The Mystery of the Missing Man

‘I’m going to buy some Easter eggs,’ said Pip, at breakfast-time. ‘Are you coming too, Bets? Then we might go and call on old Fatty.’‘Oh yes—let’s!’ said Bets. ‘I’ve only seen him once since he came back from school, and then he was with Mrs. Trotteville and we couldn’t say much.’‘We’ll call in and tell Larry and Daisy to come too,’ said Pip. ‘We might go and have buns and coffee at the dairy. Mother, do you want anything in the village?’‘No—unless you like to buy yourself an alarm clock,’ said Mrs. Hilton, buttering her toast. Pip stared.‘What for?’ he said. ‘I’ve got a watch.’Bets giggled. ‘You mean he might get up in time for breakfast then, Mother!’ she said.‘Ha! Funny joke,’ said Pip. ‘Anyway, no alarm clock would wake me if I’m really asleep. Besides, Mother—I’ve only just come back from a very, very hard term’s work, and as for the exams last week, well I bet you wouldn’t get top marks any more than I shall. I’ve not slept well for weeks, worrying about my marks.’‘I suppose that means that you’ll be somewhere near the bottom again,’ said Pip’s father, putting down his morning paper for a moment. ‘Well, we shall know the worst in a few days’ time when your report comes.’