FIVE GET EXPURGATED

Five Have Plenty of Fun
Hodder & Stoughton, 1955
Brockhampton Press, 1967
Knight Books, 1969 (24th impression, 1986)
Hodder Children’s Books, 2000

Chapter 1

“Which kind of modern idea is it?” ⁵⁵
‘What kind of modern idea is it?’ ^{67 86 00}

“Just a bit of practise at blowing up!” ⁵⁵
‘Just a bit of practice at blowing up!’ ^{67 86 00}

the tide ebbed further from them. ⁵⁵
the tide ebbed farther from them. ^{67 86 00}

my blazer pocket! ^{55 67 86}
my anorak pocket! ⁰⁰

He ran up to the beach to his blazer ⁵⁵
He ran up the beach to his blazer ^{67 86}
He ran up the beach to his anorak ⁰⁰

blazers ^{55 67 86}
anoraks ⁰⁰

I’ve rung the gong once ⁵⁵
I’ve sounded the gong once ^{67 86 00}

apologise ^{55 86 00}
apologize ⁶⁷

How did they get that tan—they look like Red Indians! ^{55 67 86}
How did they get that tan – they’re so dark! ⁰⁰

a pound note. ^{55 67 86}
a pound coin. ⁰⁰

Chapter 2

How can I spread paste on your biscuits for you if you stick your nose into the pot all the time?” ^{55 67}
How can I spread paste on your biscuits if you stick your nose into the pot all the time?’ ^{86 00}

a bit further away ⁵⁵
a bit farther away ^{67 86 00}

“We’ve not been there for ages.” ^{55 67 86}
‘We haven’t been there for ages.’ ⁰⁰

these holls ^{55 67}
these hols, ^{86 00}

the telephone bell rang.^{55 67 86}
the telephone rang. ⁰⁰

recognised ^{55 86 00}
recognized ⁶⁷

We’ve no bedroom free now you and the others are there.” ^{55 67}
We’ve no bedroom free now you and the others are here.’ ^{86 00}

bed-light ^{55 67 86}
bedside light ⁰⁰

It was the only room in the house that was lighted. ^{55 67 86}
It was the only room in the house that was lit. ⁰⁰

her father bellowed out into the hall, ^{55 67}
her father bellowed into the hall, ^{86 00}

Chapter 3

“That if his Berta is kidnapped, ^{55 67}
‘That if this Berta is kidnapped, ^{86 00}

He won’t send her back to America ^{55 86 00}
He won’t sent her back to America ⁶⁷

this last three precious weeks ⁵⁵
these last three precious weeks ^{67 86 00}

Joan ^{55 67 86} = Joanna ⁰⁰

Joan the cook ^{55 67 86}
Joanna the cook ⁰⁰

“An extra good one to make up for a disappointment,” ^{55 67 86}
‘An extra good one to make up for disappointment,’ ⁰⁰

“I heard Elbur arriving last night, ⁵⁵
‘I heard Mr. Elbur arriving last night, ^{67 86 00}

Thank you for a lovely picnic basket again!” ^{55 67}
Thank you for that lovely picnic food again!’ ^{86 00}

Chapter 4

further into the room. ⁵⁵
farther into the room. ^{67 86 00}

scarves and leggings and goodness knows what. ^{55 67 86}
scarves, thick socks and goodness knows what. ⁰⁰

he and Timmy might fight ⁵⁵
she and Timmy might fight ^{67 86 00}

pjyamas!” ⁵⁵
pyjamas!’ ^{67 86 00}

And she’s had the sauce to bring her own dog, ^{55 67 86}
And she’s had the nerve to bring her own dog, ⁰⁰

Timmy leapt up to lie on her feet as usual. ^{55 67}
Timmy leapt up to lie at her feet as usual. ^{86 00}

Chapter 5

The girl was fast alseep, ⁵⁵
The girl was asleep, ^{67 86 00}

George leaned across to Anne’s bed ⁵⁵
George leaned across Anne’s bed ^{67 86 00}

in case it tore upstairs and had a row with Tim. ^{55 67 86}
in case it tore upstairs and had a fight with Tim. ⁰⁰

“You weren’t here when I came to bed last night. ^{55 67 86}
‘You weren’t there when I came to bed last night. ⁰⁰

“We’ve had plenty, goodness knows. ^{55 67 86}
‘We’ve had plenty. ⁰⁰

“Are they your brothers?” asked Berta, pulling on her vest. ^{55 67 86}
‘Are they your brothers?’ asked Berta. ⁰⁰

She pulled on her shorts and went to wash in the bathroom. Julian and Dick were there, ^{55 67}
She flounced off to wash in the bath-room, but Julian and Dick were there, ^{86 00}

“That cotton frock will do.” ^{55 67}
‘That shirt and those jeans will do.’ ⁸⁶
‘That shirt and those shorts will do.’ ⁰⁰

realise ^{55 00}
realize ^{67 86}

“I’ll see what he says.” ^{55 67 86}
‘I’ll see what it says.’ ⁰⁰

Chapter 6

who should pick the raspberries for lunch ^{55 67}
who would pick the raspberries for lunch ^{86 00}

They both looked so exactly alike in solemn, rather frowning expressions ^{55 67 86}
They both looked so exactly alike with solemn, rather frowning expressions ⁰⁰

you’ve spread your toast with mustard instead of with marmalade,” ^{55 67 86}
you’ve spread your toast with mustard instead of marmalade,’ ⁰⁰

