The officer grinned cheerfully at Ralph. 'We saw your smoke. What have you been doing? Having a war or something?' Ralph nodded. The officer inspected the little scarecrow in front of him. The kid needed a bath$$$ a haircut$$$ a nose-wipe and a good deal

The officer grinned cheerfully at Ralph. 'We saw your smoke. What have you been doing? Having a war or something?' Ralph nodded. The officer inspected the little scarecrow in front of him. The kid needed a bath$$$ a haircut$$$ a nose-wipe and a good deal of ointment. 'Nobody killed$$$ I hope? Any dead bodies?' 'Only two. And they've gone.' The officer leaned down and looked closely at Ralph. 'Two? Killed?' Ralph nodded again. Behind him$$$ the whole island was shuddering with flame. The officer knew$$$ as a rule$$$ when people were telling the truth. He whistled softly.