“No — we drive most of the way,” said Paul. “But as there is no proper road within twenty miles, we shall have to go on ponies for the rest of the way. I don’t know how the younger children will manage.”
“This is a lovely holiday!” said Nora, dreamily. “Living in a palace — flying about in aeroplanes — peering down at the Secret Forest — and now going to live in a castle built in the wild mountains, to which there is not even a proper road. We are lucky!”
“It’s getting hotter,” said Mike, with a groan. “Even the draught from the electric fan seems hot! I hope it will get a bit cooler by the time the evening comes.”
But it didn’t. It seemed to get hotter than ever. Not one of the five children could sleep, though the fans in their big bedrooms went all night long. They flung off the sheets. They turned their pillows to find a cool place. They got out of bed and stood by the open windows to find a breath of air.
By the time the morning came they were a heavy-eyed, cross batch of children, ready to quarrel and squabble over anything. Paul flew into a temper with Ranni, and the big man laughed.
“Ah, my little lord, this heat is bad for you all! Now do not lose your temper with me. That is foolish, for if you become hot-tempered, you will feel hotter than ever! Go and get ready. The cars will be here in half an hour.”
The boys went to have cool baths. It was too hot to swim in the lake, which was just like a warm bath now. They came out of the cold water feeling better. Mike heard the noise of car engines, and went to the window. A perfect fleet of cars was outside, ready to take the whole family, with the exception of Paul’s father. The five older children, the five younger ones, Paul’s mother, three nurses, and Ranni and Pilescu were all going.
“Come on!” yelled Paul. “We’re going. Nora, you’ll be left behind. Hurry up!”
And into the cars climbed all the royal household, delighted to be going into the cool mountains at last.