the " time the four children had finished!
Uncle Quentin returned just as they were finishing. He seemed rather pleased with himself. He shook hands
with the two boys and asked them if they had had a good term.
'Did you get a tutor, Uncle Quentin?' asked Anne, who could see that everyone was simply bursting to know this.
'Ah - yes, I did,' said her uncle. He sat down, whilst Aunt Fanny poured him out a cup of tea. 'I interviewed three applicants, and had almost chosen the last one, when another fellow came in, all in a hurry. Said he had only just seen the advertisement, and hoped he wasn't too late.'
'Did you choose him ?' asked Dick.
'I did,' said his uncle. 'He seemed a most intelligent fellow. Even knew about me and my work! And he had the most wonderful letters of recommendation.'
'I don't think the children need to know all these details,' murmured Aunt Fanny. 'Anyway - you asked him to come?'
'Oh yes,' said Uncle Quentin. 'He's a good bit older than the others - they were rather young fellows - this one seems very responsible and intelligent. I'm sure you'll like him, Fanny. He'll fit in here very well. I feel I would like to have him to talk to me sometimes in the evening.'
The children couldn't help feeling that the new tutor sounded rather alarming. Their uncle smiled at the gloomy faces.
'You'll like Mr. Roland,' he said. 'He knows how to handle youngsters - knows he's got to be very firm, and to see that you know a good bit more at the end of the holidays than you did at the beginning.'
This sounded even more alarming. All four children
wished heartily that Aunt Fanny had been to choose the tutor, and not Uncle Quentin.
'When is he coming ?' asked George.
'Tomorrow,' said her father. 'You can all go to meet him at the station. That will be a nice welcome for him.'
'We had thought of taking the bus and going to do a bit of Christmas shopping,' said Julian, seeing Anne looked very disappointed.
'Oh, no, you must certainly go and meet Mr. Roland,' said his uncle. 'I told him you would. And mind you, you four - no nonsense with him! You've to do as you're told, and you must work hard with him, because your father is paying very high fees for his coaching. I'm paying a third, because I want him to coach George a little too - so George, you must do your best.'
'I'll try,' said George. 'If he's nice, I'll do my very best.'
'You'll do your best whether you think him nice or not!' said her father, frowning. 'He will arrive by the ten-thirty train. Be sure to be there in time.'
'I do hope he won't be too strict,5 said Dick, that evening, when the five of them were alone for a minute or two. 'It's going to spoil the holls, if we have someone down on us all the time. And I do hope he'll like Timothy.3
George looked up at once. 'Like Timothy!' she said. 'Of couise he'll like Timothy! How couldn't he ?3
'Well - your father didn't like Timothy very much last summer,3 said Dick. T don't see how anyone could dislike darling Tim - but there are people who don't like dogs, you know, George.'
'If Mr. Roland doesn't like Timothy, I'll not do a single thing for him,' said George. 'Not one single thing!'
'She's gone all fierce again!' said Dick, with a laugh. 'My word - the sparks will fly if Mr. Roland dares to dislike our Timothy!'
Chapter Three
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Enid Blyton : The Adventurous Four Again (Chapter I,II and III)

CHAPTER 1
Back with Andy Again

THREE very excited children bumped along a rough country lane in a farmer's cart. The Scottish carter sat in front, saving nothing, but listening with a little smile to the children's happy voices.
"We shall see Andy again soon! We haven't seen him since our exciting adventures last summer!" said Tom, a red-haired boy of twelve.
"It was bad luck getting measles in the Christmas hols, so that we couldn't come up here and stay in our little cottage," said Jill. She and her sister Mary were twins, and were very like each other. They each had long golden plaits and blue eyes, and were younger than Tom.
Tom spoke to the carter. "Jock! Did you hear about our adventures last year?" he asked.
Jock nodded his head. He hardly ever said a word.
The children, with their friend Andy, had indeed had some thrilling adventures. They had gone out in Andy's father's fishing-boat one day, and had been caught by a storm. They had been swept miles out of their course on to a lonely island--and had found a nest of enemy submarines in the waters there, hiding to pounce on any ships that came within their reach.
"And poor Andy lost his father's boat," said Jill, remembering how afraid Andy had been of what his father might say about the lost boat.
"But it didn't matter--because Andy was given a much, much better boat!" said Mary. "And it was called Andy--do you remember, it had his name painted on it? Wasn't Andy pleased?"
