Hubert put a Bulls’ Eye into his mouth, pocketed the packet and accompanied William to where Ginger and Douglas were, his goggle eyes still more a-goggle with excitement. Joan and Violet Elizabeth were busying themselves in transforming the interior of the barn into two semi-detached villas with great exercise of handkerchief-dusters and imagination.
“Douglas,” whispered William confidentially, “’s found out a secret about this field. He got it off a witch.” Hubert was so surprised that his spectacles fell off. He replaced them and listened open-mouthed. “There’s a grass in this field that if you tread on it makes you invisible. Now we’re jus’ goin’ to tread about a bit to see ’f we can find it an’ we don’ want to leave you out of it so you can come an’ tread about a bit with us case we find it.”
Hubert was thrilled and flattered.
“I bet I find it first,” he squeaked excitedly.
They tramped about in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly William said in a voice of great concern.
“I say, where’s Hubert gone.”
“I’m here,” said Hubert, a shade of anxiety in his voice.
William looked at him and through him.
“Where’s Hubert gone?” he said again, “He was here a minute ago.”
“I’m here!” said Hubert again plaintively.