I jumped back in fright, even though he was miles away. The binoculars had med him seem so close I thought he could touch me! I fell against the fence and cried out with pain as I landed.

"Ahhh!"

Mr. Oldgum turned a torch on and dazzled me with the bright beam. He kept the light trained on me, even though I was still behind the fence. I couldn't run away or he would identify me!

"Who's there?" he demanded, coming up the path.

"It's only me." I said, shielding my face, and standing up slowly.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm sorry, I was just..."

"You're that nosy kid I saw hanging around on the road today!" he said, "Who sent you. Come on, tell me, or I'll report you to the police!"

"No-one sent me!" I pleaded. ("Oh no!" I thought, 'Twenty years in the slammer, a life of crime, prisoner's clothes, shaved head. . . this was the end!")

"It was one of the other growers, wasn't it?"

"What other growers?" I said, "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"You don't?" He softened. "Just curiosity, eh?"

"Yes. That's all. I'm sorry I spied on you. I'll never come near you again! Please don't tell my parents!"

"Just wanted to see what I was doing did you?" said Mr. Oldgum. He didn't seem to be listening to me at all.

"If I go home and never come back, and never even look at your place, will you not tell my parents?" I begged.

"I used to be a curious child," said Mr. Oldgum, as if he was talking to himself "It got me into a lot of trouble, I can tell you!"

Now he was smiling and talking to himself. Another good reason to get away from him. He was mad!

A woman called from the open door.

"What was that noise? Phil? Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I've just caught a little kid prowling