Very Strange Discoveries.
A storm of anger broke over poor Bets when Mr. Goon had gone.
"Idiot!" said Pip. "Going and blabbing everything out to old Hiccup!"
"Honestly, you've ruined everything, Bets," said Daisy.
"This is the end of the Find-Outers," said Larry gloomily. "That's what comes of having a baby in it like Bets. Everything's spoilt."
Bets sobbed loudly. Fatty was sorry for her. He actually put his arm round her and spoke kindly, though he felt as impatient as the others at the break-up of their plans and hopes.
"Don't cry, Bets. We all do silly things. It was clever of you and Buster to track those prints, I must say. And wouldn't I like to know which of those two, Peeks or Smellie, wore those shoes!"
Pip's mother appeared again, looking stern. "I hope you are feeling ashamed of yourselves," she said. "I want you all to go down and apologize to Mr. Hick for interfering in his concerns. He is naturally very annoyed to think that you have been messing about each day in his garden."
"We didn't do any harm," said Pip.
"That's not the point," said his mother. "You children simply cannot be allowed to go on to private property, and into private houses without permission. You will all go down immediately to Mr. Hick and apologize. Do as I say at once."