Chapter 13 AILY IS SURPRISING
Aily was not shy this time. She did not run away when Julian opened the door. She was still dressedin the same few clothes, but her face glowed, and she certainly didn't look cold!
'Hallo, Aily!' said Julian. 'Come along in. We're having dinner - and there is plenty for you!'
The dog ran right up to the door and into the room, when he smelt¹ the dinner there. Timmy lookedmost surprised, and gave a very small growl².
'No, Tim, no - he's your guest,' said George. 'Remember your manners, please!'
The small dog wagged his tail vigorously. 'There, Timmy! He's telling you not to be afraid of him; hewon't hurt you!' said Anne, which made everyone laugh. Timmy wagged his tail vigorously, too, andthe pair were friends at once.
Aily came in then, the lamb in her arms, in case Timmy might object to him. But Timmy didn't.
He was very interested in the little creature, and when Aily set him down and let him run about theroom, Timmy ran sniffing³ after him, his tail still wagging fast.
Anne offered the untidy little girl some of the meat but she shook her head and pointed⁴ at the cheese.
'Aily like,' she said, and looked on in delight as Anne cut her a generous piece. She sat down on thefloor to eat it, and the lamb came along and nibbled⁵ at it too. It really was a dear little thing.
'Fany bach!' said the child, and kissed his little nose.
' 'Bach' is Welsh for 'dear', isn't it?' said Anne. She touched Aily on the arm. 'Aily bach!' she said, andthe child smiled a sudden sweet smile at her.
'Where did you sleep last night, Aily?' asked George. 'Your mother was looking for you.'
But she had spoken too quickly, and Aily didn't understand. George repeated her words slowly.
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Aily nodded. 'In the hay,' she said. 'Down at Magga Farm.'
'Aily, listen - who lives at Old Towers?' asked Julian, speaking as slowly and clearly as he could.
'Many peoples,' said Aily, pointing to the cheese, to show that she wanted another piece. 'Big mans,little mans. Big dog, too. More big than him!' and she pointed at Timmy.
The others looked at one another in surprise. Many men! Whatever were they doing at Old Towers?
'And yet that caretaker fellow said he was the only one there!' said George.

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