Five Go to Phantom Creek

CHAPTER 1: AN EXCITING SUGGESTION

By Trevor J Bolton

"Whatever can have kept them, Timmy?" asked George, an impatient freckle-faced girl with very short, curly hair and bright blue eyes. She stood in the middle of the lane outside Kirrin Cottage, gazing towards the village, expecting to see her three cousins on their bicycles. "They should have been here twenty minutes ago." George's real name was Georgina but, because she always wanted to be a boy, dressed like one and tried to act like one, she would only answer to the name George. Even the teachers and pupils at her school referred to her as George. Timmy, the brown mongrel dog she had had ever since finding him as a puppy lost on the moors, wagged his rather long tail and actually seemed to grin as he gazed up at his beloved mistress. Then, spotting somebody riding a bicycle from Kirrin village, he gave a couple of short barks. "No, that's not them, silly. It's the postman," said George, uttering a sigh of exasperation. "Come on, let's return to the garden." With Timmy at her side, she strolled back to the old white-stoned cottage with its walls attractively covered in ivy and sweet smelling climbing roses but, just as she was entering the garden, there was a loud ringing of bicycle bells and three very excited children rode up the short drive shouting at the tops of their voices. "Well, why are you so late?" demanded George, frowning at them. "Timmy and I have been waiting ages for you." "Hello, George. We've been on the phone, that's why," replied Julian, getting off his bike. The oldest of the four children, he was a tall boy with determined eyes and a strong chin, and very much respected by the rather stubborn George. "And we've got some smashing news," added his younger brother Dick, about the same age as George and who had a great sense of humour. "Guess what! We've all been invited to stay in a large, old house that once belonged to real smugglers!" cried Anne, the youngest. Forgetting her annoyance, George immediately became intrigued and started asking questions which all three cousins tried to answer at the same time, their voices rising. Sensing the air of excitement, Timmy joined in by barking loudly and charging madly around.

Suddenly, a nearby window was flung open and a man's scowling face appeared. "What is the meaning of this dreadful din?" he asked in a deep, authoritative voice. "How dare you ring bells and yell at the tops of your voices outside my study while I'm doing important work? And George, if you don't stop that dog of yours barking, he will have to live in his kennel." "Sorry, Uncle Quentin," apologised Dick, while George tried to quieten Timmy down. "We've got some smashing news to tell George and we're terribly excited." "Well be terribly excited somewhere else, such as down on the beach or, better still, on Kirrin Island!" snapped Uncle Quentin. "I was in the middle of solving an important equation and, because you've disturbed me, I've got to start all over again!" "That's not really our fault, Father," protested George, scowling just like her father. "Be fair. It's yours. You disturbed yourself by getting up, opening the window and yelling at us. If you'd simply ignored..." "That's quite enough, George," declared Uncle Quentin fiercely. He glanced sideways as he became aware of somebody approaching from the garden and clicked his tongue. "More disturbance. Oh, it's you, Fanny. Do take these rowdy children away from here. I'm conducting an important experiment and they keep on disturbing me. I simply cannot concentrate with all their noise, not to mention that dog barking." "They don't keep on disturbing you, dear, so don't exaggerate," replied his wife gently but firmly. "After all, Julian, Dick and Anne have only just arrived. Come into the cottage, children, and you return to your work, Quentin." Muttering about noisy children and barking dogs, Uncle Quentin slammed the window shut so violently it was a wonder it didn't break. Quentin Kirrin was a brilliant and highly respected scientist who intensely disliked school holidays as he needed peace and quiet for his important work. Knowing how impatient he could be when disturbed, the children normally kept out of his way. It was just unfortunate that, on this occasion, they met outside the study window. "Now wait till we're inside the cottage before you tell George whatever it is that's so important," said Aunt Fanny, sensing the children were about to discuss things again. "I could hear you from way down the garden so no wonder your uncle was disturbed. It must be very exciting." "It is, Aunt Fanny," nodded Anne as they entered the large kitchen of Kirrin Cottage where Joanna, the cheerful cook, was making sandwiches. "Very!" "Just you keep your hands off those buns I've made," said Joanna, a twinkle in her eye. "Especially you, Master Dick. I know what you're like." "They really smell fabulous," declared Dick eyeing the buns longingly. "Can't we try one each to make certain they're all right? Please, Joanna! Just one." "Oh, go on then," replied Joanna smiling. "But just one each, mind." "Come into the sitting room and you, Julian, tell George and me what all the excitement's about," said Aunt Fanny leading the way. "You all look hot and bothered. I expect you've been pedalling furiously all

the way here, so I'll pour you some ginger beer to go with the buns. And don't raise your voices as your uncle's study is just down the hall as you know only too well." "It's like this," began Julian as soon as his aunt brought in the glasses of ginger beer on a tray. "Buster Bristow, one of the boys in Dick's year at school, has invited us to stay with him at Rawlins Haven that's the name of the old house his family own at Phantom Creek as his parents have to go away for a few days. Is Phantom Creek far, Aunt Fanny?" "Some distance," replied Aunt Fanny, thinking. "Beyond Lobster Cove where you sometimes go swimming. In fact, it's way beyond Port Limmersley and is, I believe, quite difficult to reach by road because of the estuary. That's why we haven't been there for ages." "The exciting thing is that the house used to belong to smugglers in fact the whole area is associated with smugglers," continued Julian. "There used to be secret tunnels in the cliff and there's supposed to be one actually leading to Rawlins Haven itself, although Buster has never found it." "Buster has a boat which he has promised to take us around the creek in," said Dick, his eyes ablaze. "Do say George can come with us, Aunt Fanny. She'd like old Buster. He's full of fun. He's forever playing tricks at school." "What with you, that Sooty Lenoir, Toby Something-or-other, and now this boy Buster all playing tricks, I wonder you get any work done at school, Dick," said Aunt Fanny, shaking her head. "Tell me. Is this simply an invitation from Buster, or from his parents? It seems rather strange for the boy to invite four children, two of whom he and his family have never met, while his parents are away." "Yes, put like that it does sound surprising," agreed Julian. "Anyway, on the phone Buster said that, if it seems our parents and you and Uncle Quentin, of course have no objection, his mother would phone and explain everything. Mother had no immediate objection as she's met the Bristows at school, and we felt sure you wouldn't mind Mrs Bristow phoning you." "It sounds great. I'd love to join you, but what about Timmy?" asked George anxiously. "If he can't go, I shan't, of course." "I knew you'd say that so I mentioned Timmy," said Dick, with a broad grin on his face. "Buster said he'd be delighted to have a dog around although he'll have to ask his parents, of course." "What do you say, Aunt Fanny?" asked Anne. "Mother says that she's happy for us to be away for a few days during the long holiday but naturally needs more information from Mrs Bristow." "It certainly depends on what Mrs Bristow has to say," said Aunt Fanny, still looking dubious. "I'll go along with any decision your mother makes. When will Mrs Bristow phone?" "This very afternoon," replied Julian. "She wanted to make certain we would like to stay at Rawlins Haven before phoning." "I'll say no more about your plans and make no promises until Mrs Bristow phones," decided Aunt Fanny. "Now, hadn't you planned to have a picnic on the moor? As you've seen, Joanna is busy preparing a picnic lunch so you can stay out for the day. That will keep you out of Uncle Quentin's way, especially while you're so excited."

Soon the Five, for Timmy always counted as one of them, set off towards the village, then down Carters Lane which led to Kirrin Common. There, they cycled slowly along the bumpy track, Timmy trotting beside them hoping to spot a rabbit or two to chase. Needless to say, the conversation was mainly about Rawlins Haven and Phantom Creek. "Buster makes it sound so exciting," said Dick. "I do hope we will be able to join him. He's such good fun and he often talks about the creek. I hope Mrs Bristow phones." "To be honest, I'm still intrigued about it all, like Aunt Fanny is," admitted Julian. "Why suddenly invite four children and a dog when you're going away for a few days?" "We'll hopefully find out when we return home," said George. "Now, see that hill ahead? I vote we have our picnic on the very top so we'll be able to see for miles around." It was hard going cycling along a track that twisted and turned all the time as it went up the hill but, eventually, they reached the top and what a view they had! "Look down there," cried Anne, suddenly. "There's that old ruined cottage where we sheltered from a storm and ended up having one of our adventures." "When we met a boy who seemed to have a split personality," reminded Julian, thinking back. "Sometimes he was cheerful, other times he was downright rude." "That's because we hadn't realised we were dealing with two boys," added Dick with a laugh. "Identical twins! Harry and what was the other one called?" "Guy," replied George. "He had a funny little dog called Jet and was interested in archaeology. I can just make out the old Roman camp on the common way down there where he was digging." "Isn't that Kirrin Farm where we had another adventure?" asked Anne, pointing in the other direction towards a small farm on a hill. "That's right," said George nodding. "Those sheep on the hillside belong to Mr and Mrs Sanders. I say, didn't we have fun going down the Secret Way behind the wardrobe's false back?" "We certainly did," agreed Dick. "Now, may I make a suggestion? Let's start our picnic. My tummy's telling me it's time to eat." "Your tummy's always telling you it's time to eat," giggled Anne. "But I must admit. I'm feeling quite peckish myself." In no time the four children were tucking into Joanna's delicious ham sandwiches, pork pies, hard boiled eggs and firm tomatoes, with juicy plums as dessert. Timmy had his biscuits but kept sniffing around to see if anyone had dropped anything while they chatted non-stop. "You naughty dog, you've just eaten a piece of my pie!" scolded Dick, shooing Timmy away. "Now I'll have to have another one." "You've had two already!" said Julian. "Dick, you really are a pig at times."

The children thoroughly enjoyed their picnic on the hill with its panoramic views. In the distance they could make out the sea, sparkling in the August sunshine, although Kirrin Island was hidden from view by another hill. After the meal, they relaxed before returning along a track which took them to the ruined cottage almost hidden by rambling roses clinging to the walls. They also had a look at the old Roman camp, half expecting to see Guy or Harry suddenly appear. But they didn't, of course. Eventually it was time to return to Kirrin Cottage. One thing, and one thing only, was uppermost in their minds as they pedalled along. Had Mrs Bristow phoned? And had it been arranged that they would spend a few days with Buster at Phantom Creek?

CHAPTER 2: ROLL ON, TOMORROW!

"For goodness' sake, don't make a noise cycling up the drive!" warned Julian as Kirrin Cottage came into view. "It would be most unwise to upset your father again, George." Thus four remarkably quiet children pedalled up the drive accompanied by one tired dog, his tongue hanging loosely out of his mouth. Aunt Fanny, working in the garden, was surprised to find them suddenly close by. "Oh, goodness me, how you startled me!" she exclaimed, standing up. "I've never known you to be so quiet. Is everything all right?" "Yes, of course it is, Mother," said George getting off her bike. "We didn't want to disturb Father. Now don't keep us in suspense. Has Mrs Bristow phoned?" "Yes, and we had a very pleasant and interesting chat," replied Aunt Fanny, removing her gardening gloves and sitting on a bench, while the impatient children stood their bikes against the side of the shed. "It seems that Mr Bristow has been called away at short notice to an important meeting about some buildings he is designing he's an architect, apparently and Mrs Bristow would like to go with him as her sister hasn't been well recently and lives near to where the meeting is taking place." "But what about us going to Rawlins Haven with Buster?" interrupted Dick, beginning to look disappointed. "Did she mention anything about it? Buster didn't make it up, did he?" "I was coming to that," said Aunt Fanny with a laugh. "Knowing how bored their son would be with Mrs Bristow's sister she has no children the Bristows suggested to Buster that he might like a couple of school friends to stay with him. They were pleased he chose you two, Julian and Dick, as they have met you and your parents. However, Mrs Bristow was quite unaware about Anne and George going as well, let alone Timothy. Buster somehow forgot to mention them." "Does that mean we're not invited?" asked George, anxiously. "And what about Timmy? If he can't go, I shan't!" "Do calm down, George, as you're all invited," replied Aunt Fanny. "Mrs Bristow seems to be a very jovial lady and had a good laugh over you and Anne going along as well. Indeed, she actually seemed

relieved to know that there'd be a big dog with you at night. But she did stress that she wants you to promise to help Mrs Pickle who'll be keeping an eye on you during the day." "Mrs Pickle, what a delightful name!" exclaimed Julian, grinning broadly. "Yes, of course we'll help dear old Mrs Pickle in any way we can. Buster never mentioned her." "She lives in Phantom Creek and helps out as housekeeper whenever she's needed," explained Aunt Fanny. "Quite often there are meetings in some of the larger houses. She'll see to the cooking and downstairs cleaning, but you must be responsible for your bedrooms." Then, before she could say anymore, who should appear in the doorway but Uncle Quentin, a very different Uncle Quentin from the angry man they had seen that morning. He came out into the garden and sat next to his wife looking remarkably relaxed and very pleased with himself. "Thank goodness, I've sorted out that complicated equation," he said, heaving a sigh of relief. "It really was most baffling. Most baffling, indeed. Tell me, is it long till lunch, Fanny? I'm feeling quite hungry." "Oh Quentin, I took your lunch into the study hours ago!" said an exasperated Aunt Fanny, much to the children's amusement. They had experienced this scene so many times. "You muttered something about putting it on the table and you would eat it in a few moments. You're unbelievably absent minded when you're working worse than any child!" "We had a lovely picnic up on the moor, Uncle Quentin," said Anne, pleased to see her uncle smiling again. "And listen. Has Aunt Fanny told you that George and I have been invited to stay with a school friend of my brothers?" "Really? No. What's his name?" asked Uncle Quentin looking surprised. "Buster," replied George. "Buster!" exclaimed Uncle Quentin. "I meant the boy's name, not his dog's. And what's he like the boy, that is?" "That is the boy's name, Uncle," said Dick. "He's in my year at school and tremendous fun to be with. Let me tell you some of the tricks he played last term." "I think I'd rather not hear about them," said Uncle Quentin firmly. "Buster. That's a strange name. Where does he live?" "At Phantom Creek," answered Julian. "Do you know Phantom Creek, Uncle Quentin?" "Not very well but I have been there," replied his uncle. "It's awkward to reach by road from here as the village is on the far side of the creek, a large inlet on the River Luddle. You have to go a long way inland to reach it as there's only the one bridge across the river. Then you have to drive around the creek itself. Dr Raynor lives there, Fanny." "Whoever's Dr Raynor, dear?" asked Aunt Fanny. "He's not our doctor." "Dr Raynor is not a medical practitioner," said Uncle Quentin, impatiently clicking his tongue. Fancy his wife not knowing Dr Raynor! "She, not he, is an eminent physicist with a doctorate in scientific studies. We often have a chat at meetings although I haven't seen her for some time. I believe she's chairing a

conference of physicists this very week. You know, it would be rather agreeable to have another talk with her so I suppose I could come with you to Phantom Creek." The children looked at each other in horror. Much as they liked and respected George's father, he was not the ideal person to have around when four no, it would be five children and a dog were enjoying themselves. "Quentin, this break is strictly for the children," said Aunt Fanny firmly, and explained what was planned to her husband. He listened intently and, at first, was concerned that a daily housekeeper would be the only grown-up looking after the children, especially if the other boy liked playing tricks. Uncle Quentin had little time for boys who indulged in playing tricks. "I hope she's a firm and responsible lady who can keep the children under control," he said. "Yes, George may go as I know I can rely on you, Julian, to be in charge when Mrs... what's her name?" "Pickle!" yelled all four children rather loudly, causing Timmy to bark. "No need to bellow!" said Uncle Quentin, pulling a face. "As I was saying, I know I can rely on you, Julian, to be in charge when this Mrs Pickle is that really her name? is not with you." "I will, Uncle," promised Julian, pleased his uncle had such faith in him. "And no more of your ghastly adventures this time," added Uncle Quentin. "Let this be a straightforward holiday." "How can you possibly say that, Father?" asked George, scornfully. "We always have an adventure wherever we go. We're bound to have one at Phantom Creek." "I can't imagine anything exciting happening at Phantom Creek," said Aunt Fanny with a smile. "Now, I've arranged with Jim that, after lunch tomorrow, a car will come for you, George, first of all, then Julian, Dick and Anne will be collected. Luckily you won't need to pack much for just a few days." "Does Mummy know about these arrangements?" asked Anne. "Of course she does!" replied Aunt Fanny. "Mrs Bristow naturally spoke to your mother first as she knows her. Now, your mother said you can stay to tea this afternoon as Joanna has it prepared but must return home soon afterwards." "Tea? Don't you mean lunch, dear?" asked Uncle Quentin, looking at his wife in surprise. "No, Quentin. Tea!" said Aunt Fanny, shaking her head in despair. "Really! We've had lunch." Over tea, the conversation was naturally mainly about Phantom Creek which Uncle Quentin actually seemed to know quite well. "It's a little village way around the creek as I've explained," he said. "Luddle Creek, as it was originally called, used to be much larger and quite important but the creek gradually silted up so badly that large ships could no longer enter what once was a harbour. That's when the smugglers took over with their smaller boats, or so my grandfather used to tell me. He even used to relate tales of a phantom ship belonging to some smuggler or other being seen in the creek on stormy nights, thus the name changed to Phantom Creek."

"So that's why it's got such an odd name!" said Julian. "I wonder if we'll see the phantom ship." "Good gracious me, no!" declared Uncle Quentin in amazement. "The story of the phantom ship was just a legend, nothing more. Phantom ship, indeed!" "Are there many houses in the village, Father?" asked George. "The one we're staying in is Rawlins Haven. Perhaps you know it?" "No, I don't know it although I must have seen it," replied her father. "There aren't that many houses probably as many as are in Kirrin. Fishermen's cottages straddle the creek close to the main street and, beyond, are some quite large and very old houses. There's Estuary View where Dr Raynor lives and I recall a large, rambling hotel, part of which is actually built into the rocky cliff. Phantom Creek, once a hive of activity, is a fairly quiet place now." "So how do the people earn their living in a place like that?" enquired Dick. "Fishermen still live and work there," said Uncle Quentin, helping himself to a very buttery scone. "And I believe there are artists and writers plus, of course, people like Dr Raynor who give lectures. It's an ideal place to prepare lectures and theses. No disturbances." "It seems to be the sort of place where you'd like to live, Uncle," remarked Anne. "Nice and quiet." "Until you four and that boy what's his name?" said Uncle Quentin wiping butter which annoyingly persisted in dripping down his chin. "Buster!" everyone yelled. "I do wish you wouldn't shout," scolded Uncle Quentin frowning. "That's the second time! I was just remarking before you interrupted that it won't be so quiet for the next few days. But I'm perfectly happy here at Kirrin, Anne. At least we have a railway station so I can easily travel when I need to. Phantom Creek has no station anywhere near it as it's right off the beaten track. To be honest, you'll probably find it too quiet for your liking." "Too quiet! A former haven for smugglers, a rambling old house with a secret passage, tunnels through the cliff and a phantom ship!" exclaimed George. "I'm looking forward to it more than ever." "So are we all," nodded Dick, while Timmy barked in agreement much to Uncle Quentin's annoyance. "I can't say I shall be sorry not to have that noisy dog around for a few days," he said. "When did you say you're going?" "Tomorrow!" everyone shouted, causing Uncle Quentin to wince once again. "Then roll on, tomorrow!" he muttered. At once four excited children nodded in agreement. "Yes, roll on, tomorrow!"

CHAPTER 3: RAWLINS HAVEN, BUSTER, AND MRS PICKLE! After lunch the following day, George waited by the front door for the car which was to take the Five to Phantom Creek. Right on time it purred up the lane and entered the drive of Kirrin Cottage. "I see you're packed and ready, Master George," said the driver getting out. Like many of the local people, he referred to George as Master George, knowing full well she was a girl. "Ah, here's your mother. Good afternoon, Mrs Kirrin. You're going to have peace and quiet for a few days although I expect Mr Kirrin will appreciate it more than you." "He certainly will, Ted!" nodded George's mother with a smile. "He needs to concentrate so much right now that the slightest noise irritates him, and you can't expect the children to creep around indoors like mice. I find it difficult to move quietly and poor Joanna's terrified of dropping a plate on the kitchen floor." "Ah, but what it is to have brains!" sighed Ted, the driver, wistfully. "I think mine are in my feet! Now, I gather I collect the other youngsters then drive the four to Phantom Creek." "Five," corrected George at once. "I thought there were just four," said Ted looking mystified. "Who's the fifth?" "Why, Timmy of course!" replied George, while Tim barked in agreement. "He always counts as one of us. We're the Famous Five, don't forget." "Of course. Fancy me forgetting!" exclaimed the relieved driver. "Now let's put this bag of yours in the boot." "Well, enjoy yourself, George," said Mrs Kirrin. "Remember to help Mrs Pickle and phone me if there are any problems." "Yes, Mother, so you keep telling me," laughed George, giving her mother a kiss. "I said goodbye to Father earlier so I won't disturb him." "No, don't, and in any case, he probably won't even notice you've gone," laughed Mrs Kirrin as George and Timmy climbed into the back of the big car. "And don't forget to..." But the car was now reversing onto the lane and off it went to collect Julian, Dick and Anne. Soon the Five were together again, chatting excitedly about Phantom Creek and Rawlins Haven, not to mention Buster whom the girls hadn't met. "Few people visit Phantom Creek nowadays," remarked Ted, joining in the conversation. "Pity, it's a nice old place." "Do you know Rawlins Haven where we're staying?" asked Dick, eager to learn more about the old house. "Ay, I've heard many a tale about that there house," replied Ted, carefully steering the car around some tricky bends. "The original cottage Harbour Cottage was its name in them days belonged to Jacob Rawlins, thus the name Rawlins Haven. Smuggler Jake they called him as he was in charge of the

Phantom Creek smugglers unofficially, of course. Customs and Excise could never catch him. Why, he once smuggled bottles of best French brandy into his cottage under their very noses!" "However did he manage that?" asked Julian, sitting next to the driver. "George, do keep Timmy still. He keeps licking my ear." "Some folks says that Smuggler Jake had a hold on some of them Customs and Excise officers," answered Ted, enjoying the conversation. "Mind you, there was never any need to carry the goods into Harbour Cottage as Luddle Creek used to be riddled with tunnels which Smuggler Jake knew like the back of his hand. They do say as how he made the cottage bigger by building a new part just to link up with them tunnels. It's certainly a rambling house as you'll be a-seeing." "Phantom Creek sounds very exciting," said Anne. "Do the tunnels still exist?" "It was exciting but it's fairly quiet now," replied Ted. "As for them tunnels, I believe they were blocked up years ago as people got lost in them. Nobody knew them like old Jacob. There are folks who says his phantom ship can be seen in the creek on stormy nights, thus the name somehow changed from Luddle Creek to Phantom Creek." "That's what Uncle Quentin told us," said Julian recalling his uncle's words. Then, with a laugh, he added, "We must watch out for this ship." They were continuing to chat excitedly when the car suddenly bumpily crossed a humpback bridge over a narrow river. "Ooh, my tummy seemed to leave my body just then!" cried Anne, patting her stomach. "Just like on a scenic railway." "Believe it or not, that was the River Luddle that widens out at Phantom Creek just before entering the sea," explained the driver. "We've had to drive all this way inland as there's no other bridge crossing the river lower down and the creek is a large inlet on the far side. Now we've got to drive back towards the coast." They drove along twisting lanes and around sharp bends until the river once again came into view. But what a difference! It was much, much wider, the opposite side having a muddy looking bank stretching towards the distant sea. On the hillside were farms where sheep and cattle were leisurely grazing in grassy fields. A few small boats were out on the river while, ahead, was a large inlet with a cluster of buildings on the far side. Scattered haphazardly along the bank were several cottages, some clearly derelict. "These ere cottages once belonged to fishermen," Ted pointed out. "Indeed, many still do. There's the boat builder ahead. See? They seem to be repairing a tall sailing ship. Looks interesting, doesn't it? We're now coming to Phantom Creek. Rawlins Haven and other big houses are on the far side of the village, close to where the Luddle enters the sea." The car slowed down as it approached the village. Cottages of all shapes and sizes huddled together, reached by narrow alleys disappearing in all directions. Many of the roofs were so crooked they looked as though they were about to collapse. On either side of the main street were shops, many with customers clearly enjoying a chat as well as making purchases.

