Mystery of the Spiteful Letters (17 page)

Mrs. Hilton went out to see that Mrs. Moon did what she was told. The children followed the Inspector to his big black car. Mr. Goon was left behind in the drawing-room, looking gloomily at the carpet. He was alone with his thoughts.

No - he wasn’t alone! Buster was there too, regarding his old enemy with a bright eye. No one was there to say, ‘Come here, Buster!’ What a chance!

With a joyful yelp he flung himself at Mr. Goon’s ankles, and pulled at his blue trousers. Mr. Goon rose up in alarm.

‘Clear-orf!’ he yelled. ‘Clear-orf, you! Leave my trousers alone! You want reporting, you do. Clear-orf!’

The children heard the shouting and laughed at the familiar words. ‘Poor old Clear-Orf,’ said Bets. ‘Always in trouble. Fatty, go and rescue him.’

Fatty went. Mr. Goon came out, frowning, trying to see if his trouser-ankles had been torn. Buster struggled in Fatty’s arms.

‘Get in, Goon, whilst you’re safe,’ said the Inspector, opening the door of the car. ‘Ah, here is Mrs. Moon. The other side, please, Mrs. Moon. Goodbye, children - and thanks for your help once more. I must say I’m pleased with the Five Find-Outers and Dog!’

‘Oh well - I suppose we ought to thank Mr. Goon for all those clues!’ said Fatty. He winked at the others, and they all opened their mouths together at once and chanted:

‘THANKS, MR. GOON!’

And what did Mr. Goon reply? Exactly what you would expect.

‘GAH!’