Description Siblings Julian, Dick and Anne have come to Kirrin to spend the remainder of a school holiday with their tomboy cousin, George, and her dog, Timmy. Two scientist colleagues of George’s father, Uncle Quentin, visit Kirrin Cottage to work on an alternative energy project. One of them is a large friendly American, Elbur Wright. His only daughter, Berta, is later threatened with being kidnapped and ransomed for the project’s secrets. Elbur decides to send Berta to Kirrin for her safety. George takes an instant disliking to Berta, especially as the American girl has brought her dog, a poodle called Sally. George’s resentment is furthered when Berta’s hair is cut short to make her resemble a boy. Berta is also dressed as a boy and referred to as Lesley to throw the kidnappers off her scent. A few days later, Uncle Quentin receives an urgent message to meet with Elbur to discuss calculations for their energy project. He leaves with his wife, Aunt Fanny, and plans to be gone for a week, leaving the children alone with Joan, the cook. That night, George lends Timmy to protect Berta in Joan’s bedroom, while Sally is put in George’s bedroom. Irked by the poodle, George decides to put her outside in Timmy’s kennel but the kidnappers are waiting and seize George, mistaking her for Berta.