"Oh just look at that man!" exclaimed George, staring out of the window. "He seems to belong to a bygone age." Striding along the village street, nodding condescendingly to various people, was a man dressed entirely in black. What made him look so odd was the cloak he was wearing which rose up as he walked quickly along, stick in hand. "Clearly a descendant of the smugglers," giggled Dick. "We'll have to look out for him." Just beyond the village was a narrow pier stretching over the muddy river bank. Large old houses now came into view, some on the bank, some inland on a low hill. After passing a few of these dwellings, Ted drove down a lane on the right and pulled up outside the last house just beyond the old hotel Uncle Quentin had mentioned. Almost immediately, the sturdy oak front door was flung open and a cheeky looking fair-haired boy, about the same age as Dick, dashed outside. He was immediately followed by a plump, round-faced lady holding a jar containing what appeared to be a crab, of all things. Both stopped on noticing the car. "Hello, hello!" cried the boy, banging on the car's windows. "Welcome to Rawlins Haven! Quick, get out and save me from Mrs Pickle!" Four surprised children climbed out of the car while Timmy bounded around, wondering what was going on. "It's a good thing you've arrived as I was going to put this crab down Buster's shirt," said Mrs Pickle, a broad beam spread across her pleasant looking face. "Left the jar on its side on the kitchen table, he did, hoping the crab would scare me. Well it didn't! Now, tell me. Who's who?" There were slaps on the back as the girls were introduced to the grinning Buster and immediately liked him. "Buster Bristow!" said Mrs Pickle fiercely, holding the jar with the crab perilously close to the boy. "Perhaps you would introduce me to your friends since I'm supposed to be looking after you all!" "Gosh, sorry," apologised Buster, grinning. "This is Mrs Pickle, everyone. She's a real sport and a smashing cook. And Mrs Pickle, these are my friends from school. At least, two of them are. The other two are not my friends yet but they're going to be my friends, although not from school, if you see what I mean." "Not really," said Mrs Pickle shaking her head. "Do they have names?" Then, after being told the children's names, she looked in surprise. "Mrs Bristow told me there were two girls coming to stay, not one. You'll have to help me try to put a fourth bed in the boys' room. Oh dear me. I hope it'll fit in." "Our cousin George is a girl and her real name is Georgina," explained Julian. "She likes to do boyish things and be treated like a boy so we always call her George. So there are two girls and three boys, including Buster." "Well that's a relief, and I'll certainly call you George, if that's what you want," said Mrs Pickle, to George's delight. "The dog is yours, George, if I'm not mistaken." "That's right," said George. "Come here, Timmy. Sit down and say hello to Mrs Pickle."

Timmy sat down in front of the beaming lady, offering his paw which she solemnly held. "How do you do, Timothy?" she said. "What a nice, polite dog. Take note, Buster. Now show your friends to their rooms with their bags. Your driver can come and have a nice cup of tea and some buns, not to mention a chinwag before returning to Kirrin. Then the crab goes back to the creek." "Don't eat all the buns; save some for us!" teased Buster, rushing into the house. "Come along, Famous Five, as Dick always calls you." He led the way past a wide staircase into a hall, lined with dark, wooden panels, on which hung old photographs of the area, then through the dining room with windows along one side opposite a brick fireplace. Beyond was a large, square room with windows on three sides. There was another staircase in this room, although much narrower than the one in the hall. The room also had panelled walls in front of which were a few items of furniture, some clearly quite old. There was also a fireplace similar to the one in the dining room. "Dad informed me that this room and those above were added to the house by a smuggler called Jake Rawlins, thus the name of the house," explained Buster. "By the way, he said he's sorry to've missed you Dad, I mean, not Smuggler Jake but he and Mum had to hurry away. Anyway, they'll see you in a few days. Now we use this staircase here. My parents use the staircase you've just seen as their room is at the other end of the house. Come on, Timmy dog. Follow me." George scowled when Timmy immediately followed Buster up the stairs instead of waiting for her. Noticing her frown and knowing how jealous she was if Timmy obeyed another person, Julian urgently whispered to her. "Please don't say anything, George," he said. "Buster's simply being friendly towards Tim." George was, indeed, about to call Timmy back but she respected Julian enough not to say anything. Instead, she followed Dick and Anne up the narrow staircase which led to a wide landing, once again with an oak panelled wall. Two large rooms and a bathroom and cupboard led off the landing, while a narrow corridor disappeared into the darkness to the other part of the rambling house. "This is your room, Anne and George," said Buster, indicating the first room. "Ours is next door. Both rooms have a smashing view of the creek. Now unpack then come and sample Mrs Pickle's excellent buns. Afterwards, I'll show you this part of Phantom Creek and secret passages in the caves!"

CHAPTER 4: THE BEACH AND THE CAVES

The Five hurriedly unpacked before following Buster, who charged down the stairs at top speed with what appeared to be torches sticking out of the pockets of his shorts. Mrs Pickle and Ted, the driver, startled by the sudden and noisy arrival, looked round in amazement. "My, oh my, oh my! I thought a stampeding herd of elephants was approaching!" exclaimed Mrs Pickle. "It didn't take you long to unpack. I hope you've put everything away properly."

"Yes, of course, we have at least, they have cause I don't need to unpack, so haven't," said Buster speaking quickly as usual. He then gave a cheeky grin. "Er, how about us sampling your delicious buns because it won't be good for you if you eat them all?" "Don't be saucy!" retorted Mrs Pickle pretending to be indignant. "They're in the cake tin over there. Just one each, mind, or you won't eat your supper." "Oh yes we jolly well will!" answered Dick, hurrying over to the cake tin. "It smells really good." "Well I'll be off, Ada," said Ted getting up. "Thanks for the tea and buns. Something tells me you're in for a lively time. Enjoy yourselves, youngsters. Watch out Smuggler Jake doesn't get you!" "He'd better watch out we don't get him!" said Buster, biting into his bun. "Bye Ted. We'll see you in a few days' time," said Mrs Pickle as the driver departed. She turned to the children. "Since there's some time before supper, what do you five plan to do?" "Six," corrected George immediately, making Buster roar with laughter. "Timmy always counts as one of them, or one of us, now," explained Buster seeing the surprised look on Mrs Pickle's face. "So there are really six of us instead of five. See?" "No I don't! You really do talk in riddles at times, Buster!" declared Mrs Pickle shaking her head. "You get me right down confused." "Buster's going to show us the beach," said Julian. "First, is there anything we can do for you, Mrs Pickle?" "Not right now, thank you, Julian," replied Mrs Pickle, impressed by the boy's manners. "You go out and explore. It's a fascinating place is Phantom Creek. And since you're going out, Buster, take this crab with you. It's not right keeping it in a jar." "That's why the jar was on its side when you found it," laughed Buster, keeping out of Mrs Pickle's reach. "So the crab could explore which it couldn't do if the jar was the right way up could it?" "Take that crab back to the beach or there'll be bread and cheese for your supper, Buster Bristow!" declared Mrs Pickle in a stern voice. "Yes Mrs Pickle," said Buster pretending to sound innocent as he took the jar. "Tell you what. For a treat, I'll bring you back an eel if I catch one. That would be able to wriggle about all over the table." Seeing Mrs Pickle reach for the rolling pin, he shot out of the front door, again roaring with laughter, followed at a more leisurely pace by the Five. Once outside, they made their way to the rear of the house where, beyond the garden gate, they found themselves on top of the cliff. The large, semi-circular creek opened up in front of them, two large buoys indicating the safe entrance. Beyond was the mouth of the River Luddle and the open sea, sparkling in the afternoon sun. At the foot of the cliff, little waves gently danced towards the many rock pools before collapsing. Seagulls swooped over the pools, uttering their plaintive cries, while a fishing boat was slowly wending its way between the buoys having come from the open sea, its crew hard at work sorting out the fish.

Next door to Rawlins Haven was another and larger rambling old house, with little windows peering out from what appeared to be rather crooked ivy-clad walls. There were even tiny dormer windows in the uneven roof. Amazingly, the part of the house closest to the children was actually built into the cliff itself, beyond which the cliff top sloped downwards towards the village. "That's the Luddle Creek Hotel," explained Buster. "It's now owned by a Captain Richardson who's only recently moved into the village. It's being refurbished or whatever you call it the hotel, not the village although work has stopped while a handful of rooms have been opened up to a group of scientists who are here for a few days. They're attending conferences chaired by one of Phantom Creek's very own scientists called Dr Raynor. I say, is your Dad coming, George? He's a scientist, isn't he? Dick's forever bragging about his brilliant uncle at school." "I don't brag," snapped Dick, turning red. "I just happen to be proud of Uncle Quentin." "With good reason," added Julian. "I'm proud of him, too." "No, my father's not attending the meetings here as his work isn't involved," replied George, gazing at the old hotel. "He mentioned them and referred to Dr Raynor as he's met her several times. I say, what's that strange building way up there in the distance?" "An old, disused fort," replied Buster. "Something to do with the Emperor Napoleon but he couldn't have had it built as he was French, wasn't he, and France is over the water?" "It would have been built as a defence against Napoleon in case he invaded," explained Dick. "We learnt about him in history last term. Don't you ever concentrate, Buster?" "Sometimes," replied Buster casually. "Come on. Let's go down to the beach. Race you, Tim!" They made their way down the narrow cliff path to the shingly beach where Buster immediately bent over one of the many rock pools, the tide being well out. He released the relieved crab which hurriedly sidled away in search of shelter beneath some seaweed. "Where do you keep your boat, Buster?" asked Julian looking around. "Follow me," instructed Buster, hurrying as usual around some rocks towards a wooden door constructed in the cliff face. "There's a natural cave behind that door and that's where we keep our boat. There are quite a lot of caves along here. Some are used for keeping boats like ours is but most are open. We'll go for a row around the creek tomorrow but now I'll show you the smugglers' caves." Putting down the empty jar, he shot through the narrow entrance of a nearby cave instructing the others to wait outside. Timmy followed but was immediately called back by George. There was a scraping sound, then silence. The four children waited and waited until Dick, becoming impatient, called out. "Come on, Buster, what are you playing at?" he shouted. There was no reply. "Right. We're coming in." With Timmy leading the way, the Five entered the cave but, of course, it was too dark to see anything beyond the entrance. Suddenly they were startled by a loud yell "BEWARE!" and there, behind them, stood Buster, grinning from ear to ear. "Where have you come from?" demanded a surprised George.

"We didn't see you leave the cave so how come you're behind us?" asked Anne, looking mystified. "Aha! I've just been through one of the smugglers' passages," explained Buster. "That's why you didn't see me. I said I'd show you them. I've brought two torches so you take one, Julian, and bring up the rear while I lead the way. I say, can Timmy climb over rocks?" "Of course he can!" declared George, amazed anyone could think otherwise. "He's a very good climber, aren't you Timmy?" Timmy responded by giving a couple of barks which sounded extremely loud in the cave and made everyone jump. "I take that as being yes," said Buster. "Now we keep to the left then climb over these rocks." By the light of Buster's torch, the others were surprised to see a number of rocks seemingly piled one on top of each other and an unexpectedly high roof to the cave. Buster clambered over the first two before going out of sight behind the remainder. Timmy at once leapt nimbly up the rocks while Julian shone his torch so that Dick, George and Anne could see their way up. "I'm at the top so I'll shine my torch down and you'll see where you're putting your feet," said Buster. "Sorry about the seaweedy smell." Living by the sea, the others were quite used to the smell of seaweed and to climbing over rocks. In next to no time they had joined Buster on a small, uneven platform, surrounded by more rocks. "So now where do we go?" asked Dick. "There's no way out." "Oh yes there is!" said Buster, facing the rocky wall. "See this sloping rock. We have to scramble up to the top. It's just a few feet but is quite slippery because of the particles of dry sand so watch out." Placing his torch in his mouth, he quickly scrambled up the slippery rock and disappeared out of sight. "You come next, Dick," he called. "Then you can help George and Anne while I hold the torch." "I don't need any help!" snapped George at once, and quickly followed Dick. Before Anne could attempt to climb, Timmy darted up the sloping rock face as sure footed as a goat. Soon Anne and Julian were at the top which, in fact, marked the start of a twisting tunnel, leading downwards fairly steeply. With only two torches between them, it was not easy making progress through the tunnel, especially as Timmy kept wanting to pass back and forth. "It's not far," said Buster. "In fact, I'm about to enter another cave. We just need to squeeze round this rock." He squeezed himself awkwardly around a tall rock and shone his torch back so that Dick and George could do likewise. Now it was a matter of scrambling down to the sandy floor of the cave, lit up by daylight. Timmy leaped down and waited impatiently for George to descend. Soon the five children and dog were back on the beach, blinking in the sudden light. "It's nice to be in daylight again and to inhale fresh air," declared Julian, brushing himself down. "Are there any more passages like that?"

"Quite a few," replied Buster. "This cliff used to be riddled with tunnels, some natural, some constructed by the smugglers from the beach to their houses on the cliff. Those old tunnels were blocked up ages ago as they weren't safe. Such a pity. The one we just used was a natural one through rock so perfectly safe." "Show us another tunnel, Buster," pleaded Dick eagerly. "I love secret tunnels." "They're not that secret," giggled Buster. Then he thought for a moment. "Mind you, there is one that nobody around here has referred to so might be secret. I discovered it when sheltering from a sudden downpour. It's near the hotel jetty. Come on. This way." Off he darted around some rocks with Timmy close behind. The others had no choice but to follow as Buster made his way beyond the cliff path to some caves near a little jetty with posts at intervals. A yellow motor boat was moored to one of the posts. "That boat belongs to Captain Richardson," pointed out Buster when the others had joined him. "Now this is the cave we want." He turned to enter the nearest cave, but abruptly stopped, uttering a gasp of surprise. A tall, severe looking man with black hair, wearing a dark cloak and holding a stick, emerged from the gloomy interior. It was the man the Five had noticed when they drove through the village. "And just where do you think you're going?" he demanded, looking at each child in turn without smiling. "The caves along here belong to me. I do hope you weren't considering trespassing on my property."

CHAPTER 5: CAPTAIN RICHARDSON AND THE FISHERMEN

"Captain Richardson!" exclaimed Buster, taken aback. "Gosh, you startled me. Since when have these caves along here belonged to you? You've only recently come to this village. I've often been inside them." "Well, from now on, you will keep out of these caves," declared the haughty Captain Richardson, making Timmy growl. "They belong to the hotel and I own the hotel. If you must play in caves there are plenty nearer the sea, although I must say, I find one cave very much like another." "If these caves have always been open to everybody, you have no right claiming they're yours," stated Julian, disliking the attitude of the surly man. "Can I not? Oh dear!" sneered Captain Richardson. "We'll see about that, my boy. And do stop that nasty hound growling at me. It's clearly a very unfriendly and most unpleasant creature." "My dog is only unpleasant and unfriendly if people are unpleasant and unfriendly," snapped George, immediately flaring up and glaring at the man. "People like you, for example!" "Goodness me. A nasty dog and ill-mannered children!" said Captain Richardson. "Tut, tut. What is this village coming to? Now listen to me very carefully. Keep away from my caves. Go and play somewhere else."

With that, he draped the cloak around himself with a flourish and strode away while George held on to Timmy's collar, afraid the growling dog might go for the man. "Play somewhere else!" said Buster scornfully. "How old does the stupid man think we are?" "So that's Captain Richardson," said Julian watching the man go up the nearby cliff path. "What a surly fellow! We saw him as we drove through the village. Mind you, you were quite rude to him, George." "I don't care!!" retorted George, scowling. "How dare he call Timmy unpleasant. Ghastly, horrible, bumptious man!" "Well I'm glad George was rude to him," declared Buster. "Well done George and well done, Timmy, for growling." "Look, we don't really need to go into these two caves," reasoned Anne, who was somewhat shaken by the confrontation. "After all, Buster, you've pointed out plenty of others." "Well I'm jolly well going to go into this cave whether he likes it or not!" said the determined Buster. "So there!" "And I'll come, too!" added George. "So will Timmy!" The two moved towards the entrance of the cave but Julian, taking Buster firmly by the arm, ordered them back. "Just be sensible, both of you," he insisted. "Let's not cause any sort of trouble while your parents are away, Buster. It's not fair to Mrs Pickle and it looks bad for us, your guests. Don't forget, there's a slight chance the caves really do belong to the hotel like these mooring posts do." "I dislike that awful Captain Richardson as much as any of you but I agree with Julian," said Dick, while George glared at him. "Tell you what, Buster. Why not take us to the pier where that fishing boat came in? That'll be interesting." "O.K.," agreed Buster reluctantly. "You're right, Julian. We don't want that ghastly man complaining to Mrs Pickle as she'd probably feel obliged to inform my parents and they'll come rushing back. You know what grown-ups are. Hey, see that old man perched on a rock near the pier? That's old Benjamin. Let's go and have a chat with him. He used to be a sailor." Before any of the others could reply, Buster was trotting along the beach towards the pier. He approached a rock where an elderly weather-beaten man with white hair and a beard to match was sitting, puffing away contentedly at his pipe while gazing out to sea. The man looked up in surprise on hearing the children approach. "Bless me. I knows you, young Master Bristow, but I doesn't know them," he said, indicating the Five with his pipe. "Why are you in such a hurry? That's the trouble today. Folks is always in a hurry. No time to just sit and contemplate. Always rushing about." "Hello, Benjamin. These are my friends from school," pointed out Buster, then corrected himself. "At least, these two are and the other two are sister and cousin, or both cousins, or something complicated like that."

"Hello, youngsters, whoever you be," greeted old Benjamin. Then he looked at Anne and grinned broadly. "Don't ee let these four lads boss you about, lass." "She bosses us about," laughed George, pleased to be mistaken for a boy. "No I don't," retorted Anne, looking indignant. "Well it's nice to see a smiling face, Mr Benjamin. We've just met a nasty horrid man." "A nasty horrid man! And just who might that be?" enquired Benjamin, his head on one side. "Folks round ere be perfectly friendly as long as you be friendly." "It was that new man in the village. Told us to keep out of his caves," explained Buster. "You know. The man who's bought the hotel. Captain Richardson." Hearing that, old Benjamin removed the pipe from his mouth and, to the children's surprise, burst out laughing. "Captain Richardson!" he finally managed to say, wiping tears from his eyes. "Oh dear. Well I'm bless'd! That man bain't be no captain no more than I be. Captain Richardson, indeed! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!" Old Benjamin erupted into more laughter, so infectious that the children could not help joining in. Another weather-beaten man, one of the fishermen from the nearby boat, approached and was addressed between guffaws by Benjamin. "Just ee come over ere, Nathaniel, and listen to this," chuckled old Benjamin, indicating with his pipe. "You won't believe it but these ere lads and this lass have been told to keep away from them there caves by..." There was an interruption while Benjamin again chortled heartily. "Captain Richardson. Captain Richardson, I tell ee!" Now both men guffawed heartily, old Benjamin nearly tumbling off his rock, such was his glee. "Mr Midshipman Richardson, more likely," remarked Nathaniel, still laughing and holding his stomach. "Thinks he owns Phantom Creek, he does, just cause he's bought that there hotel. Got no time for him, meself. To tell truth, don't know nobody what has." "Do the caves by the mooring posts really belong to the hotel?" asked Julian feeling certain the two men would know the answer. "Them two with the doors does," replied Benjamin looking back along the beach. "Them others've always been left open for anybody to go in and out. Been in em meself." "Did Smuggler Jake use them?" asked Dick. "We've heard about him." "Ay, he did," nodded Nathaniel. "I mind there used to be a passage through the cliff up into the hotel from one of them caves, but I reckon it be one with a door where they keeps boats. There were passages in lots of the caves, some natural, but some..." Nathaniel paused for effect, gazing solemnly at the children out of the corner of his eyes, "some was built by Smuggler Jake and his men, or so they says." "Why, there was even a secret passage up to your house, Master Bristow," said Benjamin. "Mind you. That bain't be surprising cause Smuggler Jake lived there."

"I've heard about it but have never found the entrance," said Buster, while the other children listened eagerly. "Do you know whereabouts it is, Benjamin?" "No, I doesn't know," replied Benjamin shaking his head. "I did hear tell in my younger days that it wasn't one of them blocked up ones. Just well hidden, so they says. I mind they used to call it Smuggler Jake's Passage." "Perhaps Captain Richardson knows where it be," suggested Nathaniel, a twinkle in his eye. This caused both men to again roar with hearty laughter then Nathaniel glanced towards the pier. "Better be getting back to me boat," he said. "Only came to greet me old pal, Benjamin. Caught some fine lobsters this trip. Wait till I tells me mates that the man Richardson calls hisself Captain." With that, the still chuckling Nathaniel hurried back to his boat, the Phantom Star, where the day's catch was now being sorted out. Saying goodbye to Benjamin, sucking away happily at his pipe, the children wandered over to watch. Sudden raucous laughter from the fishing boat clearly meant Nathaniel had told the crew about Captain Richardson. "It's really strange how somebody unpleasant like that man Richardson has managed to cheer up so many people," laughed Dick. "I say, Buster. Is Benjamin right about Richardson not being a real captain?" "More than likely," replied Buster. "He introduced himself as Captain Richardson to the shopkeepers so we assumed he had been a captain. I say. Nathaniel didn't exaggerate, did he? He's certainly had a good catch." "Just look at those lobsters," said Anne as they approached the fishermen. "I wouldn't like to get nipped by one of them. Oh no, that fisherman's picking one up." "They know how to handle them just as I know how to handle crabs," said Buster. "I say, wouldn't it be fun to take a lobster back to Mrs Pickle? She'd run a mile." "I have a feeling that you'd have to be very brave or extremely foolish to take on Mrs Pickle and a lobster," laughed Julian. "Between them, they'd make a formidable enemy." Timmy raised his nose and sniffed loudly, cautiously looking at the lobsters. He wisely decided to keep his distance as he remembered his friend Alf holding one at Kirrin, one that nearly nipped poor Tim's nose. Horrid creatures! One of the fishermen, a young lad, patted Tim then turned and grinned at the children. "You're new here, aren't you?" he called. "Are you going to let Buster take you out in that boat of his or would you feel safer with Admiral Richardson?" "Admiral Richardson!" repeated Buster in delight. "I really like that, Matthew." "Golly, doesn't he look like a younger version of Nathaniel?" remarked Anne, as the lad returned to his work. "That's hardly surprising as he's Nathaniel's grandson," said Buster casually. "Matthew usually goes out with his father, Tom, but Tom clearly didn't need him today but Nathaniel did so Matthew went out with Nathaniel instead of Tom. Gosh, I'm getting in a muddle." "As usual!" laughed Dick.

"Come on, let's make our way to the village teashop," suggested Buster. "We can't possibly have tea as Mrs Pickle is preparing what smelt like a smashing supper," said George. "Anyway. Won't the shops be closed by now?" "I didn't mean we should have tea," replied Buster. "I was thinking about managing an ice cream each. The newsagent part of the teashop stays open a while so people can buy the evening paper or their baccy or sweets." "Or ice cream," added Dick with a grin. "That's an excellent idea of yours, Buster. Lead the way. Bye, Matthew, Nathaniel and everybody." The friendly fishermen waved goodbye as the five children and dog walked back towards the village street. The road twisted and turned between the little shops, most of which had, indeed, closed for the day. The few people out and about nodded and smiled at the children. "You stay on your lead now, Timmy," said George. "You know, Phantom Creek does remind me of Kirrin with its shops of all shapes and sizes and friendly people. Where's that teashop?" "On t'other side of the butcher's," pointed out Buster. "Pity the butcher's closed. We could have got a bone for Timmy, I mean, not for us." Two customers were making purchases when the children entered the teashop. When it was their turn, Julian ordered five ice cream cornets and a small tub, this being for Timmy. "Enjoy your stay at Phantom Creek," said the cheerful lady piling ice cream into the cornets. "It's a quiet place, but very friendly." "Apart from Admiral Richardson," said Buster giggling loudly. "Calls himself Captain, but we know otherwise." Anne gave him a nudge, but it was too late. Another customer had just entered the shop and overheard Buster. It was a tall, dark haired man wearing a black cloak!

CHAPTER 6: OUT IN BUSTER'S BOAT

"You insolent child!" snarled the angry man, glaring at Buster. "That's the second time you've been impolite. Just wait till I inform your parents of your impertinence I've met them, remember. Until then, should I receive any more rudeness from you, I'll take matters into my own hands and teach you a lesson you'll definitely remember. Take heed!" Buster longed to answer back but wisely thought better of it. It wouldn't do for his parents to receive complaints while his friends were staying with him. He longed to poke his tongue out at the glowering man but, instead, glared back and went outside with the others.

