Chapter 8 A SPOT OF TROUBLE
'What do you mean by saying that the notice doesn't mean a thing?' said Julian. 'Why put it up, then?'
'Oh, there are notices like that all round the airfield¹,' said Toby airily. 'Telling you to KEEP31
OUT, there's DANGER. But there isn't. Only aeroplanes are here, no guns, no bombs, nothing.
It's a jolly lonely place, too, tucked away at the foot of this hill.'
'Why don't you ask your cousin why they put up the notices?' asekd Dick. 'There must be somereason!'
'I tell you those notices have been up for ages,' said Toby, sounding cross. 'Ages! They might havebeen some use at some time or other, but not now. We can bathe here and do what we like.'
'All right - but I hope you know what you're talking about,' said Julian. 'I must say I can't see anysense myself in putting notices here - there's no wire or fencing to keep anyone out.'
'Let's get into our bathing things, then,' said Dick.
'You girls can have that bush over there and we'll have this one. Buck² up!'
They were soon changed into their swim-suits, and dived into the pool, which was surprisingly deep.
It was also deliciously cool, and silky to the touch, just as the spring water had been. The two dogsleapt in gladly and swam vigorously round and round. The children splashed them, and Timmy beganto bark excitedly.
'Shut up, Timmy!' said Toby at once.
'Why should he?' demanded George, swimming up.
'Well - someone at the airfield might hear him,' said Toby.
'You said it didn't matter us being here!' said George. 'Look out for yourself!' She dived underwaterand got hold of Toby's legs, pulling him down. He yelled and kicked and spluttered, but George wasstrong and she gave him a very, very good ducking! He came up purple in the face.
'I said I'd pay you out for the spider!' yelled George, and swam strongly away. Toby swam after her,and she led him a fine dance round the pool, for she was a splendid swimmer. The others laughed atthe contest.
'I back old George,' said Dick. 'She'd out-swim most boys. Well, she's put Toby in his place all right.
He won't be so free with spiders and silly jokes for a while!'
Timmy began to bark again when he saw Toby chasing George, and Binky joined in.
'Shut up, Binky!' shouted Toby. 'I tell you STOP BARKING!'
Before Toby had obeyed, something happened. A stentorian⁴ voice came across the pool.
'What's all this! You're

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