"The Picts and the Martyrs" - Arthur Ransome Quiz

Answer: An enormous skull and crossbones done in black and white paint.

The Cook disapproved of such a bloodthirsty symbol being put on the wall. She said it wasn't homely. She also disapproved of Nancy's hanging flags at the foot of the bed. Nancy merely said it was the plague flag and that the other one was of a sacred beetle called a scarab.

Answer: She had caught influenza and needed a holiday to recover.

It is Nancy and Peggy's Uncle Jim who persuades Mrs. Blackett (his sister) to go on a cruise holiday round the coasts of Scandinavia to recover from influenza. He convinces her that the girls will be quite capable of looking after things and that Dick and Dorothea are sensible enough to help.

Answer: "The Sea Hawk" by Rafael Sabatini

By the time they reach the station Dorothea has finished the book and is telling Dick the main details of the plot. She is a very quick reader whilst Dick is slow and methodical as he is with everything that he does.

Answer: It was used as a boot cupboard.

The hutch had originally been made for an armadillo. That was what the Swallows and Amazons had decided that Timothy must be when they heard that Uncle Jim was sending him home in "Pigeon Post". Timothy turns out to be Uncle Jim's friend and fellow prospector.

Answer: A trellis that was put up for the roses.

The trellis which has been put up on the side of the house reaches all the way up to her bedroom window. Uncle Jim regrets the fact that he had it made so strong for Nancy will persist in using it as a quick route in and out of the house.

Answer: Harrogate in Yorkshire

When she hears the news that Nancy and Peggy have been left alone with the Cook as guardian she makes up her mind to come to Beckfoot and take over the running of the house until Mrs. Blackett returns.

Answer: The Dogs' Home

As they race through the wood to see if the old hut is still standing Nancy and Peggy are constantly thinking up things that their guests will need. There is also the awful business of turning the spare room back into a respectable bedroom where the Great Aunt can sleep. Down must come the picture of the skull and crossbones.

Answer: A vase full of the best roses from the garden.

This is the room that was going to be Dorothea's with the skull and crossbones pinned to the wall to create the right atmosphere. Now Nancy and Peggy are prepared to sacrifice their mother's best roses to try to allay the Great Aunt's suspicions.

Answer: He will put their letters in a hole in the wall.

The planning of hiding away nearly comes to an end when the Great Aunt sees a letter addressed to Dorothea being delivered to Beckfoot. She tells the postman to take it away. Fortunately the postman keeps quiet and when he meets Dick and Dorothea he agrees to put their mail in a hole in the wall.

Answer: Amongst the waterlilies in Octopus Lagoon.

Nancy takes a scythe and uses it to cut a harbour and landing place for the two boats. These are the same waterlilies that the Swallows encountered on their journey up the river in the very first story "Swallows and Amazons".

Answer: All of these.

It is hard to think of the Amazon pirates acting so out of character. However, it is all for the sake of their mother. Nancy is determined that the Great Aunt will not be able to reproach her mother for anything she has done.

Answer: stinks

Though Nancy has complete contempt for school chemistry lessons, she is determined that Dick and Timothy should be able to go on with their work as usual. She really is a martyr to the cause of keeping everyone happy and contented.

Answer: She used the mower to cut the words "no go" into the grass lawn.

Dick and Dorothea are able to read the words cut in the grass because they were looking down from a ridge that overlooked the garden. Whilst Peggy was reading aloud and the old lady was knitting Nancy carefully carves out her message.

Answer: How to tickle for trout in the small becks or streams.

Jacky shows them how to move the fingers of their hands until the mesmerised trout is completely in their grip. Then they must quickly throw them right out of the water and stun them before they can wriggle back. Later Dorothea cooks their catch for a meal. This makes her feel that they are truly more like the Picts than ever.

Answer: On board the houseboat.

The Great Aunt is convinced that the Swallows are in the district and sets out on a search to find them. Eventually Mary Swainson rows her out to the houseboat before Mary goes off on holiday without realising that no one knows where the old lady is. Dick and Dorothea find themselves with the last passenger they had ever wanted on the next day.