"You've certainly made an enemy there!" declared George, holding the tub for Tim to lick while trying to lick her cornet. "Not that it would make me lose any sleep." "It doesn't worry me in the least," grinned Buster. "I just don't want him to cause trouble while you're staying. He would choose that moment to enter the shop. Now let's enjoy our ice creams. Thanks awfully, Julian." Back at Rawlins Haven, the children told Mrs Pickle about their encounters with the surly Captain Richardson as they tucked into their supper. "I agree he's a most unpleasant and extremely arrogant man, and not at all popular in the village," she said, then looked directly at Buster, wagging her finger. "However, that is no excuse for any rudeness towards him. You have no right to say he's not really a captain, not that I could care less whether he is or isn't. As for the caves, to my knowledge, the ones without doors are public property but I could be wrong. Anyhow, there are plenty of other caves besides the ones below that man's hotel." "It's the principle that counts," insisted Buster then, seeing Mrs Pickle still staring at him without her usual smile, added, "but don't worry, Mrs Pickle. I shall be only too pleased to keep out of that man's way but, if I do keep out of his way, that means he's got to keep out of my way, doesn't it? That's only fair." "I suppose so, put like that" replied Mrs Pickle relaxing. "Now do let's change the subject. What are your plans for tomorrow?" "Buster's going to take us out in his boat," said Anne. "We'll go all around the creek. I do hope it's another fine day. It'll be lovely on the water." "You'll enjoy that," said Mrs Pickle, smiling again. "Do watch out for those treacherous mud banks, Buster." "You're worrying again, Mrs Pickle," grinned Buster. "Dad refused to let me go out alone in the boat until Nathaniel we spoke to him earlier, by the way had come out with me a few times at different stages of the tide. He, that's Nathaniel, not Dad, said I was a true seadog." "Not a captain or admiral?" teased Dick while Mrs Pickle shook her head, inwardly trying to suppress a smile. The following morning was bright and sunny so, after breakfast, the five children and Timmy made their way down to the beach and over to the cave housing Buster's boat. Buster produced a large key and opened the stout wooden doors which creaked on their large hinges. The tide was now on its way out although the waves still ran eagerly up the beach as they tried in vain to reach the foot of the cliffs. Most of the rock pools were still hidden beneath the water. "How on earth do we get the boat over those pools?" asked a puzzled Julian. "The rocks must be just below the surface of the water in places. They'll damage the boat." "Yes, they are but, as the tide's still quite high, we haul the boat along the beach before tugging it down to the water the other side of that huge rock," explained Buster, indicating a tall and rather jagged looking rock a short distance away. "At low tide we have to lug the boat between the two large

rockpools, quite a drag! I suppose we could always use the hotel's jetty but that might upset Admiral Richardson." "Ooh, let's not get into any more trouble with him," begged Anne. "Horrid man. Let's just enjoy ourselves today." "Right, lend a hand with the boat, everyone," said Buster, giving the boat a shove. "Drag it over to the large rock and keep to the sandy places." It was, in fact, surprisingly easy hauling the boat over the sandy section and down to the water. Tim bounded in before any of the children and took his place at the helm. "That's exactly where he sits in your boat, George," said Anne with a laugh as she climbed aboard. Dick, Julian and George followed her. "I'll row with Buster," said Julian taking an oar while Buster prepared to push the boat out. "Dick and I can do some rowing as well," said George haughtily. "I'm used to rowing, don't forget. More than you are, in fact." "Yes, I heartily agree with you, Madam, so come off your high horse," said Julian with a laugh. "Heave ho and off we go," called Buster, giving the boat a hefty shove, making it bob freely on the water. At once he clambered on board, taking up a position next to Julian. "We'll swing the boat round then keep the buoy with the figure 2 on it to our port side," he said, dipping his oar in the water. "Dick, you be our guide as Julian and I will be facing the shore." The water was quite calm in the creek so it was not long before they reached the buoy, deftly rowing to the right of it. Few other boats were out, the little fishing boats having departed much earlier. "Now we can leisurely row around the creek," said Buster. "See that big house on the hill, the one with the turret? That's Estuary House. It belongs to Dr Raynor, the scientist. As I told you yesterday, she's holding meetings with the scientists staying at the Luddle Creek Hotel." "Your house and the hotel certainly stand out," said George, peering at the houses on the cliff. "The hotel has a little tower at the end where it's built into the cliff. I didn't notice it yesterday." "That's because it's hardly visible from the ground or from our house," said Buster. "You can actually see it from your bedroom if you crane your neck." "The other houses on the cliff to the right of yours all look quite old," observed Julian, glancing across the water. "Were they smugglers' houses as well?" "Oh yes," answered Buster. "Many of them had secret passages linked to the tunnels in the cliff. To be honest, I reckon most people in Phantom Creek did a bit of smuggling, even the fishermen. But it was Smuggler Jake and his men who were in charge." "Can anybody use the pier for mooring?" asked Dick, gazing towards the shore. "There's only one boat there at the moment."

"It's reserved for the fishing boats morning and evening but, during the rest of the day, anyone can moor there as long as they report to the harbour master, as he's still grandly called," replied Buster. "The pier was constructed as there's still a channel through the silt that has blocked much of what used to be a harbour." "I say, just look who's standing on the pier watching us," cried Anne with a gasp. Everyone glanced across the water. There, apparently staring at them, was the unmistakeable cloaked figure of Captain Richardson. Buster could not resist waving but there was no response from the man who remained motionless. "It's as though we can't get rid of him, even out on the water," said George. "Can we see Mrs Pickle's house from here?" "Just about, I should think," replied Buster, stopping rowing for a moment. "Yes, it's that thatched cottage at the foot of the hill on the other side of the road to Rawlins Haven. A nice little place." "That's just the sort of place where I would expect Mrs Pickle to live," said Anne. "Cosy with tiny windows and, no doubt, very, very tidy." Then she looked further round the creek and pointed. "Just look at all those cottages huddled together higgledy-piggledy for company." "Yes, they're really quaint," said Buster. "Some look ready to fall down but they're quite sturdy really with thick walls." "There's a lovely old tall ship with rigging further round the shore," pointed out Dick. "It looks as though it belongs to another age in fact, to the time of the smugglers! Can we row over to it?" "No because of the mud flats," explained Buster, taking up his oar again. "The ship's being refitted at the boat builder's. It's smashing, isn't it? I'd love to go out to sea on her. She's still got the old crow's nest. See?" "What's that?" asked Anne, looking for a nest among the rigging. "Where the lookout positions himself, silly," said George scornfully. "It's high up so he has the best view, better even than the captain's." "We can't get much closer, unfortunately," said Buster. "There is a channel, quite a deep one, leading directly to the boat builder's marked by the two buoys we're approaching, but there's a sign you can probably see it saying the channel must be kept clear. Now, Julian, we need to turn a bit to port here and make for the river. These are all fishermen's cottages along this corner of the creek. Luckily it hasn't silted up here so the few who have their own boats can keep them tethered on the beach near their cottages." As the two boys rowed towards the river, the water suddenly became more choppy giving a bumpy ride and making rowing more difficult. At the helm, a puzzled Timmy wondered what was happening but skilfully managed to keep his balance. "It's always like this when rowing from the creek onto the river," explained Buster. "I suggest we row towards the sea so you can get a view of Phantom Creek from the mouth of the river. In a few moments we'll start bobbing along with the river's current."

And bob along they did! The mouth of the river was much wider than it had appeared to be from the village. The cliffs beyond Rawlins Haven rose to quite a height and, on the highest point, beyond the old fort, a white lighthouse, gleaming in the sun, proudly stood. "It reminds me of Demon's Rock Lighthouse and Tinker with his monkey," said Anne. "Who on earth is Tinker?" asked Buster. "And where's Demon's Rocks?" The others described their strange holiday in the Demon's Rock lighthouse and the exciting adventure they had had there. Buster was very envious. "I wish you'd have one of your adventures while you're staying with me at Phantom Creek," he said. "Gosh, they sound like enormous fun." "They are, but only when they're over," said Anne, making everyone laugh. "Well, we did say we'd have an adventure at Phantom Creek," declared Julian. "So be prepared." "This is one place where you're not likely to have an adventure," sighed Buster wistfully. "Not a great deal happens at Phantom Creek." But Buster was wrong. He would soon find out that Phantom Creek could be a very adventurous place, especially as the Famous Five were staying there!

CHAPTER 7: IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

That afternoon, Buster took the Five for a walk along the cliff, beyond the old fort and towards the lighthouse they had seen earlier in the day. It was very blustery, especially near the lighthouse where the wind was blowing directly off the sea. They passed a group of four men and two women who were in such earnest conversation that they didn't seem to notice the five children and dog. "They're the scientists," pointed out Buster. "I saw them yesterday in the hotel garden and they were deep in conversation then. Scientists seem to live in their own little world." "I have noticed," said George wryly. "We've got one at home! I say. Do those steps lead down to the beach? Let's return that way and explore more caves." "Good idea as there'll be less wind down there," said Buster, immediately running over to the steps. "Come on slowcoaches!" They descended to the beach using steps cut into the side of the cliff. It was far more pleasant strolling back along the sheltered beach, the tide being well out. Tim thoroughly enjoyed sliding in and out of the seaweedy rock pools making the children squeal whenever he shook himself near them as he did frequently. "Please don't do that again, Timmy!" begged Anne after she had been drenched for the third time. "That water's cold. Choose another victim. I'm soaked."

A laughing Buster led the way into more caves with tunnels and passages leading in and out of them. It was too dark to actually enter the passages but it was clear that some soon came to an abrupt end. Huge stones blocked the way. "The tunnels leading into the cliff were blocked because people got lost in them," explained Buster. "Only those linking caves were left worst luck! I would have loved exploring passages leading to the different houses." "And getting lost!" added Dick with a grin. "I jolly well wouldn't but I'd make people shiver with fear by knocking at the doors at the other end of the passages and moaning and groaning," declared Buster gleefully. Then he thought for a moment. "Mind you, come to think of it, I don't suppose the passages did end with doors because that would be too obvious if customs officers arrived unexpectedly to search the premises. I wonder how they did end, or begin depends how you look at it." "Same as the one leading to and from Rawlins Haven, I expect," said Julian. "Extremely well hidden as it certainly hasn't got a door or you would have found it. I say. I've an idea. How about us trying to find Smuggler Jake's Passage, as old Benjamin called it, this evening? Benjamin seemed convinced it still exists." The others were only too pleased with the suggestion, especially Buster, despite the fact he had searched in vain for the elusive passage so many times. Thus, after Mrs Pickle had returned home, the children began their search in the room at the foot of their staircase. If only they could find Jake's Passage! "It has to start somewhere in this big room because this is the part of the house that was added to the original by old Smuggler Jake," reasoned Buster as they carefully moved the furniture into the middle of the room. Then they began tapping and pressing on the wooden panels, Timmy jumping up and down wondering what was going on. "These panels all look and feel the same," sighed Dick after a while. "I suppose one could slide up or across to reveal a handle or a lever. Try sliding the panels everyone." "I've done that but it won't hurt doing it again," said Buster, shrugging his shoulders. "It's so frustrating knowing there's a secret passage nearby but not being able to find it." "The Secret Way starts under the floor in my father's study," said George. "Could Jake's Passage start under the floor in this room?" "You've actually got a secret way in your house!" exclaimed Buster sounding both envious and impressed. "Gosh, lucky you. This room has a stone floor. Dad did have the carpet up once to see if any of the flagstones had rings in them to help lift them up. But there were no rings and the stones were positioned extremely close to one another. It would be impossible to lift one without disturbing those around it." "What about the fireplace?" asked Julian. "It's quite large." "I've poked around inside but found nothing," replied Buster. "Besides, it's sort of in the wrong place not on an outside wall."

"Could the passage start in the dining room?" suggested Anne. "It has the same sort of panelling as this room." "Trouble is, that's part of the original house," said Buster with a sigh. "The story is that Smuggler Jake had the new part constructed so the passage would lead into it." "That makes sense," said George. "How come you haven't found the other end as you seem to know all the caves extremely well?" "I reckon it was blocked up despite what Benjamin said," replied Buster. "Anyway, I'd just like to find it and see how far we could go from this end." After more tapping and pressing and feeling thoroughly exasperated, the children replaced the furniture and played a very noisy game before, eventually, going to bed. It was about midnight when Anne was awakened by one of the open windows rattling on its catch. Switching on her bedside lamp, she got out of bed to close it, watched by Timmy lying at the foot of George's bed. "How George manages to sleep with you there I do not know," she muttered, creeping over to the window which she carefully closed. Suddenly she became aware of a light shining on and off in the next building, somewhere above her. "Whatever can that be?" she wondered, opening the window again. Glancing upwards, it was clear that a bright light was, indeed, being switched on and off, but the source of the light itself could not be seen as it seemed to be on the roof. Anne shook her head in amazement and was about to close the window when she happened to glance towards the creek and what a shock she had! There, out on the water, eerily bathed in moonlight and not looking real, was a sailing ship! "The phantom ship!" she squealed. "The story's true. I must wake George." At once she woke George who grunted irritably. "Whatever's the matter, Anne?" asked George, yawning. "Why have you woken me up in the middle of the night? I was having such a lovely dream. We'd found the secret passage and..." "For goodness' sake be quiet and listen, George!" interrupted Anne. "Come over to the window. The phantom ship is out there on the creek. See for yourself." A rather sceptical and sleepy George made her way to the window and looked towards the creek, expecting to see lights from a fishing boat. Instead, she drew in her breath as there, out on the water, was a small ship, showing no lights but just visible in the moonlight. Then came a flash of light, seemingly aimed at Rawlins Haven, followed by another. ""It can't be... no, it's not an old ship," she said. "Still, this is really exciting, Anne. Let's inform the boys." Before Anne could say anything, a now wide-awake George had darted along the corridor to the boys' room where she attempted to wake Dick whose bed was nearest the door. "Dick, wake up. There's a ship out there on the creek signalling to us," she said rather loudly while giving him a shake. "Dick, wake up, I say!"

"Who's that? What's up?" came a voice from the bed in the corner. It was Buster who was a light sleeper and had been awakened by the sound of George's voice. Then Timmy bounded into the room giving little barks. Naturally this woke Julian so it was not long before the boys, also, were gazing at the ship out on the water, shimmering in the moonlight. It certainly reminded them of the phantom ship Uncle Quentin and Ted, the driver, had mentioned, but was quite small and certainly not old. For a few seconds they gazed in silence as flashes of light continued to be aimed in their direction. "It's just like Smuggler Jake's ship suddenly appearing out on the creek at night," whispered Buster, breathing deeply. "Mind you, I thought he'd have had a bigger one. They do say his ghost is out and about when the ship can be seen. But why signal to us?" "Wait, I forgot to tell you," said Anne, recovering from her shock. "What attracted my attention when I went to close the window was a light shining on and off on the hotel roof. It could have been aimed at that ship." The others immediately tried to see the hotel roof but it was not visible from the boys' room. "If you saw a light being switched on and off, it was almost certainly being shone towards the ship," stated Julian. "But why? And why is the ship in darkness? And don't say it's a phantom ship, Buster. It's real all right." "I've an idea," yelled Buster suddenly, making the others jump. "Let's put our clothes on over our pyjamas and creep down to the beach. We might see something really interesting going on like smugglers." "Now that's a smashing idea of yours, Buster," said George sounding excited. "I'm all for a bit of fun and excitement. Come on, Anne. Let's go and put our shorts on." "Grab a jacket as well as it's probably a bit chilly out there," called Julian as the girls returned to their room. "It's time we had an adventure, even a small one!" Soon five very excited children, looking very peculiar wearing their ordinary clothes over their night clothes, and one very puzzled dog, crept downstairs and out of the house, glad there were no grown-ups to disturb. Buster and Julian carried torches which they, fortunately, did not straightway need as there was sufficient light from the moon. "Thank goodness for the moonlight," said Julian. "Otherwise our torchlight would surely be noticed by whoever is signalling out on the creek and, possibly, by someone in the hotel. I wonder if it was our friend Captain Richardson signalling, Anne." "Quite likely as it's his hotel," replied Anne. "And he strikes me as being a bit of a crook," added Buster. "Or it could be one of the scientists staying there. Careful now. There might be other people out here as well as us." Knowing this could well be true, they approached the cliff cautiously once they had left the garden. Anne glanced up at the hotel next door, but it was in darkness. "There was definitely a light being

flashed from an upstairs room although I couldn't actually see the light itself," she said, sounding disappointed. "And I know why!" declared Buster, pointing upwards. "I bet the signalling was from that little tower room. We saw it when we were out in the boat earlier today, no yesterday, as it's now tomorrow today." "You do say the most idiotic things at times, Buster," laughed Dick as they reached the edge of the cliff. "That's strange. Now there's no sign of the ship. Don't say we've missed whatever's going on." "It's vanished," said Anne fearfully. "Perhaps it really was a phantom ship." "That ship was real, I tell you," laughed Julian. Then he sounded serious. "Keep away from the edge, everyone. It's far from clear in the moonlight. I suggest we creep down the cliff path to the beach. Buster lead the way and have Tim close to you, George. Keep voices down in case there really are other people out and about. If there are, I somehow don't think they'd give us much of a welcome!"

CHAPTER 8: ADVENTURE ON THE BEACH

This was quite a chilling thought. The children looked around uneasily, now imagining they could see movements in the shadows. It was not a pleasant feeling. Buster led the way to the top of the cliff path, keeping well away from the edge. Making sure they could see nobody down below, they carefully went down the path and on to the beach. It was quite creepy with the moon's distorted reflection eerily moving about on the water and its diffused light casting weird shadows. At least there was the comforting sound of the waves tumbling gently into the rock pools some way out. "I definitely can't make out a ship," said Dick peering through the semi-darkness. "Yet it was fairly clear from the house." "It's probably gone out to sea," said Buster sounding disappointed. "Unless it really has vanished like the story goes. But why should someone at the hotel signal to it, or it to the hotel and then it disappears?" "Beats me," said Julian. "I hate saying this but I think the fun is over." But it wasn't, for Timmy began to growl and stare along the shore towards the pier. "What's up, Tim?" asked George as all the children now looked along the beach. At first, they saw nothing out of the ordinary then, suddenly, they were startled to see a light from a torch. "See that? A light!" exclaimed Buster, almost beside himself with excitement. "Whoever can be out here in the middle of the night? And why? It must be to do with the other lights we've seen." "Good job whoever it is hasn't spotted us in the moonlight," said George. "Now why is that person shining a torch at the water? What can he be looking for? There's no boat out on the creek."

"Wait, I can see a small boat down there!" cried Anne urgently, pointing a short distance out on the water. "This side of the pier. It's about to reach the shore. For goodness' sake hold on to Tim, George. No wonder he was growling." "Fancy that. A phantom ship and, now, real live smugglers!" cried Buster loudly as he gazed along the beach. "What a thrill! I wonder if Jake's ghost is with them." "For goodness' sake keep your voice down, Buster!" said Dick, giving his friend a nudge. "They're hardly real live smugglers but I still think it's as well not to advertise our presence." "You know, that boat is so close to the shore that there's no way we're going to be able to use the cliff path without the risk of being spotted," stated Julian, beginning to feel concerned. "Don't forget. If we can see the boat, whoever's on it could see us." "Help! You're right, Julian," agreed Buster, turning round. "Let's squat behind these rocks. They'd be useless during the day but they'll hide us as it's dark, well almost hide us, if you see what I mean. We can go into the caves if we need to. Oh look, they've reached the shore. I bet I know where they are. At the hotel's jetty. But it's not the motor boat or we'd have heard it." "If you're right, whoever's on board will probably use the cliff path assuming they're going to the hotel," said Julian. "Better hide behind rocks as Buster said, everyone. But take care." There was a hurried scramble as the children found places behind various rocks, George holding the still growling Timmy. As they watched, they could make out three figures leaving the boat to be approached by the person waiting on the shore. Four shadowy shapes now moved up the beach then, unfortunately, a cloud covered the moon. The beach was in total darkness. "Whatever you do, don't switch on your torch, Buster, or our presence will certainly be noticed," said Julian immediately. He glanced up at the sky. "It seems to be just a small cloud. We'll be in moonlight again shortly and we'll see what those four are up to. Strange they're not using torches in the dark. After all, they can't know they're being watched by five children and a dog." In less than a minute, the moon did emerge again from behind the cloud. Its shimmering light gradually swept down the beach towards the jetty where, to the children's amazement, there was no sign of anybody. There were no shadowy figures, no boat and no torches. "Where have they gone?" asked Dick. "They've disappeared and, it seems, so has their boat." "Perhaps the boat's returning to the ship that was signalling," suggested Anne. "No, because that ship has also vanished and, in any case, they wouldn't have had time to row out of sight, so they've sort of vanished as well!" cried Buster who was thoroughly enjoying his night adventure. "This is so terribly exciting. I shan't want to go back to bed tonight." "Well you'll jolly well have to," laughed Julian. Then he sounded more serious. "The trouble is, we don't know if it's safe to use the cliff path. Those four people could well be nearby." "I don't think they are," said George surprisingly. "Look, Timmy's quite relaxed and not staring down the beach anymore. They must have gone."

"Well they haven't had time to reach this cliff path," said Anne. "Besides, anyone going up that path in darkness would use a torch." "They must have hauled the boat up into the hotel boathouse and that's where they are now," declared Dick. "Yes, that makes sense, although they were jolly quick," agreed Julian. "But why spend so much time in the boathouse?" "Let's creep up on them and see," suggested the impetuous Buster. "Don't be silly," retorted George scornfully. "They'd spot five of us and a dog making our way along the beach the moment they left the boathouse, or wherever they are." "I reckon we should risk making a dash for the cliff path," said Julian. "After all, we don't know for certain those people are in the boathouse. They might have left the beach and gone into the village while we wait here for ages. We can make use of the moonlight but, have your torch ready in case the moon goes behind a cloud, Buster. Come on, everyone." They darted across the sand to the foot of the cliff path and started going up it. Near the top, Julian told everyone to keep a lookout for people who might be out and about. There was, however, nobody to be seen and no light was on in any of the hotel rooms. Suddenly Buster made everyone jump by shouting "Oh no!" He had stumbled and dropped his torch which had slowly rolled over the path and down to the beach below. "You go on," he called. "I must find my torch. If I wait until the morning a high tide might ruin it. Don't worry. I know every inch of this path." "I'll come with you for company," said Dick at once. "You others get back to the house." The two boys had to take great care going back down the path as it was partly in shadow but, eventually they reached the beach. They gingerly made their way to the foot of the cliff and began to look for the torch. It was not easy as so many little nooks and crannies were in complete darkness. "If only I had a torch," muttered Buster, grinning broadly to himself. "Idiot!" said Dick, also grinning. "You soon will have hopefully. Torch, where are you?" As if in answer to his question, there was a little flash as the moonlight was reflected off something shiny on the ground. It was Buster's torch! He grabbed hold of it eagerly and switched it on, pleased that it hadn't been damaged by its tumble down the cliff. "Now to join the others," said Dick, but Buster had other ideas. "Dick, listen," he said earnestly. "I've a stupendous idea. Let's go along to the hotel's jetty and see if there's any clue as to where those people went footsteps in the sand, for example." "I say, what a great idea!" agreed Dick, then hesitated. "I hope Julian won't mind."

"Of course he won't!" stated Buster confidently. "He was quite happy to come down onto the beach, wasn't he? And it won't take too long to go to the hotel jetty and back. Julian will think we're still looking for my torch." "I suppose you're right," said Dick. "So come on. Let's go." The two boys cautiously made their way along the shore, keeping as close as possible to the cliff face to avoid rocks and pools. Only occasionally did Buster need to use his torch. They felt their hearts pounding with excitement as they drew near to the hotel's jetty, and watched for any movement in the shadows. The moonlight lit up the motor boat moored some way down the little jetty but there was no sign of any other boat. Reaching the hotel's boathouse, they crept slowly up to the doors but they were well and truly closed and no sounds were coming from the other side. However, spotting some marks in the dry sand, Buster drew in his breath. "Look, Dick," he whispered, pointing. "Look at these marks in the sand, most of them footprints. And look at this sort of gash leading to the door on the right. That's where they dragged their boat. I knew they couldn't have used the motor boat or we'd have heard it." "So where are the four people?" asked Dick, looking around as though expecting to see figures emerge from the shadows. "They can't be in the boathouse with the door closed." "They must have gone towards the village and approached the hotel from that side, assuming they were going there," replied Buster. "Even so. I'm surprised we didn't see them." "Hey, Buster. Shine your torch over here," said Dick, who had moved further down the beach. "Look." "But there's nothing to see," said Buster shining his torch on the sand. "Apart from your footprints." "Precisely," said Dick. "Only my footprints. Where are theirs?" "Golly, I see what you mean!" exclaimed Buster. "They couldn't have gone towards the village and they didn't come towards us. They must be in the boathouse. Yet we can't hear them." "Well, they've either vanished into thin air like the ship or... ," said Dick, hesitating. "Or what?" enquired Buster. "They're still around here somewhere," replied Dick solemnly. "What's more, they could be watching us at this very moment!"

CHAPTER 9: DICK AND BUSTER'S EXCITING DISCOVERY

For a moment, neither boy spoke. They just looked at each other in alarm. "Perhaps they're in one of the caves," whispered a strangely subdued Buster, peering around fearfully. "Let's tiptoe over to the nearest one, the one the Admiral claimed was his. Follow me."

The boys crept along to the cave entrance and listened carefully. No sound came from within so they cautiously entered. Buster risked flashing his torch on the sandy floor and, grabbing hold of Dick, whispered excitedly. "Look, Dick. There are prints in the sand. They did come in here." "Yes, but don't you see? All the footprints except one pair lead further into the cave," said Dick scratching his head and wondering if he were dreaming. "Wait. Isn't this the cave you said has a passage leading from it? You were going to show it to us when that horrid man appeared. They must have gone through the passage." "But why as it only leads to the next cave?" asked a bewildered Buster. "They can't be there or they would have heard us and challenged us or we'd have heard them. Well, there's one way to find out." Saying that, he climbed onto a low, flat rock, then onto a higher one and, finally, eased himself into what appeared to be a hole. For a moment he disappeared from sight before turning round, lighting the way for Dick who immediately followed. "I can't hear anyone, Dick," whispered Buster. "Still, we'd better move as quietly as possible in case. Thank goodness we can stand up in here." Although narrow, the passage had a surprisingly high roof and was clearly another natural gash in the rocky cliff. Buster was quite familiar with it, having used it several times, and kept shining the torch behind him for Dick's convenience. Suddenly he came to a halt, startling poor Dick. "I've walked into something and it's m... moving," he cried sounding scared. "What is it?" Dreading what he might find, he shone the torch on the object which caused both boys to utter loud gasps of surprise. What should they see in the torchlight but a rope ladder dangling from the roof of the passage next to a strange, protruding rock! "I can't believe my eyes!" exclaimed Buster. "A rope ladder! Here, in this tunnel. But why? What's at the top?" "That solves our mystery of the disappearing people," said Dick sounding relieved. "They must have come this way and the ladder suggests there's another passage up there. You did say the cliff is riddled with them." "Take the torch, Dick, and shine it towards the top of the ladder," said Buster. "I'm going up." He thrust the torch into Dick's hand and, trembling with excitement, began to awkwardly climb up the ladder. It was not easy as it kept swaying and the rocky wall was quite painful to the knees, even though he was wearing pyjamas. At the top, Buster was aware of a wide shelf and what definitely appeared to be a tunnel disappearing into the darkness. "Come up with the torch," he called, scrambling onto the shelf. "I can scarcely see anything. It's so dark up here." Dick soon joined him and shone the torch into what was, indeed, another passage mysteriously leading into the rocky cliff. "So that's where they went!" exclaimed Dick. "Where on earth does this passage lead to?"

