Never was there a more welcome sound than the rumble of his wheels in the lane . We ran to the orchard gate and swarmed across the yard , just as Uncle Roger alighted at the front door . He stared at us in the moonlight . `` Have you tormented any one into eating more bad berries , Felicity ? '' he demanded . `` Oh , Uncle Roger , do n't go in , '' implored Felicity seriously . `` There 's something dreadful in there -- something that rings a bell . Peter heard it . Do n't go in . '' `` There 's no use asking the meaning of this , I suppose , '' said Uncle Roger with the calm of despair . `` I 've gave up trying to fathom you young ones . Peter , where 's the key ? What yarn have you been telling ? '' `` I DID hear a bell ring , '' said Peter stubbornly . Uncle Roger unlocked and flung open the front door . As he did so , clear and sweet , rang out ten bell-like chimes . `` That 's what I heard , '' cried Peter . `` There 's the bell ! '' We had to wait until Uncle Roger stopped laughing before we heard the explanation . We thought he never WOULD stop .
`` That 's Grandfather King 's old clock striking , '' he XXXXX , as soon as he was able to speak .
Do Have alighted cried demanded go said swarmed tormented unlocked