“You girls can clear away and wash up the breakfast things for Joan,” she said. “Or two of you can and the other can make the beds with me.” ^{55 67 86}
‘You children can clear away and wash up the breakfast things for Joanna,’ she said. ‘Or two of you can and the others can make the beds with me.’ ⁰⁰

a very fashionable look. ^{55 67 86}
a very funny look. ⁰⁰

“I’m going to have her to sleep with me,” said Berta, ^{55 67}
‘I’m going to have her sleep with me,’ said Berta, ^{86 00}

Aunt Sally smiled to herself. ⁵⁵
Aunt Fanny smiled to herself. ^{67 86 00}

Chapter 7

Joan was pleased, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna was pleased, ⁰⁰

Joan must certainly be in the secret too! ^{55 67 86}
Joanna must certainly be in the secret too! ⁰⁰

My Pops saw to that. ^{55 67 86}
My pop saw to that. ⁰⁰

twenny times, ^{55 67 86}
twenty times, ⁰⁰

Soon all five children and two dogs, and also Joan, ⁵⁵
Soon all five children and the two dogs, and also Joan, ^{67 86}
Soon all five children and the two dogs, and also Joanna, ⁰⁰

explained to Joan ^{55 67 86}
explained to Joanna ⁰⁰

“Joan, you have always known what important work the master does,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Joanna, you have always known what important work my husband does,’ ⁰⁰

“Well, Miss Berta’s father ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, Berta’s father ⁰⁰

he and the master ^{55 67 86}
he and Quentin ⁰⁰

“Oh yes, Mam,” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘Oh yes,’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

the same school as Miss Anne and Miss George, ^{55 67 86}
the same school as Anne and George, ⁰⁰

Joan nodded. “I understand that, Mam,” she said. “I think we can keep Miss Berta safe, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna nodded. ‘I understand that,’ she said. ‘I think we can keep Berta safe, ⁰⁰

recognise ^{55 00}
recognize ^{67 86}

“How could Pops say I’m to have my hair off? ^{55 67 86}
‘How could Pops says I’m to have my hair off? ⁰⁰

“She should look quite nice with short hair.” ^{55 67}
‘She should look nice with short hair.’ ^{86 00}

boy’s shorts ^{55 67 00}
boy’s jeans ⁸⁶

you’d look little-girlish, a silly little sissy-boy. ^{55 67}
you’d look little-girlish, silly little sissy-boy. ^{86 00}

a fat-headed idea ^{55 67 86}
a stupid idea ⁰⁰

got no further. ⁵⁵
got no farther. ^{67 86 00}

it’s going to be difficult to refer to her and him all the time!” ^{55 67 86}
it’s going to be difficult to refer to her as him all the time!’ ⁰⁰

said Joan, smiling. ^{55 67 86}
said Joanna smiling. ⁰⁰

“Stand quite still,” said Aunt Fanny and began. ^{55 67}
‘Sit quite still,’ said Aunt Fanny and began. ^{86 00}

Chapter 8

recognize ^{55 67 86}
recognise ⁰⁰

recognize ^{55 67 86}
recognise ⁰⁰

Leslie ⁵⁵ = Lesley ^{67 86 00}

Bert—er—Leslie,” ⁵⁵
Bert – er – Lesley,’ ^{67 86 00}

You’ve been very good to stand so still ^{55 67 86}
You’ve been very good to sit so still ⁰⁰

Ber—er Leslie ⁵⁵
Ber – er Lesley ^{67 86 00}

Joan had come into the room ^{55 67 86}
Joanna had come into the room ⁰⁰

“If you’ll excuse me, Mam,” she said “Miss Berta could have her camp bed in my room. ^{55 67 86}
‘Berta could have her camp-bed in my room,’ she said. ⁰⁰

she’s a pet, that little poodle. ^{55 67 00}
he’s a pet, that little poodle. ⁸⁶

if Miss Berta doesn’t mind ^{55 67 86}
if Berta doesn’t mind ⁰⁰

“Oh Joan—that’s good of you,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Oh Joanna – that’s good of you,’ ⁰⁰

“Thank you, Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘Thank you, Joanna, ⁰⁰

Leslie, I mean. ⁵⁵
Lesley, I mean, ^{67 86 00}

“I simply don’t recognize you!” ^{55 67 86}
‘I simply didn’t recognise you!’ ⁰⁰

a boy’s blazer in navy blue, two pairs of boys’ shorts, ^{55 67}
a boy’s blazer in navy blue, two pairs of boy’s jeans, ⁸⁶
a boy’s coat in navy blue, two pairs of boy’s shorts, ⁰⁰

Oh—and here’s a boy’s grey felt hat in case the sun’s too hot—and a cap!” ^{55 67 86}
Oh – and here’s a boy’s cap! We bought it just for fun.’ ⁰⁰

neatly arrayed in grey shorts, ^{55 67}
neatly arrayed in jeans, ⁸⁶
neatly arrayed in shorts, ⁰⁰

“Dear Leslie, ⁵⁵
‘Dear Lesley, ^{67 86 00}

“I seem to thave heard that name before.” ⁵⁵
‘I seem to have heard that name before.’ ^{67 86 00}

“Leslie,” said Berta. ⁵⁵
‘Lesley,’ said Berta. ^{67 86 00}

making sandwiches and packing baskets, ^{55 67}
making sandwiches for a picnic; ^{86 00}