"I've no idea," replied the surprised Buster. "I didn't know it existed. Let's creep along it. This is so exciting." "We must take care," warned Dick. "The presence of that ladder suggests someone intends returning down it, otherwise why leave it dangling?" Their hearts throbbing with excitement, the two boys gingerly made their way along the uneven passage, having to stoop much of the time which was quite tiring. It twisted through the rocky cliff then suddenly went upwards by a series of steps hewn in the rock. The boys carefully climbed up them, not an easy thing to do as they only had the one torch between them. Up and up they climbed until they reached a wide and fairly level section, rather like a semi-circular cave inside the cliff. There were a couple of old chests and an equally old cupboard with its doors open against one of the walls. "Look at this!" exclaimed Buster shining the torch around. "I bet these chests belonged to the smugglers. I wonder if there's anything in them. Shall we have a look?" "Let's not waste time looking in them right now," said Dick. "They're probably empty like the cupboard. Let's find out where the passage leads before anybody returns. The end can't be far, surely." The passage resumed going upwards by another series of steps. The boys cautiously went up and a further surprise awaited them at the top. There was another cave-like room but this one was furnished with three reasonably comfortable chairs, a table and a cupboard. There were even three empty mugs on the table. What really attracted the boys' attention was a slightly open door in one corner. It led to a room which appeared to be lit by normal lighting. The sound of muffled voices came through the doorway. "We seem to have found a secret hiding place but I think we ought to go back," whispered Dick. "If anyone so much as appears in the doorway, we'll be caught." "Yes, you're right," agreed Buster turning round. "I'd like to have had a look in that room but not while there are people in it. Come on. Here, take the torch and lead the way." The boys reluctantly left the upper room and returned to the lower one, finding it more difficult going down the rough steps than coming up. Twice Buster nearly lost his footing and had to grab hold of Dick, almost knocking him over. "Slow down a bit, Buster," protested Dick. "Let's not injure ourselves in here. Listen. What's that?" That was the sound of voices suddenly becoming much louder indicating that more than one person had entered the secret room above. Now feeling alarmed, both boys stumbled down the awkward steps as quickly as possible and made their way along the uneven floor of the passage, having to watch out for the low pieces of roof. Shining the torch back and forth, Dick was worried they might actually tumble down into the tunnel below while poor Buster, realising that they had to get away from whoever was following, was not sure whether having an adventure was such fun after all.

"Hurry, Dick," he said after short while. "I can hear the voices quite clearly now. They must be gaining on us." "I daren't go too quickly," protested Dick. "We've only the one torch, remember, and I have to shine it for both of us. Anyway, those people will also have to tread carefully. Wait. Yes, thank goodness. We've reached the ladder. You hold the torch while I go down, then you follow." In his haste to reach the floor below, Dick's feet kept getting tangled up in the rope while, all the time, the voices could be heard coming closer and closer. Then, with a huge sigh of relief, he touched the firm ground and sank in a heap. Fortunately he immediately stood up or he would have been trodden on by Buster who fell down the last rungs of the ladder. "Ouch! That hurt," hissed Buster, picking himself up. "Let me squeeze past you and lead the way out of here." As the boys set off, they heard a voice coming from the ledge at the top of the ladder. "Did you hear that thump? It's as though something had fallen. You don't suppose... ?" The boys didn't wait to hear the rest of the question. They were now intent on reaching the next cave, which was not easy as, what had been a passage, now became a tunnel involving some crawling. Finally reaching the end, Buster eased himself down onto the rocks below before turning and shining the torch so that Dick could follow. Soon they were out in the open air once again. "Don't you think we ought to remain hidden in the cave?" asked a worried Buster looking all around. "That man obviously heard us and we could easily be seen returning along the beach." "No, we don't want to hang around any longer," replied Dick decisively. "Let's use the torch and hurry along to the cliff path even if we do risk being spotted. By the time they come out of the other cave and notice us, we'll be well along the beach and it may not occur to them we've actually discovered their tunnel. If the worst comes to the worst and they give chase, we'll easily be able to outrun them. So come on." The boys set off at a steady trot, now using the torch. Any moment they expected to hear angry shouts behind them, but there were none. Reaching the cliff path, they both peered back but, to their surprise, there were no shadowy figures on the beach. "That's a relief. We haven't been seen!" said a relieved Buster. "You know, I can just about stagger up this path." "Well don't drop your torch again when we get to the top," warned Dick, giving a giggle. "We don't want another adventure tonight." Feeling extremely tired, the boys eventually reached the top of the path. Looking around, they saw little lights dotted here and there around the creek but the light that really attracted their attention was one in a side room on the first floor of the hotel, close to where it merged into the cliff. "That light wasn't on earlier," mumbled Dick, now feeling tired. "Not that I really care. I just want to get to bed." "Me too," agreed Buster, giving a loud yawn.

They were both relieved to see the dark outline of Rawlins Haven looming up in front of them and were making their way to the gate when they nearly jumped out of their skins. From out of the darkness a voice startled them, causing them to stop in their tracks. "And just what do you think you're doing?" boomed the voice as the owner flashed his torchlight on the boys. Buster immediately shone his torch on the other person. It was none other than Captain Richardson! "What do you think you're doing?" answered Buster, quickly recovering from the shock of seeing somebody else out. "Shouting at people in the middle of the night!" "Where have you been?" asked Captain Richardson ignoring Buster's comments and standing in front of the gate. "And why on earth are you dressed like that? Answer me, boy." "That's no business of yours," snapped Dick angrily. "Please get out of our way." "Not until you inform me where you've been," insisted the stubborn man. "Otherwise I shall contact your parents. I don't suppose for one moment they know you are out. Tell me, have you seen anybody on the cliff or down on the beach?" "We've seen each other and, unfortunately, we've now seen you! Satisfied?" snapped Buster, losing his temper. He lifted his torch and shone it straight into Captain Richardson's piercing eyes, then roughly pushed past him, causing him to drop his torch. Dick at once followed, shutting the gate behind him. "Come back at once!" yelled the furious man, rubbing his eyes as he had been temporarily blinded by the light from Buster's torch. "How dare you! Come back, I say!" "Not tonight," shouted Dick as he and Buster rushed up to the side door of Rawlins Haven. "Sleep well, Admiral!" called Buster cheekily. Giving huge sighs of relief, they opened the door and went into the hall. Buster was just locking the door when he and Dick had another fright. A light was suddenly switched on!

CHAPTER 10: PLENTY TO TALK ABOUT

The boys nearly jumped out of their skins with fright. Then, to their great relief, Julian appeared. "Thank goodness you're safe but whatever have you been doing?" he enquired anxiously. "I was just coming out to look for you. Surely it hasn't taken all this time to find the torch?" "We're tired out so we'll tell you upstairs," said Dick, giving a yawn. "I must warn you that Captain Richardson is on the prowl and has just challenged us about being out at night. He even refused to let us pass unless we told him where we'd been."

"So I shone my torch in his eyes and blinded him and we pushed him so hard that he dropped his torch and couldn't pick it up as he'd been blinded and here we are!" declared Buster triumphantly. "Mind you. I don't think he's terribly pleased, especially as I called him Admiral." "You did what?" asked Julian, scarcely believing what he had just heard. "Now he really will complain. Nevertheless, he had no right to stop you and question you. What did you tell him? You haven't been on his property, have you?" "Of course not, well, possibly yes, possibly no, we don't really know," replied Buster making for the stairs. The three went up to their room and flopped on their beds before Dick and Buster informed Julian of their little adventure. He was naturally amazed to hear about the rope ladder, the passage and the secret room. "I reckon that open door led into a room at the hotel," he said, trying to work everything out. "After all, it's the nearest building and that's where the signalling came from." "So what's going on there?" asked Buster, yawning and trying to keep his eyes open. "I said Admiral Richardson was up to no good. He must have been one of the people on the beach." "Would he have had time to take the people from the boat to their rooms or wherever they went and then walk along the cliff as far as this house?" asked Dick. "I've no idea but I bet he's involved or why ask us where we've been or if we saw anything?" insisted Buster. "Golly, I'm tired." "Look, we've said enough for tonight," decided Julian sensibly. "Let's have a good night's sleep. We'll discuss it further in the morning over breakfast with Anne and George." In fact they were unable to discuss their night adventure with the girls over breakfast as Mrs Pickle sat with them enjoying a cup of tea. She noticed the yawns and scolded the children. "You really must go to bed at a decent time and get a good night's rest," she said shaking her head. "Anyone would think you'd been out all night!" "How did you guess, Mrs Pickle?" answered Buster, grinning at everybody and hoping the astute lady would not take him seriously. "But you're right. We did talk well into the night. A good swim will wake us up. How about us rowing round to Seashell Cove, just beyond the lighthouse, and enjoying one there?" "In that case, I'll prepare you a picnic lunch," said Mrs Pickle getting up. "It's a nice spot is Seashell Cove as it's well sheltered from the breeze that's blowing. You know there must be an important meeting in that hotel today as I saw Dr Raynor entering earlier than usual on my way here. I hope they're not planning anything nasty like secret bombs." "I don't suppose they plan things like bombs in a seaside hotel," laughed George. "By the way, Mrs Pickle. Is there a bone Timmy could have after his swim? He does love gnawing after he's shaken himself over us." "I'm sure I can find him one," replied Mrs Pickle from the kitchen. "Now kindly make your beds before you go out."

Beds made, the five children went down to the beach and hauled the boat from the boathouse into the water, the tide being quite high. They set off with Buster rowing strongly and Timmy in his usual place at the helm. Dick and Buster were now able to inform the girls about their little adventure. They listened in amazement, George being quite envious. "Lucky you. I wish I'd been there," she said. "Still, Timmy wouldn't have coped with the rope ladder. Do you think it's still there?" "I've never seen it before," answered Buster. "It's obviously let down from above when it's needed. Anyhow, I'm sure I could climb up to that ledge without a ladder." "You be careful, Buster," warned Anne. "If Captain Richardson catches you in his secret passage, he'll go berserk." "We don't know that it is his passage," said Julian. "As Dick said last night, Richardson may not have had time to use the passage and appear in front of Rawlins Haven. He may even know nothing about it." "How can you possibly suggest that after the way he spoke to us the evening before last, Ju?" demanded Dick in surprise. "Didn't he appear from the very cave where the passage is? Didn't he order us to keep away from that cave? And, don't forget. We didn't see him enter it as we approached along the beach." "Yes, you're right," agreed Julian. "It hadn't clicked that we didn't actually spot him entering that cave so he must have been inside some time. Like George, I'd like to see where the passage leads. Perhaps we could have a bit of fun exploring it, but not tonight. Mrs Pickle will have a fit if we turn up again at breakfast yawning our heads off." "Now you've made me yawn saying that!" exclaimed Anne, trying to stifle a large yawn. "I'm really looking forward to a dip at Seashell Cove what a lovely name." The children had a delightful time in the secluded cove which they had to themselves. The sun shone brightly in an almost cloudless pale blue sky while the sea was the colour of cornflowers. It was clear how the cove obtained its name as the beach was carpeted with a variety of shells, many with attractive and unusual patterns on them. After swimming around and diving from the boat in the middle of the cove where it was quite deep, they relaxed on the beach enjoying Mrs Pickle's delicious lunch while Tim noisily gnawed at the huge bone she had packed for him. Not surprisingly the conversation touched on the mysterious happenings of the previous night. The five children all had different thoughts about why three people had arrived so secretly in the middle of the night. "Perhaps they're scientists who've come to join the others but didn't want their arrival to be noticed," suggested Anne. "Don't be silly, Anne," retorted George at once. "Who's going to take any notice of people arriving at a hotel the normal way, in cars? No, I reckon they could be spies." "I hope not," said Julian. "The trouble is, we can't inform Dr Raynor as she probably wouldn't believe our weird story. And we can't identify anyone because we only saw them in the distance."

"And worse, she might feel she ought to speak to the Admiral about it," added Dick. "I seem to recall one of the men spoke with a foreign accent." "Yes, I thought that and, you know, Dr Raynor might be a spy," giggled Buster, aimlessly throwing shells. "It's a real mystery, that's what it is. I'm so glad you all came here and let me share an adventure with you. I just hope it's not over." "It certainly isn't over as I intend seeing that passage leading to the secret room," declared George. "It sounds like a sort of daytime hiding place. It's obviously not used at night as a hiding place or you'd've seen beds in the room." "It can't really be a hiding place if it's behind an ordinary door, can it?" queried Anne. "Only if the door is somehow disguised on the other side, Anne," said Julian reaching for the ginger beer bottle. "As Buster said, it's a real mystery." After more chatting and swimming, they swept aside some shells and spread out their towels so they could lie on them on the sand, enjoying the sunshine on their bodies and hearing the waves tumbling gently onto the beach. Still tired after their night adventure, they gradually dropped off to sleep while Tim continued to gnaw contentedly at his bone. It was George who woke first as, fed up with his bone and feeling hot, Tim had immersed himself in the water before shaking himself over her. "Don't do that, Timmy!" she cried, sitting up. Surprised at being scolded, Timmy shook himself again, this time over the other children causing them all to wake up. Four more voices scolded poor Tim who returned to his bone. "Well, we obviously needed that sleep," said Julian, looking at his watch and trying to prevent himself from yawning. "Look at the time. Good thing Tim did wake us. I reckon we ought to be getting back to Phantom Creek. Thanks for bringing us to Seashell Cove, Buster. A delightful spot. Let's pack up and put the picnic things in the boat. I'll row if you like." "No, I'll row this time," said George firmly. "It's time I had a go. Come on everyone. All aboard!" On the way back, Anne made a suggestion. "Why don't we have a look at the tunnels you've already shown us linking various caves, Buster, and see if there is another one with a passage starting high up, like the one you saw last night?" "Sounds a good idea," agreed Buster leaning over the side of the boat and dangling his hand in the cool water. "Most are simply tunnels but there are a few with high roofs so there could be a passage or two I haven't noticed if they've been high up. We might even discover the entrance to Smuggler Jake's Passage." "We can do that without having to return to the house, thank goodness," said Dick, swaying and rocking the boat. "Yes, we'll explore as soon as the boat is in the boathouse." "Pray tell me. How will we see in the dark?" enquired Julian giving his brother a wry look. "We naturally didn't bring torches with us to Seashell Cove and we'll certainly need torches in the caves. In any case,

we need to take our wet towels and clothes up to the house as soon as we get back. We've bags of time to explore." "Drat!" muttered Dick, pursing his lips. "Botheration!" added a disgruntled Buster. "Mind you, we do keep a torch in the boathouse, but it's for emergencies only. This isn't really one." Then he jumped up, also rocking the boat, and looked around smiling. "Hey, we might just find that Mrs Pickle has baked some buns or cakes this afternoon so we can ask her if we can test them to make certain they're good enough to eat, and if they are, we can have a second one to prove it." "Now that is a good idea," said Dick. "Row a bit faster, George. You're slowing down." "No I'm not!" snapped George at once. "It's you and Buster swaying from side to side that's slowing us down. Just keep still or I shan't bother to row at all." "Here, let me take over," said Julian, standing up. "Give you a break." "Certainly not!" said George flaring up and scowling. "I don't need a break. I just want those two idiots to sit still and now you're standing up, so sit down!. You boys are making life very difficult." "Sorry, George," apologised Buster, trying to look innocent. "I promise I'll sit still all the way back to Phantom Creek." "That really does take some believing, I must say," said Julian with a grin. "Bet you don't!"

CHAPTER 11: THE STRANGE LEVER IN THE CUPBOARD

Somehow or other, Buster did manage to remain in his seat all the way back to Phantom Creek. He kept giving George sly smiles as she was facing him, but he scarcely moved. At first she ignored him but, gradually, became unable to prevent herself from smiling back, despite biting her lips. When, unnoticed by the others, he started pulling funny faces, that was too much for her. She stopped rowing and burst out laughing. "You beast, Buster!" she cried, still laughing, much to the amazement of her cousins. "You absolute beast! Trying to make me laugh while I'm busy rowing." "And successfully!" declared Buster triumphantly. "But I kept my promise. I didn't move about. Now look out. I can hear a boat coming. Oh, it's the Phantom Star, Nathaniel's boat. Give a wave everyone." They all waved as the Phantom Star chugged slowly past on its way to the pier. Buster gave a salute which was promptly returned by both a beaming Nathaniel and his grandson Matthew. "Now for goodness' sake start rowing again or we'll drift back out to sea," he said. "We're already being affected by the River Luddle's currents so I'll guide you over to the beach if you don't object." It was now hard work rowing, partly due to the heat but mainly due to the current trying to push the little boat back towards the sea, but George stubbornly refused any assistance. She intended to row all

the way to the beach but did allow Buster to guide her towards a suitable landing place, as many rocks were exposed or just below the surface of the water. As the boat slid onto the sand and came to a halt, the children climbed out and laboriously dragged it up the beach and over to the boathouse where they removed the picnic items and wet clothes and towels. Once the boat was in the boathouse, Buster pointed out the emergency torch with spare batteries next to it on a shelf. "We keep the torch here in case we're down here when it's dark," he explained. "Dad's very strict about not using it when we don't have to." "Very sensible," said Julian as Buster locked the stout wooden door. Then they made for the cliff path, not looking forward to the climb up it. "Gosh, it's so humid!" exclaimed Anne as they began struggling up the steep path. "What I want most of all is a refreshing cold drink." They all did. Sweat was pouring off them when they entered the house where they immediately went into the kitchen. There, they were greeted by the delightful smell of cakes and buns being baked. "Whatever's in there smells simply delicious!" said Dick sniffing the air and approaching the oven. "Don't you dare touch that oven door, my lad, or you'll ruin what's inside!" said Mrs Pickle fiercely. "Go and put your wet things on the line but don't forget to bring them in later as I heard heavy rain forecast on the wireless for tonight." "At least it will clear the air," said Anne. "What we need right now is a cold drink as it's so terribly humid. Now where's the ginger beer bottle? I say, there won't actually be a storm, will there, Mrs Pickle?" "There's certainly the possibility of one," replied Mrs Pickle wiping her hands on her floury apron. "If you're worried about storms, Anne, I can stay here tonight." "Oh no, there's no need for that as we're quite used to storms," said Julian at once. "But thanks all the same, Mrs Pickle." "We once watched a raging storm from inside the ruined castle on Kirrin Island," said Dick, thinking back. "It was terrific." "And guess what. It caused an old wreck which had lain on the seabed for years and years to be thrown up onto the rocks," added George, pouring herself a drink. "We found a treasure map in it which actually led us to the Kirrin treasure!" Buster listened enthralled as the four cousins told about their very first adventure together, and opened his mouth in disbelief when they described being trapped in the dungeons of the old castle. "I'd have been terrified," he admitted. "But what a smashing experience. I say. I wonder if Smuggler Jake's phantom ship will appear in the storm tonight." "Bless my soul, it's funny you mentioned that tale as old Benjamin, the fisherman, claimed this morning that he'd spotted the phantom ship without lights in the moonlight last night," said Mrs Pickle with a laugh. "He'd been fishing on the jetty. Now I ask you, a phantom ship! Whatever next? Smuggler Jake

himself, I suppose." And Mrs Pickle continued to chuckle to herself while the children looked at each other trying with difficulty to suppress their laughter. Later that afternoon, after doing justice to some of Mrs Pickle's cakes, they returned to the beach to see if they could find any more passages leading from the nearby caves but without success. "Well, at least we tried," said Julian sounding disappointed as they stood in the entrance to one of the caves. He glanced at his watch. "We'd better return to the house now as Mrs Pickle will soon have the meal ready for us. Drat, it's beginning to rain and we left our swimming togs on the line. Now they'll be wet again." But they weren't as the thoughtful Mrs Pickle had brought them indoors. Supper was almost ready as they traipsed in, worn out and hungry. This did not prevent them from chatting nineteen to the dozen throughout the meal while Mrs Pickle listened, bemused. "One thing's for certain," she said, once she was able to get a word in. "Your tongues aren't tired. You haven't stopped talking since you sat down. I hope you're actually tasting that meal I've prepared." "Of course we are and it's simply delicious," affirmed Dick. "In fact, it's so tasty that I'm going to ask for more, if there is any more." "There certainly is as I made plenty," said Mrs Pickle, getting up from the table. "When you finish, I'd like you to help with the washing up then I can go home. Good job I brought my brolly. It sounds as though it's raining quite heavily now. It's still very warm so I wouldn't be a bit surprised if there really is a storm on its way." During the evening after Mrs Pickle had gone home, Buster suggested they play a board game around the dining room table. He dashed upstairs and could be heard rummaging in the cupboard next to the bathroom. Soon he returned with a variety of games, placing them on the table. "I vote for Monopoly," said George, looking at the various games. The others agreed and soon Julian, who was put in charge of the bank, was issuing the money while Buster went to the kitchen to get some lemonade and glasses. "Hey, Buster, there are no dice!" exclaimed Anne after checking the box. "We need two for Monopoly." "They're in a little red box with a shaker," called Buster from the kitchen. "It must still be upstairs in the cupboard." "I'll go and look," said Dick getting up and darting up the stairs. He opened the cupboard door and peered inside but could see no red box on the shelves. Assuming it had fallen to the floor, he groped around but had to go to his bedroom to fetch a torch as it was quite dark in the cupboard. Returning and switching on the torch, he got on hands and knees and shone the light into the bottom of the cupboard and, there, in a corner, was a little red box. He crawled inside to retrieve it and was just about to crawl back when he spotted something odd. Just under the bottom shelf was an iron lever, entirely covered in cobwebs. "Whatever's that for?" he wondered, surprised. "It's very mucky so can't have been used for ages."

"Haven't you found that box yet, Dick?" called Buster from downstairs. "You can't miss it. It's bright red." "Yes, found it!" shouted Dick standing up. "I'm on my way down." He closed the cupboard door leaving the torch on the floor and hurried down to the dining room where the others were waiting impatiently. "I had to get a torch as the box had fallen to the floor," explained Dick handing Julian the box. "I say, Buster. What's that lever for under the bottom shelf in the cupboard? It's all cobwebby so hasn't been used for years." "A lever? Didn't know there was one," said Buster shrugging his shoulders. "A funny place to have a lever." "Probably something to do with the water supply," suggested Julian. "After all, the cupboard's right next to the bathroom." "No, cause there's a tap actually in the bathroom for turning the water supply on and off," said Buster shaking his head. He thought for a moment. "Actually, I think I'd like to see this mysterious lever as I've never noticed it even though I've used the cupboard tons of times. Won't be a sec. Come and have a look as well, Timmy." Timmy immediately followed Buster which made George get up and follow Timmy. She still felt slightly jealous when he went with Buster. "Are we ever going to start this game?" asked a frustrated Julian. "Why the fuss over a lever in a cupboard?" "Dick said it's an old lever covered in cobwebs so you don't think... you don't think it's got anything to do with old Smuggler Jake's secret passage, do you?" asked Anne, hoping she didn't sound silly. "Hey, you know it might!" exclaimed Dick, his eyes lighting up. "Why have a lever tucked away in a cupboard? And it hasn't been used for ages. No, it can't be. It's upstairs. Our passage would start downstairs, wouldn't it? And yet, you know, Ju, Anne could be right." "She could be but, as you pointed out, the cupboard's upstairs," admitted Julian, sounding sceptical. Nevertheless, he also got up from the table. "Come on. We might as well all go and have a look. After all, it would be absolutely fantastic if we really did find the entrance to Smuggler Jake's passage."

CHAPTER 12: SMUGGLER JAKE'S PASSAGE AT LAST

It was an amusing sight that greeted Julian, Dick and Anne at the top of the stairs. Buster's legs were sticking out of the cupboard, George was desperately trying to peer into the cupboard, and Timmy was somehow between George and Buster, wagging his tail furiously, his head inside the cupboard. "Nothing but legs!" laughed Julian. "Have you moved that mysterious lever yet, Buster?"

