CHAPTER 17

THE ADVENTURE OF THE LOST BABY

They entered Cheltenham at about half-past eleven, and were having lunch on
the top of Leckhampton Hill, on the other side of it, by half-past one.
Robert had not allowed any stop in Cheltenham except for shopping. "We
don't want towns," he said, "except historic ones."

"But this is historic," said Jack; "Jessop was at school here."

The pull up Leckhampton Hill was very stiff, and they were all glad to take
lunch easily, and since Robert had arranged a short day--only three or four
miles more, to a very nice-looking spot on the other side of Birdlip--they
rested with clear consciences; and, as it happened, rested again in the
Birdlip Hotel, where they had tea in the garden overlooking the Severn
Valley on the top of just such a precipice as Bredon.

It was half-past three before they started again on their next five miles,
and they had done about three of them, and had just passed Teddington, when
Gregory, who was walking with Kink beside Moses, suddenly dashed ahead
towards a bundle which was lying in the middle of the road.

He bent down over it, and then began to shriek for the others to come too.

"What is it?" cried Jack, as they raced up.