Joan and I ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and I ⁰⁰

raspberries are such fiddley little things.” ^{55 67 86}
raspberries are fiddly little things.’ ⁰⁰

Berta, I mean Leslie?” ⁵⁵
Berta, I mean Lesley?’ ^{67 86 00}

It’s an absolutely plain one, like a boy’s, so I’ll be all right in it,” ^{55 67 86}
It’s an absolutely plain one, so I’ll be all right in it,’ ⁰⁰

Joan’s big room ^{55 67 86}
Joanna’s big room ⁰⁰

“Bring your blazer and a towel,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Bring your anorak and a towel,’ ⁰⁰

“That will be a pity, because most boys swim well. ^{55 67 86}
‘That will be a pity. ⁰⁰

Sally-dog guarding the blazers ^{55 67 86}
Sally-dog guarding the anoraks ⁰⁰

Hie there, George ⁵⁵
Hi there, George ^{67 86 00}

Julian and Dick grinned round at the panting George. “Leslie’s a fine swimmer,” said Dick. ⁵⁵
Julian and Dick grinned round at the panting George. ‘Lesley’s a fine swimmer,’ said Dick. ^{67 86}
Julian and Dick grinned at the panting George. ‘Lesley’s a fine swimmer,’ said Dick. ⁰⁰

all the same she didn’t challenge Berta to a race! ^{55 67}
all the same she didn’t challenge Berta to race! ^{86 00}

Chapter 9

Aunt Fanny and Joan ^{55 67 86}
Aunt Fanny and Joanna ⁰⁰

“You’re getting fatter, Leslie,” ⁵⁵
‘You’re getting fatter, Lesley,’ ^{67 86 00}

it makes me feel silly. ^{55 86 00}
it makes my feel silly. ⁶⁷

she made Berta stand still while she clipped it ^{55 67 86}
she made Berta sit still while she clipped it ⁰⁰

“No—he’s LESLIE!” ⁵⁵
‘No – he’s LESLEY!’ ^{67 86 00}

we’ve made her into Leslie, ⁵⁵
we’ve made her into Lesley, ^{67 86 00}

“Leslie is the name,” ⁵⁵
‘Lesley is the name,’ ^{67 86 00}

you don’t want to let Berta do something she’d like to do!” ^{55 67}
you don’t want to let Lesley do something she’d like to do!’ ^{86 00}

“Leslie,” said his wife. ⁵⁵
‘Lesley,’ said his wife. ^{67 86 00}

while Leslie’s here ⁵⁵
while Lesley’s here ^{67 86 00}

It would be foolish to hide Leslie here so well, ⁵⁵
It would be foolish to hide Lesley here so well, ^{67 86 00}

a sudden smile that lighted up his face ^{55 67 86}
a sudden smile that lit up his face ⁰⁰

Joan is very good with them. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna is very good with them. ⁰⁰

snatch Leslie ⁵⁵
snatch Lesley ^{67 86 00}

Joan had to tell them, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna had to tell them, ⁰⁰

Master Leslie’s father,” said Joan, ⁵⁵
Master Lesley’s father,’ said Joan, ^{67 86}
Lesley’s father,’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

said Joan to George. ^{55 67 86}
said Joanna to George. ⁰⁰

“I do so like you, Joan!” ^{55 67 86}
‘I do so like you, Joanna!’ ⁰⁰

“It’s all right, Joan ^{55 67 86}
‘It’s all right, Joanna ⁰⁰

“Well, that’s nice of you,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, that’s nice of you,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

Master Leslie keeps wanting to go.” ⁵⁵
Master Lesley keeps wanting to go.’ ^{67 86}
Lesley keeps wanting to go.’ ⁰⁰

Berta grinned at Joan. It always struck her as extremely funny to be called Master Leslie, and Joan never once forgot. ⁵⁵
Berta grinned at Joan. It always struck her as extremely funny to be called Master Lesley, and Joan never once forgot. ^{67 86}
Berta grinned at Joanna. ⁰⁰

Joan exclaimed in amazement. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna exclaimed in amazement. ⁰⁰

lunch or tea, Joan. ^{55 67 86}
lunch or tea, Joanna. ⁰⁰

Chapter 10

ALL was quiet in Kirrin Cottage. ^{55 67 86}
All was quiet at Kirrin Cottage. ⁰⁰

Joan’s attic room, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna’s attic room, ⁰⁰

looked for the stars, but there was none to see. ⁵⁵
looked for the stars, but there were none to see. ^{67 86 00}

It sounded quite far out on the bay. ^{55 67 86}
It sounded quite far out in the bay. ⁰⁰

Joan mentioned ^{55 67 86}
Joanna mentioned ⁰⁰

I heard a motor-boat far out on the bay, ^{55 67 86}
I heard a motorboat far out in the bay, ⁰⁰

“You might have waked me, ^{55 67 86}
“You might have woken me, ⁰⁰

“Oh, Miss Anne—it wouldn’t be kidnappers, would it!” said Joan, at once. ^{55 67 86}
‘Oh, Anne – it wouldn’t be kidnappers, would it!’ said Joanna, at once. ⁰⁰

“No, Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘No, Joanna. ⁰⁰

“I wonder if there are still hundreds of bunnies there ^{55 67 86}
‘I wonder if there are still hundreds there ⁰⁰