"No. I've tried moving it up and down but it won't budge," came a plaintive voice from inside the cupboard. "Strange I've never noticed it before." "Here, let me try!" said George, unceremoniously hauling a very dusty Buster from the cupboard. He hurried into the bathroom as his hands were extremely dirty and covered in nasty sticky cobwebs. Now George was half inside the cupboard, flat on her stomach. She tried to move the lever up or down but, as Buster had discovered, it would not budge. "It's no good," she puffed, easing herself out. "It's absolutely stuck. It obviously hasn't been used for ages. You have a go, Ju." "Well I don't suppose I'll be able to move this mysterious lever but I'd like to see it," said Julian getting down on hands and knees. "Golly, it's dark down here. Good job we've got a torch. Timmy, go away. There's not room for both of us in here." Intrigued by the children's apparent liking for the cupboard, Timmy was sniffing all around but found nothing of interest. He backed out and gazed up at George as if seeking an explanation for this extraordinary behaviour. "I give up," said Julian after a while. "The lever won't move up or down and I certainly can't pull it towards me." "So try pushing it," suggested Anne, bending down, trying to peer into the cupboard. "That's even more difficult as I can't get a proper grip," said Julian lying flat on his stomach and putting pressure on the lever with his hand. "Hey, wait a minute. I'm sure it moved a fraction. No, perhaps I imagined it." "Come out and go back in feet first," said Dick sounding excited. "It'll be more effective pushing with a foot than a hand." Anne held the torch while Julian did as Dick suggested and lay on his back, pushing hard with his right foot. Nothing moved. "It's like pushing against a brick wall," he grumbled. "That's because you are!" giggled Anne, still on her knees. "Sit up and watch where you're placing your foot. Over a bit more. That's it!" Trying to keep the ball of his foot on the lever, Julian pushed with all his might. To his delight, he heard a loud click and felt movement. A strange grating noise followed while the left hand side of the back of the cupboard between the bottom shelf and the floor moved back slightly. "Buster, come here!" he called. "Just look at this." Buster rushed in from the bathroom, still drying his hands, and peered into the cupboard in astonishment. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "What on earth... ? Is it a sort of a door? But why? Will it open any further, Julian?" Julian gingerly entered the cupboard on all fours and pushed the side of the partition which was already open. It creaked and moved further back.

"It's giving. It's on hinges somewhere to the right," he said excitedly. Then he shone his torch into the gap and drew in his breath in astonishment. "Listen to this. There are cobwebs everywhere but, you know what? I can see steps going down." "Show me, show me!" cried Buster, almost beside himself with excitement. Throwing his towel on the floor, he somehow managed to creep into the cupboard next to Julian. "Don't you see? This must be it! Smuggler Jake's Passage at long last! No wonder I could never find it. I didn't think of looking upstairs. Come on. Let's explore." "Wait a minute, idiot!" said Julian, pulling Buster back. "We're not exploring without a second torch and spare batteries. We used our torches a great deal last night." "Come out of the way, you two," said George bending down. "I want to have a look at the secret passage." Julian and Buster eased themselves out of the cupboard allowing George, Anne and Dick to take turns at peering inside. All three gasped at the sight of the steps disappearing into the murky darkness below while Buster went to fetch a second torch. "I wonder how far down they go," said Dick. "Not to beach level, I hope. That's a long way." "They must descend to ground level at least, or a bit below I should think," reasoned Julian. "Ah, here's Buster with another torch oh, two more torches good. And spare batteries. Right, let's get organised. I know it's your house, Buster, but I feel I ought to take charge. This is what I propose and I hope you'll all agree." It was decided that Julian would be the first to go down the steps to check they were safe and not broken. If he safely reached the bottom he would decide whether the others should join him. Inwardly he was afraid that the air might be too stale for them to breathe properly. Goodness knows when the passage was last used! "Here goes," he said, once again crawling into the cupboard. He pushed the creaking door as far back as it would go, shone his torch into the gaping hole and slowly eased himself onto the platform at the top of the steps. He was pleased to find he could stand upright although disliked immensely the dangling cobwebs intent on attaching themselves to him, especially when they rubbed against his face. He cautiously tried the first step, being surprised to find it quite solid underfoot. "I'm going down," he called, placing a foot on the second step. It, too, felt solid. It soon dawned on him why. "Of course! Old Smuggler Jake had these steps made while the extension to the house was under construction so he would have used firm material. I hope it's like this all the way down." It was. About halfway down, there was a right-angled turn which Julian assumed was a corner of the house. He had to stop as he began to cough, not because the air was stale but on account of the dust being disturbed. Shining his torch around, he noticed the steps going down to another platform where they again sharply turned. He continued downwards, finding it impossible to dodge the cobwebs which persisted in clinging to him. Reaching the platform, he saw another flight of steps, not as steep as the first two, but rough and uneven. Now the walls looked very different as they seemed to be pure rock. Realising he was at ground

level, Julian was about to explore further when he heard Buster calling, so back he went to be greeted with an abundance of questions from the impatient children gathered around the cupboard. "Just let me speak!" he shouted, trying to dust himself down. The others became quiet and gazed at him eagerly. "The steps to ground level are solid as they were clearly built when this part of the house was added to the original. Then there are some uneven steps going down into the rocky earth." "Yes, but where does it lead?" asked Buster, longing to rush into the cupboard and down the steps. "I don't know, silly, because I didn't go any further," replied Julian. "And before we explore, we need some tough rope please, Buster. Oddly enough, the air isn't stale so there must be some sort of ventilation." "Probably from natural fissures in the cliff," suggested Dick. "I hope Timmy will be all right on the steps," said George. "Yes, but he mustn't be on them while anybody else is going up or down," said Julian. "He could easily knock one of us down, he's so powerful. Got some rope already, Buster?" "We always keep some in this very cupboard," replied Buster. "It's tough rope, too. So what's the plan, Julian?" "I'll lead the way," decided Julian looking at the rope. "When I'm at the first bend, you follow Anne. I'll shine a torch from below. Buster, tie the rope around your waist so it's not in your way. You shine your torch from above before following Anne. Dick is to come next, then George with Tim. Make sure you have a torch, George, and let Tim go down in front of you. Before we explore, we'll wedge the door open with that box up on the shelf. We don't want to be trapped inside the walls of the house." This was a most unpleasant thought! They looked at the box which was certainly solid enough to act as a wedge if the door closed while, once again, Julian descended the stairway, waiting at the bend for Anne who gingerly made her way down. She then followed him down the next flight where they waited for the others. Spiders scuttled away in all directions, angry at suddenly being disturbed after all this time. Timmy came down the steps remarkably quickly but without falling. He passed everyone and continued down the tunnel, Julian immediately following him. At first, there were just a few rough steps, then the passage sloped downwards as it wended its way through the rock which in most places was dry with just the odd greenish damp patch. The children were able to remain upright most of the time although there were moments when they had to bend to avoid hitting their heads. Shining her torch on the wall, George spotted a natural hole. "There's a draught coming from there," she announced. "That's why the air's so fresh. This hole and others like it must go right through to the cliff face." "It's getting quite cold, isn't it? said Anne. "But we've noticed that before when we've been exploring underground passages." "I hope we won't find this passage has been blocked up," said Buster, trying to peer ahead. "I'm longing to see exactly where it comes out and why I've never discovered it. I wonder if Smuggler Jake's ghost is lying in wait for us round one of the bends."

"Ooh, don't say things like that," said Anne, already not liking the dancing shadows on the walls. "It's creepy enough knowing he probably went back and forth through this passage with his booty without talking about his ghost." "I'd forgotten about him lugging his ill-gotten gains right here where we are!" exclaimed Dick. "What a thrilling thought." He then raised his voice. "Jake, where are you?" His voice sounded very peculiar in the confined space of the passage, then Buster made everyone jump by making a ghostly wail. This caused Timmy to bark, sounding as though there was more than one dog down there. He jumped and looked around for the other dogs. "It's all right Tim," said George patting him. "There's no other dog here. Do be quiet, you two idiots." "Hey, I do believe we're coming to the end of the passage," called Julian who was some way in front. "But it doesn't appear to be blocked up. Strange. It looks like a door ahead." The others hurried to reach Julian, now shining his torch on what was, indeed, a door, a stout one with a large iron handle at waist level. Without saying anything, Julian turned the handle and pushed, expecting the door to be firmly locked. But it wasn't locked. It certainly creaked in protest on its old hinges but slowly, very slowly, reluctantly opened outwards. Five excited children held their breath. What were they going to find on the other side?

CHAPTER 13: YET MORE EXCITEMENT

The children stared expectantly but what a disappointment awaited them! Just a couple of feet or so beyond the door seemed to be an impenetrable wall of rock. "How weird! That wall is natural rock," said George feeling it. "It isn't a blocked up entrance." "You're right there, George," agreed Buster. "The passages were blocked up with stones and cement but this isn't. It's a natural wall of rock like you said. So why the door? It hardly seems necessary if the passage ends anyway." "Since this obviously is Smuggler Jake's Passage, it must lead to the beach," reasoned Dick. "There has to be a way in and out of here." "What's to the left of the door?" enquired Anne, peering into the darkness. "Hand me your torch a minute, George." Taking the torch, Anne shone it to the left of the open door, which was hinged on the right, expecting to merely find an empty space. However, to her surprise, the torchlight fell on three short but stout wooden props, seemingly supporting that section of the wall. "I say, there's something very odd here!" she exclaimed excitedly. "The wall seems to be supported. Yet why should a rocky wall need supporting?"

"Move back and let me take a look," said Julian at once. As Anne stepped back, he shone his torch into the space. "Anne's right. There are three props and they really do seem to be supporting the wall. How very, very odd. And look. The props have rusty hinges at their bases so they are definitely there for a reason. Odder and odder. Dick, take my torch and shine it on the props. I'm going to try to shift them." As Dick shone the torch, Julian attempted to raise the nearest prop. It creaked in protest on its rusty hinge as he pulled but he was unable to shift it away from the wall. He bent over to the second one and tugged as hard as he could. Feeling it start to give, he gritted his teeth and heaved with all his might. There came a scraping sound from the hinge as it twisted before completely breaking, nearly causing the surprised Julian to fall over. "That's one gone," he announced, recovering his balance. "Two to go." Taking a deep breath, he attacked the far prop. Again there were ominous creaking sounds but, this time, it was the prop itself that rather loudly snapped in two as part of the wood was clearly rotten. "Whatever was that?" called Buster from the passage. "A rotten prop giving way," laughed Julian. "Now I need to work on the nearest one, the really stubborn one." He tugged and tugged but the prop simply would not budge. It was too stout to break and its hinge was well and truly rusted up. Finally, Julian had to admit defeat. "It's no use. I can't shift it. To think we've got this far. It's so annoying!" "Why don't we all have a go at shifting it together?" suggested Dick, not liking the thought of giving up. "We might have enough combined strength to move it." "And just how do we do that?" asked George scornfully. "It's obvious there's only enough room for one person in there." "By tying Buster's rope around the prop and all of us tugging from out here in the passage!" answered Dick, pulling a face at his cousin. "What a smashing idea!" said Buster, immediately untying the rope and approaching the prop. "Hold my torch, someone, so I can see what I'm doing. I'm good at tying knots." The others stood back while Buster deftly tied one end of the rope around the remaining prop and unfurled it so that, in the passage, each child could hold it. Timmy wanted to take hold of the loose end believing this was some sort of a game. "Well done, Buster," said Julian approvingly as he took hold of the rope. "Now tug when I tell you, everybody, but don't let the rope run freely through your fingers or you'll have a nasty sore. Ready? One, two, three, HEAVE! Again. One, two three, HEAVE! Once more. One, two three, HEAVE! Right, we'll pause for a moment before attacking it again. I'm sure it gave slightly." There had definitely been a movement on the end of the rope but Julian made everyone rest for a few seconds. Then they tried again. This time, when they tugged, they heard a definite creak. They all tugged even harder. There was a loud crack followed by a thud suggesting something large had fallen. The rope went slack, causing them to sit down on the hard, uneven floor.

"Ouch!" cried Buster. "That floor's hard! I say, what's happened?" "Either the prop has given way or the hinge has broken," answered Julian, getting back on his feet to inspect the damage. Untying the rope, he passed it back to Buster before shining his torch to see what had happened and immediately stepped back. "Now I understand why props have been used. This part of the wall is not solid rock but rocky stones being supported. One has just fallen. That's what we heard. Better keep back as another is about to tumble. Here it goes!" There was a crash as a large stone fell down onto the props. Immediately, a third stone collapsed, then a fourth, leaving a gaping hole. "Where on earth are we?" asked an extremely excited Buster. He was about to peer into the hole when Julian pulled him back. "Keep back in case another stone falls and breaks one of your toes," he said. "Mind you, the rest looks like solid rock but I'll test it first. As for where we are, your guess is as good as mine. In fact better, as you know the area." Julian cautiously put pressure on the rocky area surrounding the hole but it was quite solid. Careful not to disturb the fallen stones, he shone his torch into the dark, gaping void and was amazed to find what appeared to be a large cave with a boat in the middle of it and a wooden door on the far side. "Julian, I know where we are!" screeched Buster, waving his arms about which nearly caused him to tumble off the stone on which he was standing. "That's my boathouse in there! This tunnel leads from the boathouse up to the house. I can't believe it. I really think I must be dreaming!" "Well you're not!" exclaimed George. "I'll pinch you if you like to prove it. Now for goodness' sake calm down, Buster. You're making Timmy bark. We're all just as excited, don't forget." "But I'm doubly excited," said Buster. "No triply excited or whatever the word is. What a brilliant discovery. Let's go into the boathouse." One by one, they cautiously climbed over the fallen stones, made their way through the large gap in the rocks and lowered themselves down into the boathouse. After leaping through the gap, Timmy gazed at the boat wondering if another ride was imminent. "The props held those stones in place making them seem part of the wall," pointed out Julian. "In the semi darkness you wouldn't notice anything unusual about them from this side." "To think Jake's passage led from this very boathouse!" exclaimed Buster, still in awe at the thought and still wondering if he were dreaming. "I didn't think it could possibly do so as I assumed the walls were solid." "I suppose it stands to reason the passage to the house would start here," said George. "But I would never have thought of props on the other side of the wall keeping stones in place." "Shhh! There's a funny sound on the other side of the boathouse door," said Anne, her head on one side. "Whatever can it be?"

Everyone listened. There was the sound of something seemingly sweeping across the door and a more distant sound of rumbling. Hurrying past his boat, Buster started opening the door then quickly closed it as the sounds increased in volume. "It's already dark and what we heard was heavy rain pitter-pattering against the door and the sound of large waves hitting the rocks and beach," he said. "There's definitely a storm brewing so we'll have to return the way we came, through Smuggler Jake's Passage, not that I shall mind in the least." "What about that?" asked Dick, pointing at the gaping hole. "Now the props are broken, the stones won't remain in place even supposing we could lift them back into position." "That'll be for Dad to decide," replied Buster casually. "He's the architect. Anyway, he'll be thrilled to see what we've discovered. The boathouse door is locked on the outside so we're not likely to get any intruders in the house. Come on. Let's get back. What a find! Thank goodness the Monopoly dice were missing." Back through the passage they traipsed. Five extremely dusty and excited children emerged from the cupboard. Dick, who was last, removed the large box and pulled the door shut, the lever snapping into position. "Fancy that mechanism still working!" he exclaimed. "I suppose we ought to have looked to see if the door can be opened from the other side." Dusting themselves down, they switched on the stairway light and went down to the dining room where the Monopoly game was set out on the table. However, nobody felt inclined to play Monopoly as they were so busy talking and thinking about Jake's Secret Passage. "I'll make us all some sandwiches," said Anne who enjoyed looking after the domestic side of things when Mrs Pickle wasn't there. "I know where everything is. I'll need to give my hands a thorough wash first, though. And George, don't you think you ought to brush Timmy? Look how dusty he is." "I'll brush him for you," offered Buster. "No thank you," retorted George at once. "He's only used to me brushing him. Come along Timmy. Upstairs." "Just listen to that rain," said Julian hearing it beating against the dining room window. "I wouldn't like to be out tonight. Good job Mrs Pickle left when she did. Her umbrella wouldn't have been much use against that wind." "It's as though it's howling to come in," called Anne from the kitchen, making everyone laugh. There was more excited chatter while they enjoyed their sandwiches, after which they played a noisy game of Snap. Timmy, of course, barked every time somebody yelled Snap. By the time they decided to go to bed, thunder and lightning accompanied the torrential rain and howling wind as a storm rapidly descended on Phantom Cove. "I'll never get to sleep with that racket!" declared Anne making for her bedroom. "Good night, boys. See you in the morning."

The boys entered their room and undressed while, outside, the rain beat incessantly against the window, the lightning flashed as if in a rage and the thunder boomed like angry drum rolls. "The storm's overhead," said Julian as the rumbles of thunder almost immediately followed the brilliant flashes of lightning. He gazed with difficulty through the rain-splashed bedroom window at the whitetipped waves, lit up by the brilliant lightning, furiously rushing towards the shore. "What a sight!" Dick got into bed but Buster joined Julian. For a few moments he pressed his nose against the window trying to see out then let out a screech of excitement. "Look, Julian!" he yelled. "On the top of the cliff. There's the silhouette of a man with something odd draped around him. It must be Smuggler Jake's ghost wandering about in the storm. They say he does. And Julian! Julian, do look! There's a ship out there on the creek. See? An old ship with tall masts and rigging. This time it really must be the phantom ship as it's a stormy night and old Jake's out there on the cliff waiting for it!"

CHAPTER 14: STOLEN PAPERS AND A MISSING SCIENTIST!

Dick leapt out of bed to join the others and stared in amazement. Each flash of lightning briefly but vividly lit up the silhouette of the man on the cliff, his back to them, and an old-looking sailing ship being tossed about by the relentless waves out on the creek. "It's the phantom ship, it is, it is!" cried Buster, jumping up and down in excitement, his eyes fixed on the boat. "And Jake's ghost is watching it." "It certainly looks old but that is not a phantom ship," declared Julian laughing. "We'll watch where it goes." "It will simply disappear," insisted Buster loudly. "And so will Jake." Suddenly the door opened and in strode an angry George followed by a sleepy Timmy. "What's all the shouting for?" she demanded, a frown covering her face. "We're trying to get to sleep next door and we can hear you above the noise of the storm, and that's bad enough." "Smuggler Jake's out there watching his ship!" shouted Buster. "Look!" "If there is a ship out there it'll be the one we saw the other night and, as for Smuggler Jake don't be daft!" said George crossing the room. Peering through the rain-spattered window, she waited for the next flash. "Oh no, it's not the same ship. The mast is taller and the sails larger. It's older, too, but it's real enough. And where's Smuggler Jake?" "On the cliff," said Buster but, to his dismay, when the next flash of lightning lit up the cliff top, no figure was standing there. "He's disappeared! The legend is true. This proves it." "Pooh! You and your imagination," snapped George making for the door. "Please keep your voice down, Buster. I'm going back to bed."

"So am I," said Julian. "Phantom ship or not." "Me too," added Dick. "Stay up all night if you want to, Buster but don't disturb us with tales of phantom ships or Smuggler Jake." Then, giggling, he added, "I say, Buster. Do you think he's after us for finding his passage?" "Very funny," replied Buster reluctantly getting into bed. "You can laugh but I remember someone telling me he went searching for a spook train while camping." "Ah, but it turned out it wasn't a spook train after all," said Julian, yawning. "It was real like that ship." For a while the boys continued chatting as the storm raged on. Gradually tiredness overcame them and they settled down to sleep. Buster, however, could not resist one more look at the ship. Rubbing the window, he peered through the raindrops on the glass and waited for the next lightning flash. It soon came causing him to gasp in disbelief. "It's vanished. Just like Jake!" he called to Julian and Dick. "Now perhaps you'll agree it was the phantom ship!" There was no response from either bed. Julian and Dick were fast asleep. The storm subsided during the night although the wind continued to howl until the early hours of the morning. Anne was up first. She went to the window, pleased to be greeted with sunshine. "What's the time?" enquired a sleepy voice. "Almost eight o'clock and it's a bright, sunny morning," replied Anne. "You should see the waves. They're enormous." "I can hear them," said George sitting up. "It's the same sound I hear at Kirrin Cottage after a storm. I wonder if the boys are up." They were and soon the children were downstairs setting the table for breakfast. They were startled when Mrs Pickle arrived as she was clearly very shocked about something. "Dear, oh dearie me!" she exclaimed, strutting into the kitchen and sinking into a chair. "I've just heard the most dreadful news. Quite dreadful! I need a cup of tea." "What's up, Mrs Pickle?" enquired Dick. "I'll put the kettle on straight away." "Thank you, Dick, how kind," said Mrs Pickle, letting out a deep breath. She looked round at the children, a serious look spread across her normally cheerful round face. "What do you think has happened? Secret papers drawn up by the scientists have been stolen and from a locked room! And worse. One of the scientists is missing." "Papers stolen?" repeated Buster. "From Dr Raynor's?" "No, no, no," corrected Mrs Pickle, shaking her head so violently her chins wobbled. "From the hotel! I've just met Dr Raynor and asked why policemen are everywhere. She informed me of the theft and disappearance. Such terrible goings-on, and right here, in Phantom Creek!" "When were the theft and disappearance discovered?" asked Julian.

"Apparently the papers were in a briefcase locked in the usual room after yesterday's late and final meeting but when the scientists went to collect them about an hour ago to take them to London under police escort that shows how important they are! they were gone and Professor Wheatley, one of the scientists, was no longer in his room!" said Mrs Pickle, almost running out of breath. "I bet Richardson is behind this," declared Buster. "He must possess the key to the room where the papers were." "Yes, but listen," resumed Mrs Pickle. "A special lock was put on the door, a lock that needed two keys to open it. Yes, Captain Richardson had one it's his hotel after all and Dr Raynor had the other. Both declare their keys never left their possession during the night and Buster, you mustn't make accusations. Captain Richardson actually recalls hearing a car drive away during the night but assumed it came from here." "Well I'm sure Dr Raynor isn't involved," said George. "My father very much respects her." "Goodness me, everybody in the village respects Dr Raynor," said Mrs Pickle looking and sounding shocked. "The police were delayed as our telephone lines were brought down by the strong winds, and they had to wait while a farmer helped to remove a tree that had come down last night blocking the road. That road's the only one into and out of Phantom Creek so the papers can't have been taken far by car." "The ship!" exclaimed Dick looking at the others. "Could the scientist and the papers have been taken out to it?" "What! In that storm!" exclaimed Buster. "It would be impossible for any boat to row out on the creek. Anyway, it was the phantom ship." "You and the phantom ship!" laughed Julian. "Still, I agree that nobody could have rowed out to it. But if the thief couldn't have gone far by road because of the fallen tree and certainly couldn't leave by sea, it suggests the scientist and the papers are still in the area of Phantom Creek." "What's this about a ship?" asked Mrs Pickle. "Thank you, Dick. I'm ready for this cup of tea as I'm allover flustered." Buster informed the flustered Mrs Pickle about the sailing ship but she was sceptical about it being involved in the awful happenings. "It was probably sheltering from the storm," she said. "Ships often do. A right, proper storm it was, too! You should have seen the lightning!" "We did!" laughed George. "Will the police call here, Mrs Pickle?" "They're bound to ask if you heard anything during the night, apart from that awful thunder," was the reply. "Fair made me jump out of my skin, it did, and that's a fact!" After breakfast, Sergeant Adamson, a burly policeman, did call at Rawlins Haven to make enquiries but showed little interest in the ship. He was more concerned about the car Captain Richardson had heard. "Nobody could have gone out on the water last night," he said. "Even the fishermen returned early and they go out in all weathers. Now you're sure you didn't hear a car?"

"No, but our rooms face the sea," answered Julian. "We know two people had keys but isn't there something called a master key?" "The keys and lock were specially provided by a reputable firm precisely for the duration of the meetings so there was no master key available," replied the sergeant. "The normal lock would be refitted once the meetings were over. We've searched every room and cupboard in the hotel, even the dusty attic, and found nothing out of the ordinary. But we're certain the professor and the papers can't be far away on account of that tree blocking the road." "What about the secret room?" said Anne, quite forgetting that Mrs Pickle was unaware of their night adventure. The others glared at her. "Secret room?" repeated Mrs Pickle looking even more amazed. "What are you talking about, Anne? What secret room?" "One of those cliff tunnels leads to a secret room which opens into an ordinary room," explained Buster, hoping to avoid disclosing that they discovered the room in the middle of the night. "We wondered if the secret room door led into the hotel." "Secret room!" exclaimed Sergeant Adamson giving a smile. "Sounds exciting, doesn't it? I assure you, every door in the hotel was opened, without exception. No secret room, as you imaginatively call it, was found. Just ordinary rooms and cupboards. Your room must lead somewhere else. Well, thank you, Mrs Pickle and you youngsters. I must be getting back." Not long after the sergeant had left, the children wandered outside but there was little to see apart from two police officers examining the grass beneath every ground floor window of the hotel. They also spotted Dr Raynor walking purposefully towards her house on the hill. "I do hope Dr Raynor's not involved," said Buster. "She's a really nice person." "Dr Raynor wouldn't need to steal secret papers as she would already know what's in them, whereas Captain Richardson wouldn't," said George scornfully. "As for her kidnapping a scientist that's laughable!" "True, but don't forget Captain Richardson would need Dr Raynor's key to enter the room," pointed out Julian. "One big mystery and, for once, there's nothing we can do! Now I suggest we wander along the cliff towards the village and enjoy an ice cream or two each." On the cliff top, the children gazed at the surprising way one corner of the hotel was built into the cliff. Looking the other way, they marvelled at the size of the white-flecked waves rolling in from the sea and crashing onto the beach. While they were ambling along, they spotted a familiar figure down on a narrow strip of beach, wearing a billowing cloak. "Look, there's the Admiral," giggled Buster. Then he shouted. "Ahoy there, Admiral! Windy, isn't it?" Fortunately the wind prevented Buster from being heard by the man on the shore below. "For goodness' sake don't be rude to him again, Buster," scolded Julian. "He's not interfering with us this time. I wonder what he's doing. He keeps gazing out to sea. He'll be washed away if he's not careful."

