"Hear, hear," said Socks.
The business of hiding the clocks was just being begun when there was a sudden alarm.
"Hist," cried Jimmy. "Somebody's coming up the stairs."
There was a panic.
"It's all right," said Jimmy. "It's only Pongo."
Taking advantage of being dummy, Mr. Bateman was going to his room for a handkerchief. He paused on his way and took in the situation at a glance. He then made a comment, a simple and practical one.
"He will hear them ticking when he goes to bed."
The conspirators looked at each other.
"What did I tell you?" said Jimmy in a reverent voice. "Pongo always did have brains!"
The brainy one passed on.