We’ll have to tell Leslie ⁵⁵
We’ll have to tell Lesley ^{67 86 00}

Joan put her head round Julian’s bedroom door. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna put her head round Julian’s bedroom door. ⁰⁰

“Will you want a packed lunch for a picnic again, Master Julian?” ^{55 67 86}
‘Will you want a packed lunch for a picnic again, Julian?’ ⁰⁰

we’re going over to the island, Joan,” ^{55 67 86}
we’re going over to the island, Joanna,’ ⁰⁰

But if we don’t go, we’ll stay in for lunch. ⁵⁵
But if we don’t go, we'll stay for lunch. ^{67 86 00}

as soon as you know about the boat,” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
as soon as you know about the boat,’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

Joan wants to know.” ^{55 67 86}
Joanna wants to know.’ ⁰⁰

a blazer to wear after a bathe. ^{55 67 86}
a jacket to wear after a bathe. ⁰⁰

“It’s like a gramophone record! ^{55 67 86}
‘It’s like a record! ⁰⁰

The dogs were glad when the children came panting out of the water, Anne the only one with a cap on her head. ⁵⁵
The dogs were glad when the children came panting out of the water; Anne was the only one with a cap on her head. ⁶⁷
The dogs were glad when the children came panting out of the water. ^{86 00}

blazer. ^{55 67 86}
anorak. ⁰⁰

“There’s someone on Kirrin Island, though we can’t see them,” ^{55 67 86}
‘There’s someone on Kirrin Island, though I can’t see them,’ ⁰⁰

“I think they’ve gone now, whoever it was,” ^{55 67 86}
‘I think they’re gone now, whoever it was,’ ⁰⁰

it’s just a bit queer ^{55 67 86}
it’s just a bit odd ⁰⁰

inquiries ^{55 67 86}
enquiries ⁰⁰

as Leslie’s was. ⁵⁵
as Lesley’s was. ^{67 86 00}

Chapter 11

Berta—Leslie, I mean.” ⁵⁵
Berta – Lesley, I mean.’ ^{67 86 00}

“We could leave her safely with Joan.” ^{55 67 86}
‘We could leave her safely with Joanna.’ ⁰⁰

“Actually I think it might be a good thing to go,” said Julian. ^{55 67 86}
‘Actually I think it might be a good thing to do,’ said Julian. ⁰⁰

“Yes, sir! ^{55 67 86}
‘Yes! ⁰⁰

Joan had a fine lunch ready ^{55 67 86}
Joanna had a fine lunch ready ⁰⁰

Joan had put in tiny boiled carrots and peas ^{55 67 86}
Joanna had put in tiny boiled carrots and peas ⁰⁰

home-made ice-cream,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
home-made ice-cream,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

They told Joan about what they had seen ^{55 67 86}
They told Joanna about what they had seen ⁰⁰

Now you know what your aunt said, Master Julian,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Now you know what your aunt said, Julian,’ ⁰⁰

I don’t want to look an ass, Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘I don’t want to look an ass, Joanna. ⁰⁰

“I think you ought to ring them now,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘I think you ought to ring them now,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

I don’t think you ought to go over to the island at all if you’re suspicious of the people there.” ^{55 67}
I don’t think you ought to go over to the island if you’re suspicious of the people there.’ ^{86 00}

Joan said no more, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna said no more, ⁰⁰

how do you get it like that, Joan ^{55 67 86}
how do you get it like that, Joanna ⁰⁰

Joan laughed. “You say such extravagant things, Master Dick ^{55 67 86}
Joanna laughed. You say such extravagant things, Dick ⁰⁰

Master Leslie will tell you ^{55 67 86}
Master Lesley will tell you ⁸⁶
Lesley will tell you ⁰⁰

But Joan had run out of the room, ^{55 67 86}
But Joanna had run out of the room, ⁰⁰

Like all Americans, she loved old buildings and old customs. ^{55 67 86}
Like so many Americans, she loved old buildings and old customs. ⁰⁰

Chapter 12

that’s why they went the other side, the seaward side. ^{55 67}
that’s why they went to the other side, the seaward side. ^{86 00}

the old ruined castle ^{55 67 86}
the old castle ⁰⁰

“Afternoon, Miss George!” ^{55 67 86}
‘Afternoon, George!’ ⁰⁰

recognising ^{55 86 00}
recognizing ⁶⁷

“Joan did! ^{55 67 86}
‘Joanna did! ⁰⁰

“Ah,” said both policemen, profoundly. ^{55 67 86}
‘Ah,’ said the policeman, profoundly. ⁰⁰

And mind you ring us up next time anything turns up, Miss George, see?” ^{55 67 86}
And mind you ring us up next time anything turns up, George, see?’ ⁰⁰

her stiff little tail ^{55 67 86}
her stiff tail ⁰⁰

And I noticed he had a large gold ring on his finger ⁵⁵
I noticed he had a large gold ring on his finger ^{67 86 00}

a friend staying with us called Leslie,” ⁵⁵
a friend staying with us called Lesley,’ ^{67 86 00}

Timmy gobbled his almost at once, and sat patiently watching for Sally to deal with hers, ^{55 67 86}
Timmy gobbled his almost at once, and sat patiently watching Sally deal with hers, ⁰⁰

Leslie is here.” ⁵⁵
Lesley is here.’ ^{67 86 00}

told Joan what had happened ^{55 67 86}
told Joanna what had happened ⁰⁰

“You telephoned to the police, Joan!” ^{55 67 86}
‘You telephoned the police, Joanna!’ ⁰⁰