"Perhaps he's expecting a boat to arrive and whisk him, the missing scientist and the stolen papers away," said Anne with a smile. "In full view of everyone!" exclaimed Dick scornfully. "Hardly likely, Anne." "Actually, there might be something in what Anne said," remarked George. "He might be wondering if a ship could safely arrive after dark and put a boat ashore for the scientist and papers to be collected. It was probably due last night the one we saw, in fact!" "We could keep watch tonight and see if a boat arrives," suggested Buster, hoping for more excitement. "The trouble is that if one does, it would be too late to do anything," declared Julian, shaking his head. "If only we could do something more positive." "Wait, we can! I've just had a super fantastical brainwave!" exclaimed Buster, his eyes ablaze. "Why don't we explore the passage leading to that hidden room as soon as the Admiral leaves the beach? We might discover something of interest like stolen secret papers or, better still, a kidnapped scientist!"

CHAPTER 15: THE SECRET ROOM AGAIN

The others stared at Buster for a moment before replying. "Now that really is a great idea!" agreed Julian enthusiastically. "I'm longing to see this passage, not to mention that secret room." "Hopefully we'll find where it leads to this time," added Dick. "I want to discover where those people ended up the other night and who they were." "Do you think it's wise to do this?" asked Anne, who was less enthusiastic about the idea than the others. "We did promise Mrs Pickle we wouldn't go out of our way to annoy Captain Richardson and the passage and the secret room could be his property." "Hardly likely!" retorted George. "We know the room can't lead into the hotel or the police would have found it. They opened every door, remember." "Perhaps it leads to the house on the other side of the hotel," said Julian. "Who owns it?" "A husband and wife who are both artists," replied Buster. "But their house isn't as old as ours and the hotel so isn't likely to be linked to the tunnels." "So when do we explore the passage?" asked Dick. "It'll have to be after lunch," decided Julian peering over the cliff. "We can't right now. That man is still on the prowl and still gazing seawards. Yes, we'll have lunch first." Back at Rawlins Haven, Mrs Pickle informed them that Dr Raynor had called. "She asked if I could assist with a buffet meal for the scientists at her house early this evening," explained Mrs Pickle. "You see they

have had to remain together at the hotel while the police have been making enquiries. She thought it would be a nice gesture to let them try and relax over an informal meal before returning home." "Won't we get any supper tonight?" asked Buster, his eyes wide open. "We'll starve." "You won't starve because I'll prepare a meal for you, of course," answered Mrs Pickle chuckling. "Starve! Oh dear, what a suggestion! Remember. If you need me, I'll be at Estuary House. Buster knows where it is." "Don't you worry, Mrs Pickle," said Julian. "We can look after ourselves. You go as soon as you want to." "Thank you, Julian," said Mrs Pickle. "I knew I could rely on you all. What are your plans for this afternoon?" "We thought we'd explore... ," began Anne, when George and Dick, speaking at the same time, immediately interrupted her. "We'll probably take Tim for a long walk," said George, frowning at Anne. "We could see more of the village," said Dick. "Poor Anne," said Mrs Pickle sympathetically. "What were you going to say, dear, before you were interrupted?" "I was merely going to suggest we explore a few more caves," said Anne, glaring at George and Dick. "Well, wherever you go, remember to lock the door," said Mrs Pickle. "There's a nasty thief and a kidnapper out there, don't forget." Later that afternoon after Mrs Pickle had departed, Buster went upstairs to fetch his rope and the torches. He also made certain that he had the boathouse key with him. "Just in case we have to escape up Smuggler Jake's tunnel!" he said with a grin as he rushed headlong downstairs. "Who are we going to escape from?" asked Julian in surprise. "You never know, we might be seen in the passage," answered Buster vaguely. "Then we'd be chased down it, or up it, wouldn't we? And somehow we'd have to escape from it, and..." "Do shut up, Buster," laughed Dick. "You're about to get muddled again. I vote we use Smuggler Jake's passage to the beach? That way, nobody will see us with the rope and torches." Everyone agreed so upstairs to the cupboard they traipsed. Julian pushed the lever with his foot and, this time it moved more readily and the door popped open. One by one they carefully crawled through the cupboard and made their way down the steps of Jake's Passage. It was exciting using the old secret way that Smuggler Jake and his men had walked along. Anne had a tingling sensation down her spine when she thought about the smugglers bringing their booty along the very passage she and the others were passing along and, again, didn't much like the dancing shadows on the wall. Reaching the boathouse, they eased their way through the gap in the rocky wall. Buster opened the door, not needing the key from the inside, and peered along the beach.

"There's nobody around," he said reassuringly as Timmy dashed down to the nearest rock pool. "Come on. Wait, I'll unlock the door from the outside in case we need to enter in a hurry." "It's much calmer out there than it was earlier," observed George, noticing a couple of fishing boats bobbing on the waves. "And thank goodness that awful man has gone," said Anne looking along the shore. "Keep a lookout for anyone peering over the cliff or out of the top windows of the hotel," warned Julian as they wandered along. "If you spot anyone, say so but don't point." As it happened, they reached the cave without noticing anybody apart from some fishermen near the pier. "We'll go through the cave on the right, not the one the Admiral claimed was his," said Buster, going inside and switching on his torch. "I warn you, we'll need to do a bit of crawling where the roof is low." Timmy was fascinated by the humans crawling along like dogs and kept running back and forth, sniffing everyone as he passed. Fortunately, it was not long before the tunnel turned sharply to the left where it became a natural gash in the rocks with quite a high roof. "Thank goodness we can stand now," said Julian. "My knees weren't made for crawling through a tunnel with a rough, rocky floor. Why have you stopped, Dick?" "I'm sure that rope ladder was dangling somewhere along here," said Dick, shining the torch upwards. "I know we approached from the opposite direction but I remember seeing that strange, protruding rock up there." "Do you really mean there's another passage up there?" asked Anne amazed. "I know it's hard to believe but the answer's yes," replied Buster. "Above that odd-shaped rock. Shine your torches on me while I try to climb up to that ledge." He looked for possible handholds but could not see any. Each time he took hold of a bulging piece of rock his fingers simply slipped off when he tried to grip it. "Drat, drat, drat!" he exclaimed looking upwards. "Look at that protruding rock up there. It would make a marvellous handhold if we could reach it. It seems to be mocking us." "It probably is as you're not using your brains!" declared Julian sounding exasperated. "What do you mean not using my brains?" asked Buster in surprise. "I am using them, well not quite because I'm actually using my hands and feet, or was but not now." "Why don't you throw the rope over that jutting out rock?" laughed Julian. "It's near the top so it will serve as a foothold as well as a handhold." "Now that is a good idea," agreed Buster untying the rope from his middle. "Why didn't I think of that? I suppose I was too busy using..." "For goodness' sake throw that rope, Buster!" shouted Dick impatiently.

Buster took aim three times but missed on each occasion. With a sigh of frustration, George snatched the rope from him and deftly looped in around the protruding rock with her first throw. She tied a knot, tested the rope was firmly attached and, passed the rope back to a very impressed Buster. "That was really clever, George," he said admiringly, and rather awkwardly climbed up. Not without some difficulty, he managed to clamber onto the shelf. Shining his torch around, he noticed the rope ladder, folded and firmly attached to a rock. "Hang on a mo," he shouted. "The rope ladder's here. I'll let it down. It'll be easier using it than climbing up my rope. In fact I'll pull my rope up." "How can we haul Timmy up?" asked George, hastily moving out of the way as the rope ladder unfurled and tumbled down. "I'd forgotten you said the passage starts on a high ledge." "The simple answer is we can't," replied Julian. "The rope would hurt him. In any case, we don't want to risk him running into the room the passage leads to. He'll have to wait here." "If Timmy can't come, I shan't come," declared George scowling. "Timmy and I will go outside. Come on Timmy. We're not wanted in here." "That's your choice, George," said Julian who was used to his cousin's sudden bad moods. "You know where we are if you change your mind. Now, up the ladder, Anne and don't let your knees hit the rock." As George sulkily retraced her way back to the beach, Anne carefully climbed up the ladder followed by Dick and, finally, Julian who hauled the ladder back up. By the light of the torches, they saw a tunnel disappearing mysteriously into the gloomy cliff. They entered and made their way along the uneven, twisting passage, having to bend double in places. They were relieved to reach the foot of the steps where they were able to stand upright. "Let me go up the steps first," insisted Julian. "Then I'll shine my torch down while Anne comes up. You two can see by the light of your own torches." Dick was relieved not to have to share a torch like last time, when they nearly ended up tumbling down the steps. He warned about the cave-like room at the top, not that any sounds were coming from it. At the top, they reached the room, the one with the old chests and cupboard up against the rocky wall. "They remind me of the chests on the old wreck off Kirrin Island," Anne remarked, looking at them with interest. "I wonder what's inside them." "We may get a chance to see later, but not at this moment," said Dick in a loud whisper. "We must be really careful now. The much larger room we told you about is just at the top of the next flight of steps." They now crept up the steps without talking and reached the room which was in darkness as the door leading into it was shut. Buster and Dick realised that the room had certainly been used since their previous visit as there was an open packet of biscuits on the table and the cupboard doors were open, revealing some tins of food and basic crockery. "See that door?" said Dick, nodding to one corner of the room. "It was open when Buster and I were here. There's a normal room on the other side but we couldn't see into it properly as voices were coming from it. I wonder if anyone's in it now."

"We'll listen carefully and, if we don't hear anything, I'll quietly open the door," decided Julian, crossing the room. He put her head against the door and listened. "No, there's no sound on the other side. I'll turn the handle gosh, what a big one! It may be a normal door but it certainly doesn't have a normal handle." The handle was, indeed, very large and did not turn easily. When Julian succeeded in turning it, he was further amazed by the weight of the door. Once the heavy door was open, he entered the room beyond, finding it sparsely furnished with a table, four chairs and a cupboard. He turned to beckon the others when Anne let out a terrified squeal. "Listen to those noises," she said, clutching hold of Dick who was about to follow his brother into the room. "It must be somebody coming. Oh Julian, whatever are we going to do?"

CHAPTER 16: PRISONERS!

"Quick, follow me!" hissed a worried Julian making for the door in the far corner of the room. He had no choice but to open it, hoping there would be nobody on the other side. Surprisingly, the door led into a fairly long corridor with a low ceiling from which hung old-fashioned and rather dirty chandeliers. The floor was uneven in places while dark, unattractive wallpaper adorned the walls, against which were a few narrow tables. Rooms led off at intervals but, as all the doors were shut, Julian did not want to risk opening one. Spotting a flight of stairs, he darted up, closely followed by the others. "Where are we and where are we going?" puffed Dick, dreading they would meet somebody. "We're obviously in the hotel and I'm looking for an open door so we can see if the room beyond is empty," replied Julian as they reached the upper floor. "I can definitely hear voices. Ah, thank goodness an open door and, yes, the room's empty. Inside, everyone." The room, with one small window, contained a bare bed, a couple of easy chairs, a small writing table and a large cupboard but, unfortunately, nowhere suitable to hide as the cupboard would be the first place where anyone pursuing would look. Noticing a pile of thick curtain material on the floor in one corner of the room, Julian made a quick decision. "Get under this," he ordered, grabbing hold of it. "Don't move if anybody comes, whatever you do." "Do you really think we've been heard?" asked Anne fearfully as they squeezed awkwardly beneath the heavy and rather smelly material. "It doesn't matter whether they heard us or not," said Dick, choking as dust entered his mouth. "Gosh. This is horrible. They'll have realised they've got intruders as soon as they noticed the door to the hidden room open." "Now I'm choking," said Julian clearing his throat. "Let's place our handkerchiefs over our mouths and noses. That'll prevent us from coughing or sneezing and getting ourselves discovered. I wonder if George

saw whoever Anne heard enter the cave. Mind you, she probably stormed straight back to the boathouse." "It's a pity she gets in such a huff," said Buster. "But we couldn't have lifted Timmy up with my rope. It would have hurt him." "She'll get over it. She always does, that's the good thing about old George," said Dick, producing his handkerchief and covering his face. "Oh yes, that's much better. At least she knows where we are and can get help if necessary." "Are you sure we're in the hotel?" asked Anne. "It's very quiet and this room isn't in use. There's no bedding, we're hiding under the curtains, and there's dust everywhere. That little window is like one of those in our bedroom." "We're in the hotel all right," said Buster through his handkerchief. "I told you, it's being refurbished. The only rooms in use are those for the scientists and the room where the papers were kept. Oh, and I suppose the Admiral lives here somewhere. The artists' house, the next one, doesn't have long corridors, so we're certainly not in there." "Shhh! Somebody's approaching," said Julian urgently. "Keep quiet and absolutely still, everyone." Straining their ears, they heard muffled voices and the sound of doors slamming as every room on the floor was searched. It was not long before the children held their breath, dreading they might need to cough, as a man's loud voice could be heard. And, what's more, in the very room where they were hiding! "I do not understand," said the man as the cupboard door was opened and closed. Dick and Buster felt sure they were hearing the same foreign accent they had heard during their night adventure. "There are only a few rooms left and we've found nobody yet we know somebody discovered our so-called secret room. We must find them." "Could our intruder have left through a window downstairs?" a woman asked. "No, they're all locked until the hotel reopens," replied the man. "I know as I checked them. Ah, here's Alberto. Tell me. Are the papers safe?" "Safe as houses," was the reply as another man entered the room. "So is the professor. Perhaps we imagined hearing someone." "And perhaps we imagined that door being wide open!" said the woman sarcastically. "Thank goodness that boat's coming to take us and the professor away tonight. It'll be such a relief." The voices gradually became faint as the two men and the woman continued searching more rooms. Julian waited until he could no longer hear anyone before lifting the heavy material and poking his head out. "All is quiet so they must have gone," he said, his head on one side. "Let's get out from this smelly stuff but don't move quickly or we'll all start coughing from the dust."

"Fresh air at last!" gasped Dick, standing up and breathing deeply. "Just look how dusty we are. Mrs Pickle would have a fit if she could see us. I say, did you hear the man mention papers and the professor? They're still here, in the hotel. But where?" "It's vital we get away and inform the police," whispered Julian urgently. "I'll check the coast is clear." "One thing puzzles me," said Anne, dusting herself down. "How did those people reach the secret room?" "Using the rope ladder and coming up the passage like we did," said Buster, looking at Anne in surprise. "I'd have thought that was obvious." "No, because Julian pulled the ladder up behind us," reminded Anne. "So tell me. How did they manage to get it down from that high shelf?" "Yes, that is odd," agreed Julian as they cautiously went out into the corridor. "Very odd. That would suggest they didn't come from the beach. So where were they? Anyway. Quiet now." They tiptoed towards the stairs and just reached them when they were horrified to hear a yell from the far end of the corridor. "There they are Luigi!" screeched the woman. "After them! Quick!" The children almost fell down the stairs in their haste to get away and darted along the corridor towards the room where the passage to the beach started. All the doors were shut but Julian was convinced it was the last room on the left. Reaching it, he flung the door open, entered, and looked aghast. Instead of a door in the wall, there was merely an old bookcase filled with books. "Wrong room!" he said, alarmed. "It must be the previous one." They tried the room next door and one across the corridor, almost knocking each other over in the rush, but there was no second door in any of them. Beginning to panic, they were about to enter another room when two men and a woman dashed up to them, the colour of their faces revealing their anger. "Three children!" exclaimed a tall, well-built and clearly very strong man, surprised at finding the intruders were children. "Trespassing on private property. How did you get here?" "We were exploring the caves when we came across a sort of passage through the rock leading up to wherever we are," replied Julian, suddenly aware that Dick was not with them. "Came across a sort of a passage!" shouted the woman in disbelief, her face unpleasantly close to Julian's. "How did you come across a sort of a passage several feet up in the air? Eh? Answer me." "Because of the rope ladder," answered Buster, trying to move away from the door as he had noticed Dick dart behind it, hoping not to get caught. "It must have dropped down," muttered the other man, short, dark-haired and quite stocky. "In there, all of you," hissed the woman, nodding towards the far room on the left while glaring at the children

Julian, Anne and Buster glanced at each other, pleased that the three grown-ups clearly had no idea there was a fourth child nearby. They reluctantly went into the room which was the one they had first entered believing it contained the door to the passage. "You will stay in here while we decide whether or not to call the police," said the woman, still glaring. "Actually we'd rather you did call the police," said Julian, to the woman's surprise. "You've no right to keep us shut up. Yes. Call them." "My boy, we have every right to detain you," sneered Luigi, the tall man. "You're trespassing so you probably intended stealing something." "Such as?" queried Buster looking around the room in amazement. "Old chairs? Books? Worn carpets? What on earth is there to steal?" "Please let us go," begged Anne. "I'm sorry we're trespassing but we didn't intend to. We were just exploring. And we do live next door to you." "We might let you go a bit later," said the stocky man. "It's your fault for trespassing that you're in trouble." "Does Captain Richardson know what you're doing?" asked Buster in his forthright manner. "Captain Richardson? Just who might Captain Richardson be?" snapped the woman, glancing sideways at the men before looking at Buster. "Not that it matters. Well, boy, I see you've brought a rope with you. How thoughtful. Use it to tie them to these chairs, Alberto. Sit down, you three." The children sat down, knowing it would be of no use resisting, while the stocky Alberto deftly tied them together and to the chairs, making several knots in doing so. In no time, they were quite unable to move their arms or legs. The woman looked on with obvious satisfaction and suddenly addressed them in a very unpleasant tone of voice. "You'll be released later on unless you make a commotion. If you start shouting, we'll put you where you won't be found for a long, long time. Be warned!" Saying that, she and the two men left the room and, to the dismay of the three children inside, locked it before departing down the long corridor. Julian, Anne and Buster looked at each other in despair. They were tied up behind a locked door and, although Dick hadn't been captured, there was no way he could release them.

CHAPTER 17: GEORGE'S AMAZING RESCUE

Meanwhile, what had George been doing? In a bad mood, she had gone out on to the beach, furious that Julian had made no effort to haul Timmy up onto the ledge. As she strolled down to the water's edge, Tim turned and began growling. George also turned and gave a start as, not far away and facing her, hand on stick, was the surly Captain Richardson.

"Have you been trespassing again?" he demanded, staring at George. "No," she replied curtly, annoyed at being questioned. "Anyway, it's none of your business where I've been. The beach is public property." "I was not referring to the beach as I am sure you are fully aware," declared the man haughtily. "Do keep that vicious dog under control. Where are your friends?" "Exactly where they are I don't know but, if I did, I wouldn't tell you!" snapped George, holding Timmy by the collar. "Now kindly go away or I shall let go of my dog. And yes, you're right. He can be vicious to people he and I don't like!" Captain Richardson glared at George and, especially, at Timmy but wisely decided to say no more. With an arrogant toss of his head, he swung his cloak around him and strode back towards the caves. Pretending to ignore him, George nevertheless watched out of the corner of her eye and, to her horror, saw him enter the very cave where the secret passage began. If he intended using the passage, the others would be caught, and there was no way she could warn them! "It sort of serves them right for not helping you explore the passage, Timmy," she said, but couldn't help feeling concerned. "If I'm to attempt to discover what's happening, I'll need a torch, but they've taken all three with them. No, wait. Didn't Buster point one out in his boathouse? I'll take that. Thank goodness the door's unlocked. Come on, Timmy." George now trotted along the beach, Timmy bounding along at her side, occasionally chasing a surprised gull sunning itself on a rock. Reaching the boathouse, she looked back but, seeing no sign of Captain Richardson, opened the door and entered. There was sufficient light for her to spot the torch which she removed from the shelf. Pressing the switch, she was pleased to see the light come on but, nevertheless, took one of the spare batteries. She glanced through the gap in the rocky wall, noticing the door to Smuggler Jake's Passage still wide open and decided to shut it in case an unwelcome visitor entered the unlocked boathouse. Clambering through the gap, she pushed the door shut and was just about to return when the torchlight lit up the small area previously hidden by the open door. She drew in her breath seeing another door, a small one. "Look at that!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I suppose we didn't notice it before as it was hidden by the main door. I wonder if I can open it." George took hold of the rusty handle which, to her dismay, promptly fell off. Undaunted, she put down the torch and pushed the door with both hands. It creaked but remained shut. She pushed harder and harder until, finally, it collapsed as the old hinges gave way. "This must be a secret cupboard," she muttered picking up the torch. "I wonder if anything's inside." Shining the torch into the space, she again gasped. It was not a cupboard. It was a passage disappearing into the gloomy depths of the cliff. "Another tunnel!" exclaimed George feeling excited. "Aha! The others aren't the only ones exploring secret passages." She cautiously began to crawl along the tunnel, finding the hard, uneven rocky floor very uncomfortable. She was glad when the roof soon rose higher and she was able to move in a more upright position. It

was obvious that the tunnel, or passage as it was now, was really a natural cleft as nobody could possibly have hacked through all that solid rock. Soon George was able to walk normally. The passage, now fairly straight, was leading upwards, although not steeply. There was a damp smell but, otherwise, the air was quite fresh, doubtless due to the many cracks in the rocks leading to the cliff face. In the torchlight, George could see Timmy trotting ahead and sniffing the ground. From time to time he turned wondering why they were wandering in this uninteresting place where there were no rabbity smells. On and on they went, up and up, George feeling certain they must be on a level with the cliff top and wondering where the passage would end. Suddenly Timmy stopped. He could go no further. George hurriedly joined him, alarmed she might find a roof fall and have to return. To her surprise, she found herself facing a wooden door, like the one at the lower end of Smuggler Jake's passage. A similar large iron handle was just above waist level. "Another of Jake's doors," she said smiling. "I hope I can turn the handle." At first, she had difficulty turning it but, with a bit of effort, managed to do so. Her heart beating with excitement, she pushed the door but nothing happened. She pushed again and again, but to no avail. George glared at the door. To think she had come all this way only to be confronted by a stubborn door! In desperation she pushed again so hard that she lost her footing and fell back. To her astonishment, the door opened inwards, towards her! Angry for not thinking about pulling the handle, she picked herself up, surprised to see that the other side was blocked by another wooden object, clearly not a door. With renewed energy, she pushed and felt it give slightly, showering her with dust. Timmy jumped up as though trying to help as again she pushed. Once more, whatever it was moved. She listened for sounds coming from the other side and, not hearing any, placed the torch on the ground and heaved with all her might. This time the wooden object moved forward with an unpleasant scraping sound. For one moment it seemed as though it might topple over but it steadied itself, remaining upright and releasing more dust. Seeing darkness beyond, George picked up the torch and eased herself round what was, in fact, an old cupboard, its doors wide open. Shining the torch around, she saw a cave-like room with two old chests as well as the cupboard, and what appeared to be dark recesses in the wall on the left and right. "Wherever am I?" she wondered, and was surprised to see Timmy gazing into one of the recesses, quietly whining. "What's up, Tim? Wait. I'm going to inspect these old chests." As she raised the heavy lid of the first one, she almost choked as dust flew in all directions. Peering inside, she saw a few old, faded papers, a broken telescope and a tin mug and plate, all covered in a layer of fine dust. Moving to the second chest, she was about to raise the lid when she gazed at it in astonishment. "There's no dust on the lid!" she exclaimed. "It must have been opened recently." George looked around listening, half expecting to hear somebody but, apart from Timmy whining, all was quiet so, her heart throbbing with excitement, she raised the lid and found a cloth covering whatever was in the chest. Bending over, she removed the cloth only to find another cloth, this one

wrapped around something. Placing the torch on the floor, she removed this object and pulled the cloth away revealing an old, battered case. "I wonder what's inside," she thought, lifting it up. It was quite heavy. "And why cover it? No, I won't look now. I'll take it back to the house for the others to see. But am I stealing? No, because this is probably to do with Smuggler Jake in which case its rightful owners are almost certainly the Bristows. But who has been here recently?" Squeezing back through the gap between the cupboard and rocky wall with the case, she realised Timmy was no longer with her, although she could still hear him whining. Putting the case on the floor, she returned to the strange room, hurrying to where the whining was coming from. A further surprise awaited her. A flight of steps led upwards and Timmy was at the top. "I thought this was just a dark recess," she muttered, immediately joining her dog. She could scarcely believe her eyes when she found herself in another cave-like room, one with a cupboard, chairs and a table. What's more, there were three mugs and a packet of biscuits on the table and food in the cupboard! "This is like the room Dick and Buster described," thought George, thinking back. "But it can't be. Their passage started in the cave Captain Richardson warned us to keep out of. And yet, there's a door over there. I wonder... Timmy, now where are you?" Then George heard a very strange sound, a sort of muffled grunting sound, followed by more whining from Timmy. Shining the torch around, she was startled at not seeing him and began to panic. "Timmy, show yourself," she called anxiously. To her relief, Timmy appeared from behind a tall rock. George darted over to him and saw, behind the rock, more steps, this time leading downwards. From below there was more grunting, louder than before, and a scraping sound. Was some creature trapped down there? Cautiously George began to descend the awkwardly shaped steps, becoming aware of a light down below and apprehensive about what she might find. She tiptoed down the last few steps, reaching yet another cave-like room with a lighted lantern on the floor. Looking around, she saw a table with the remains of a meal on it, then jumped and gasped in horror. Tied to an upright chair beside the table and gagged, was a small, elderly man with a silvery beard. He was well-dressed but his grey hair was very dishevelled. He gazed at her with pleading eyes. Trembling, George approached the chair and, not without difficulty, removed the gag. "Thank you, my boy," uttered the man in a hoarse whisper. "Can you untie my hands? I desperately need a drink." Struggling with the well tied knot, George did manage to free the man's hands then, while he drank from the glass of water placed on the table beside him, concentrated on freeing his legs. This she did without speaking as she was still shocked, until it slowly dawned on her who the man might be. "Are you... are you Professor Wheatley?" she eventually asked while the relieved man reached out and stroked Timmy.

