A kidnapped dog, a swapped bed, and a gypsy girl who saves them all.
Who drives the story
Kirrin's fierce tomboy, already on edge because Timmy is being targeted. Her whim to swap beds with Berta makes her the kidnappers' victim, and she faces the tunnels with more anger than fear.
George's loyal mongrel, the gang's first target, drugged with drugged meat. He repays the danger by attacking a kidnapper and buying the children their escape.
A wild gypsy girl who takes a shine to Dick and knows the cliffs. She warns the Five about Red Tower, then saves George twice: first with a note, then by riding for the police.
The eldest and the leader, who plans the rescue and keeps his head in the tunnels. He follows Jo's directions when every adult is out of reach.
The boy Jo chooses. He cycles to Red Tower, finds George, and is embarrassed but kind when Jo declares her devotion.
The youngest, left guarding Berta and Sally at Kirrin Cottage while the boys ride into danger. She holds the home front.
The American girl hiding from kidnappers as a boy, nervous and clingy, with a black poodle called Sally. George's slow thaw towards her is one of the book's quiet victories.
George's famous, short-tempered scientist father, whose work has put a child in the firing line. He brings the Wrights home and ends the book relieved that his secrets are safe.
Uncle Quentin's American colleague, threatened with his daughter's kidnapping unless he betrays scientific secrets. His gratitude closes the adventure.
George's kind mother, who takes the alarm from Jo and calls the police, then takes Jo in and finds her a home.
Berta's black poodle, scorned by George but fast friends with Timmy. Her friendship with the mongrel mirrors the girls' own.
Also in the story
The named kidnapper at Red Tower, who takes the wrong girl and then hunts the children through their own hiding place.
How they are connected
Kirrin's fierce tomboy, already on edge because Timmy is being targeted.
Her whim to swap beds with Berta makes her the kidnappers' victim, and she faces the tunnels with more anger than fear.
A wild gypsy girl who takes a shine to Dick and knows the cliffs.
She warns the Five about Red Tower, then saves George twice: first with a note, then by riding for the police.
He follows Jo's directions when every adult is out of reach.
He cycles to Red Tower, finds George, and is embarrassed but kind when Jo declares her devotion.
The youngest, left guarding Berta and Sally at Kirrin Cottage while the boys ride into danger.
The youngest, left guarding Berta and Sally at Kirrin Cottage while the boys ride into danger.
The American girl hiding from kidnappers as a boy, nervous and clingy, with a black poodle called Sally.
George's famous, short-tempered scientist father, whose work has put a child in the firing line.
Uncle Quentin's American colleague, threatened with his daughter's kidnapping unless he betrays scientific secrets.
George's kind mother, who takes the alarm from Jo and calls the police, then takes Jo in and finds her a home.
Go deeper
Loyalty as armour · Jealousy and the newcomer · The outsider who saves everyone · Children against the adult world
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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