“Oh, the roads have been cleared for us,” said Paul. “We shan’t meet any cars on the mountain roads, anyway, so you needn’t worry.”
They didn’t. The cars roared along, stopping for nothing — nothing except lunch! At half-past twelve, when everyone was feeling very hungry, the signal was given to stop. They all got out to stretch their legs and have a run round. They were on a hillside, and below them ran a shining river, curving down the valley. It was a lovely place for a picnic.
As usual the food was delicious. Ranni and Pilescu unpacked hampers and the children spread a snow-white cloth on the grass and set out plates and dishes.
“Chicken sandwiches! Good!” said Mike.
“Ice-cream pudding! My favourite!” said Nora.
“About thirty different kinds of sandwiches!” said Jack. “I am glad I feel so terribly hungry.”
It was a good meal, sitting out there on the hillside, where a little breeze blew.
“It’s cooler already,” said Nora, thankfully.
“It will be much cooler in Killimooin Castle,” said Ranni. “It is built in a cunning place, where two winds meet round a gully! It is always cool there on the hottest day. You will soon get back your rosy cheeks.”
Everyone climbed back into the cars when lunch was finished, and off they went again. “Only about an hour more and the road ends for us,” said Pilescu, looking at his watch. “It goes on round the mountains, but leaves Killimooin behind. I hope the ponies will be there, ready for us.”