"Indeed I am," was the reply. "Some wicked people claimed I had an urgent phone call in the hotel then kidnapped me at gunpoint, blindfolded me, led me up and down corridors to this place where they tied me up, only freeing me for meals." "Did you say at gunpoint?" asked George alarmed. "We're really going to have to be careful." "A tall man produced a gun," answered the professor. "They want to take me to a foreign country and... but, wait. Who are you?" "My name is George Kirrin," replied George. "We must get away. Can you walk, Professor?" "Kirrin, did you say?" said the man, trying to stand. "Not Quentin Kirrin's child, surely?" "Yes, Professor," said George helping the man stand up as his legs were a little wobbly. "Are the secret documents in here?" "No, they're hidden somewhere. The thieves intend taking them away tonight in a boat," said the Professor, shaking his head in dismay. "It was supposed to be last night but something spoilt their plans. All so distressing. We must contact the police and stop them. Where are we? It's so cold." "In a smugglers' tunnel inside the cliff," replied George. "Follow me. We've only the one torch unfortunately." "Smugglers' tunnel!" exclaimed Professor Wheatley in astonishment. He bent down to pick up the lantern. "I'll bring this. You use your torch. Lead the way. Bear in mind I'm a little unsteady. A smugglers' tunnel, indeed. Whatever next?" The two carefully went up the awkward steps, George overjoyed that she had rescued the kidnapped scientist. Whatever would the others say? However, on reaching the room above, her joy turned to dismay. Noises were coming from the other side of the door, noises suggesting someone was about to open it.

CHAPTER 18: QUITE A LOT HAPPENS

Timmy growled while Professor Wheatley looked bewildered. A door in the wall of a cave, and inexplicable noises on the other side? Phantom Cove clearly was not the peaceful little seaside village Dr Raynor had declared it to be! "Quiet Timmy," said George in a loud whisper. "More steps, I'm afraid, Professor. But down this time and not too many." She was about to go down when she froze. Surely that was Julian's voice? And that was definitely Buster's! They were protesting about something. No wonder Timmy was growling. "Whatever's going on?" she asked herself, feeling concerned. "Did the others open that door and get caught?" She hesitated, wondering whether to wait and listen, then decided the priority was to lead Professor Wheatley to safety and inform the police. She dared not risk getting caught.

"Those voices belong to my captors," said Professor Wheatley, clearly alarmed. "I hope they haven't kidnapped another scientist." "No, not a scientist this time," answered George solemnly, descending the steps. "There's a passage down here leading to the house where I'm staying. We'll phone the police from there." At the bottom of the steps, Professor Wheatley shone his lantern around the cave-like room and was astonished when George told him to squeeze between the cupboard and the rocky wall. Inside the passage, George attempted to pull the cupboard back but could only move it slightly. She closed the door hoping nobody would notice the cupboard being out of place. Seeing the old case she had placed on the floor earlier, she put it in front of the door, not that it would really prevent it from being opened if force were used, then followed the professor who had already set off, so eager was he to contact the police. "Quite remarkable," he said glancing at the rocky walls by the light from his lantern. "A natural fissure in the rock. And so straight. I see we're going down. Where does it lead?" "It joins a passage from Rawlins Haven that's the house next to the hotel," explained George. "Tell me. What are you doing in Phantom Creek?" asked the professor, hurrying along. "Is your father with you?" "My cousins and I are staying with a friend," replied George. "And no, my father isn't with us but he does know Dr Raynor." "Poor Dr Raynor," said the man, turning and shaking his head. "She must be so distressed knowing that the documents so carefully drawn up will be taken abroad. It's imperative we stop those criminals." "We will," said George, not feeling as confident as she sounded. "Take care now, Professor. The roof will soon be much lower. First we'll need to stoop, then actually crawl. Shall I lead?" "Please do," was the reply as the professor let her pass. "But hurry. We must speak to the police." It was not long before the roof became lower and progress slower. When they had to crawl on all fours, the professor clicked his tongue in exasperation. "This is slowing us down and time is precious," he grumbled. "It's difficult to move holding this lantern." Fortunately they did not have to crawl far. Reaching the end of the tunnel, Timmy leapt through the gap in the rocks into the boathouse. George followed, shining her torch on the rocks so the professor could see where to safely place his feet. "My goodness. A boat, in the middle of the cliff!" exclaimed the surprised man as the light from his lantern lit up the boathouse. "Oh, it's a proper boathouse. Is it yours?" "It belongs to Rawlins Haven," replied George. "Now we follow a passage up to the house." "Another passage?" sighed Professor Wheatley. "Can't we open that door and seek help?" "No, this is a quiet part of the beach and overlooked by the hotel," explained George. "The enemy could spot you and recapture you. Let's go the safe way and phone the police."

"Very well," conceded Professor Wheatley reluctantly. "Lead the way." Seeing George open the door to Jake's Passage, he rubbed his eyes just to make certain he wasn't dreaming. It was all so unreal but the events of the last twenty-four hours or so had been unreal. Indeed, nightmarish. Timmy went on ahead, now used to these strange underground passages, closely followed by George and the professor, who still gazed in wonder at the rocky walls. "Another natural gash in the rocks," he remarked. "I recall hearing how this coast is riddled with tunnels but I never thought I'd be passing through two in one day!" George uttered warnings when they reached places where the roof suddenly became quite low and fairly soon, they were at the foot of the steps leading up to the house. "I'll go up first as I have to open a small door at the top," explained George. "Then we crawl through into a cupboard in Rawlins Haven. Once there, we can phone the police." "Oh thank goodness," was the reply, accompanied by a sigh of relief. "But did I really hear you say something about crawling through a cupboard?" Timmy remained at the foot of the steps while George hurried up them, still feeling very concerned about the others. What had all that commotion been about? Were they imprisoned in that room? If so, she had to attempt another rescue. By now she was at the top of the steps, dreading that the little door was shut. Fortunately it wasn't so she pulled it open and, calling the professor, passed through the cupboard beyond, Timmy following her. Soon Professor Wheatley appeared, still convinced he was dreaming, his dark suit now dustier than ever. Timmy immediately ran downstairs to see if the others were there. "A normal house at last!" declared the relieved man, looking all around and placing the lantern on the floor after extinguishing the flame. "Now, please, where is the phone?" "Downstairs," replied George. "Listen. While you phone the police, I'm going back to try to rescue my cousins. I'm sure I heard their voices earlier." "Rescue your cousins?" queried Professor Wheatley. "Rescue them from where? This is all quite extraordinary and scarcely believable." "From the room where that noise was," said George. "First the phone!" She led the way down the stairs, through the dining room and into the hall where the phone was on a small table. "There you are," she said, pointing. "Tell the police you're at Rawlins Haven but don't go outside under any circumstances until they arrive. Timmy and I are going now. We'll be as quick as we can. I just hope the others are all together." Julian, Anne and Buster were certainly together but Dick, although free, was on the other side of the locked door. "Can you hear me?" he whispered as loudly as he dared.

"Yes," replied Julian. "I take it the key isn't in the lock?" "Oddly enough there are two locks but no key in either," said Dick. "Look for a way out of here," called Julian. "Nobody's likely to be at the entrance but, whatever you do, DON'T get caught!" Although reluctant to leave the others, Dick knew he had no choice. He hurried down the corridor, tiptoeing to the door at the end. Not hearing any sound on the other side, he turned the handle, fearing the door would be locked, but it wasn't. Opening it, he saw he was on a landing from which led two flights of stairs, one up and, more importantly, one descending to the ground floor. In contrast to the part of the hotel he and the others had entered, this section was well carpeted, the stairs having freshly varnished banisters. Dick crept down to a reception area, furnished with comfortable chairs, and was relieved to see large entrance doors ahead. "Thank goodness, escape at last," he muttered to himself, feeling more confident. "Now I can get away, find help, and the others will be free." However, no sooner had he darted towards the doors when he suddenly froze, his heart almost missing a beat. Who should be striding towards the entrance but the last person he wanted to meet. Captain Richardson! Dick immediately darted behind the plush curtain beside the door hoping he hadn't been noticed. He clearly hadn't as the man thrust open the door, causing a loud buzzer to sound, and strode over to the reception desk. Dick's heart sank as he realised the buzzer would sound the moment he ran outside. Almost immediately, the woman he had seen earlier upstairs, emerged from a nearby door. "Captain Richardson, thank goodness you're here. There's something you must know," she said. "We've caught three children and, what's more, they used that passage from the beach. You said nobody knew about it." "Three children in my hotel and using that passage!" thundered the furious Captain Richardson, thumping the reception counter. "How dare they! But how did they discover it? It's not even on the hotel deeds. The previous owner had to show it to me." "They claim to be your neighbours," added the woman curtly. "So that infuriating Bristow child is involved!" yelled Captain Richardson in a high pitched voice, now almost beside himself with rage. "I found him about to enter my cave only the other day and just a short while ago I saw that boy with the dog near the same cave. Where are the children, Harriet? Not with the professor, surely?" "Of course not," replied Harriet. "Alberto tied them up in the room where you kept the papers." "That room!" exclaimed Captain Richardson, now shaking his head. "What happens if the police want to look in there again? They could return, don't forget." "We didn't know where to put them bearing in mind they had to be under lock and key," protested Harriet. "We couldn't let them go as they know about the so-called secret room."

"Yes, yes, you're right. But when those children don't return home, there'll be a search party out looking for them," declared Captain Richardson, clicking his tongue in frustration. "And the police are already searching for a missing person. This is annoying. Frightfully annoying." "Shall we place them in the hidden room until we leave tonight?" asked Harriet. "Let me consider everything," said Captain Richardson beginning to get flustered. "I must not in any way be involved so will wait until you, the professor and those documents are on the boat before I innocently discover those wretched children. They must not see Professor Wheatley. Yes, move them into the hidden room. No, wait until I return. First I want to innocently pass by the Bristows' house to see if there's any activity there. Leave the key at the back of the right hand drawer and don't answer the door to anybody." "When will the scientists return?" enquired Harriet. "They will depart for home from Dr Raynor's under police escort after their meal," was the reply. "Oh dear me. I've just thought of something else. There were five children last time I saw them together. You've caught three, I saw the boy with the dog where can the fifth child be? What a mess! Pah! Pah! Pah!" Almost spitting out the words, Captain Richardson swept out of the hotel, little realising he had been merely a few feet away from the elusive fifth child. Harriet annoyingly remained in the reception area for some time before departing. Dick racked his brains as to what he should do next. While he was waiting for Harriet to leave, it occurred to him that he could try to rescue Julian, Anne and Buster. "The key's at the back of the right hand drawer," he muttered creeping out from behind the curtain. "I'll take it, untie the others and we'll escape through the passage." Rummaging in the untidy drawer, Dick soon found the large key and tiptoed up the stairs. He opened the door into the long corridor and hurried along to the last room on the left. With trembling hands, he turned the key in the upper lock but it would not turn. He quickly tried it in the lower lock, praying as he fumbled that it would fit. It did! He excitedly pushed open the door and, with high hopes, entered the room but, alas, his hopes were dashed. The room was empty. The three had gone! Dick just could not believe his eyes. How had they escaped? They were tied up. Then he spotted pieces of rope on the floor. "One of them must have somehow got free then cut through the rope tying the other two," he reasoned. "What's more, they must have found the room containing the secret passage. But no. That's impossible. This door was locked." Unable to make head or tail of the disappearance of the others, Dick stood motionless for a moment as it became clear he had no alternative but to use the front door despite the buzzer sounding. Once again he made his way along the corridor but before he could go down the stairs, he heard a terrible commotion below. Captain Richardson was yelling that he'd just seen the kidnapped scientist at the Bristows' house followed by Luigi shouting that the man must be captured again at all costs. The

voices were then lowered so Dick was unable to make out what was being said. Finally, the buzzer sounded and all went quiet. Someone had gone outside but who? Dick waited a while before creeping down to the reception area and checking there was nobody nearby. Taking took a deep breath, he darted out through the front door, squirming as the buzzer seemed to sound extra loud. He ran along the path on the right past the hotel garden then came to a sudden halt. Captain Richardson was coming round the corner of the hotel, obviously in a hurry. Spotting Dick, the man waved his stick in the air and yelled. Dick turned and ran in the opposite direction, aware of Harriet emerging from the front door of the hotel. Now terrified, the boy ran down an alley, hoping this led to the village. He had just reached the village street when, all of a sudden, he tripped over one of the uneven cobblestones and fell heavily to the ground. Feeling dazed, he was trying to get his breath back when a pair of strong arms grabbed hold of him and lifted him up. Dreading this was Luigi or Alberto, Dick began to tremble. Then, seeing who had assisted him, he almost wept with relief. It was the friendly face of the burly Sergeant Adamson!

CHAPTER 19: GEORGE TO THE RESCUE AGAIN!

Meanwhile, what had happened to the others to cause their disappearance? Tied to each other and to their chairs, the three frustrated children had been sitting for ages in the sparsely furnished room, wondering if Dick or George had been able to summon help. "The trouble is, Dick knows we're prisoners but may be trapped inside this building whereas George is free but doesn't know we've been caught," muttered Julian. "You know, when we were pushed in here, I noticed something odd about the door to this room," remarked Anne. "It has two large keyholes." "That's what Dick said!" declared Buster. "Remember? Why two?" Then his eyes lit up as he tried with great difficulty to look at Julian and Anne. "Two keyholes! Two keys! The room the secret documents were stolen from needed two keys to open it so would need two keyholes. We're in the hotel so this must be it! There can't be two rooms matching the description. The papers were kept here probably in that very bookcase and stolen from here." "But Captain Richardson has one key and Dr Raynor the other," pointed out Anne. "Our captors weren't Dr Raynor and Captain Richardson." "Dr Raynor wouldn't need her key now the documents are missing," said Julian calmly. "And I think you're right about this being the room where they were stored overnight." "I don't understand how the scientist and the documents have disappeared?" asked Buster. "Why didn't the police find them when they searched the building?" Julian thought before replying. "There's only one way the scientist and the papers could have disappeared. They were taken into the secret room. If the papers were kept in here it would take less than a minute to transfer them to the secret room."

"But two keys would have been needed to open the door of this room first," pointed out Buster. "Dr Raynor's key never left her possession." "So whoever removed the papers, did so from the secret room," reasoned Julian. "Therefore no keys were needed." "You're saying that the secret room leads out of the room with two locks and that's this room," said Anne. "Julian, there's no second door in here." Julian did not reply. He concentrated on what they knew or had worked out. It was just like trying to fit together pieces of a difficult jigsaw puzzle. "Why didn't the police discover the secret room?" demanded Buster, interrupting Julian's train of thought. "We passed through it and know it's behind an ordinary door." It was this remark that caused the truth to dawn on Julian. "That's it, Buster! It was not an ordinary door," he said speaking slowly. "We only saw one side as we had to rush out into the corridor. It was too heavy to be an ordinary door. The hidden room does lead out of here. I knew this was the right room. How silly of me not to think of the explanation when we dashed in here. The door is there, right in front of us." "Are you hallucinating or whatever the word is?" asked an astonished Buster. "I hate to deceive you, Julian, but that object is called a bookcase." "Indeed it is," agreed Julian. "But I bet it's attached to a door. That's why the door was so heavy. And that's why the police didn't notice it. They merely saw a bookcase." "You mean, you think those documents are somewhere on the other side of that bookcase?" asked a perplexed Anne. "Do you think the missing scientist has stolen them and is hiding with them?" "No, I'm sure he's not hiding," answered Julian. "He has almost certainly been kidnapped. You heard that man say the professor was safe He and the documents are somewhere in that passage. But where? It's all so frustrating. I wonder what old George is doing. If only she could help us." Back at Rawlins Haven, the impetuous George had charged upstairs with the torch and pocket knife and back through the cupboard into Smuggler Jake's Passage, a very puzzled Timmy following her. More than once, she almost tripped in her haste to reach the boathouse. Once there, she made certain the passage door was firmly shut before entering the tunnel leading up to the hotel. It was so annoying having to crawl on all fours at the start but, as soon as the roof was higher, George hurried along, eventually reaching the door with the cupboard beyond. Moving the case to one side, she pushed the cupboard far enough for her to squeeze round then cautiously went up the steps to the secret room. Timmy immediately rushed to the door, whining. George listened and, to her relief, heard the voices of her cousins and Buster. More importantly, there did not seem to be any adults present and, in any case, Timmy was wagging his tail. She turned the large handle and pushed the door, being as surprised by its weight as Julian had been. The door slowly opened and, before she could stop him, Timmy darted into the room beyond.

Still chatting to each other, Julian, Anne and Buster were amazed to see the bookcase suddenly creak and move into the room. They held their breath, wondering who was going to enter, and were utterly astounded to see Timmy appear, wagging his tail. "How did you... ?" began Julian then, who should appear but George! Julian was speechless. "Thank goodness I've brought my pocket knife," said George, alarmed to find the three securely tied to their chairs. "But where's Dick? Surely he was with you?" "He managed to hide behind a door to another room but couldn't help us as our door was locked," explained Julian as George hacked her way through his bonds. "We hope he's managed to get away," added Anne. "At least he hasn't been brought here." "There are two men and a woman involved," said Buster. "Actually I wasn't counting the Admiral and he must be involved so that makes three men and possibly more if we didn't see them all." "How on earth did you get up onto that high ledge as I pulled up the rope ladder?" asked Julian, rubbing his sore wrists. "And how did Timmy get up there?" asked Anne. "Questions and answers once we're out of this room," said George firmly, concentrating on freeing Anne. "Agreed," said Julian. "Our priority is to get away from here before our captors return." Once all three were untied, George turned and looked in amazement at the old bookcase attached to the door. "That's why that door felt so heavy," she said. "And no wonder the police didn't discover the secret room. Right. Come on everybody and you Timmy." Buster longed to ask how they were going to lower Timmy into the cave at the end of the passage without a rope but refrained from doing so. They still had torches but, nevertheless, almost stumbled down the steps to the room below. Julian, Anne and Buster naturally made for the tunnel they had come along earlier but, to their amazement, George called them over to the old cupboard. "There's a passage behind this cupboard and it actually leads to your boathouse, Buster," she pointed out, while Buster simply opened and closed his mouth like a fish. For once, he was at a loss for words. "Go round then I'll try to pull the cupboard back into position. Good job we've plenty of torches between us." In a matter of seconds, all four had squeezed round into the boathouse passage. Julian helped George pull the cupboard as far back as possible then slammed the door shut. George was about to put the old case in position in front of the door when she decided to take it to Rawlins Haven and investigate the contents. "This answers the question about how Timmy managed to reach the secret room," said Julian as they set off. "What's that you're carrying?" "An old case I found in one of the chests," explained George. "There might be something of interest in it. It's certainly not empty."

"How did you discover this passage, George?" called Buster, who was in front. "I'll show you when we get to the boathouse," replied George. "Now we're away from the secret room, I'll tell you my wonderful news. Are you all ready for a surprise? Timmy and I have rescued Professor Wheatley." "You've done what?" shouted Buster coming to a standstill, causing Julian and Anne to bump into him, their mouths open in astonishment. "So where is he?" asked Anne, quickly recovering from her shock. "I left him phoning the police at Rawlins Haven," answered George. "Here, let me take the lead. We must get back as quickly as possible so we can tell the police everything we know. Hopefully Dick will be there as well. But listen. The professor told me one of the men has a gun." "Golly! Lucky he didn't attempt to use it when we ran down the corridor," said Julian feeling shocked. "The sooner we talk to the police the better." They made good progress through the passage except for the annoying section where they had to crawl. It was especially difficult for George hauling the little suitcase. On reaching the boathouse, the others were yet again astonished to find that the passage they had just used was right next to Smuggler Jake's one. "We missed it because it was hidden by the open door," explained George. "I'll just replace the boathouse torch, Buster. Emergency over well, almost. Up to the house we go." Eventually they reached the steps leading up to Rawlins Haven. George placed the case on the ground to collect later while Buster went to open the little door at the back of the cupboard. As soon as they were back in the house, they hurried downstairs where they expected to meet police officers. Instead, they found Professor Wheatley alone, looking out of a window near the front door. He blinked in surprise to suddenly see four children appear. "Why aren't the police here?" asked George in surprise. "I thought there'd be loads of officers asking you questions." "I couldn't phone them as the telephone is out of order," explained Professor Wheatley, while the children groaned as they remembered Mrs Pickle informing them the lines were down as a result of the strong wind. Then, hearing the professor's next words, they gasped and looked at each other in horror. "But don't worry. Everything's under control," he said beaming at them. "I recognised someone outside and he promised to contact the police for me. The man who owns the hotel. Captain Richardson!"

CHAPTER 20: THE ADVENTURE BOILS UP

For a moment, the horrified children stared at Professor Wheatley, scarcely believing their ears. Buster rushed to the front door to put the catch on while Julian made certain the outside door in the kitchen was locked.

"Whatever are you boys doing?" asked the astonished professor. "You've locked the doors but the police will need to enter when they eventually get here although, for the life of me, I can't think why they're taking so long coming. Surely they can't have left the village." "The police haven't come as they won't have been informed about your release," said Julian solemnly, coming back into the hall. He introduced himself to Professor Wheatley before continuing. "You see, sir. We're convinced Captain Richardson is involved in your kidnap and the theft of the secret documents, although we can't prove it." "Captain Richardson!" exclaimed the professor, aghast. "Never! He wasn't one of my captors. He's the owner of the hotel and has been most accommodating. Two unpleasant men one even produced a gun, can you believe? and a ghastly woman captured me and stole the documents. Oh no, my boy. You're quite mistaken about Captain Richardson." "Then why haven't the police arrived?" demanded Buster. "After all, they are searching for you." "Captain Richardson told the police he heard a car last night to make them believe you'd been taken away from Phantom Creek," added George. "Please believe us, Professor Wheatley," pleaded Anne. "That Captain Richardson is a very nasty man. Didn't he look surprised when he saw you?" "And what were his first words?" asked Julian. "Yes, of course he looked surprised," replied Professor Wheatley, himself looking surprised. "I have been missing, don't forget. And he asked me how I managed to escape." "So he asked you how you managed to escape, did he?" said Julian. "Doesn't that strike you as a bit odd, Professor? I would have expected him to ask you where you've been. He didn't because he knew." "I still think..." began the professor when he was interrupted by a squeal from Anne who had turned to look out of the window. "Look!" she cried. "Captain Richardson's actually approaching the house." "Leave him to me," ordered Julian. "George, come to the door with Timmy, but hold on to him. Watch him and listen to every word, Professor, as he thinks I'm a prisoner." Julian unlocked the door, opened it and stood in the doorway with George and Timmy right behind him. Captain Richardson stopped and stared open-mouthed at Julian as if he couldn't believe his eyes. He even ignored Timmy despite the dog growling at him. "Good afternoon, Captain," said Julian politely. "What can we do for you?" "How did you... what are you doing here?" the man stammered, trying to find the right words. Then he recovered his composure. "I've a very important message for Professor Wheatley. Kindly ask him to come to the door." "I'm right here," called Professor Wheatley, suddenly appearing in the doorway. "Where are the police, Captain Richardson? You said you would fetch them."

"They're extremely busy and an officer asked me to tell you he would like to speak to you at the rear of the hotel," answered Captain Richardson. "He said it's a secret matter, er... about the documents... so just you. Nobody else, not even me." "Kindly inform the officer who sent you that, if he wishes to speak to me, he must come here," replied Professor Wheatley in a surprisingly firm tone of voice. "Good day, Captain." With that, Professor Wheatley turned and retreated into the house while a delighted Julian addressed the astounded Captain Richardson. "You were about to ask me something before you gave that extraordinary message to Professor Wheatley," he said. "What was it?" "Nothing. Nothing of importance," was the curt reply, then to the man's further amazement and extreme displeasure, Buster poked his head round the door. "Hello, Admiral," he said with a cheeky grin. "You do get about, I must say. But then, so do we! Aren't you pleased to see us?" Without making further comments, Julian and Buster went back indoors followed by George, but only after she had given Captain Richardson an infuriatingly sweet smile. She closed and locked the door while a perplexed, dumbfounded and extremely angry man abruptly turned and strode away, his cloak billowing out behind him in the breeze, his mind in a whirl. "I'm inclined to agree with you about that man," declared Professor Wheatley. "There is absolutely no way the police would casually send for me indeed, they'd be here in a flash and, yes, I did notice how surprised he was to find you here, Julian, and yet he must know you're staying here. I'm curious to know how you children are involved in all this but, first, we must plan what to do." "How about me running outside and stopping the first police officer I see?" suggested George. "Neither Captain Richardson nor the kidnappers would dare chase me in full view of everyone. Besides, I'd have Timmy." "The trouble is, we don't know exactly where the police are," replied Julian, thinking hard. "They may even have left the village if they believed Captain Richardson's tale about the car. There's quite an open space between here and the village street and you can bet the kidnappers are watching this house. Don't forget, one has a gun. If he threatened to shoot Timmy, you know you'd be defenceless. If they catch you, you'd become a bargaining tool for them, especially if they realised your father is Quentin Kirrin." "So let's all go," said Buster eagerly. "Except Professor Wheatley, of course. They want him, not us." "That would play into their hands beautifully as it would mean leaving the professor alone in this house," reasoned Julian. "They'd somehow manage to seize him at gunpoint. As you say. He's the one they want, not us. We're merely in the way." "There they are!" shouted Professor Wheatley, pointing a trembling finger and making everyone jump. "There are my captors! They've just come round the side of the hotel... and they're coming this way. The tall man is the one who produced the gun and it looks as though he's trying to conceal something in his hand right now."