I was right to,” said Joan. “And what’s more Master Leslie’s bed is going to be moved ⁵⁵
I was right to,’ said Joan. ‘And what’s more Master Lesley’s bed is going to be moved ^{67 86}
I was right to,’ said Joanna. ‘And what’s more, Lesley’s bed is going to be moved ⁰⁰

Joan accepted at once. “Thank you, Miss,” ^{55 67 86}
Joanna accepted at once. ‘Thank you,’ ⁰⁰

“Oh, it’s not so bad as that, Joan! ^{55 67 86}
‘Oh, it’s not so bad as that, Joanna. ⁰⁰

“Oh—I quite forgot to tell you,” said Joan. “Look, there’s a telegram come. ^{55 67 86}
‘Oh – I quite forgot to tell you,’ said Joanna. ‘A letter’s arrived. ⁰⁰

Chapter 13

He picked up the telegram. It was addressed to George, but Joan had opened it. ^{55 67 86}
He picked up the letter. It was addressed to George, but Joanna had opened it. ⁰⁰

Joan’s room ^{55 67 86}
Joanna’s room ⁰⁰

she had made the offer to Joan! ^{55 67 86}
she had made the offer to Joanna! ⁰⁰

They sat round the table, playing. Julian and Dick sat side by side. George sat opposite the window. Anne sat with her back to it, and Berta sat beside George, who was helping her in a new game of cards. She looked exactly like a very earnest little boy, with her straight, close-cut fair hair. ^{55 67}
They sat round the table, playing. Julian and Berta sat side by side, as Julian was helping her in a new game of cards. She looked exactly like a very earnest little boy, with her straight close-cut fair hair. George sat opposite the window with Dick on one side of her and Anne on the other. ^{86 00}

Fathead!” ^{55 67 86}
Idiot!’ ⁰⁰

Joan came running in, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna came running in, ⁰⁰

“What’s all this about?” said Joan, quite fiercely. ^{55 67 86}
‘What’s all this about?’ said Joanna, quite fiercely. ⁰⁰

So did Joan. ^{55 67 86}
So did Joanna. ⁰⁰

And I shall ring up the police and warn them. Master Leslie, you come with me straightaway now.” ⁵⁵
I shall ring up the police and warn them. Master Lesley, you come with me straightaway now.’ ^{67 86}
I shall ring up the police and warn them. Lesley, you come with me straight away now.’ ⁰⁰

“I think perhaps you’re right, Berta,” said Julian. ^{55 67}
‘I think perhaps you’re right, Joan,’ said Julian. ⁸⁶
‘I think perhaps you're right, Joanna,’ said Julian. ⁰⁰

Joan and Berta. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Berta. ⁰⁰

Joan’s room. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna’s room. ⁰⁰

Joan soon got Berta into bed, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna soon got Berta into bed, ⁰⁰

“Now we ought to be quite safe!” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘Now we ought to be quite safe!’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

Berta and Joan ^{55 67 86}
Berta and Joanna ⁰⁰

these holls ^{55 67}
these hols ^{86 00}

You can’t go and bang at Joan’s door ⁵⁵
You can’t go and bang on Joan’s door ^{67 86}
You can’t go and bang on Joanna’s door ⁰⁰

Was it Joan unlocking her door? ^{55 67 86}
Was it Joanna unlocking her door? ⁰⁰

“Me. Joan,” said Joan’s voice. “I’ve brought Sally down, Miss George. Timmy keeps trying to get up on Miss Berta’s bed ^{55 67 86}
‘Me. Joanna,’ said Joanna’s voice. ‘I’ve brought Sally down, George. Timmy keeps trying to get up on Berta’s bed ⁰⁰

“All right,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘All right,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

“Is he—is he happy, Joan?” asked George, but Joan had turned away and didn’t hear. ^{55 67 86}
‘Is he – is he happy, Joanna?’ asked George, but Joanna had turned away and didn’t hear. ⁰⁰

Joan and Berta ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Berta ⁰⁰

Now she had got to have this silly little Sally instead! ^{55 67 86}
Now she had to have this silly little Sally instead! ⁰⁰

Chapter 14

Joan went downstairs as usual. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna went downstairs as usual. ⁰⁰

She called to Joan. “Joan, where’s George? ^{55 67 86}
She called to Joanna. ‘Joanna, where’s George? ⁰⁰

“I haven’t seen her,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘I haven’t seen her,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

Why hadn’t George wakened her ^{55 67 86}
Why hadn’t George woken her ⁰⁰

it’s the girdle off George’s dressing-gown!’ ^{55 67 86}
it’s the belt off George’s dressing-gown!’ ⁰⁰

“As brave as any boy could be when she’s in a fix! ^{55 67 86}
‘As brave as anything when she’s in a fix! ⁰⁰

Julian, let’s go and tell Joan. ^{55 67 86}
Julian, let’s go and tell Joanna. ⁰⁰

George’s sudden disappearance brought home to her the very real danger she was in. ^{55 67}
George’s sudden disappearance had brought home to her the very real danger she was in. ^{86 00}

called Joan. ^{55 67 86}
called Joanna. ⁰⁰

Joan was horrified. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna was horrified ⁰⁰

then Miss George has to go down ^{55 67 86}
then George has to go down ⁰⁰

“Listen, Joan,” said Julian. ^{55 67 86}
‘Listen, Joanna,’ said Julian. ⁰⁰

That’s certain,” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
That’s certain,’ said Joanna ⁰⁰

