Read Mystery of Tally-Ho Cottage for Free Online Page B

fact!’
    ‘Oh, I won’t,’ said Ern fervently. ‘I’m scared of my uncle, I really am, sure as my name’s Ern Goon.’
    Buster gave a sudden growl when he heard the name of Goon. ‘There!’ said Ern, ‘he thinks the same as me. Good old Buster. I know how you feel about biting his ankles. I’d like to bite him too.’
    Buster thumped his tail on the floor, and looked at Ern with approval.
    ‘I say,’ said Pip, ‘how old are these twins of your aunt’s? About Sid and Perce’s age did you say? You could have a game of ball with them, perhaps - and let the ball go into Tally-Ho gardens - and slip over and look for it - or…’
    ‘Coo yes - I’ll be able to think of plenty of excuses for slipping into next door,’ said Ern. ‘I’ll pry into every corner - you never know where that picture might be hid, do you!’
    ‘Well, it probably wouldn’t be in the rubbish-heap or in the coal-cellar,’ said Fatty gravely. ‘I wouldn’t bother about the picture, Ern - just keep your eyes and ears open and report anything unusual to us - strangers about, or noises in the night, or lights.’
    ‘Yes - and report to us if the Larkins are cruel to little Poppet!’ said Bets. ‘If they are I’ll get the R.S.P.C.A. to report them. I will. I really will!’
    ‘Good old Bets,’ said Fatty. ‘Don’t worry - the dog is a valuable one and the Larkins won’t dare to starve it or hurt it badly.’
    ‘I say - just look at the time!’ said Pip, in horror. ‘We’ll be late for our dinner again - and Mother will blame you, Fatty, as well as us! Come on, Bets, for goodness’ sake!’
    Larry and Daisy came to the front gate to see them off. They all rode away on their bicycles, Ern too.
    ‘So long!’ he said, with his usual beaming smile. ‘I’m off to the Wooshes now. They’re expecting me for dinner. I’ve got all my things in my bike-basket!’
    ‘So long!’ said Fatty, amused at the tiny bundle in Ern’s basket. Ern obviously didn’t think he needed much luggage for a week’s stay at the Wooshes! ‘And thanks most awfully for the splendid table, Ern.’
    Ern rode off, pleased at the sight of Fatty riding away on his bicycle with the table under one arm. He’d be able to tell those twins something, when he got to his aunt’s!

ERN HAS AN IDEA
    Ern arrived late at his aunt’s, having quite forgotten that his uncle, the Daniels’ gardener, knocked off work at half-past twelve and went in for his dinner.
    Mrs. Woosh was not too pleased with him. ‘Oh - here you are at last, Ern!’ she said. ‘Well, we’ve almost finished dinner - and thinking you weren’t coming, Liz and Glad have eaten your share of the stew.’
    ‘Oh!’ said Ern, dismayed, for he was very hungry indeed. ‘Sorry I’m late, Aunt. I’ve been with my friends and forgot the time.’
    ‘What friends?’ asked his aunt, in surprise.
    ‘Well, there’s Frederick Trotteville, and the Hiltons and…’ began Ern proudly.
    Liz and Glad tittered. ‘Oooh, isn’t he grand!’ said Liz. ‘Those aren’t his friends, are they, Mum?’
    ‘You hold your tongue, Liz,’ said Mrs. Woosh. Liz nudged Glad and they both went off into giggles that made Ern long to slap them.
    ‘If you were my sisters,’ he began, glaring at them, but Mrs. Woosh stopped him.
    ‘Now, Ern, don’t start throwing your weight about as soon as you come. There’s some cheese over there that your uncle left, and some bread. Help yourself. We’ve got plenty of pudding left.’
    Ern sighed in relief and began on the bread and cheese. The twins sat and stared steadily at Ern for a few minutes, nudging each other every time he put a huge bit of bread and cheese into his mouth. He decided that they required a firm hand. They needed a brother, that’s what they needed - someone like Ern himself, Ern decided. He would Keep Them in Their Place all right!
    At last Glad and Liz slipped away from the table and went out into the garden to play. Mrs. Woosh heaved a sigh of relief.
    ‘I’ll be glad when the holidays are over,’ she said. ‘Always under my feet, those twins