Chapter 16 VISITOR IN THE NIGHT
　　It took a long time for Julian and Dick to fall asleep. They were both worried - worried about Georgeand worried about themselves, too. They were also very hungry, and their hunger kept them awake asmuch as their anxiety.
　　Dick fell asleep at last. Julian still lay awake, hoping that Anne was nice and warm between them. Hedidn't feel very warm himself.
　　He heard the whisper of the leaves in the trees, and then the scamper¹ of tiny paws behind his head.
　　He wondered what animal it was - a mouse?
　　Something ran lightly over his hair and he shivered. A spider, perhaps. Well he couldn't move, or hewould disturb Anne. If it wanted to make a web over his hair it would have to. He shut his eyes andbegan to doze² off. Soon he was dreaming.
　　He awoke very suddenly, with a jump. He heard the hoot³ of an owl⁴. That must have been whatwakened him. Now it would be ages before he slept again.
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　　He shut his eyes. The owl hooted⁵ again and Julian frowned, hoping that Anne would not wake.
　　She stirred and muttered in her sleep. Julian touched her lightly. She felt quite warm.
　　He settled down again and shut his eyes. Then he opened them. He had heard something! Not an owlor the pattering of some little animal's feet - but another sound, a bigger one. He listened.
　　There was a rustling⁶ going on somewhere. Some much bigger animal was about.
　　Julian was suddenly panic-stricken. Then he reasoned sternly with himself. There were no dangerouswild animals in this country, not even a wolf. It was probably a badger⁷ out on a nightly prowl. Helistened for any snuffling sound, but he heard none, only the rustling as the animal moved aboutthrough the bushes.
　　It came nearer. It came right over to him! He felt warm breath on his ear and made a quick movementof revulsion. He sat up swiftly and put out his hand. It fell on something warm and hairy. Hewithdrew his hand at once, feeling for his torch in panic. To touch something warm and hairy in thepitch darkness was too much even for Julian!

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