"Can I give you children a lift?" inquired the Inspector. "Am I going your way?"
He was, for he was going to Mr. Hick with the plain-clothes man. The children piled into the big car, bursting with importance, and hoping that every one in the village would see them riding with their friend, the great Inspector!
"I suppose you couldn't possibly put in a word for us with our parents, could you?" asked Pip. "You see, Mr. Goon complained so bitterly of us. If you spoke well of us, it would be a great help."
"It would be a pleasure," beamed the Inspector, starting up his powerful car. "I'll call in after I've interviewed Mr. Hick."
He kept his word. He called on Pip's mother later in the day, and very much impressed her with his admiration for the Find-Outers.
"They are very smart children," he said. "I am sure you will agree with me. I am proud to know them."
The children crowded round him eagerly. "What about Mr. Hick? What did he say?"
"I questioned him closely, and let him know that we knew everything and had got his shoes too," said the Inspector. "He denied it at first, but when asked to explain how it was that he heard those aeroplanes coming over here at the time when he vowed he was in London, he broke down and confessed everything. So I am afraid Mr. Hick will have to leave His comfortable house and spend some considerable time with the police! He is even now on his way, and poor Mrs. Minns is in a most excited state."
"I expect Lily will be glad that Horace isn't suspected any more," said Daisy. "And we'd better go and tell Mr. Smellie all about it too, so that he will forgive us for getting into his house and taking his shoe. Will Mr. Goon give him back his shoe. Inspector Jenks?"
"It has already been done," said the big man. "Well, I must be going. I hope I shall see you again some day, You did very well indeed with your dues and your list of Suspects."