The Secret Mountain - - (книги бесплатно без регистрации полные .TXT) 📗

And then Mrs. Arnold gave the boy a photograph of all the children. It was one that she always took about with her, and was in a brown leather folding frame. Mafumu was so pleased that he did a kind of war-dance, holding all his gifts above his head, and wearing his sunglasses over his eyes. Everyone laughed till their sides ached.

The folk from the village had come nearer and nearer, full of amazement to see Mafumu receiving gifts from his friends. Mafumu took off his sunglasses and beamed round at the children.

“Goodbye,” he said, in English. “Goodbye. Come again. Mafumu is your friend.”

Everyone hugged Mafumu and then they got back into the planes. The villagers came right up to Mafumu when they saw that the others were safely in the “big roaring birds.” Mafumu’s uncle was jealous. He wanted the necklace that Nora had given to little Mafumu. The boy glared at his uncle. Then, with a quick movement, he put on his sunglasses and shouted in a most warlike manner.

With shrieks the whole of the villagers ran away, Mafumu’s uncle running the fastest. Then Mafumu, with slow and stately steps, stalked after them, feeling himself a very chief of chiefs! That was the last sight the children had of their small friend, for the two planes took off. Mafumu turned for a moment and waved. Then, too proud to feel sad just then, he went on his way to his village, feeling quite certain that his cruel uncle would not try many more tricks on him!

“I do hate leaving Mafumu behind,” sighed Peggy. “I really do hate it. He’s quite one of us.”

“Jack’s lucky to have those crocodile teeth,” said Paul.

“And you’re lucky to have that glorious, shimmering robe and sun-ray head-dress,” said Peggy. “I wish I had it!”

“I’ll lend it to you whenever you want it,” said Paul generously. “I truly will,”

The aeroplanes were flying well and fast. Nora looked down to see if they were still over mountains and she gave a cry.

“We’re over the Secret Mountain again! Look, everybody! We must have gone out of our way to take Mafumu back — and now we’re flying the opposite way home.”

Everyone looked down. Yes — there was the Secret Mountain, with its curious yellow colouring. And there was the flat top, with the vast smooth courtyard on which had happened their most exciting adventures.

“Wasn’t the eclipse fun?” said Nora.

“And didn’t Paul look marvellous when he came up that stairway dressed in those wonderful robes?” said Peggy.

“And wasn’t it glorious when we stood on the top of the mountain and suddenly heard the roar of the White Swallow’s engines?” said Jack.

“I wish we could have this adventure all over again,” said Paul. “It was a bit too exciting at times, but I like exciting things.”

“Well, let’s hope the adventure is finished as far as excitement and danger are concerned,” said Ranni. “I’ve had quite enough, I can tell you! All I want now is to get back to England safely, and see you all safe and sound at school again!”

“School! Fancy going back to school after all this!” cried Paul. “I don’t want to. I want to go off flying in my plane again, Ranni.”

“You can want all you like, but school is the best and safest place for you,” said Ranni. “And, anyway, you have plenty to tell the boys. My word, they’ll think you a hero, you may be sure!”

“Will they really?” asked the little prince, his eyes shining. “I’m not really a hero — but I wouldn’t a bit mind people thinking me one.”

The planes flew on steadily. At last they came to a big airport, where they landed. They took in fuel and the children had a good meal. Captain Arnold sent a message to England to say that they were all safe and sound. Then off they set again.

The children slept the night through peacefully. Adventures were lovely — but it was nice to feel safe again. They began to look forward to seeing England and Dimmy, and to telling their tremendous story.

And at last they were home! They landed at the big airport, and what a crowd was there to welcome them! Photographers ran up to take their picture, people crowded up to clap them on the backs and to shake hands, and Captain Arnold had to speak a few words into a microphone to say they were safely back at last!

Then they all squeezed into two cars and off they went to London and to Dimmy. They chattered and laughed, excited and proud. It was grand to be back home again, and to be welcomed in such a lovely way.

Dimmy was standing on the steps to welcome them herself. The children tumbled out of the cars and rushed to her, shouting their news.

“We’ve been to Africa!”

“We found a Secret Mountain!”

“Paul was nearly made a sacrifice to the sun!”

“An eclipse came, and the people thought we had killed the sun!”

“Well, you’ll certainly kill me if you hug me like this!” said Dimmy, her eyes full of happy tears, because she was so thankful to see them again. She had been terribly worried and anxious when all the children had left her so suddenly — but now everything was all right!

That evening Captain Arnold had to go off to broadcast his story. It was to be at a quarter past nine, after the news. The children switched on the radio and listened in. It was fun to hear Captain Arnold’s deep voice booming into the room as he began the tale of their adventures.

Dimmy listened in amazement. She had already heard bits and pieces from the children, but here was the tale told in full, just as it might be written in a book. It was marvellous!

For half an hour the tale went on — and then it was over. Dimmy switched off the radio.

“Well, well,” she said, “we’ve been through some adventures together, children — but this one is the most exciting of all. Did it really happen? Could such things happen to ordinary children like you?”

“Well, they did!” said Jack, and he showed Dimmy his necklace of crocodile teeth. “Look here — these are teeth from a crocodile that nearly ate Mafumu one day. His father and uncles killed it, and gave Mafumu some of the teeth. And he gave them to me.”

“I wonder what Mafumu is doing now,” said Mike. “Wasn’t he a fine friend? We wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for old Mafumu.”

“And you’re not going to be here much longer,” said Dimmy, getting up. “It’s long past your bedtime!”

“Bedtime! Is there such a thing as bedtime?” said Peggy. “I’d forgotten all about it! We haven’t been properly to bed for weeks. I don’t think I shall really bother about bedtime any more.”

“Well, you may not — but I shall!” said Dimmy. “Come along, all of you. Bedtime! There are biscuits and lemonade for those who come now — and none for those who dawdle!”

So biscuits and lemonade it was, and a long, long talk in the bedrooms! And then Dimmy firmly switched off the lights, tucked everybody up, said, “No more talking,” in a very stern voice — and left them.

We must leave them, too, dreaming of their adventures — dreaming of the strange, far-away Secret Mountain!