"Never mind, Bets," said Fatty. "The Inspector will soon be here, and once he hears our story he will soon put things right. We've got to meet him at Lady Candling's in an hour's time. We must take all our clues with us."
So carrying one bottle of turps, one tin of paint, one old paint-brush, one stone smeared with paint, one hanky smelling of turps, and one pair of rubber boots spotted with paint, the children set off down Pip's drive and up Lady Candling's drive in an hour's time.
"The only clue we couldn't bring was the smell on the cat's tail," said Bets. "And that was really the most important clue of all."
"And it was you who smelt it," said Fatty. "I must say I think you've been a very good Find-Outer this time, little Bets."
"Look! there's Mr. Goon going into the house," said Daisy. "And that's Tupping with him. And here comes Luke. Hallo, Luke! Where are you going?"
"Been told to wash myself and go up to the house," said Luke, who looked both gloomy and scared.
"Are you frit?" asked Fatty.
"Yes, I'm frit," said Luke.
"Well don't be," said Fatty. "Everything is going to be all right. You'll see. Cheer up."
But Luke could not cheer up. He walked off to wash and clean himself, looking very downcast, just as the Inspector's black car drove smartly up the drive and came to a stop. The big Inspector got out and smiled at the children. He beckoned to them.