The fisher-boy had been more than pleased. He had been filled with the greatest delight. The new fishing boat was a magnificent one, with a lovely red sail. Andy's father had been overjoyed too, for a fishing-boat meant his livelihood to him. Catching fish and selling them was his work and Andy's--and now they had one of the finest boats on the coast.
The farm-cart jolted along, and soon the children came in sight of the sea. The coast there was rocky and dangerous, but the sea was a lovely blue, and the children shouted in joy to see it.
"The sea! There it is! And look--there are the fishing-boats out on it!"
"I bet I can see Andy's," shouted Tom. "Look--that one with the bright red sail! Isn't that Andy's, Jock?"
Jock nodded, and the three children fixed their eyes on. the red-sailed boat. Andy's boat! Andy was out there on the restless sea--and soon they would go out with him. What fun they would have!
Their mother was already waiting for them in the cottage she had bought in the fishing village. She had gone there two days ahead of the children to get things ready for them, when they broke up from school. It was the Easter holiday, and everywhere the trees were leafing, the hedges were greening, and the banks were starred with primroses, violets and celandines.
"A whole month's holiday by the sea--with Andy and bis boat!" said Tom. "I simply can't think of anything lovelier. I don't expect we'll have any adventures this time--but that won't matter."
"We had enough last summer to last us for years," said Jill. "I was frightened sometimes--but it all ended happily."
"Except for those hidden enemy submarines!" said Tom. "They didn't have a very happy ending! Look--there's Mother!"
Sure enough, it was their mother, standing at the next comer, waving. The children tumbled out of the cart and flung themselves on her.
"Mother! It's lovely to see you. Is everything all right?"
"Is the cottage ready? Have you seen Andy?"
"I'm awfully hungry. Mother. Is there anything nice to eat?" That was Tom. of course. He was always hungry. His mother laughed.
"Welcome back to our little village, children! Yes, there's plenty to eat, Tom. And yes, I've seen Andy. He was sorry he couldn't meet you, but there's a good shoal of fish in, and he had to go out to help his father in the boat."
"Does the boat go well?" asked Tom eagerly. "It was marvellous last summer. I've often thought of Andy whilst we were at school, and envied him. There lie was, sailing out in all weathers, having a wonderful time--and I was writing Latin exercises at school, and being ticked off because I threw a rubber at someone."
"Oh Tom--don't tell me your report is a bad one!" said his mother, as they all walked down a slope to the little fishing village below. Jock came behind carrying large trunks as easily as if they were empty boxes!
"When will Andy be back?" asked Jill. "Has he changed. Mother? Is he still the same old Andy?"
"Of course," said her mother. "He's grown a bit taller--and a bit broader--but he's almost fifteen now, yotf know. You're nearly thirteen, Tom! You've grown too. So have the girls. You'll see Andy later in the evening, when the fishing-boats come back. He promised to come straight up and see you."
"We'll go down to the shore and wait for his boat to come in, said Tom. "After we've had something to eat, I mean. What is there, Mother?"
"Ham, eggs, three kinds of scones, two kinds of jam. and a fish-pie," said his mother. "Will that do for you?"
"I should think so," said Tom, who felt as if he could eat the whole lot at once. "Golly, it's good to be back again. Mother--and to think of all the sailing we'll have!"
"Well--don't find enemy submarines this time," said his mother, as she swung open a little white gate that led through a tiny garden to the cottage. "I really couldn't bear it if you got lost on a lonely island again.
They all ran up the path to the wooden door. It stood open. A bright fire burned in the living-room, and the table was set with so many dishes of food that Tom gave a whoop of delight.
"Golly! Must I wash my hands? Can't we begin now?"
"No. Wash first," said his mother firmly. "You all look like sweeps. Would you like boiled eggs to begin with, or fish-pie?"
"Both!" shouted Tom, and ran to wash in the little sink that was the only place where water ran from a tap.
They all made an enormous meal. "I can see I shall have my work cut out to satisfy your appetites these holidays! " said their mother. "No--you needn't help to clear away and wash up, twins. I've got Mis. Maclntyre coming in to help. You can put on your jerseys and shorts ana go down to meet Andy. I expect the boats will be putting in soon, if they've made a good catch."
