“I do hate leaving Mafumu behind,” sighed Peggy. “I really do hate it. He’s quite one of us.”
“Jack’s lucky to have those crocodile teeth,” said Paul.
“And you’re lucky to have that glorious, shimmering robe and sun-ray head-dress,” said Peggy. “I wish I had it!”
“I’ll lend it to you whenever you want it,” said Paul generously. “I truly will,”
The aeroplanes were flying well and fast. Nora looked down to see if they were still over mountains and she gave a cry.
“We’re over the Secret Mountain again! Look, everybody! We must have gone out of our way to take Mafumu back — and now we’re flying the opposite way home.”
Everyone looked down. Yes — there was the Secret Mountain, with its curious yellow colouring. And there was the flat top, with the vast smooth courtyard on which had happened their most exciting adventures.
“Wasn’t the eclipse fun?” said Nora.
“And didn’t Paul look marvellous when he came up that stairway dressed in those wonderful robes?” said Peggy.
“And wasn’t it glorious when we stood on the top of the mountain and suddenly heard the roar of the White Swallow’s engines?” said Jack.