"Right. Upstairs, everybody!" ordered Julian, taking charge. "Get into Jake's Passage as quickly as you can and don't forget the torches." Everybody rushed upstairs, the professor shaking his head at the thought of scrambling along one of those weird passages again. After opening the cupboard door and the entrance to Jake's Passage, Buster almost tripped down the steps while Anne followed at a more leisurely pace, then George with Timmy. Julian waited while Professor Wheatley picked up the lantern and awkwardly crawled through the cupboard, then did his best to close the two doors before following. As soon as he was at the bottom of the steps, Professor Wheatley lit the lantern and again looked in wonder at the passage through the rocks. The children said nothing as they stumbled along, dreading they would hear sounds of the men pursuing them. But they reached the boathouse, without hearing anything to suggest Jake's Passage had been discovered. "In a way we're still trapped because we dare not risk going along the shore," said Anne, staring at the closed door in despair. "No we're not trapped," said the professor, much to everyone's surprise. "Here's your boat. Why don't we row out on the creek?" "What an excellent idea!" agreed Julian. "If we row towards the pier we can't fail to attract somebody's attention. Well done, professor." After Buster hurriedly opened the boathouse door and, checked nobody was on the beach, they began lugging the boat out onto the sand. "Annoyingly the tide's right out so we'll have to jolly well haul the boat between those two rock pools way over there," he pointed out. Just when they thought they were about to find help, they were startled by a woman yelling from the top of the cliff. It was Harriet! Although pointing in their direction, she wasn't shouting at them as she was facing Rawlins Haven. It soon became apparent she was calling Alberto as he suddenly appeared and tore down the cliff path. Harriet followed him. "It's them!" cried Anne as they tugged the boat around the rock pools. "We won't make it to the water, Julian. They're going to catch us." "Don't despair," replied her brother, trying to sound confident. "If necessary, we'll hold them off while Professor Wheatley rows away. As soon as the boat's afloat, Professor, climb into it." But when Julian glanced up, his heart sank as he realised the stocky Alberto would reach them before the boat was on the water. Suddenly, George turned to face the fast approaching man and woman and gave instructions to Timmy. "Stop them, Tim. On guard! Stay!" She then addressed the couple who, seeing the snarling dog with barred teeth, wisely stopped in their tracks. "Come any further and I promise, I'll set my dog on you." "We're not interested in you but we do want to have a word with the professor," shouted Alberto, glaring at George while Timmy snarled ferociously. "Tell him to come to us. We're special agents." "Says you!" snapped George, glaring at the man. "Unfortunately the professor is about to enjoy a boat ride. After all, that's what you planned for him isn't it?"

Just then, George felt her throat go dry as she spotted Luigi on the cliff path. This was the man Professor Wheatley claimed possessed a gun, so she moved close to Timmy, ready to protect him should the weapon appear. However, to her surprise, Luigi ran towards the hotel's jetty, bellowing at Harriet and Alberto to join him. Without saying anything, they turned and scurried along the shore, trying to dodge the pools in their way while Tim gazed at George wondering if he should follow them. "Come now, Tim. Good dog," called George, wondering why the three were running away from them. Turning away, she was surprised to see the others had managed to haul the boat onto the water while Tim had kept the enemy at bay, and were actually in it and calling her. "That was a close thing," said a relieved Julian as soon as George was on board. "All right, professor?" "I'm not used to so much exercise before taking a boat out, but I'm fine, thanks," was the reply as the man steadied himself. "That's an excellent dog you have, George." "He's the best dog in the world," replied George, who loved to hear Timmy praised. "We can always rely on him." "I'm puzzled why those people are running away," said Professor Wheatley, watching the three approach the jetty. "I know why," shouted Buster, seizing the oars. "Take an oar, Julian. They're not running away. They intend taking out the hotel's motor boat. Look, it's moored to the jetty. They'll prevent us from rowing to this side of the pier as they'll use the channel leading to it. Drat!" "So where do we go?" asked Julian. "We daren't row far if they have a motor boat." "The far side of the pier or to the boat builder," replied Buster as he and Julian rowed strongly towards the marker buoy. "Depends how quickly they get that boat moving." All eyes were fixed on the yellow motor boat now being boarded by the two men and the woman. Then, across the water, came the dreaded sound of an engine revving up. This was followed by the boat swiftly moving away from the jetty and skimming down the channel. "I do believe they intend ramming us!" exclaimed George, looking in horror at the boat. "And look!" cried Anne turning to look towards the sea. "Here comes another boat. From the sea. It's probably the one they're expecting. We're trapped between two boats. Whatever are we going to do?"

CHAPTER 21: THE CRIMINALS ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE

At first, they were all too concerned to say anything until Buster, who was facing the boat approaching from the sea, gave a yell. "It's all right, it's Nathaniel's boat and look the crew are wondering what's happening! Help! Those people are trying to catch us. Help!"

Attempting to maintain his balance in the rocking boat, he waved both arms frantically at the Phantom Star bearing down on them. The yellow motor boat now slowed down as it drew near then, to everyone's horror, Luigi stood up, menacingly brandishing his gun. "Professor Wheatley is to climb aboard as we come alongside," he yelled, trying with some difficulty to keep his balance as the water was now quite choppy. At first he seemed oblivious to the presence of the fishing boat, then, becoming aware of it approaching, pointed his gun towards it. This told the fishermen all they needed to know about the situation. The Phantom Star altered course clearly intending to pass between the two smaller boats. Buster resumed rowing with Julian while Timmy barked furiously. The motor boat, its engine being noisily revved up, was recklessly driven to the far side of the children's boat to avoid the Phantom Star and, again, Luigi stood up, gun in hand. Seeing this, Nathaniel swung his wheel as hard as he could causing the fishing boat to turn violently, churning up the water as it did so. "Hold on, everybody!" shouted Buster, tightly holding his oar as water shot over his side of the boat. "Good old Nathaniel. At least he's made Luigi sit down." Luigi and Alberto had, in fact, both been knocked off balance by the waves created by the fishing boat and had abruptly sat down in the bottom of their boat, now noisily going round in circles. Harriet grabbed the wheel but did not seem to know how to control the boat. "For goodness's sake slow us down!" screeched Alberto, trying to regain his position at the wheel while Luigi still flapped about in the bottom of the boat like a fish, dangerously waving the gun in the air. By the time the two men had regained their balance, the Phantom Star was between the motor boat and the rowing boat. Nathaniel, at the wheel, was watching every movement while Matthew and two other crew members prepared to take action. It soon became clear Alberto intended steering the motor boat around the Phantom Star in a further attempt to capture Professor Wheatley. Nathaniel informed his crew what was happening and, as the motor boat passed round the stern of the fishing boat, Matthew and the two fishermen with him, took aim with a large lobster pot, hurling it at the stern of the yellow boat. It smashed heavily on the edge of the boat causing it to rock violently, and there was an unpleasant grating noise as the pot dropped onto the propeller. Again, Luigi and Alberto fell over while Harriet, still seated, held on for dear life. "Do something!" she screeched, glaring at the two men. "Use your gun before they kill us." "My gun!" yelled Luigi, his furious eyes ablaze. "Where is it? No! My gun's gone. It must have fallen overboard when I fell. If I get my hands on those fishermen, I'll... I'll... ." Luigi could say no more as he could not think of anything bad enough to do to the fishing boat's crew! There was a hasty discussion on the motor boat then, with its engine choking in protest, it was driven on a strange zigzag course towards the open sea. "They're going away, thank goodness," said Anne, feeling very relieved. "I was terrified that awful man would shoot someone."

"Their boat appears to be damaged," observed Professor Wheatley, wiping his brow as he tried to recover from the unpleasant experience. "Why have they given up? Exactly what happened? Did anyone see?" "Judging by the crash we heard, something was thrown at the stern of the boat and has affected the engine and the steering," answered George. "And I reckon that tall man has lost his gun which is why they're escaping." Just then, a very concerned Nathaniel peered over the side of the Phantom Star. "Whatever was them barmy folks a-doing?" he shouted. "Are you all right? Can you follow us back?" "We're wet and a bit shaken but, otherwise, fine," Julian shouted back. "Yes, we'll follow." As the Phantom Star resumed its journey, Julian and Buster took up the oars and rowed as fast as they could towards the pier. They watched the yellow boat as it continued on its way, slowly and awkwardly, towards the open sea. "Those criminals might just escape," said Julian. "The boat's obviously damaged but it could take them to a spot where they can wait for the ship that's due later." "My priority is to speak to a police officer," said Professor Wheatley. "Perhaps, this time, I'll really be able to do so." "I say, look!" yelled Anne, making everyone jump. She was excitedly pointing to the end of the pier now looming up. "Look. There's Dick! Whatever's he doing up there? How could he have known where we were?" Sure enough, there was Dick leaning over the rail waving to attract their attention. Professor Wheatley blinked in amazement. "Who on earth is that boy?" he asked. It was then that the children realised they had not informed him how they had become involved in his disappearance and rescue. Talking at the same time, they tried to explain but he had to stop them. "Let's wait till we reach land or I shall get terribly confused," he said, wringing his hands. "So the boy on the pier is your brother, Anne and Julian. That's all I need to know right now. Do you intend rowing over to him? I can see steps leading down to the water from the pier, but they look extremely dangerous. I really would like to find a police officer as soon as possible." "And so you shall, Professor," promised Julian. "In fact, we'd all like to. We'll make for the beach as it will be quicker to row there than try to let Dick come aboard first. He can run down the pier quicker than we can row. There's old Benjamin hurrying over to see his friend Nathaniel. I bet he can't wait to discover what was happening out on the river." As the rowing boat drew close to the beach, there were at least four police officers waiting much to Professor Wheatley's surprise and obvious pleasure. "A reception party!" he exclaimed, a broad beam spread across his face. "But how did they know we'd be coming?"

This was the question on the children's minds, too. They found out the answer as soon as the boat reached the beach where willing hands helped them ashore. Timmy ran around barking at so many people gathering together as several onlookers had also turned up. "This plucky lad informed us that the professor had been rescued and probably taken through a secret tunnel to the beach," explained Sergeant Adamson as Dick rushed up to join the group. "From the cliff top we had some idea of what was happening and radioed Port Limmersley for assistance. Luckily, they already had a boat at sea in fact, I think that's their boat I can see now." All eyes turned towards the open sea where a police launch was entering the River Luddle from the sea. It was not alone. To everyone's delight, especially the children's, being towed behind it was a yellow motor boat! "How did you find out about the rescue of Professor Wheatley, Dick?" asked Julian. "I overheard yelling and shouting in the hotel before I could escape," replied Dick. "That Captain Richardson had seen the professor at Rawlins Haven so, when Sergeant Adamson found me, I was able to inform him where you and Professor Wheatley probably were." "But what about us going out on the creek?" asked George. "How come you knew about that?" "When I accompanied the police to Rawlins Haven, we heard a tall man on the cliff yelling something about using a motor boat to head you off," answered Dick. "As soon as I saw him, I recognised him as one of the kidnappers then we spotted you rowing across the creek to the Luddle with the professor in the boat." "I've just thought of something," said Anne. "Where's Captain Richardson? He's also involved, don't forget." "Don't worry. Two officers have been sent to the hotel to arrest him," said Sergeant Adamson, who had come across to the children. "We'll need to take statements from you but we'll do that tomorrow morning at Rawlins Haven." "THERE'S THE ADMIRAL!" yelled Buster in great glee, pointing along the shore. "He hasn't been arrested! He's going to try to escape in the rowing boat those people came ashore in the other night. He must have escaped through the secret passage. Sergeant Adamson look!" All the police officers glanced towards the man in the dark cloak now preparing to row out on the creek. "Don't worry. We'll catch him," said one of the officers. "He won't get far, not with our launch coming." Just then, Benjamin, Nathaniel and the crew of the Phantom Star arrived. Noticing Captain Richardson rowing, Benjamin stopped in his tracks and, pointing at the boat, began to heartily chuckle. "Just look who be going on a voyage, Nathaniel," he said. "That be our sea captain." "And look where he's a-rowin' to," grinned Nathaniel. "I doesn't want to miss this. Hee, hee, hee." "Surely the Admiral knows about them rocks," said Nathaniel's grandson, Matthew, looking amazed. "Yet somehow, I don't think he do."

"He's making for some dangerous rocks which are just submerged at this state of the tide," explained Buster with an enormous grin. "That's why those buoys are out there. To indicate the safe channel but you know that by now. We should have some fun in a few moments." And they did! All of a sudden, the rowing boat jerked, spun round and came to a halt, grounded on rocks lurking just below the surface of the water. Captain Richardson desperately pulled on the oars to free the boat while the children and the fishermen roared with laughter. Aware he was being watched, the furious man, desperate to escape, leant over one side of the boat holding an oar which he pushed against the submerged rock. This had no effect so he leant over the other side. Further and further he leant when, without warning, the boat tilted violently and Captain Richardson tumbled unceremoniously into the water. How everybody including the astonished police officers laughed and cheered! Indeed, Benjamin and Nathaniel had to trot around holding their stomachs as they tried in vain to control their infectious laughter, tears rolling uncontrollably down their cheeks. "The old seadog be goin' for a swim," spluttered Nathaniel, chortling merrily. "Mebbe he won't now go around calling hisself Captain," said Benjamin, and exploded into more raucous laughter. "Oooh, I've got such a stitch in my side, I have but it's worth it!" "No more airs and graces now," declared Matthew with some satisfaction. "I'm enjoying this." "So are we," added Buster, still heartily laughing. "Look. He's trying to scramblie back on board but something tells me he won't be moving for a while." By now, the launch had reached the pier where the three occupants of the motor boat were formally arrested. How they glared at the children, longing to know how Professor Wheatley, Julian, Anne and Buster managed to escape when they had been securely tied to chairs. As Professor Wheatley was escorted to a police car, the children climbed back into their boat and, yelling goodbye to everyone, rowed along to the boathouse, waving to the furious Captain Richardson as they passed him firmly stuck on the rocks. "Enjoying a dip, Admiral?" called Buster, much to the amusement of two watching police officers. "How nice but I recommend swimming trunks rather than a cloak." Red in the face, Captain Richardson, lost for words, snorted with rage as the children continued rowing to their boathouse. Once the boat was stowed away, they went up the path to Rawlins Haven and had only been inside for a few minutes when a breathless Mrs Pickle arrived. "What have you been up to?" she asked, sinking into a chair. "Is it true what Dr Raynor told me that you rescued the missing scientist and helped the police catch the kidnappers? And Captain Richardson is involved. Such goings-on! Oh dear me, you haven't touched your meal yet. Sit down and eat while you tell me everything." It was while the children were enjoying their meal and informing the astonished Mrs Pickle about their exciting afternoon, that a car drew up outside. Then everyone jumped in alarm as the front door opened and in strode a man and a woman with smiles spread across their faces.

"Good evening, Mrs Pickle," said the woman. "Sorry to startle you but we couldn't get through on the phone to let you know we were coming." "Mum! Dad!" yelled Buster getting up to greet his parents. "Gosh. What a surprise!" "Hello everyone," greeted Mr Bristow, fondling Timmy who had run up to him wagging his tail. "Well, how do you like Phantom Creek? I hope it hasn't been too boring for you. I'm afraid it's a rather quiet and peaceful little place."

CHAPTER 22: THE END OF A "SMASHING" ADVENTURE

What a commotion there was as the children once again related their adventures, this time to Mr and Mrs Bristow who could scarcely believe what they were hearing. Mr Bristow became as excited as his son when informed about the discovery of Jake's Passage. "You've actually found it!" he exclaimed in awe, his eyes ablaze. "Where? I must see it." "Wait until you've heard everything the children have to tell us, Gerald," said Mrs Bristow, patting her husband's arm. "It's all so incredible. And finish the sandwiches Mrs Pickle has kindly prepared for us. After all, you've waited years to find that passage so another half hour or so won't make much difference." Towards the end of the tale, there was a further interruption as Professor Wheatley, accompanied by Dr Raynor, called to thank the children for all their assistance and to say goodbye as the professor was about to return home. "Dr Raynor has let me have a nice juicy bone from her larder for Timothy," said the beaming professor unwrapping a little parcel. "This wonderful dog saved me from the clutches of two of my kidnappers who were about to prevent me getting into the rowing boat. Come here, Timothy." The big dog sidled up to the professor, sat down and slowly raised his paw which the man solemnly held before giving the delighted Timmy the bone. "Goodness me. Such good manners!" exclaimed Mrs Bristow in astonishment. "He quite shows you up, Buster! What a good thing you brought your dog with you, George." "And what a super dog he is, too," added Mr Bristow, smiling and nodding. "Best in the world," declared George proudly as Timmy carried his bone into a corner of the room. "Well I still can't get over what's been going on and behind my back!" said Mrs Pickle with a twinkle in her eye. "As for creeping down to the beach in the middle of the night, well you're braver than I am. You could have got yourselves into a real..." "Pickle!" shouted Buster making everyone laugh. "It's not what I was going to say but it fits," said Mrs Pickle beaming round. "Thank goodness all's well that ends well, as they say."

"Well not quite," said Dr Raynor to everyone's surprise. "You see, the police have not been able to retrieve the highly confidential documents relating to our meetings. They thoroughly searched each member of the gang and the boat, of course, but found no sign of any papers. In fact the three deny even taking the papers with them, claiming that the Richardson man must have double-crossed them. He isn't really a captain, by the way." "Told you!" yelled Buster triumphantly, then corrected himself. "Oh no, it was old Benjamin who told us." "Fancy that awful Richardson being involved," said Mrs Pickle. "So what's happened to him?" Before Dr Raynor could answer, the children exploded into laughter as they tried to describe the man's rather unfortunate experience when he tried to row away over the rocks. "The boat became stuck so he leant right over the side and... ,"began Dick, wiping tears from his eyes. "He suddenly fell plop... in the water!" added Buster, shrieking with laughter. "Still wearing his cloak, believe it or not," giggled George. "I'll never ever forget that sight. It was like watching a giant fish floundering." "Wish I'd seen it," said Mr Bristow joining in the laughter. "I've never liked that pompous man since the day he arrived. Why did all this excitement have to happen when we were away, Helen?" "I somehow don't think that even if you had seen a light flashing from a ship you would have gone outside in the middle of the night," teased Mrs Bristow. "And, what's more. I saw Jake's ghost wandering on the cliff," said Buster in a sinister voice. "The more I think about it, the more I'm inclined to believe that you actually saw the so-called Captain Richardson looking to see if a boat was coming to take Professor Wheatley away," said Julian. "Your description fits a man wearing a dark cloak and he always wears that cloak." "Even when swimming!" laughed Anne "Well I think it's time you showed us Jake's Passage," decided Mr Bristow, finishing his sandwich. "I'm sure Dr Raynor would also like to see it while she's here." "Before you go exploring, I must say goodbye," said Professor Wheatley. "Believe it or not, I've been both up and down that very passage, not to mention through another one. And I do sincerely thank you youngsters for everything you've done. You've been fantastic." "Hear, hear," agreed Dr Raynor. "Well done, all of you." "It's just a pity we didn't find your documents," said Anne. "There was nowhere they could have been hidden in those passages..." She paused for a moment, "...except... possibly..." "Possibly where?" asked Julian, puzzled. "Well, I was thinking of those old chests," replied Anne. "Could the documents be hidden in one of them?"

"The police looked in those chests when they followed Richardson through the secret tunnel down to the beach," said Dr Raynor. "No documents were in them." Just then, George gave a loud exclamation. "The chests!" she said breathing in sharply. "I found an old case in one of them and removed it intending to look at it when we were back. I forgot about it in all the excitement. You don't think..." "Where is it?" asked Mrs Bristow intrigued. "It would be marvellous if you have found Dr Raynor's missing documents." "It's at the foot of the first stairs in Smuggler Jake's Passage," replied George standing up. "Let's see what's in it," said Mr Bristow. "It's probably interesting, whatever it is. Better wait a few minutes, Professor, in case it does contain the missing documents. How terribly exciting. Lead the way to the passage, Buster." Up the stairs they traipsed to the cupboard where the Bristows, Mrs Pickle and Dr Raynor looked in amazement as Buster crawled beneath the lowest shelf in the cupboard to open the little door to Jake's Passage. Professor Wheatley felt relieved that he was not going to have to crawl through that cupboard again. So undignified! "You go, George, as the case was your discovery," said Buster generously, coming back out. "Wait. You'll need a torch." He hurriedly fetched a torch and George disappeared from view. Mr Bristow peered beneath the bottom shelf and shook his head in amazement at the little open door leading to Jake's Passage. How he longed to explore it. After a bit of huffing and puffing, George reappeared with the case which she passed through. "I certainly don't recognise it," said Dr Raynor looking disappointed as she took the case. "Still, let's open it on that little table." Everyone gathered round as she wrestled with the awkward clasps, finally undoing them. She lifted the somewhat battered lid and there, inside, was a fairly new briefcase. "That's it!" cried Dr Raynor excitedly while Professor Wheatley grunted with pleasure. "That's our briefcase. Please, documents. Be inside." She now fumbled as she opened the briefcase and almost wept with delight as she removed the precious papers. "This is simply wonderful," she cried, shaking her head. "We owe such a lot to you children. I can't thank you enough. Since you're being taken home in a police car, Professor Wheatley, perhaps you'll be kind enough to take the documents with you and ensure they are safely delivered to the Institute tomorrow." "I shall be honoured and delighted," replied the professor, wiping his brow. "What a relief. Now you really can say all's well that ends well, Mrs Pickle." After Dr Raynor and Professor Wheatley departed, Mr Bristow explored Jake's Passage with the children, exclaiming in wonder how it had survived for so many decades. Mrs Bristow and Mrs Pickle were only too pleased to remain in the kitchen chatting over cups of tea.

The next day, Sergeant Adamson called to take statements from the children. He filled up page after page as there was such a lot to tell him and was more than happy to pause while Mrs Bristow poured him a cup of tea and offered him one of Mrs Pickle's freshly cooked scones. "Well," he said, looking at the children. "You, Buster, and the four..." "Five!" corrected George at once indicating Timmy. "Sorry, you and the five Kirrins have had a most extraordinary time," laughed the sergeant buttering his scone. "You'll be interested to know that Cyril Richardson has been behind several criminal activities but he's such a cunning man that we haven't been able to prove anything until now. He referred to himself as Captain as he thought it would suitably impress people in a little fishing village like Phantom Cove." "It didn't impress old Benjamin," said George thinking back to when they first met him. "He saw through him straight away." "So did Nathaniel," said Julian. "By the way, I hope he and the crew of the Phantom Star will be thanked. If it hadn't been for them, things would have turned out differently and not to our advantage." "I'll let you into a secret," said Mrs Bristow. "Dr Raynor plans to invite you and the fishermen to a super meal at the week-end. Professor Wheatley will be coming with his wife as he wants to personally thank the crew." "That's very kind of her," said Anne. "And I don't think we've thanked you, Mr and Mrs Bristow, for inviting us here." "We're the ones who should thank you," replied Mrs Bristow. "My husband is thrilled to bits with the discovery of Jake's Passage, aren't you, Gerald?" "Absolutely!" agreed Mr Bristow. "I don't know why but I never thought of it starting upstairs. I've been through it twice today already." "Hey, Buster. Come over here," called George who had just glanced out of the window. "Isn't that your phantom ship out there on the water?" "Where?" yelled Buster, rushing across the room. He opened his eyes wide in amazement for there, out on the creek, was an old-looking ship with tall masts and an abundance of sails. "Yes, that's it! But what's it doing? It's supposed to appear in the middle of the night after a storm but this is the middle of the morning and there isn't a storm so it's come at the wrong time and..." "You're about to get in a muddle again, Buster," said Dick grinning broadly as he joined George and Buster at the window. "I bet that is the ship we saw during the storm." "That's the old sailing ship being restored by the boat builder," explained Mrs Pickle. "I hear it took ages to sail along the coast the other evening on account of those strong winds so it was late at night by the time it entered the Luddle." "Drat, drat, drat!" grumbled Buster. "I really did think I'd seen the phantom ship and Smuggler Jake's ghost. Now it seems I saw neither."

"But you did discover old Smuggler Jake's Passage," reminded Mr Bristow. "What an adventure that must have been." "Yes, we've certainly had another of our adventures," said Julian. "And quite an alarming one." "It's strange but we always have an adventure whenever we're together as the Famous Five," pointed out George with a smile. "And we did tell Buster we'd have one at Phantom Creek the first time we went out in his boat," said Anne. "Mind you. I'm glad it's over." "So how did you enjoy sharing one of our adventures, Buster?" asked Dick. "You wanted to." Buster thought for a moment before replying. "It was a smashing adventure," he declared. "Yes, smashing! Absolutely smashing! I wonder if you'll have another one somewhere."

I wonder, too. Somehow I think they will but that will be another story!

THE END