"It certainly was," said Daisy warmly, and the others nodded.
Fatty swelled up at once. "Well, as I've told you be-
fore," he said, "I really have got brains. Now, at school..."
"Shut up, Fatty," said every one together, and Fatty subsided and shut up, still feeling pleased, however, that the others admired him for spotting such a curious clue.
They all went on talking about the burnt cottage and the Suspects and clues for a little while longer, and then Buster growled so fiercely and so long that every one was surprised and puzzled.
"What is the matter with Buster?" said Bets. "Has he got a tummy-ache or something, do you think? "
She had hardly finished saying these words when a large round face appeared above the rim of the high river bank. It was a kindly face, set with big intelligent eyes that had a real twinkle in them.
"Oh!" said every one, startled.
"Pardon me," said the face. "I'm afraid I've frightened you. But, you see, I was sitting down here, below the bank, in my favourite corner, fishing. Naturally I kept quiet, because I didn't want to disturb the fish. I couldn't help hearing what you were talking about - it was most interesting, most interesting, if you'll pardon my saying so!"
Buster barked so loudly that the children could hardly hear what the hidden person was saying. He climbed up on to the bank beside them, and they saw that he was a very big fellow, burly and strong, dressed in a tweed suit and enormous brown shoes.