They stole over the downs to the shrubbery, and Dickson found himself almost in the same place as he had lain in three days before, watching a dusky lawn, while the wet earth soaked through his trouser knees and the drip from the azaleas trickled over his spine.

Two of the boys fetched the ladder and placed it against the verandah wall.

Heritage first, then Dickson, darted across the lawn and made the ascent.

The six scouts followed, and the ladder was pulled up and hidden among the verandah litter.

For a second the whole eight stood still and listened.