Chapter Ten A SURPRISING SIGNAL
　　'WHAT'S up with George?' demanded Julian, as soon as they were safely out of earshot. 'I knowyou kicked her at tea-time, for talking too much about the island - that was idiotic¹ of her - butwhy has she gone home in a huff?'
　　Dick told them how he had trodden² on poor Timmy's tail to make him whine³, so that Georgewould turn her attention to him and stop talking. Julian laughed, but Anne was indignant⁴.
　　'That was horrid⁵ of you, Dick.'
　　'Yes, it was,' said Dick. 'But I couldn't think of any other way to head George off the island. Ireally honestly thought she was giving away to that fellow all the things he badly wanted toknow. But now I think he wanted to know them for quite another reason.'
　　'What do you mean?' said Julian, puzzled.
　　'Well, I thought at first he must be after Uncle Quentin's secret, whatever it is,' said Dick, 'andthat was why he wanted to know all the ins and outs of everything. But now that he's told me he'sa journalist - that's a man who writes for the newspapers, Anne - I think after all he only wantsthe information so that he can use it for his paper, and make a splash⁶ when Uncle has finished hiswork.'
　　'Yes, I think that too,' said Julian, thoughtfully; in fact, I'm pretty sure of it. Well, there's no harmin that, but I don't see why we should sit there and be pumped all the time. He could easily say,"Look here, I'd be obliged if you'd spill the beans about Kirrin Island -- I want to use it in anewspaper story." But he didn't say that.'
　　'No. So I was suspicious,' said Dick. 'But I see now he'd want all sorts of tit-bits about KirrinIsland to put in his newspaper, whatever it is. Blow! Now I shall have to explain to George I waswrong - and she really is in a temper!'
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　　'Let's take the road to Kirrin Village and go to get some bones for Timmy at the butcher's,' saidJulian.
　　'A sort of apology to Tim!' This seemed a good idea. They bought two large meaty ones at thebutcher's, and then went to Kirrin Cottage. George was up in her bedroom with Timmy. Thethree went up to find her.

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