The children hurriedly pulled off their school-clothes, and scrambled to find their jerseys and shorts. The weather was fine and sunny, almost like summer. If only it would stay like that all the holidays!
They raced down to the shore. Fine, soft sand lay between the rocks that jutted up all over the beach. A little stone jetty ran a short distance into the water. To this jetty the fishing-boats came with their hauls.
Andy's boat was clearly to be seen, a good way out But now they were all coming in--the Sea-Gull, the Mary-Arm, the Jessie, the Andy, the Starfish and the rest. The breeze filled the sails, and they billowed put prettily.
"It's a fine sight, a fishing-fleet coming home!" said Tom, running up the jetty and down, so excited that he couldn't stand still. "I wish I had a boat of my own! Hi, Andy, Andy! Come in first, show iw what your boat can dor
Almost as if Andy had heard, the red-sailed boat surged forward in front of the others. The wind swept down on her, and she glided along like a red-winged bird on the water.
"There's Andy! There's his father too!" shouted Jill. "Andy, we're here! Have you made a good catch?"
"Ahoy there!" came Andy's voice. "Ahoy!"
Then the beautiful boat came deftly to the stone jetty, and Andy leapt off. He and Tom shook hands, both grinning widely in delight. The twins flung themselves on the fisher-boy and hugged him, squealing in delight.
"Andy, you've grown! Andy, you're browner than ever! Oh, Andy, we're all back again, isn't it lovely?"
"Grand," said Andy, as pleased as they were. He repeated the word and rolled the r in it even more. "Gr-r-r-r-rand!"
Then his father jumped out to make the boat fast. He smiled at the three children, and shook hands gravely with them all. He never had much to say, and the children knew he was strict with Andy, and made him work bard. But they liked him and trusted him. "You'll help with the fish, Andy," he said, and the boy turned at once to bring in the great catch they had made. The children helped too.
"I do think the beginning bit of a holiday is lovely," gaid Mary. "I think I like it best of all."
"Yes. The middle and end parts slip away so quickly," said Jill. "But you sort of feel the beginning bit will last for ever!"
"Can we go sailing with you soon?" asked Tom. "This evening, Andy?"
"No--not to-day," said Andy, knowing that his father would not let his boat out again. "To-morrow perhaps, if we're allowed. Dad may not want the boat to-morrow. We've had such a good catch to-day."
"Is it nice to see your own name painted on your boat?" said Mary. "A-N-D-Y--doesn't it look lovely?"
"It's your boat as well," said Andy. "I always told you you could share it when you were here. It ought to be called the Andy-Tom-Jill-and-Mary!"
All the other boats came in. The children greeted the fishermen. They knew them all, and they knew the fine little fishing-boats that bobbed gently up and down beside the jetty. But they felt that Andy's boat--their own boat--was the very best of all!
"It's getting dark," said Tom, with a sigh. "We'd better go home. We promised Mother we'd be in before dark--and golly, I do feel tired. We've had a jolly long journey to-day, and we'll feel better to-morrow. I just feel now I want one thing--to fall into bed and sleep!"
"What--don't you want any supper! said Jill. "You must be tired, Tom!"
Andy laughed. He was happy to see the twins again and to have his friend Tom. Four whole weeks together! They would have some fun.
"See you to-morrow," said Andy, as the three said goodbye and turned away from the shore. "I'll be along."
Back they went to the cottage, all feeling suddenly tired. They could hardly eat any supper--and then they undressed quickly, washed, and fell into their beds, half-asleep before their heads touched the pillow.
"To-morrow--lots of tomorrows!" said Jill, but Mary didn't answer. She was asleep and dreaming of all the exciting to-morrows.


CHAPTER 2
Off on a Sailing Trip

THE next few days were lovely. Andy took them sailing in his boat, which he insisted belonged to them all--a quarter each.
"I'll have the red sail for my quarter," said Jill. "I do love it so! Andy, can't we go out with the rest of the boats, when they go fishing?"
"Oh yes," said Andy, and out they went the next time the little fleet went out. Andy taught the children how to let down the nets. They watched with excitement the jumping, slithering, silvery fish, caught in the meshes of the great net.
The fisher-boy taught them how to set lobster-pots, too, in the right places. They took home enough fish and lobsters, scallops and crabs to keep them in food for a week!
The sun shone. They grew brown. They climbed the rocky cliffs all about, and had a wonderful time. Then Tom grew restless and wanted to go off on a longer trip.