Jo—the little gypsy girl ^{55 67 86}
Jo – the little traveller girl ⁰⁰

“She does,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘She does,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

Joan, can you ring up ^{55 67 86}
Joanna, can you ring up ⁰⁰

said Joan, standing up ^{55 67 86}
said Joanna, standing up ⁰⁰

she’s quick in the uptake, ^{55 67}
she’s quick on the uptake, ^{86 00}

Master Leslie, get a few things together ⁵⁵
Master Lesley, get a few things together ^{67 86}
Lesley, get a few things together ⁰⁰

Joan said she was a little gypsy girl. I don’t like gypsies.” ^{55 67 86}
Joanna said she was a little traveller girl. I might not like her.’ ⁰⁰

her heart’s in the right place—isn’t it, Joan?’ ^{55 67 86}
her heart’s in the right place – isn’t it, Joanna?’ ⁰⁰

Joan nodded. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna nodded. ⁰⁰

“Come on, Master Leslie,” she said. “We must hurry. Master Julian, ⁵⁵
‘Come on, Master Lesley,’ she said. ‘We must hurry. Master Julian, ^{67 86}
‘Come on, Lesley,’ she said. ‘We must hurry. Julian, ⁰⁰

“A girl, please—please, please, a girl!” ^{55 67 86}
‘A girl, please, please, a girl!’ ⁰⁰

“She can be Jane,” said Joan, firmly. ^{55 67 86}
‘She can be Jane,’ said Joanna, firmly. ⁰⁰

“No, don’t get a taxi for us,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘No, don’t get a taxi for us,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

her dressing-gown girdle ^{55 67 86}
her dressing-gown belt ⁰⁰

Chapter 15

“We’re just off!” shouted Joan’s voice. ^{55 67 86}
‘We’re just off!’ shouted Joanna’s voice. ⁰⁰

Down the garden path rushed Joan, ^{55 67 86}
Down the garden path rushed Joanna, ⁰⁰

dressed in a frock instead of shorts and jersey. She wore a hat to cover her short hair. ^{55 67}
dressed in a frock instead of jeans and jersey. ⁸⁶
dressed in a dress instead of shorts and jersey. ⁰⁰

Joan and Berta ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Berta ⁰⁰

realised ^{55 86 00}
realized ⁶⁷

you realise, Master Julian ^{55 86}
you realize, Master Julian ⁶⁷
you realise, Julian ⁰⁰

“Now I’ll get in touch with your aunt and uncle, Master Julian, ^{55 67 86}
‘Now I’ll get in touch with your aunt and uncle, Julian, ⁰⁰

“She is is no danger ⁵⁵
‘She is in no danger ^{67 86 00}

realise ^{55 86 00}
realize ⁶⁷

“Anne, you look queer ^{55 67 86}
‘Anne, you look funny ⁰⁰

It seemed queer only to be three. ^{55 67 86}
It seemed strange only to be three. ⁰⁰

George’s dressing-gown girdle ^{55 67 86}
George’s dressing-gown belt ⁰⁰

“I’m pretty certain it’s George’s. ^{55 67}
‘I’m certain it’s George’s. ^{86 00}

“Come on then—let’s follow Timmy,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Come on – let’s follow Timmy,’ ⁰⁰

“It was a big car ^{55 67}
‘It was a car ^{86 00}

A big car, painted blue, probably American. ^{55 67}
A big blue car, probably American. ^{86 00}

“She must have thrown it down when she got here to the car ^{55 67}
‘She must have thrown it down when she got near to the car ^{86 00}

Chapter 16

Joan came back ^{55 67 86}
Joanna came back ⁰⁰

They were very glad to see Joan. ^{55 67 86}
They were very glad to see Joanna. ^{67 86 00}

“Well, Miss Jane is now safely in my cousin’s cottage,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, Jane is now safely in my cousin’s cottage,’ ⁰⁰

They told Joan what they had discovered ^{55 67 86}
They told Joanna what they had discovered ⁰⁰

“That’s a queer word—sounds like a gypsy word to me. ^{55 67 86}
‘That’s a funny word – sounds like a traveller word to me. ⁰⁰

She was out shopping,” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
She was out shopping,’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

‘I only hope she gets on with Miss Jane all right. ^{55 67 86}
‘I only hope she gets on with Jane all right. ⁰⁰

an artful little gypsy girl, ^{55 67 86}
a crafty little traveller girl, ⁰⁰

a cousin of Joan’s, ^{55 67 86}
a cousin of Joanna’s, ⁰⁰

I mean Leslie ⁵⁵
I mean Lesley ^{67 86 00}

Joan parked Jane with your cousin ⁵⁵
Joan parked Jane with her cousin ^{67 86}
Joanna parked Jane with her cousin ⁰⁰

“Have you found out where George is? I’ll go and break in and get her out, if you do!” ^{55 67 86}
‘Have you found out where George is? I’ll go and break in and get her out, if you have!’ ⁰⁰

I’m jolly glad you forbade her to take your bike,” ^{55 67}
I’m jolly glad you wouldn’t let her take your bike,’ ^{86 00}

realised ^{55 86 00}
realized ⁶⁷

awakened in the middle of the night ^{55 67 86}
woken in the middle of the night ⁰⁰

