Over Sea, Under Stone

Meanwhile, at the Grey House, Mrs. Palk takes care of Barney and notices that he is carrying an old telescope case. After the young boy goes to sleep, he is awakened by noise in his bedroom and sits up to find Mrs. Palk in his room, claiming that she has only come to collect his dirty cup. Barney, who knows that she already collected it, realizes that she is lying and wonders if she might have been looking for the manuscript. When Simon finally comes home, Barney shares his suspicions with his brother.

The next morning during breakfast, Mrs. Palk excitedly tells the children about the carnival that is taking place that day in the village. When Great-Uncle Merry does not come down to eat with them, the cook explains that the night’s adventures must have tired him out. The siblings decide to go to Kemare Head on their own, leaving a message with Mrs. Palk so that their great-uncle will know where to find them. Simon, Jane, and Barney then leave while Mrs. Palk gets ready for the festival. She dons a red feathered headdress and goes upstairs to wake up Great-Uncle Merry before joining the festivities.