"Let's go somewhere exciting," he said. "Can't we take the Andy and go on a trip somewhere? Don't you know anywhere thrilling, Andy, you could take us to?"
"Well," said Andy, "I promised your mother I wouldn't take vou right out to sea any more, to visit any of our islands--in case a storm came up, like last year, and wrecked us. So it would have to be somewhere along the coast."
"Do think of somewhere," begged the twins. "Somewhere that nobody goes to."
"There's the Cliff of Birds," said Andy suddenly. The others stared at him.
"The Cliff of Birds," said Jill. "What a funny name!"
"It's a good name." said Andy. "There are thousands of birds there--I couldn't tell you how many--all lands! Gulls, shags, cormorants, puffins--they nest there and all round and about--on the cliffs, in the cliffs, over the cliffs--everywhere. They say you can't walk a step this season of the year without treading on a nesting-bird. They're a sight to see."
All the three children were fond of birds. Their eyes shone.
"Let's go there!" said Tom. "What a sight it would be! I'll take my camera. We're having a snap-shot competition at my school next term, and I could enter some bird pictures for it."
"Yes, do let's go," said Jill. "It sounds exciting. I wonder you never told us about the Cliff of Birds before, Andy!"
"Well, last time you were here, it was full summer," said Andy. "The birds have left their nesting-places on the cliffs by then, and are out on the open sea. There's not much to see. But at nesting-time it's different. They're all there."
"Well, we'll go," said Tom. "How far is it? Can we get there and back in a day?"
"We'll have to," said Jill. "Mother won't let us go off for a night, I'm sure!"
"If we start early in the morning we'd be back before dark," said Andy. "It's a long way--and it's a lonely part of the coast too. We'll have to be careful, because there are rocks all about. But there's a passage between them that my father knows. I'll get him to tell me. I've been twice with him."
"When shall we go?" asked Jill, beginning to feel excited. "To-morrow?"
"No. I'm wanted on the boat with my father," said Andy. "But maybe the next day. You'll have to do without me to-morrow. You get out your book on birds and read it well, then you'll know the birds on the cliff when you see them."
So, all the next day, the children pored over their books on birds, looking up each sea-bird, studying it, and learning its name. Tom got out his camera and put a new roll of films into it. They told their mother where they were going.
"It certainly sounds exciting," she said. "I hope Andy knows the way down the coast well. It's rather dangerous round here."
"Oh, Mother, Andy could sail a boat anywhere!" said Tom. "He's been twice before, anyway. Won't it be exciting to go somewhere that nobody ever goes to?"
"The Cliff of Birds," said Mary. "Thousands of them, Mother. You'll see them if Tom gets some good snaps. I suppose we shall climb the cliff."
"I'd better have a word with Andy about that," said her mother, and she did. But Andy assured her that he wouldn't let anyone do anything they couldn't do safely and easily.
Two days later the children awoke with a jump, as the alarm clock went off. It had been set for dawn--how early it was! Tom slipped into the girls' room to make sure they were awake, and not going off to sleep again.
"The sky's just turning silvery in the east," he said. "Hurry up. We've got to be at the jetty in a few minutes. I bet Andy's already there."
Their mother appeared in her dressing-gown, looking sleepy. "I thought I would just see you off," she said. "Now, you do promise to be careful, don't you? Andy's got lifebelts on board, hasn't he?"
"Oh, Mother, you know we can all swim like fish!" said Jill.
"Yes--in calm or slightly rough water," said her mother. "But if you fell overboard in stormy waters you'd find things much more difficult You've packed the food on board, haven't you?"
"Oh yes," said Tom, who could always be trusted to look after the food side. "We put it on board yesterday evening--everything you gave us, Mother. It will last us nicely for a day."
"It would last most families for a week!" said" Ms mother. "Now--are you ready? Take woollen coats with you, because it isn't summer, you know. Tom, where's your mack?"
Soon they were off. The sky was much lighter now. The children could see golden fingers coming up from the east. The sun was just below the rim of the world there. They raced down to the jetty, feeling the wind quite cold on their faces and their bare legs.
Andy was there, of course, waiting for them patiently. He grinned when he saw their excited faces. "Get on board," he said. "Everything's ready. I'll cast off."
