Pip and Houdini by J. C. Jones

Author:J. C. Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Published: 2017-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

TO THE RESCUE

It was only when Pip went to unclip his lead that she saw the sticker attached to it.

THIS DOG HAS BEEN SEIZED BY COUNCIL RANGERS ON SUSPICION OF ABANDONMENT

In a flash, she realised that the man in the uniform hadn’t been looking for a runaway kid. He’d been looking for Houdini’s owner!

There was a phone number but when Pip flew back to the public phone at the train station and called it, there was just a recorded messaging telling her to phone back between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Anxiety rising and knowing Houdini wouldn’t understand what was happening, Pip stood uncertainly by the phone until she spotted the station guard walking towards her, a frown on his face.

Before he had the chance to interrogate her, she bolted back out to the street. On the tower above the town hall across the street, the clock struck seven. It was getting dark. The streets were empty and she was alone.

The only thing she knew was that the place where Houdini was being held was called The Hound Pound, as it had been mentioned on the recorded message. Somehow, she had to find it and get them both back to the station for the morning train.

But how did you find your way to a place in a strange town at night? Maybe she should have asked the station guard. He’d been friendly enough this afternoon, but she knew from past experience that grown-up help often achieved exactly the opposite!

Librarians might be different, though. They didn’t wear uniforms for a start. Pip ran back to the library on tired legs and knocked on the door, but no one answered. She was too late. It looked as though she was going to have to take her chances with the station guard. At this hour, she couldn’t think of anyone else, apart from the cops, who she could ask.

‘All right, dear?’ The soft-footed librarian came up so quietly behind her, Pip jumped a mile.

‘Oh, yes,’ she mumbled. ‘I’m, um, waiting for someone.’

‘You really shouldn’t be out so late on your own. I’m off home but I can wait with you for a few minutes.’

Pip improvised. ‘Thanks, but they’ll be here soon. Actually, could you tell me how to get to a place called The Hound Pound?’

‘Goodness me, they won’t be open tonight, dear.’

‘I know, it’s just…’ Pip couldn’t think of an explanation that made sense.

‘Ah, I see, you’re hoping for a dog for Christmas.’

Pip nodded.

‘Well, it’s good to know you want to give a home to an animal that needs it. Tell your parents that the pound is on St John Street, next left, around the bend and carry on to the lights. Turn right and continue on until you see the sign.’ She looked away as a car turned into the street. ‘That must be your lift. Goodnight!’

‘Bye,’ Pip replied. ‘Thank you!’ She pretended to approach the car, and when she turned around the librarian was getting on the bicycle propped up against the library wall.

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