Chapter 4 IN THE OLD FARMHOUSE¹
The four children slept like logs all night long. If they coughed they didn't know it! They lay in theirbeds, hardly moving - and only Timmy opened an eye occasionally, as he always did on the firstnight in a strange place.
He jumped when a burning log fell to one side in the fireplace. He stared sternly at a big bright flamelicking up the chimney, as the log burned fiercely. He cocked up an ear when an owl² hooted³ outsidethe window.
But at last he too fell asleep, lying as usual on George's feet - though old Mrs. Jones would not haveapproved of that at all!
Julian awoke first in the morning. He heard the sounds of the farm coming through the closedwindow. Shouts of one man to another - the lowing of cows - the barking of one dog after another,and then all together - and the peaceful sound of hens clucking and ducks quacking⁴. It was nice to lieand hear it all, feeling warm and lazy.
He looked at his watch. Good gracious, it was almost nine o'clock! Whatever would Mrs. Jones thinkof them? He leapt out of bed, and awoke Dick with the quick movement.
'It's almost nine!' said Julian, and went to the washstand. This time there was only cold water in thebig china jug⁵, but he didn't mind. The bedroom was still warm with the burnt-out wood-fires.
15
The sun shone outside, but in the night the snow must have fallen heavily, for everywhere was white.
'Good,' said Julian, looking out. 'We shall be able to use our toboggans soon. Wake the girls, Dick.'
But the girls were already awake, for Timmy had heard the boys stirring, and had gone whining⁶ tothe door. George stretched herself, feeling quite different from the night before.
'Anne - how do you feel? I feel really fine!' said George, pleased. 'Do you know it's nine o'clock?
We've slept for more than twelve hours. No wonder we feel better!'
'Yes. I certainly do too,' said Anne, with an enormous yawn. 'Oh look, I've made Timmy yawn too!
Timmy, did you sleep well?'
'Woof!' said Timmy, and pawed impatiently at the door. 'He wants his breakfast,' said George. 'Iwonder what there is. I feel rather like bacon and egg - goodness, I thought I'd never feel like eatingthat again. Brrrr - this water's cold to wash in.'

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