Chapter 17

Joan came running upstairs ^{55 67 86}
Joanna came running upstairs ⁰⁰

“Master Julian! ^{55 67 86}
‘Julian! ⁰⁰

“Julian, I saw Spiky, he’s coming to the beech at levven I took Dick’s bike to go home on I will bring it back at levven, don’t be too cross. Jo.”
“I suppose ‘beech’ doesn’t mean a tree, it means the beach, the sands,” said Dick. ‘And ‘levven’ means eleven o’clock. Little scallywag—I hope she hasn’t damaged my bike in any way.” ^{55 67 86}
‘Julian, I saw Spiky, he’s coming to the beach at eleven. I took Dick’s bike to go home on. I will bring it back at eleven, don’t be too cross. Jo.’
‘Little scallywag,’ said Dick. ‘I hope she hasn’t damaged my bike in any way.’ ⁰⁰

the little gypsy girl. ^{55 67 86}
the little girl. ⁰⁰

“So you got to the circus safely after all?” ⁵⁵
‘So you got to the fair safely after all?’ ^{67 86 00}

“A lot of people’s interested in Gringo. ^{55 67 86}
‘A lot of people’re interested in Gringo. ⁰⁰

Ain’t you, Spiky?” ^{55 67 86}
Aren’t you, Spiky?’ ⁰⁰

spikes of hairs at the top of his head ^{55 67}
the spikes of hair at the top of his head ^{86 00}

“Will Joan’s cousin mind ^{55 67 86}
‘Will Joanna’s cousin mind ⁰⁰

Joan and Anne ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Anne ⁰⁰

‘Well, you monkey!” said Joan to Jo. ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, you monkey!’ said Joanna to Jo. ⁰⁰

How’s Miss Jane?” ^{55 67 86}
How’s Jane?’ ⁰⁰

Joan was most excited ^{55 67 86}
Joanna was most excited ⁰⁰

this time, Joan,” he said. ^{55 67 86}
this time, Joanna,’ ^{67 86 00}

recognises ^{55 86 00}
recognizes ⁶⁷

They saw Jo waving wildly to them from the side of the big field and wheeled the three bicycles over to her, Timmy following closely at their heels. ^{55 67 86}
They saw Jo waving wildly to them from the side of the big field and wheeled the three bicycles over to her, Timmy followed closely at their heels. ⁰⁰

Chapter 18

men went round shouting their wares to sell. ^{55 67}
men went round shouting their wares. ^{86 00}

Sixpence each!” ^{55 67}
Three pence each!’ ⁸⁶
Fifty pence each!’ ⁰⁰

She was sitting sewing in a bunk, ^{55 67 86}
She was sitting sewing on a bunk, ⁰⁰

She came down the steps of the van, ⁵⁵
She came down the steps to the van, ^{67 86 00}

screaming in a high voice, and hitting at him. ^{55 67}
screaming in a high voice, and hitting him. ^{86 00}

recognise ^{55 86 00}
recognize ⁶⁷

“I’ve been asking round a bit, cautious-like,” ^{55 67 86}
‘I’ve been asking round a bit, cautiously,’ ⁰⁰

“When did the van come back?” asked Julian, worried. ^{55 67}
‘When did the van come back?’ asked Julian. ^{86 00}

“But there are a lot of places within the radius of 12 miles!” ^{55 67}
‘But there are lots of places within the radius of 12 miles!’ ^{86 00}

Thanks most awfully, Spiky. ^{55 67 86}
Thanks a lot, Spiky. ⁰⁰

Anne and Joan ^{55 67 86}
Anne and Joanna ⁰⁰

Joan was for ringing up the police ^{55 67 86}
Joanna was for ringing up the police ^{67 86 00}

“We’re going to try and find out where the car went, Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘We’re going to try and find out where the car went, Joanna. ⁰⁰

Chapter 19

give him ten shillings ^{55 67}
give him fifty pence ⁸⁶
give him some money ⁰⁰

“That don’t matter!” ^{55 67 86}
‘That doesn’t matter!’ ⁰⁰

Thanks most awfully.” ^{55 67 86}
Thanks a lot.’ ⁰⁰

Julian passed over ten shillings to the pleased garage boy, ^{55 67}
Julian passed over fifty pence to the pleased garage boy, ⁸⁶
Julian passed over a pound to the pleased garage boy, ⁰⁰

Anne and Joan. ^{55 67 86}
Anne and Joanna. ⁰⁰

Joan and Anne listened eagerly. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Anne listened eagerly. ⁰⁰

“Well, Master Julian,” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, Julian,’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

“We really ought to ring up the police,” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘We really ought to ring up the police,’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

“Joan, you sound like a parrot!” ^{55 67 86}
‘Joanna, you sound like a parrot!’ ⁰⁰

“There’s been another phone call from your aunt today, Master Julian—I nearly forgot to tell you,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘There’s been another phone call from your aunt today, Julian – I nearly forgot to tell you,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

it isn’t Berta who is kidnapped,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
it isn’t Berta who is kidnapped,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

“You be careful you don’t go and do too much and land yourself in trouble,” said Joan, darkly. ^{55 67 86}
‘Be careful you don’t go and do too much and land yourself in trouble,’ said Joanna, darkly. ⁰⁰

“Well, we haven’t had any tea,” said Dick. “How extraordinary to have forgotten about tea. No wonder we’re hungry.” ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, we haven’t had any tea. No wonder we’re hungry.’ ⁰⁰

