DOCTOR WHO AND THE THREE DOCTORS
Page 10
'But you will go—eventually?'
'Tell you what, when the TARDIS is ready, I'll take you on a trip. Did I ever tell you about Metebelis, the famous blue planet of the Acteon galaxy? Lakes like great sapphires, mountains of blue crystal...'
Jo wasn't listening. A sudden worrying thought had struck her. 'Doctor, what about Mr. Hollis, the game warden? He didn't turn up here with the rest of us.'
The Doctor smiled reassuringly. 'Well, he didn't start from here, did he? Don't worry, Jo. I'm sure Mr. Hollis is back in his proper place—just like every-one else. Now, about our trip to Metebelis...'
It all ended very quietly, just as it had begun. Arthur Hollis picked himself up, looked around, and nodded in silent satisfaction. Grass, trees, flowers, and above all birds. The starlings were chattering indignantly, disturbed by his sudden arrival. A flapping sound made him look up. A silvery-grey balloon was tangled in one of the trees. No sign of an orange-coloured box, though, he noted thankfully.
Hollis picked up his shot-gun, checked it was empty, tucked it under his arm and set off for his cottage. As he drew near, he saw his wife standing at the garden gate waiting for him, and he quickened his step.
As soon as he was in earshot, Mrs. Hollis began scolding him affectionately. 'And where do you think you've been, Arthur Hollis? People here looking for you, scientists, soldiers and I don't know what. Told 'em you'd be back in your own good time. Where've you been?'
Arthur Hollis looked at his wife. She was one of the best, his Mary, but a terrible one to talk. Ran in the family; her mother and her sisters were just the same. Hollis himself had never been much of a talker. The thought of describing his adventures to his wife, and trying to answer her questions, filled him with horror.
He put his arm round her waist and gave her an affectionate hug. 'Wouldn't believe me if I told you, woman. Now then, supper ready?'
They went inside the cottage and the door closed behind them.