The children tumbled on board the fishing-boat they loved. It was roomy, but not too big for them to handle. It had a small, cosy cabin below. AU three children were good at helping Andy now, and could be trusted with anything.
The boat slid away from the jetty. The breeze bfllowed out the red sail. Then, quite suddenly it seemed, the sun appeared above the sky-line, a dazzling rounded edge, and at once the water flashed with golden lines and twinkled brilliantly as the boat plunged forward.
"The sun's rising," said Jill, and caught her breath at the sudden beauty of it all. "The world's all new again. Look at the sun--it seems to be climbing out of the sea itself!"
Soon the children could no longer look at the sun, it was so big and bright. The boat went slipping along in waves that seemed made of golden light and blue shadows. It was worth coming out so early just to see the enchanting beauty of the rising sun.
"Heaps of people have never seen the sun rise," said Jill, as she leaned over the side of the boat to look at the gold-flecked waves. "Hardly any of the girls at my school have. They've missed something! I think there ought to be a law that says everyone must watch a sunrise, and everyone must see a bluebell wood, and a buttercup field, and . . ."
"Look out for the sail!" yelled Andy, as the big red sail swung across. Jill ducked, and forgot what she was saying. Andy was at the tiller, looking browner than ever. His dark hair blew straight upright in the wind, and his eyes shone as blue as the sea.
"I say," began Tom, "isn't i'f about time to . . ."
Everyone interrupted him. "To . . . have something to eat!" they all chanted, knowing Tom's ways very well indeed.
"I wasn't going to say that," said Tom, aggrieved. "I was going to say--oughtn't we to keep closer to the shore now? We're heading right out to sea."
"Got to," said Andy, keeping a firm hold on the tiller, as the boat swept into a strong current "There are rocks farther in. Can't risk them in this boat. We must keep out a fair bit, then, when I see the spot my father told me of, Til swing inland a bit."
Andy had a rough chart with him. He pushed it across to Tom. holding on to it till the boy had it safely, because of the rushing wind.
"Look at that," he said. "Those dots are rocks. See how the sea nearer in is peppered with them. Sly rocks they are--just below the surface. They'll scratch a hole in the bottom of a boat in the twinkling of an eye. It takes us longer to go out to sea, and then turn in, but it's safer. We've got to look out for three tall pine-trees on a cliff, before we turn in. They're marked on the map."
Everyone studied the map with interest. What a long way down the coast the Oiff of Birds wast No wonder Andy said they must start early.
"What time shall we be there?" said Mary.
"We should be there about eleven, with luck," said Andy. "Maybe before. We'll have our dinner then. We'll be hungry!
Tom looked really alarmed. "What! Are we to wait till then? We'll be starved!"
"Oh, we'll have breakfast first," said Andy. "Well have It at seven, or half-past Maybe a few biscuits now would be nice. What do you say, girls?"
Everyone thought it was a very good idea. "Biscuits and chocolate!" said Jill. "They go so well together. I'll get them."
She disappeared into the little cabin below, and came back again with four rations of biscuits and chocolate. Everyone was soon munching, Andy still at the tiller. He said he was not going to let anyone else steer the boat that day, it was too dangerous!
The sun was much higher in the sky now. It was wanner, though the strong sea-breeze was cold. Everyone was glad of woollen jerseys, cardigans and macks on top.
"Now--here's where we head inland," said Andy suddenly. "See those three pine-trees on the cliff, far away over there?"
"You've got eyes like a hawk, Andy," said Tom, screwing his up to try to see the pine-trees on the distant coast. He could just make them out. But neither of the girls could see them clearly.
Andy swung the boat round a little. The sail flapped hard. The boat now ran even more quickly, and the children felt thrilled with the speed, and the up-and-down swing of the fine little boat.
"Breakfast-time!" said Andy. "We're doing very well--we deserve a jolly good breakfast!"
"We do!" said Tom, and scurried to get the food.

CHAPTER 3
The Cliff of Birds

BREAKFAST was a very welcome meal. There were hard-boiled eggs, scones and butter and a tin of peaches. Jill heated some milk down in the little cabin and made cocoa, which they all enjoyed.
Now the boat was heading shore-wards, and the rocky cliffs could be clearly seen. It was about eight o'clock. The sun was higher in the sky, and its warmth was very welcome.
"My word--what a lonely, desolate coast!" said Tom, watching it as the boat sped along. "And look at those wicked rocks, Andy, nearer the shore."
