“He’ll know soon enough,” said Jack, with his mouth full.
“I reckon the queer folk up at the Old House will be pretty furious when they find Mike and the prince gone,” said George rather solemnly. “I think you’d better all get away from here with Paul, whilst Miss Dimity and I tell the police and find out a bit more about this prince of yours.”
“Get away from here?” said Jack. “But where could we go that was safe?”
No sooner had he said it than he and the girls had the most marvellous idea in the world.
“Our secret island! We’d be safe there! It’s not far from here!” yelled Jack.
“The secret island!” cried Peggy and Nora.
“What’s that?” asked George in astonishment.
“It’s on Lake Wildwater, about forty miles from here,” said Jack. “We lived on our secret island on the lake when we ran away once - it would be a wonderful place for the prince till he’s safe from his enemies.”
“Good idea!” said George. “I’ll take you round the coast in my boat to Longrigg, where I’ve a brother who has a car. He can drive you to Wildwater - and you can do the rest!”
“Won’t Mike be pleased, won’t Mike be pleased!” shouted Nora. “Oh, I do feel so happy!” And she danced poor Dimmy round and round the room till Dimmy had to beg for mercy!