“Would you like bacon and eggs for a treat?” said Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘Would you like bacon and eggs for a treat?’ said Joanna, ⁰⁰

as if Joan’s question applied to them too! ^{55 67 86}
as if Joanna’s question applied to them too! ⁰⁰

Joan went up to bed ^{55 67 86}
Joana went up to bed ⁰⁰

You’re not gettting tired, are you?” ⁵⁵
You’re not getting tired, are you?” ^{67 86 00}

“Did you hear that? ^{55 67 86}
‘Did your hear that? ⁰⁰

Chapter 20

It’s queer. ^{55 67 86}
It’s strange. ⁰⁰

“I’ll go next.” ^{55 67 86}
‘I’ll go next. Then you.’ ⁰⁰

Down he jumped, ^{55 67 86}
Down they jumped, ⁰⁰

a very loud noise indeed in the silent night. ^{55 67}
a very loud noise in the silent night. ^{86 00}

We’ve got to get out of here.” ^{55 67}
We’ve got to get out.’ ^{86 00}

lighted by the dim moon. ^{55 67 86}
lit by the dim moon. ⁰⁰

they went on up the next flight of stairs. ^{55 67}
they went on up to the next flight of stairs. ^{86 00}

Dick shut the cistern door at once, ^{55 67}
Dick shut the cistern room door at once, ^{86 00}

there was George’s curly nob, ^{55 67 86}
there was George’s curly mop, ⁰⁰

Chapter 21

my dressing-gown girdle ^{55 67 86}
my dressing-gown belt ⁰⁰

“Then they plonked me down at the back of the car. ^{55 67 86}
‘Then they plonked me down in the back of the car. ⁰⁰

“Well, they whizzed me off in a car ⁵⁵
‘Well, they whizzed me off in the car ^{67 86 00}

“Don’t be a fathead,” ^{55 67 86}
‘Don’t be an idiot,’ ⁰⁰

I only wish she was here now, ^{55 67 86}
I only wish she were here now, ⁰⁰

There was no sound of him at all. ^{55 67 86}
There was no sound from him at all. ⁰⁰

realising ^{55 86 00}
realizing ⁶⁷

lock the door on the whole lot of them, ^{55 67}
lock the door on the lot of them, ^{86 00}

Dick hobbling behind, for his ankle was still painful. ^{55 67}
Dick hobbling, for his ankle was still painful. ^{86 00}

They went down the front door steps ^{55 67}
They went down the front steps ^{86 00}

You want spanking, ^{55 67 86}
You want a good telling off, ⁰⁰

Chapter 22

Joan and Anne ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Anne ⁰⁰

Joan was awake, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna was awake, ⁰⁰

Joan’s room ^{55 67 86}
Joanna’s room ⁰⁰

drawing up the sitting-room blind ^{55 67}
drawing back the sitting-room curtains ^{86 00}

“Well, I suppose it isn’t,” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘Well, I suppose it isn’t,’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

“Joan! ^{55 67 86}
‘Joanna! ⁰⁰

have you any mushrooms, Joan? ^{55 67 86}
have you any mushrooms, Joanna? ⁰⁰

I don’t know what’s happening to my eyes—they keep closing!” ^{55 67 86}
I don’t know what’s happened to my eyes – they keep closing!’ ⁰⁰

“Joan—don’t say ^{55 67 86}
‘Joanna – don’t say ⁰⁰

“Of course not!” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘Of course not!’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

He flopped on his bed and was asleep as his head fell on the pillow. ⁵⁵
He flopped on his bed and was asleep as soon as his head fell on the pillow. ^{67 86 00}

everyone but Joan was asleep too. ^{55 67 86}
everyone but Joanna was asleep too. ⁰⁰

Joan stopped to give Timmy a drink, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna stopped to give Timmy a drink, ⁰⁰

Joan went to lie down too, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna went to lie down too, ⁰⁰

Out of the second stepped the sergeant and his constable. ^{55 67}
Out of the second car stepped the sergeant and his constable. ^{86 00}

What was Joan thinking of? ^{55 67 86}
What was Joanna thinking of? ⁰⁰

Joan and Jo, ^{55 67 86}
Joanna and Jo, ⁰⁰

Joan full of apologies. ^{55 67 86}
Joanna full of apologies. ⁰⁰

“Excuse me, Miss,” said the sergeant to Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘Excuse me,’ said the sergeant to Joanna. ⁰⁰

We’re supposed to be guarding Miss Berta.” ^{55 67 86}
We’re supposed to be guarding Berta.’ ⁰⁰

‘Oh my—you don’t need to do that now!” said Joan. ^{55 67 86}
‘Oh my – you don’t need to do that now!’ said Joanna. ⁰⁰

“Didn’t Master Julian telephone you ^{55 67 86}
‘Didn’t Julian telephone you ⁰⁰

Everything’s all right,” explained Joan ^{55 67 86}
Everything’s all right,’ explained Joanna ⁰⁰

“We’ve got Miss George back ^{55 67 86}
‘We’ve got George back ⁰⁰

“Look here, Miss, what are you talking about?” ^{55 67 86}
‘Look here, what are you talking about?’ ⁰⁰

“Master Julian!” called Joan, ^{55 67 86}
‘Julian!’ called Joanna, ⁰⁰

“I’ve just been told, Mr. Wright, sir, that there’s no need ^{55 67 86}
‘I’ve just been told, Mr Wright, that there’s no need ⁰⁰

the end ⁵⁵

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