The Borribles: Across the Dark Metropolis by Michael de Larrabeiti Page B

kid.’
    The policemen laughed and one of their number leant forward and pulled Napoleon’s ear, very hard. ‘Oh yes,’ he said, ‘just a sweet little Borrible kid. Well, you’ll be a little kid soon enough, back to normal for you, chummy, and no mistake.’
     
    Stonks was strong, the strongest of all the Adventurers. During the confusion inside the big top he had stayed near his friend, Torreycanyon, and pushed a path for the both of them through the mad mob of fighting adults. Once outside they had enjoyed good luck, slipping unnoticed into a group of the audience who had children of their own and had been making their way to the outer ring of tents. The two Borribles had walked with them and when the time was right had ducked into a dark space between two sideshows and stayed there to catch their breath and take stock.
    They could hear everything: Sussworth’s voice on the loudhailer, and the shouts and jeers of the SBG as they chased and arrested Borribles and any of those circus hands who dared to defend themselves.
    ‘We’ll never make it back to the horse,’ said Stonks. ‘We’ll do more good to get out of here and then help anyone who does get off.’

    Torreycanyon nodded his agreement and the two friends backed away from the light and went to the rear of the tents. They looked out; darkness stretched for ever, right to the end of the great common.
    ‘Okay,’ said Stonks, ‘let’s run.’
    With a sudden burst of speed both Borribles left their hiding place and raced into the open, heading for the trees and bushes they could see in the middle distance. They did not get far. They had covered only about ten or fifteen yards when a dozen shadows rose like trolls from the ground. There was a rapid movement in the air and a finely meshed net dropped over the fugitives and down they went, floundering like stranded fish.
     
    Orococco and Vulge got clear of the big top and fought their way through the multitude like explorers hacking their way through jungle. They did not realize that the crowd was full of policemen but they could certainly feel hands snatching at their bodies as they dodged along and they could hear voices above their heads shouting after them.
    ‘We’ll have to make for the acrobats’ tent,’ suggested Orococco. ‘It’s our only chance; pretend we’re with them, working for the circus.’
    The two Borribles continued to push forward, kicking and shoving at the legs that barred their way. Somehow they managed to evade capture and got as far as the tent they were looking for. By the side of it was a tiny oasis of calm and they ducked into it. As they recovered their breath Sussworth’s voice sounded from close at hand.
    ‘Do not cease your vigilance, all Borribles must be arrested. Any members of the fairground staff who obstruct officers in pursuance of their duty will be imprisoned. The licence for the circus will be revoked. Mr Buffoni, Mr Buffoni, you will come to the police headquarters caravan immediately. Order all your relations and staff to cooperate with the police. Mr Buffoni, Mr Buffoni.’
    ‘Blimey,’ said Vulge, ‘the coppers are only just round the back here.’
    Orococco nodded. ‘That’s fine, then they won’t be looking for us this close to home. Quick, let’s slip into the tent before we’re noticed.’
    Both Borribles lay on the ground and slithered under the bottom edge of the canvas, pulling themselves along with their elbows. Inside the tent the darkness was thick and there wasn’t a sound to be heard.
    ‘We’ll make for the stage,’ whispered Orococco, ‘that’ll do nicely.’
    The two Borribles were halfway across the tent when there came a loud click; it sounded like a large switch being thrown. It was. Suddenly the whole place was lit from above and twenty light bulbs shone as bright as day. Orococco and Vulge looked at each other and climbed slowly to their feet. There was no point in not doing so.
    On each side of the tent stood a row of SBG