"Well, shut up about snakes and church-bells then," said Pip, in disgust. "Bets has only got to say 'Oh, how wonderful,' and you make up the tallest stories I've ever heard. Hallo -- here are Larry and Daisy."
Fatty didn't like to say any more about his bruises, though he was simply longing to show them to the others. Lany had been thinking a lot about everything whilst he had gobbled up his late dinner, and he had his plans all ready. He didn't even ask poor Fatty how he felt after his fall, but started off straightaway with His ideas.
"Look here," he said, "I've been thinking about Clear-Orf. I don't like him knowing about those footprints. We
don't want him to solve this mystery before we do. For all we know he's got his eye on Peeks and Mr, Smellie too, as well as the tramp. We must get in first. It would be too awful if horrid old Clear-Orf found out everything before we did!"
"It would.," agreed every one wholeheartedly. Buster wagged His tail.
"We must see this man-servant, Peeks," said Larry. "It's most important I don't suspect that old tramp any more now that I've seen His shoes and coat. Anyway, I'm certain that if he had fired the cottage, he would have fled away out of the district as soon as ever he could. As it is, he's still about. I don't believe he did it. I'm much more inclined to think that Peeks did it. We must find out."
"We must," agreed every one again.
"I shall question the tramp closely tomorrow," said Larry, rather grandly. "I feel certain he can tell us plenty. Fatty, do you think you and Daisy could find out about Peeks tomorrow? I'll stay here with Pip and Bets and question the tramp."
"Right!" said Fatty and Daisy joyfully. If only they could get ahead of Clear-Orf! They simply must beat him!