"Yes--there are some out here too, so we've got to keep a look-out," said Andy. "The worst are marked on that chart. I know them all. In about an hour's time we have to slip between an opening in a rocky ridge well come to, and skim along in a kind of channel between two rows of rocks. We're all right if we get into the channel. It's like a sea pathway, and so long as we keep in the middle of it, we're all right."
At about nine o'clock the children saw ahead of them a very turbulent stretch of water. The waves frothed and surged and sent spray high into the air.
"Look out!" said Tom, pointing ahead. "There must be rocks there."
"Yes--just about here is the opening I told you of," said Andy. "We've got to slip through it as soon as we come to it. I think it lies beyond that big surge of water."
He cleverly skirted the bubbling, frothing patch, where the waves were torn into shreds on rocks that hardly showed above the surface. Then the children gave a shout
"Here's the entrance--look--a nice, calm little bit!"
Andy steered the boat deftly through the little passage, the opening through the outer ridge of rocks. The boat careered along, its sails full of wind, and slid into a channel between the outer and inner rows of rocks. Fairly calm water ran there.
"There are horrid rocks on each side of us," said Jill. "But here we're safe! How far does this queer calm channel go, Andy?"
"It flows to Smuggler's Rock," said Andy, "but we swing landwards before we get there, to the Cliff of Birds."
"Smuggler's Rock! What an exciting name!" said Tom, and he looked at the map. "Oh yes--your father's put it in--at least, I suppose this dot, with S.R. beside it, means Smuggler's Rock?"
"That's right." said Andy. "We've a good way to go still. My, aren't these lonely waters? We haven't sighted a ship on the sea or seen a soul on land since we left our village behind!"
"It's a wild bit of the coast," said Tom. "I wonder why Smuggler's Rock was given that name, Andy? Were there smugglers there in the old days?"
"I don't know," said Andy. "I've only seen the Rock from the distance. It's like a small steep island made entirely of rock. Nothing grows there, I should think--except seaweed round the foot. Maybe there are caves there that smugglers hid things in. I don't know anything about it Nobody goes there now--and maybe they never did! Maybe it's just a name."
"It's half-past ten," said Tom, after a time. "Shall we soon be there, Andy--at the Cliff of Birds?"
"Why, are you getting hungry again?" asked Andy, with a grin.
"Well--I am," said Tom, "but I wasn't thinking of that I was thinking of the time, and how long we'd have there. We'll have to allow a good many hours for getting back."
"We'll have a couple of hours at the Cliffs and no more," said Andy. "But it will be enough. You'll be able to climb up the cliff and explore it a bit, and have some dinner, and maybe take some photographs. Then we'll have to go back."
"Is that Smuggler's Rock, look, right over there!" suddenly shouted Jill, pointing westwards. The others looked, and saw a small, rocky island rising above the waves a fair distance away. Almost at the same moment Andy swung the boat to the left, and headed for the shore.
"Yes--that's Smuggler's Rock," he said. "And did you notice that the channel we were in went on towards it? But I've swung away now, because we're coming to the Cliff of Birds. See the birds on the water now, and flying above it!"
As they sailed nearer to the Cliff of Birds the children shouted in amazement at the amount of birds to be seen everywhere. Gulls called, and the sound of their laughing voices, which Jill said reminded her of the mewing of cats, echoed all round them. Birds bobbed up and down on the water, skimmed the waves, soared high and low In the air.
"Now, when we round this rocky point, you'll see we come into a kind of shallow bay, and the cliffs behind are the ones I've brought you to see," said Andy. "They are covered with the kind of little narrow ledges that sea-birds love for their nests. They must have used the cliff for hundreds of years."
The Andy rounded the point, and then swept into a shallow bay. The children gazed at the towering cliffs behind, too astonished to speak.
There were birds there by the thousand! They lined every ledge, they called from every point. They launched themselves from the steep cliffs into the air, and soared and glided on the currents of air. crying and calling at the tops of their wild voices.
The sight of the red-sailed ship startled them. A hundred or so flew up from the cliffs, and their flight startled hundreds more, so that the rushing of wings sounded like a mighty wind. Tom gave a cry.
"What's that falling down the cliff--look, it's like a rain of white drops rumbling down!"
