The boy took no notice but went to get another pail of water. The dog had a wonderful time round Mr. Goon's trousered ankles.
"Clear orf!" said the policeman, kicking out again. Larry and the others chuckled. The dog was a nice little thing, a black Scottie, very nimble on his short legs.
"He belongs to that boy," said Pip. "He's a topping dog, absolutely full of fun. I wish he was mine."
A shower of sparks flew up into the air as part of the
straw roof fell in. There was a horrible smell of burning and smoke. The children moved back a little.
There came the sound of a car down the lane. A shout went up. "Here's Mr. Hick!"
The car drew up in the drive by the house. A man got out and ran down the garden to where the burning cottage stood.
"Mr. Hick, sir, sorry to say your workroom is almost destroyed," said the policeman. "Did our best to save it, sir, but the fire got too big a hold. Any idea what caused the fire, sir?"
"How am I to know?" said Mr. Hick impatiently. "I've only just got back from the London train. Why wasn't the fire-engine sent for?"
"Well, sir, you know it's in the next town,'3 said Mr. Goon, "and by the time we knew of the fire3 the flames were already shooting through the roof. Do you happen to know if you had a fire in the grate this morning sir?"