"Eggs!" said Andy. "These sea-birds lay their eggs on the bare ledges of rock, you know--and they are jolly careless with them. When they fly off suddenly they often make their precious eggs roll off--then down they fall and smash on the rocks below."
"What a waste," said Jill. "I wish we hadn't frightened them. But what a sight, Andy! I've never, never, to all my life seen or heard so many birds together before!" "Andy, look--there's a river rushing out at the bottom of the cliff," said Tom, excited. "Is it a river? It seems to be coming out of a cave! Right out of the depths of the cliff."
"Yes, it's a river." said Andy, bringing the boat in gently. "It must flow right through the cliff. And look-do you see that waterfall splashing half-way down the cliff? That comes out of a hole somewhere up there. I suppose it couldn't find a way to seep down through the rock, so it has forced itself out up there, and made a waterfall."
"It's a very exciting place," said Jill. "I wish the birds wouldn't make quite so much noise, though. I can hardly hear myself speak!"
"Where are we going to put the boat?" asked Mary. "There's no jetty--and no sand to drag her on to. What shall we do?"
"I'll guide her into the deep pool under that overhanging cliff." said Andy. "And let down the anchor. She'll be all right there. We can jump across to the rocks nearby."
"Let's have dinner first," said Jill.
"Well--only just a snack now," said Tom. to everyone's surprise. "I'm longing to explore that bird-cliff. It's marvellous, really marvellous. We don't want to waste too much time eating. If we had a snack now, we could make a good meal on the way back."
"Right," said Andy. So they hurriedly made some sandwiches of bread and butter and potted meat. They ate them, had a drink, and then, with the Andy lying quietly at anchor, looked to see which rock would be the best to jump to.
"There's a rock just under water here," said Jill, peering over the side of the boat. "We'll tread on that, and then we can easily get to that big rock there, and so to the rocky ledge at the bottom of the cliff."
They took off their shoes and tied them round their necks. Then they made their way across the rocks to the foot of the cliff. Not far off the river that came out of a cavern in the cliff surged into the sea, frothing and seething where its current met the waves of the sea. The waters there boiled and surged and made a great noise. Altogether it was a very deafening place, for the sea-birds never once stopped their loud clamouring and calling.
"I'll find the easiest path up the cliff," said Andy, who was as good as a goat on hill or cliff. "You follow me carefully. It's a steep cliff, but not dangerous to anyone like us that's used to climbing about. Look out for any slippery bit. You go last, Tom, in case one of the girls should slip."
With the clamour of the buds round them, and a ceaseless swish of wings, the four children began their steep climb. There were plenty of good footholds and handholds, but their parents would certainly not have liked to watch them going slowly upwards, higher and higher. Soon they looked like specks against the towering cliffs.
They had their rubber shoes on again now, and Tom carried his camera slung over his shoulder. Soon they came to the nesting-places, high up beyond the reach of any stormy waves. The frightened, angry birds flew off their eggs. There were no nests at all. Jill was grieved to see yet more eggs roll into the sea.
"Some of them don't fall off," she called. "They just roll round and round. Look what a funny shape they are--awfully pointed at one end."
"Eggs shaped like that don't roll away so easily," said Andy. "They are meant to roll round and round in exactly the same spot."
Soon they came to a narrow ledge that seemed almost like a pathway round the cliff-side. It was about halfway up. Jill suddenly gave a cry.
"Andy! I've just looked down! And oh, I don't like it a bit! I might fall, it makes me giddy."
"Don't be silly," said Andy, who didn't mind heights at all. "You've never minded before. Follow me, and I'll take you round the cliff a bit, where there's a wider place you can rest in. You're tired!"
Trembling, poor Jill followed Andy closely, not daring to look down at the far-away sea again. Neither Tom nor Mary minded a bit. They thought it was funny of Jill to feel afraid.
The ledge was a favourite nesting-place for the birds, and the children had to be careful not to tread on the eggs. Jill was glad when the rocky pathway widened out, and became a fine resting-place. At the back of this resting-place was a shallow cave. The children crawled into it, and lay there, panting, warm with their climb.
"I'll just go out and see if I can take a few snaps," said Tom, at last. But just as he was about to go, he stopped. He heard a noise that sounded most peculiar in that deserted, sea-bird-haunted place--the sound of somebody whistling a well-known tune! How very strange!

Chapter IV and etc please buy in Here